15 Cons of Google Pixel Watch 2 (Review 2024)

When considering a smartwatch I look for all the details. While numerous reviews praise the Google Pixel Watch 2 I’m here to share some of its drawbacks. This assessment is aimed at individuals of hype and seek straightforward honesty.

If after considering these drawbacks, you still decide to buy the product, well done! You’re making a decision that you probably won’t regret!

Features Behind a Paywall

It’s a disappointment, with the Google Pixel Watch 2 that some important features require a Fitbit Premium subscription. If you want access to sleep scores readiness insights and emergency location sharing you’ll have to fork out extra cash. It’s frustrating to invest in a smartwatch only to discover that you need to spend money to fully utilize its capabilities. This barrier can leave users feeling like they’re constantly being asked for money diminishing the premium experience one would expect from a top-tier device.

While the subscription model itself isn’t necessarily problematic it feels off when crucial health and safety functions are locked behind it. These functionalities are vital, for individuals who take their health monitoring seriously or seek added security while using the watch. The ongoing expense can accumulate over time for users who plan on using the device term making the initial purchase appear less reasonable.

Limited Design Options

The design decisions, for the Google Pixel Watch 2 seem a bit underwhelming. It appears compact. Lacks a wide range of materials and colors for both the body and straps. If you prefer bigger watch faces you might be out of luck here. The limited choices could mean it won’t suit everyone’s taste or wrist size. The lack of customization feels like a missed chance to appeal to a group of people who enjoy expressing themselves through their tech accessories.

Additionally, the smaller size may not affect only aesthetics but also practicality. Individuals, with wrists could find the watch uncomfortable or visually unbalanced. In a time where personalization and choice are highly valued the Google Pixel Watch 2 seems to miss the mark in meeting user preferences.

Media Controls and Sync Issues

The media controls on this watch aren’t great especially when it comes to listening to podcasts. There’s often a lack of synchronization, between media apps like YouTube Music and Pocket Casts and your phone, which can be quite frustrating when you just want playback. Dealing with the lag and synchronization problems can really put a damper on enjoying music or podcasts with this smartwatch, especially considering its price point.

These synchronization issues can disrupt the user experience that smartwatches are designed to provide. Whether you’re out for a run and want to change tracks or in a meeting and need to pause a podcast these minor hiccups can. Diminish the overall usability of the watch. Smartwatches are meant to offer convenience. These issues make it feel far, from intelligent.

Not User-Serviceable

This watch is not designed for repairs especially when it comes to changing the battery. Once the battery starts to decline you’ll need help. Have to replace the entire watch. This can make the watch more expensive, in the long term, and less environmentally friendly. The ability for users to easily service products is becoming increasingly important as people become more conscious of impact and budget considerations. The lack of easy battery replacement is a downside.

Being unable to service the watch yourself also leads to inconvenience and downtime. Having to send it in for repairs or battery replacement can mean being without your watch for days or even weeks. This could pose a challenge for individuals who depend on their smartwatch, for tasks and health monitoring.

Round Display Limitations

The circular screen looks stylish. Isn’t ideal, for displaying information. Text often gets cut off and there’s space for both information and buttons. This can make it challenging to use the watch efficiently and access information quickly. While round displays may be visually appealing they don’t optimize screen estate practically.

Information tends to be squeezed into areas leading to reduced readability and increased difficulty in interaction. Vital details could be shortened, necessitating more scrolling than desired. Considering that the device is meant to facilitate access to information this represents a flaw, in its design.

Material Durability Concerns

Google made a change, in the materials for the Pixel Watch 2 switching from steel to aluminum. This adjustment resulted in a watch though it may be less resilient. The display, which is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 is prone to scratches. There no switch to sapphire glass. These material choices could potentially lead to the watch showing signs of wear and tear quickly.

The issue of durability is crucial for any gadget and these material decisions hint that the Pixel Watch 2 might not hold up well to daily use compared to some of its competitors.

The appearance of scratches and dings can give the impression that the watch is aging prematurely which can be disappointing for an item worn regularly. Opting for materials seems like a regression especially when other smartwatches, within a similar price range offer sturdier alternatives.

Charging and Battery Life

The battery life doesn’t last long. It needs to be charged which can be inconvenient if you prefer to wear your watch all day. The new charging dock is not user-friendly either; it tends to disconnect with a nudge. Moreover, it still takes around an hour to charge which is not very convenient. Having to recharge the watch every day can become quite a chore, especially when compared to smartwatches that offer battery life.

The design flaws of the charging dock only add to the frustration. If it disconnects easily you might wake up to find your watch uncharged disrupting your day. These charging issues are a drawback, for a smartwatch designed for a lifestyle.

Subscription Costs

Despite the price tag of the Google Pixel Watch 2 it’s necessary to have a Fitbit Premium subscription to access all its features. The additional expense may deter some users as it adds up over time significantly increasing the cost of ownership. It can be frustrating to realize that full utilization of a device requires payments.

