As I explored the functionalities of a new smartwatch, I usually would wear it on my free wrist, hence, I would be donning both my regular smartwatch and the experimental one on different wrists. This procedure served as a basis for comparing the usability and features of the new smartwatch with my regular choice. However, I did not initially intend to concurrently wear both the newly launched Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9 for two weeks.

The eccentricity of my test garnered some bemused expressions and even invoked concerns regarding my sanity within my family, but soon enough, I got accustomed to wearing both smartwatches. Now, I have arrived at a point where I need to critically evaluate which smartwatch would continue to accompany me for a longer duration. My opinion tilts towards the watch that offers comfort while sleeping. If there’s a minor difference in design – such as an annoying bump in one watch – I would prefer to sleep wearing the other one. Any discomfort while sleeping mars the sleep-tracking feature of the smartwatch.

I discovered that the similarly thick Google Pixel Watch 2 featured a rather protruding back, which I found discomforting. The slight feeling of discomfort disrupted my sleep often, pushing me to prioritize my sleep quality over a comprehensive Pixel Watch 2 sleep test. Consequently, I started leaving the Pixel Watch 2 on the charger while sleeping. The Apple Watch Series 9, that is slightly thinner, seemed unperceivable to me when I wore it to sleep.

Interestingly, the Pixel Watch 2 could successfully track my brisk walks that lasted between 10 and 12 minutes, which the Apple Watch Series 9 failed to notice at times. As I speculate a probable reason for this, I wonder if the heart rate sensors of the Pixel Watch 2, that happens to be four times more than in its counterpart, has something to do with this. However, after utilising both smartwatches for a couple of weeks, their readings during my workout heart rate tests were closely matched.

The Apple Watch betters the Pixel Watch 2 in providing daily recommendations. Although the primary functionalities of both watches for running workouts are identical, the Apple Watch includes an extra confirmation step when you finish the workout. Both the smartwatches pop up similar notifications for my emails, slack communications, and other social media activities. The process tends to become exasperating since I receive these near-simultaneous notifications from both the watches. Despite this, I am aware that wearing two smartwatches is redundant.

The Pixel Watch 2 offers a well-defined and bright screen, but it appeared smaller compared to the larger display of the Apple Watch Series 9. While comparing the screen size, the Apple Watch Series 9 has a slightly better pixel density than the Pixel Watch 2. However, placing the Pixel Watch 2 against the smaller variant of the Apple Watch could provide a fairer comparison. Although a marginal difference, the Pixel Watch 2's crown is much more pronounced.

The battery life of both smartwatches was impressive, lasting for a complete day and still having some power left for the night. However, owing to comfort issues, I stopped wearing the Pixel Watch 2 during my sleep and started leaving it on its charger. The Pixel Watch 2 needs to be placed precisely for charging due to its physical charging pins whereas the Apple Watch Series 9 boasts of a wireless charging feature that doesn't require any specific positioning during charging. I also found the smartband of the Apple Watch much more comfortable than the somewhat rigid and scratchy smartband of the Pixel Watch 2.