The Google Pixel Watch 3 boasts a thinner bezel, two size options to select from (for the first time ever), a brighter and more responsive screen than its predecessor and tons of new metrics and insights for hardcore runners.
For
- Two size options
- Thinner display bezels
- Advanced running metrics
- Daily Readiness Score without Fitbit Premium
- Bright AMOLED screen reaches 2,000 nits
- Loss of Pulse Detection
Against
- Several health and wellness features still require Fitbit Premium
- Battery life is similar to predecessor
The Apple Watch 9 is one of the best overall smartwatches on the market today with lots of health, fitness, safety and productivity tools built in. It also boasts a bright, responsive screen and a comfortable, stylish design.
For
- Two size options
- Siri works offline
- Solid health, fitness and sleep-tracking features
- Comfortable design with a bright screen
Against
- Find iPhone feature only works with the latest iPhone
- Access to SpO2 sensor disabled on new devices sold in U.S.
- 18 hours of battery life
The Apple Watch Series 9 is one of the best overall smartwatch models available today and the Google Pixel Watch 3 is the latest full-featured smartwatch to debut. While the former runs on watchOS and the latter on Wear OS, these two smartwatches are remarkably similar.
The question is, which one is superior? The Pixel Watch 3 has the advantage of being newer but that doesn't necessarily mean it beats the Apple Watch 9. To declare a winner, I've compared the two devices across five categories, including price, battery life, design and wearability, fitness features and health-tracking tools.
While I suspect most folks reading this article aren't actively deciding between the two, it's still fun to pit Apple vs. Google. Also, I'd be remiss not to note that the Apple Watch Series 10 will likely be launching quite soon.
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Apple Watch 9: price
The new Google Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349 for the smaller Bluetooth-only model compared to $399 for the Apple Watch Series 9 equivalent. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 with LTE is $449 versus $499 for the 41mm Apple Watch 9 with cellular.
The larger Galaxy Watch 7 model starts at $399 and jumps to $449 for LTE while the Apple Watch 9 in 45mm starts at $429 and increases to $529 for the LTE edition.
So, no matter how you slice it, the Apple Watch is going to cost you more. Are the differences in price astronomical? No, but the Pixel Watch still wins in the cost department.
Winner: Google Pixel Watch 3
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Apple Watch 9: specs compared
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Apple Watch 9: battery life
Under normal operating conditions, i.e. without power saving mode engaged, the Apple Watch Series 9 is good for roughly 18 hours while Google says the Pixel Watch 3 should last for up to 24 hours. Both manufacturers promise up to 36 hours of juice in their respective low-power modes, though.
On the Pixel Watch 3, power-saving kicks in automatically at a 15% charge. The device also dims the screen and pauses notifications on its own when you fall asleep, which should also help increase its longevity between charges.
Both devices recharge fairly quickly. With the appropriate power adapter, you can expect a full power-up in under 90 minutes, whether you go with with latest Pixel Watch or Apple Watch Series 9. Still, the Pixel Watch lasts longer once charged than the Apple Watch, so it also wins this one.
Winner: Google Pixel Watch 3
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Apple Watch 9: design and wearability
Square or circle? Aside from sporting differently shaped cases, the Pixel Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 9 are rather similar in design. Both sport a clickable digital crown and a single button along the side of their cases.
Weight-wise, the 41mm and 45mm Pixel Watch and Apple Watch models are also a near-match. However, the Pixel Watch is a little over 1.5 mm thicker than the Apple Watch. On the wrist, though, both devices feel lightweight and comfy.
The similarities don't end there, both smartwatches boast high-resolution touchscreens with a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits, good for viewing in direct sunlight.
Internally, you get double the storage capacity on the Apple Watch Series 9 compared to the Pixel Watch 3 but overall operational performance is essentially a draw: both devices are well-powered, providing a zippy and responsive user experience. Water resistance is also a match at 50 meters.
Simply for its greater storage capacity, the Apple Watch wins this one, but it's nearly a draw.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Apple Watch 9: workout features
For tracking workouts and fitness goals, you really can't go wrong with either the latest Apple or Pixel Watch. Both devices are capable of recording a wide selection of workout types and generating useful post-workout reports of your key metrics. Apple and Google also similarly paywall some of their fitness-related features.
For Pixel Watch peeps, a Fitbit Premium membership unlocks additional insights and training tools. For Apple Watch folks, the Apple Fitness Plus offers the same.
For folks like me who hate shelling out additional cash for features regularly, I'm pleased to report that the free metrics and tools are more than useful enough on either device for basic training purposes. You can also create custom workout routines for either smartwatch.
For hardcore runners, though, the new Pixel Watch may be a better option than the latest Apple Watch as Google put a ton of attention toward improving and expanding metrics for folks who like to pound the pavement. New data points include ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation and vertical ratio.
The latest Pixel Watch also gets three additional workout metrics, not offered on the Apple Watch, all of which used to require a Fitbit Premium subscription but are now free, including the supremely useful daily Readiness Score, Target Load and Cardio Load.
These advanced insights are meant to help you better understand your body's limits and current condition. The Readiness Score, for instance, takes into account your most recent sleep quality, average resting heart rate and heart rate variability.
Winner: Google Pixel Watch 3
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Apple Watch 9: health-tracking
Both the Pixel Watch 3 and Apple Watch 9 are jam-packed with the latest health sensors to keep tabs on your well-being. However, given Apple's ongoing legal showdown with rival Masimo, access to the Apple Watch's SpO2 sensor may be disabled if you purchase a new Apple Watch 9 in the U.S.
Pixel Watch 3 users don't have to worry about this. Go ahead and measure your blood oxygen saturation levels until the cows come home; Google's SpO2 tech isn't tied up in court or going anywhere.
Still, either the Pixel Watch 3 or Apple Watch 9 can be used to track the quality of your sleep, though neither device presently offers as detailed sleep insights as the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 or Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The Pixel Watch 3 also boasts an impressive new health safety feature not found on the Apple Watch 9 called Loss of Pulse Detection. It's designed to automatically contact emergency services when triggered in the event of a heart-related medical emergency. For launch, this safety tool will only be available in the U.K. and select EU markets, but it's impressive nonetheless.
Of course, the Apple Watch 9 has some safety tools of its own, like Fall Detection and the ability to Check In from your wrist, which you'll need the latest watchOS 11 beta to use.
Ultimately, both devices offer comprehensive health tracking and useful safety tools but Google Pixel Watch 3 owners don't have to worry about legal malarky dictating access to their devices' onboard tech. Apple Watch 9 users do.
Winner: Google Pixel Watch 3
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Apple Watch 9: which is right for you?
The Apple Watch Series 9 has a lot going for it but the new Google Pixel Watch 3 has me more impressed. The latter lasts longer, has more useful training tools — several borrowed from Fitbit Premium — and includes a first-of-its-kind safety feature in Loss of Pulse Detection. It's also more affordable.
This outcome shouldn't be too surprising, given the next-gen Apple Watches are just weeks away. And while I can't wait to compare how the Apple Watch 10 stacks up against the Pixel Watch 3, Google's new smartwatch wins this showdown against the Apple Watch 9.
Winner: Google Pixel Watch 3
More from Tom's Guide
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 vs. Galaxy Watch 6: Which smartwatch is best for you?
- Pixel Watch 3 unveiled — Google's flagship smartwatch finally comes in two sizes
- The Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 just got a massive free software upgrade — here’s what it unlocks
- I walked over 5,000 steps with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Polar Grit X2 Pro — this one won