This situation seems unjust especially considering that many of the restricted features are vital, for health and fitness tracking. Users may feel pressured to spend more after making an initial investment.

Lack of Larger Watch Size

The Google Pixel Watch 2 is only available, in a size, which may not be suitable for everyone. If you have a wrist or prefer bigger watch faces this could be a drawback. The limited size choices make it less attractive to an audience. Size is important for both comfort and practicality. Having one size option seems like a major oversight.

Introducing a larger size variant would not cater to the comfort preferences of some users. Also, allow for more screen real estate for displaying information. This could address some of the challenges associated with the display by offering space, for text and buttons.

No Hands-Free Gestures

The Google Pixel Watch 2, unlike some smartwatches, does not offer support for hand gestures. This limitation hinders its functionality as certain tasks cannot be completed without interacting with the watch. Hands-free gestures play a role during busy times or when your hands are occupied. The lack of this feature diminishes the watch’s usability across situations.

The absence of hand gestures is noticeable in the Google Pixel Watch 2 considering it has become a feature, in many smartwatches. Whether you’re cooking, driving, or exercising having the ability to control your watch without touching it can greatly improve the user experience.

Compatibility and Connectivity Issues

Transferring the Google Pixel Watch 2, to a phone without performing a reset can pose some challenges. Users often encounter difficulties with syncing and connectivity when playing media or using apps causing frustration. These compatibility issues can hinder the watch’s usability. Ideally, a smartwatch should seamlessly link up with your devices. This particular model frequently falls short.

While switching phones should be simple having to reset the watch adds complexity. Connectivity problems during use also detract from the promise of an integrated experience turning the watch into more of a hassle, than a convenient gadget.

Skin Sensitivity

The metal charging pins, on the device can. It causes skin problems for individuals. This may require switching wrists leading to discomfort. For those with skin, this poses a challenge. Using a daily shouldn’t entail the risk of skin issues and this flaw in design can render the watch unwearable for some users.

Skin irritation presents an issue with tech. The necessity to switch wrists as a precaution against irritation disrupts the user experience expected from a smartwatch diminishing its appeal, for wear.

Fitness and Health Features

The Google Pixel Watch 2 offers 40 workout modes, which falls short compared to some of its competitors. There have been reports of the heart rate sensor being unreliable, during exercises. The watch lacks compatibility with sensors such as heart rate monitors or cadence sensors for cycling, which may disappoint fitness enthusiasts. This drawback puts it at a disadvantage when compared to smartwatches designed for fitness tracking.

Accurate health monitoring is a factor that influences people’s decision to purchase smartwatches and any inaccuracies in this aspect can be a downside. The absence of support, for sensors further narrows its appeal among those who prioritize their fitness regimens.

Software and User Experience

The way Fitbit and Google Fit are integrated into the Google Pixel Watch 2 seems a bit awkward which can make using it feel disjointed. The media controls, for podcasts, also seem to have some issues. This lack of consistency can make the watch less user-friendly and more challenging to navigate. A good smartwatch should provide an experience. The Pixel Watch 2 seems to struggle to achieve that.

The inconsistent software experience may complicate tasks unnecessarily. Users anticipate a level of integration and smooth operation. This watch often fails to meet those expectations resulting in frustration when used daily.

Safety Features

The new safety functions such, as Safety Check and Medical ID are only accessible with a Fitbit Premium subscription, which may seem to be limited since important safety functions come at a cost. For a device that promotes health and safety advantages, this is a drawback. Safety functions should be available to all users without added expenses.

It seems unjust to restrict safety features behind a payment requirement. These features could be vital, during emergencies and users shouldn’t have to pay more to utilize them fully.

Conclusion

Although the Google Pixel Watch 2 boasts some features its drawbacks are notable. Issues such, as features being restricted to paid subscriptions, customization choices problems with media controls, and worries about durability all contribute to its list of disadvantages.

The absence of easy user maintenance, short battery life, and extra charges for subscriptions detract from its appeal. If you seek an easy-to-use smartwatch these downsides highlight where the Google Pixel Watch 2 falls behind when compared to choices.

However, if after reading all these cons, you still want to buy the product, congratulations! You’re making a well-informed decision, and you won’t regret your purchase.

Reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C91EIHRDe_Q&pp=ygUbZ29vZ2xlIHBpeGVsIHdhdGNoIDIgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpIhG76W8NQ&pp=ygUbZ29vZ2xlIHBpeGVsIHdhdGNoIDIgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X88QHVYRnV4&pp=ygUbZ29vZ2xlIHBpeGVsIHdhdGNoIDIgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lO6CYXLGeM&pp=ygUbZ29vZ2xlIHBpeGVsIHdhdGNoIDIgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tbdWKi-dw8&pp=ygUbZ29vZ2xlIHBpeGVsIHdhdGNoIDIgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcPkd4h8jcc&pp=ygUbZ29vZ2xlIHBpeGVsIHdhdGNoIDIgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMa5f8nZjTs&pp=ygUbZ29vZ2xlIHBpeGVsIHdhdGNoIDIgcmV2aWV3