The second generation of Google's smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 2, carries a multitude of enhancements from its predecessor. Yet, with comparisons drawn to leading brands Apple and Samsung, it appears that they still hold the supremacy in smartwatch technology. The Pixel Watch 2 certainly trumps its previous model, improving significantly in aspects such as weight, operating system responsiveness, and battery longevity.

This smartwatch might sound like an attractive buy if you're an Android user. However, while Google has made many strides in bettering their product, my use of the Pixel Watch 2 over recent weeks has been riddled with technical snags and unexpected issues, leaving me dissatisfied.

Regarding its design, I initially found it to be somewhat bland but it gradually grew on me. Despite the Pixel Watch 2 boasting a polished, minimalist design, the small 1.2-inch AMOLED display and thick bezel restrict the amount of visible information. This is particularly noticeable when compared to the Apple and Samsung watches which house a more accommodating 1.7 and 1.9-inch screen respectively.

I expressed my dissatisfaction to Google, who stated they were concentrating on enhancing the Pixel Watch's existing features. However, consumers have a range of wrist sizes. A single size for all approach omits potential buyers, leaving them to seek alternatives from Apple or Samsung which offer varied sizing options. Design aside, I found the Pixel Watch 2 quite comfortable to wear, especially when sleeping.

The Pixel Watch 2 proves to be an enjoyable smartwatch when the functionalities perform as they are supposed to. Too frequently however, it seems to develop a mind of its own. For instance, I found the lack of strength in the haptic response led to me missing notifications. Additionally, new features, like workout detection were underwhelming.

The Pixel Watch 2 may occasionally turn off for no apparent reason, adding to the user frustration. Also, the Google Assistant is frustratingly unpredictable when responding to voice commands. Further, I encountered regular screen lockups, which requires entering a pin code, therefore obstructing the tracking data collection.

In conclusion, the Pixel Watch 2 can be regarded as an adequate smartwatch, with significant advancements made from the first model. However, it still has some ground to make up to match the excellence of the smartwatches from Apple and Samsung. From my personal experience, I would recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 as the top choice for Android users, and the Apple Watch remains the best option for iPhone users.