The Google Pixel Watch 3 and Garmin Venu 3 remain top contenders in the smartwatch market, even deep into their product lifecycles. Both excel in tracking capabilities, design, and battery life, making the choice between them challenging. This comprehensive breakdown highlights their key differences to help you decide.
Smartphone Compatibility: A Deciding Factor
Your smartphone plays a crucial role in this decision. The Pixel Watch 3 is exclusive to Android users, while the Venu 3 supports both Android and iOS. Beyond compatibility, the Venu 3 boasts superior battery life and advanced activity tracking, whereas the Pixel Watch 3 shines in smart features like LTE connectivity and third-party app support.
Price and Availability
Google Pixel Watch 3
41mm model: Starts at 100/£100
45mm model: Begins at 499/£499 for LTE
Garmin Venu 3
- Priced at $449/£449 for both 41mm (Venu 3S) and 45mm versions
- No LTE option, making its cost comparable to the Pixel Watch 3’s 45mm Wi-Fi model
Design and Display
The Pixel Watch 3 maintains Google’s minimalist aesthetic with a domed display, now available in 41mm and 45mm sizes—addressing previous sizing limitations. Its aluminum casing feels premium, though durability remains a concern as neither watch features sapphire glass.
The Venu 3 matches the Pixel Watch 3 in size options but uses a polymer exterior, prioritizing durability over luxury. Display quality is nearly identical, though the Pixel Watch 3’s edge-to-edge screen, 2,000-nit brightness, and 60Hz refresh rate give it a slight edge. Navigation differs slightly: Garmin relies less on touch, while Google offers easier band customization.
Battery Life: A Clear Divide
The Pixel Watch 3’s 41mm model lasts up to 24 hours with moderate use, while the 45mm version doubles that. In contrast, the Venu 3’s smaller variant lasts up to 10 days (around a week with always-on display), and the standard model extends to 14 days. For GPS-intensive activities, Garmin maintains a significant advantage.
Activity Tracking: Precision vs. Versatility
The Pixel Watch 3 leverages Fitbit for robust tracking, including running, swimming, and yoga, with new runner-specific metrics. However, its standard GPS falls short of Garmin’s dual-frequency GNSS, which excels in urban and rugged terrains. Garmin also leads in cycling metrics and data presentation, appealing to fitness enthusiasts.
Health and Sleep Tracking: A Tie
Both watches offer ECG, SpO₂ monitoring, and sleep stage analysis. Google’s electrodermal stress tracking is innovative but inconsistent, while Garmin’s 0-100 stress scale is reliable but needs refinement.
Smart Features and Safety: Google’s Domain
The Venu 3 supports Spotify, calls, and Garmin Pay, but the Pixel Watch 3 dominates with LTE, Google Assistant, offline Maps, and advanced safety features like fall detection and crash alerts.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
With upgrades expected in 2025, waiting might be prudent. However, if you prioritize battery life and fitness tracking, the Venu 3 is ideal. For Android users seeking LTE, seamless integration, and smart features, the Pixel Watch 3 prevails. Both deliver exceptional value, but your needs will dictate the best fit.
