Pixel Watch 2 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra: 5 Key Aspects
By Naila Syifa
Updated August 2024
The Pixel Watch 2 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra are two of the most highly anticipated smartwatches on the market. While both offer impressive features and capabilities, there are several key aspects that set them apart. From their design and display to their fitness tracking features and battery life, these two wearables cater to different user preferences and needs.
Exploring these five key aspects will help you determine which smartwatch best aligns with your lifestyle and requirements.
Key Takeaways
Galaxy Watch Ultra is more rugged and well-equipped in terms of outdoor and fitness capabilities compared to the Pixel Watch 2, but the Pixel Watch 2 offers a more holistic approach to wellness with stress-management and mindfulness features. When it comes to battery life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra wins.
Pixel Watch 2
Smartwatch for Mind & Body
✓ cEDA Stress-Tracking
✓ Built-in Microphone & Speaker
✓ Google Apps
✓ 24-Hour Runtime
Galaxy Watch Ultra
Smart Outdoor Smartwatch
✓ ECG, BIA, Sleep Apnea
✓ Multisport Workout
✓ Dual-Frequency GPS
✓ Galaxy AI
#1 Price
Pixel Watch 2
Google Pixel Watch 2 comes in two models with different pricing: the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-only variant at US$349, while the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi + LTE-enabled model costs US$399.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch Ultra only has a single model that is priced at US$649, a significantly higher investment than the Pixel Watch 2. This makes it important to consider whether the additional features and capabilities of the Galaxy Watch Ultra justify the higher price tag.
#2 Design & Display
Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Google Pixel Watch 2 boasts an aluminum case measuring 41mm, featuring a circular AMOLED display shielded by a custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Its 1.2-inch display packs a resolution of 450 x 450 pixels, delivering a pixel density of 320 ppi.
Galaxy Watch Ultra is made of the more durable and premium-looking titanium, with a Super AMOLED display measuring 1.5 inches and a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, resulting in a higher pixel density of 329 ppi. The watch is also larger at 47mm in diameter, offering a more substantial and rugged design compared to the Pixel Watch 2.
This ruggedness is also apparent in the Galaxy Watch Ultra's MIL-STD-810H military standard certification, IP68 dust & water resistance ratings, and 10 ATM water rating, making it more durable and suitable for outdoor activities. In comparison, the Pixel Watch 2 is only rated for 5 ATM water resistance, suitable for swimming and showering but not as tough as the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
#3 Health & Fitness Features
Pixel Watch 2
Both smartwatches track fundamental health metrics like heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, sleep patterns, and stress levels. Additionally, they offer ECG functionality to track heart rhythm and provide alerts for any potential irregularities or signs of atrial fibrillation.
The Pixel Watch 2 stands out with a cEDA sensor that can detect stress by measuring electrodermal activity. You can get Body Response notifications to become aware of your body's stress levels and then use mindfulness features like guided breathing or mood-tracking reflections to help manage the stress.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra, on the other hand, has a distinctive advantage with a BIA sensor that can measure body composition metrics like body fat percentage, muscle mass, and body water percentage. It can also detect sleep apnea, providing a more comprehensive health and wellness tracking.
Galaxy Watch Ultra
In terms of workout features, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is also more well-equipped. It supports triathlon/multisport that the Pixel Watch 2 does not, and offers advanced metrics for certain workouts like FTP for cycling. Galaxy AI also allows you to challenge your previous running/cycling records to improve performance.
For outdoor activities, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is also more robust. While both watches can offer turn-by-turn navigation, the Galaxy Watch Ultra adds a Track Back feature for retracing your steps and a dual-frequency GPS for more accurate location tracking, making it a more suitable companion for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and other outdoor adventures.
#4 Smartwatch Features
Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Pixel Watch 2 and Galaxy Watch Ultra both run on Wear OS, giving you access to a vast ecosystem of apps and services like Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Assistant, YouTube Music, and more.
Both watches also offer a camera controller feature, but the Galaxy Watch Ultra supports this on the Samsung Galaxy S9 series and later, while the Pixel Watch 2 offers this feature for Google Pixel smartphones.
Galaxy Watch Ultra is LTE-enabled, so it supports phone-free texting and calling capabilities. The LTE model of the Pixel Watch 2 also offers phone-free texting and calling, while the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-only variant requires a paired smartphone to be nearby for those features.
For emergencies, both watches provide a flashlight, but the Galaxy Watch Ultra also comes with an 86dB built-in siren for added safety and security. This could be a crucial feature for those who frequently engage in outdoor activities or travel to remote areas.
#5 Battery Life
Pixel Watch 2
While the Pixel Watch 2 has a one-day battery life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra can last around 2 days or more. It is rated for 60 hours in normal use with the always-on display, 48 hours with the GPS on, and up to 100 hours in the power-saving mode.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is also more sophisticated with a wireless charger included, while the Pixel Watch 2 uses a more conventional USB-C charging cable.
Pixel Watch 2 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra
Final Thoughts
Galaxy Watch Ultra
The choice between the Pixel Watch 2 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize all-around wellness monitoring for mind and body, the Pixel Watch 2 may be the better fit.
However, if you're looking for a more rugged, feature-packed smartwatch with longer battery life and more advanced workout and outdoor capabilities, the Galaxy Watch Ultra would be the superior choice.
If you like to read more on smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Fenix 7
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Epix 2
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Fitbit Sense 2
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Fitbit Versa 4
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Pixel Watch 2
Galaxy Watch 7 vs Garmin Vivoactive 5
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