Google Pixel Watch goes on preorder today. Pixel watch is being released in LTE and standard edition formats. We look at Pixel Watch LTE and compare it against Fitbit Sense 2.
For the uninitiated, Pixel Watch and Sense 2 are smartwatch brands that are owned by Google.
How is Pixel Watch LTE better than Sense 2?
Google Pixel Watch LTE is priced at $399.99. It is costlier than Sense 2 by $100. What justifies the additional costs of the Pixel Watch LTE variant?
LTE or cellular support on Pixel Watch 4G LTE variant is an essential part of the watch. You can connect to your telecom provider directly from the watch. With a Pixel Watch LTE, there is no need to carry the paired smartphone at all times.
Another strong point in favor of Google Pixel Watch is the availability of the fall detection feature on Pixel Watch. Fall detection feature is missing on the Sense 2, although the company intends to add the fall detection in winters.
Pixel Watch can detect a hard fall and send in emergency SOS notifications to seek help for the watch owner. It remains to be seen if the Pixel Watch’s fall detection feature comes close to Apple’s fancied fall detection feature.
Pixel Watch 4G comes preloaded with all the Google apps. Google Maps, Google Assistant, Gmail, Google Home app for smart control, Google Play Store and Google Wallet come preloaded on Google Pixel Watch. Google Wallet is the NFC wallet for completing contactless payments through your Pixel Watch LTE.
Interestingly, Fitbit Sense 2 does not have a working integration with any Google app. Fitbit intends to add Google Maps and Google Wallet features on the watch in the near future. There is no confirmation about adding other Google apps, including Gmail, on the Fitbit Sense 2 smartwatch.
How is Fitbit Sense 2 better than Google Pixel Watch 4G LTE?
Pixel Watch 4G LTE and Pixel Watch 4G WiFi models are not compatible with iOS devices. Pixel watch will work with Android operating system only. Google Pixel Watch is based on Wear OS 3.5.
This implies that Pixel Watch has taken a clue out of Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5. Together with Samsung Galaxy smartwatches, Pixel Watch seek to give a boost to the Wear OS based smartwatches.
Fitbit Sense 2 can work with Android 8 and higher devices. Sense 2 is also compatible with iOS 14 and higher devices.
Battery backup of Pixel Watch 4G LTE is another area of concern. Pixel Watch LTE has a battery life of 1 day. Sense 2 can last for up to 6 days on single battery charge. On top of the battery life of a day, Pixel Watch does not support fast charging. You are looking at a battery charging time of 110 minutes to boost the battery from zero to full on a Pixel Watch.
Poor battery life of the Pixel watch will present a big challenge to people who cannot charge the smartwatch every day.
Sense 2 offers a better battery life and fast charging to boost battery charge levels swiftly.
Fitbit Sense 2 is one of the better health tracking smartwatches available. Over the last couple of years, Fitbit has worked hard in positioning the Sense smartwatch as a health tracker rolled into a smartwatch.
Expectedly, Fitbit Sense 2 does a much better job in terms of tracking health.
Sense 2 has an optical heart sensor and an electrical sensor to monitor heart health very closely. It can send in AFib notifications or irregular heart rhythm notifications. Pixel Watch LTE does have a heart sensor. But the algorithm is not geared to send in AFib notifications.
On a similar note, Sense 2 can send in low and high heart rate alerts. Sadly, this feature is missing on the Pixel Watch 4G LTE and Wi-Fi models.
One of the more sought after features of tracking blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO2 monitoring) is missing on the Pixel Watch. Sense 2 has a pulse oxygenation sensor to take blood oxygen levels through the wrist.
Sense 2 has implemented a skin-based temperature sensor to record temperature readings and study temperature variations. Temperature sensor is unavailable on the Pixel Watch LTE as we write this.
Fitbit Sense 2 has a more robust algorithm for monitoring stress and suggesting breathing and mindfulness exercises for relaxation. The entire stress monitoring suite of Pixel Watch LTE will require a solid push to come close to Sense 2’s offering.
Finally, Fitbit Sense 2 is compatible with Alexa and comes with in-built Alexa app. Pixel Watch does not ship with Alexa support.
Closing thoughts
Pixel Watch is the first generation Google smartwatch that ships for $399.99. LTE support, fall detection and full support for Google apps are some strong points that work in favor of the Google Pixel Watch.
Fitbit Sense 2 has a more refined health tracking algorithm and it does a really good job of monitoring stress and coordinating relaxation activities. Support for iOS and Android is another big positive for the Sense 2 smartwatch. Plus, you save $100 over the Google Pixel Watch 4G LTE variant.
You may like to read more content related to smartwatches below:
- Does Fitbit Sense 2 have fall detection?
- Apple Watch SE 2 vs Fitbit Sense 2
- Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch SE 2
- Is the Google Pixel Watch waterproof?
- Does Google Pixel Watch come with a charger?
- How to manually restart Google Pixel Watch?
Helen Kurt is a geeky nerd who loves to cover the wearables space. She has over 5 years of experience in the smartwatch domain. You can reach her on email at [email protected].