Google Pixel Watch 3 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Specs Compared

Google’s latest smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3, comes with a variety of improvements over its predecessor, most notably the fact that it now comes in two sizes — the same 41mm and a new larger 45mm size. But how does it compare to the big dog of the smartwatch world, the Apple Watch Series 9? Here’s how the two stack up.

Size-wise, the Pixel’s new 45mm option puts the two on an equal footing: The Apple Watch also comes in 41 and 45mm variants. Apple’s watch is rectangular, however, while the Pixel Watch 3 remains circular. The Pixel watches are slightly thicker than Apple’s at 12.3mm versus 10.7mm, but whether that’s a difference you’d notice in practice remains to be seen. 

Both watches are made from aluminum, both have interchangeable bands and both are waterproof to a depth of 5ATM for those of you wanting to take them swimming. In terms of tracking sensors, there’s again little to choose between the two with GPS, compass, altimeter, SPo2, ECG, heart rate and skin temperature sensors on both devices. Both offer sleep and period tracking along with contactless payments using Google Wallet or Apple Pay. 

Google’s watch appears to boast the longer battery life, promising up to 24 hours of use with the always-on display. That would beat Apple’s advertised 18 hours, but we’ll reserve judgement on this until we can test the two side-by-side. Otherwise it seems like Apple and Google’s watches are well matched. The best one for you will likely come down to which ecosystem you’re more invested in, Apple’s or Google’s.

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