So what does the new version bring to the table? In this feature we’ll compare the two devices, and see which one is really worth your time. Please note that we haven’t seen the Pebble 2 in the flesh yet so we’re comparing the two smartwatches on paper. See also: Best Smartwatches of 2016, and Best Activity Trackers 2016
Pebble vs Pebble 2 review: Price
Using a similar conversation rate to the one we saw on the Pebble Classic, this should make the Pebble 2 around £99 when it finally comes out later this year. See also: Pebble 2 release date, price and specs.
Pebble vs Pebble 2 review: Design and build
One of the ways Pebble keeps its prices down is by using polycarbonate bodies for the base models. This isn’t cheap plastic though, and the original Pebble has proven itself a durable and robust product. What hasn’t lasted quite so well is the design. With its thick bezels and relatively small screen the Pebble Classic still does the job, but looks a little clunky by modern standard. The Pebble 2 slims down the chassis to 40 x 30 x 11.3 mm as opposed to the rather more portly 52 × 36 × 11.5 mm of its predecessor. This svelte appearance means the Pebble 2 is also lighter than the Classic, weighing in at just under 32g which is 6g lighter than it’s chubby brother. Surprisingly the Pebble 2 has lost something that doesn’t seem so smart, as the Classic was water resistant for up to 50m, but the new model can only survive to depths of 30m. To make up for this the new version comes in five colour combinations, including the Black, Black/Red options of the Classic, plus White, Black/Lime, Aqua/White.
Pebble vs Pebble 2 review: Screen
One thing that hasn’t changed on the Pebble 2 is the screen. Just like the Classic, the device comes with a 1.26-inch, E-paper display, offering a 144 x 168 resolution. It’s still black and white and has no touchscreen capabilities, leaving all of the navigation to the hardware buttons on the side and the built-in microphone. This might not sound very impressive when compared to the likes of the Apple Watch, but it fulfills its function perfectly well, is easy to read in daylight, and means both units get around seven days of battery life.
Pebble vs Pebble 2 review: Hardware & Specs
Both devices feature 3-axis accelerometer, Magnetometer, and an ambient light sensor, with support for activity tracking and sleep monitoring apps. The Pebble 2 adds a heart-rate monitor to the hardware side, emphasising the fitness band/smartwatch hybrid position that Pebble seems to be intending for its latest creation.
Pebble vs Pebble 2 review: Software
While the Pebble Classic has seen a fair few updates in its time, the new Time-Line interface that’s already appeared on the Pebble Time, and Pebble Time Round, will be the one that’s standard on the Pebble 2. Albeit a monochrome version. This allows users to see what appointments they have coming up, and move through various apps by using the up and down buttons on the side of the watch. Both devices support either Android or iOS (via Bluetooth) although the experience for Android users is the superior one as they can respond to text messages and various notifications using the voice interface. The Classic might be long in the tooth now, but if you simply want something to show your notifications, as well as the time, it’s still a very capable unit. That being said, the Pebble 2 does look like it will offer a sleeker experience and most likely receive more updates in the future. Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.
