The Pixel Watch 2, which originally launched at ₹40,000, has now dropped to ₹19,990, making it a tempting option in the smartwatch market. But with strong competition from the Galaxy Watch 6 and OnePlus Watch 2, does it still hold up in 2025? Let’s dive into the details.

One of the biggest reasons for its appeal is its design. The Pixel Watch 2 features a sleek and minimalist look that stands out from its competitors. The matte black aluminum body is stylish and resistant to fingerprints, giving it a premium feel. The curved, water-droplet-inspired display seamlessly blends with the watch face, making the bezels almost invisible when using a dark watch face. Though it is available in only a single 41mm size, which may not be ideal for users with larger wrists, it still looks elegant and feels comfortable to wear. The bands are easy to swap, and Google includes an extra one in the box. However, in India, official Google bands are not widely available, which limits customization options.

When it comes to durability, the Pixel Watch 2 holds up well with its IP68 and 5ATM ratings, making it safe for swimming. The AMOLED display, while not the largest, offers sharp colors and vibrant contrast. At 1,000 nits, it isn’t as bright as the 2,000-nit Galaxy Watch 6, but thanks to its anti-reflective glass, visibility in bright sunlight is not a major issue.

Performance-wise, the Pixel Watch 2 comes equipped with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor, paired with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. This ensures a smooth and efficient experience. There are no performance lags, and multitasking, whether it’s running a workout, playing media, or setting a timer, works seamlessly. Unlike its predecessor, overheating is not an issue, even while updating the software and charging. Speaking of charging, despite using a modest 2.5W charger, the watch can charge up to 90% in just 45 minutes, which is fairly quick.

The software experience is what you’d expect from a Pixel device—clean, minimal, and well-optimized. It runs on Wear OS 5 with two years of OS updates promised. Google Assistant is available for voice commands, but Gemini is not yet integrated. One of the major drawbacks is Google’s complicated app ecosystem. To fully utilize the watch’s features, users need four different apps: the Pixel Watch app for setup, Fitbit for health tracking, Health Connect to sync data, and Google Fit for additional stats. Some advanced Fitbit features, like the Body Response feature and Daily Readiness Score, require a Fitbit Premium subscription, which is free for the first six months but costs ₹1,200 annually after that.

On the fitness side, the Pixel Watch 2 is packed with essential health-tracking features. It includes heart rate monitoring with five LEDs, ECG readings through the Fitbit ECG app, and accurate step tracking that matches the Galaxy Watch 7. The SpO2 tracking is limited to measuring oxygen levels during sleep and does not offer instant readings. A standout feature is the “Paced Walking” workout, which provides rhythmic beats to help users maintain a steady walking speed.

The watch also includes essential safety features like fall detection, car crash detection, and emergency SOS. Bluetooth calling is supported, and while the built-in speaker is decent, the microphone quality is excellent. However, there is no LTE variant in India, which means it must be connected to a smartphone for calls and data.

Despite its premium look and solid performance, the Pixel Watch 2 has a few downsides. The single 41mm size may not suit everyone, and the reliance on multiple apps can feel overwhelming. There are also some missing features, such as touchless gestures like double pinch controls, and Google Wallet for NFC payments is not supported in India. Additionally, while the curved display looks stunning, it is made of Gorilla Glass 5, which is not repairable if it breaks.

Overall, the Pixel Watch 2 is not the best smartwatch under ₹20,000, but it is a great option for users who appreciate its elegant design, clean software experience, and reliable tracking features. It may not be ideal for those who prefer a larger smartwatch or need an LTE connection, but for those who value the Pixel experience and don’t mind the minor inconveniences, it is still a compelling buy.