Google’s latest smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3, features a number of improvements over its predecessor, most notably the fact that it now comes in two sizes – the same 41mm size and a new, larger 45mm size. But how does it compare to the top dog of the smartwatch world, the Apple Watch Series 9? Here’s how the two stack up.
In terms of size, the Pixel’s new 45mm option puts the two on a par: the Apple Watch also comes in 41 and 45mm variants. However, Apple’s watch is rectangular, while the Pixel Watch 3 remains round. The Pixel watches are slightly thicker than Apple’s at 12.3mm versus 10.7mm, but whether that difference is noticeable in practice remains to be seen.
Both watches are made of aluminum, have interchangeable straps and are water resistant to a depth of 5 ATM in case you want to take them swimming. There is also little difference between the two in terms of tracking sensors: both devices have GPS, compass, altimeter, SPo2, ECG, heart rate and skin temperature sensors. Both offer sleep and period tracking as well as contactless payments with Google Wallet or Apple Pay.
The two sizes of the Pixel Watch 3.
Google’s watch seems to boast the longer battery life, promising up to 24 hours of use with the always-on display. That would be better than Apple’s advertised 18 hours, but we’ll reserve our judgment on that until we can test the two watches side by side. Otherwise, Apple and Google’s watches seem well matched. Which one is best for you will probably depend on which ecosystem you’re more invested in, Apple’s or Google’s.
Specifications of the Pixel Watch 3 compared to the Apple Watch Series 9
| PixelWatch 3 | Apple Watch Series 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| form | Round | square |
| Watch size | 41mm, 45mm | 41mm, 45mm |
| Materials/Surfaces | aluminum | Aluminium, stainless steel |
| Display size, resolution | 41mm: 320ppi, AMOLED LTPO; 45mm: 320ppi AMOLED LTPO | 41mm: 1.61 inches, 430 x 352 pixels OLED; 45mm: 1.77 inches, 484 x 396 pixels OLED |
| Mass | 41mm: 41x41x12.3mm; 45mm: 45x45x12.3mm | 41mm: 35x41x10.7mm; 45mm: 38x45x10.7mm |
| Weight | 41mm: 31g 45mm: 37g | 31.9 g–51.5 g, depending on size, specification and material |
| Colors | Matte black, polished silver, matte hazelnut brown, champagne gold | Aluminium: Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, Product Red; Stainless Steel: Graphite, Silver, Gold; Hermes Stainless Steel: Silver, Space Black |
| Always on | Yes | Yes |
| Interchangeable straps | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes (L1) |
| Automatic training recognition | Yes | Yes |
| compass | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproofness | 5ATM, IP68 | 5ATM (50 meters) |
| Calls | Yes | Yes |
| microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Voice assistant | Yes (Google Assistant) | Yes (Siri, on device) |
| Mobile payments | Yes (Google Wallet) | Yes (Apple Pay) |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Period tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | SpO2, ECG, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, barometer, magnetometer | SPo2 (blood oxygen), ECG, optical heart, ambient light, high dynamic range gyroscope, high-G accelerometer, skin temperature |
| Emergency functions | Safety signal, safety check | International emergency calls, emergency SOS, accident detection |
| compatibility | Android 10 and higher | iOS17 |
| software | Wear OS 5 | WatchOS 10 |
| processor | Qualcomm SW5100 | Apple S9 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth5.0 | LTE and UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Memory and storage | 2GB memory + 32GB storage | 64GB |
| Performance | USB-C fast charging cable | Magnetic USB-C fast charging |
| Battery life | 24 hours with Always-On Display | Up to 18 hours; up to 36 hours (power saving mode) |
| Battery capacity | 41mm: 306mAh 45mm: 420mAh | Not available |
| Price (USD) | 41mm: from $399; 45mm: from $429 | |
| Price (GBP) | 41mm: from £399; 45mm: from £429 | |
| Price (AUD) | 41mm: from AU$649; 45mm: from AU$699 |
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