Google Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra: A Wear OS battle

Updated: Aug 13, 2024, 1:09 PM

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Google Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra: A Wear OS battle

Intro

The Pixel Watch 3 is finally official and it's the most mature Google smartwatch to date. The third iteration of the Pixel Watch comes in two different sizes, and features screen upgrades and tweak all around.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra, on the other hand, is Samsung's first attempt at the rugged smartwatch idea. These two are rather different when it comes to design and general purpose, but it will be interesting to see how they stack against each other.

This is our detailed comparison between the Pixel Watch 3 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Which one is better for you? Read on to find out!

Pixel Watch 3 (41mm): pre-order at Amazon

The Pixel Watch 3 is here! You can now pre-order the smaller-sized model with a 41mm case at Amazon. With its stylish design and multiple features, it's by far the most advanced Google wearable.

This offer is not available in your area.

Pixel Watch 3 (45mm): pre-order at Amazon

If you're looking for a larger screen and some additional features, consider pre-ordering the Pixel Watch 3. This one has a larger 45mm case and a 1.45-inch screen. Pre-order yours at Amazon.

This offer is not available in your area.

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra: main differences

Circular design on the Pixel vs square-ish design on the Galaxy Watch Ultra
1.4-inch display (45 mm model) and 1.2-inch display (41 mm model) on the Pixel Watch vs 1.5-inch on the Watch Ultra
Pixel Watch 3 is significantly cheaper starting at $349 for the 41 mm Wi-Fi version
The Galaxy Watch Ultra starts at $649
Wear OS 5 on both
Titanium and sapphire on the Galaxy Watch Ultra vs regular aluminum and tempered glass on the Pixel Watch 3

Table of Contents:

Design and Sizes
Bands
Software
Battery and Charging
Models and Prices
Voice Calls and Haptics
Specs
Summary

Design & Sizes

This one looks familiar!

The design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra raised a few eyebrows, to put it mildly. Some people say it's a shameless homage to the Apple Watch Ultra, and even though there are some similarities, the design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is rather distinct. The watch face is still circular, and there are three physical buttons instead of a rotating crown.

The Pixel Watch 3, on the other hand, follows the same design philosophy as the previous model, relying on a sleeker "dome" design, where the glass above the display seamlessly curves into the body of the watch.

Size-wise, the larger version of the Pixel Watch 3 comes close to the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The 45 mm Pixel Watch 3 measures 45 mm x 45 mm x 12.3 mm, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra measures 47.1 mm x 47.4 mm x 12.1 mm. Not a huge difference, but the Galaxy Watch Ultra is substantially heavier at 60.5 grams. Even the larger Pixel Watch 3 is almost half of that at 37 grams. If we compare the smaller 41 mm Pixel Watch 3, the difference is even bigger. The smaller Pixel Watch measures 41 mm x 41 mm x 12.3 mm and weighs just 31 grams.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with a titanium case and a sapphire glass to protect its 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display, while the Pixel Watch 3 features a more conventional aluminum casing and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 over its display.

One of the biggest upgrades to the Pixel Watch lineup is the brightness of the screen. The third generation doubles the brightness of its predecessor with 2,000 nits of peak brightness. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, however, manages to beat that with its amazing 3,000 nits of peak brightness capabilities.

Bands

No standard bands

The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with a brand-new quick-release mechanism and it reminds us of the one used on the Apple Watch Ultra. Unlike the regular Galaxy Watch 7, which takes 20mm and 22mm standard two-pin straps, the Galaxy Watch Ultra requires bands designed specifically for the said mechanism.

The Pixel Watch 3 is no different, it retains the same mechanism we know from the previous generation, which involves proprietary bands, or, of course, third-party options made specifically for the Pixel Watch.

At launch, both watches come with a type of silicone bands, but the Galaxy Watch Ultra has a couple of options to choose from right of the bat on the Samsung site.

Software & Features

AI tricks?

The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5, familiar from the Galaxy Watch 7 series. Google baked in some new clever features to offset the lack of hardware changes, and the watch can now track a variety of new metrics, such as Readiness score, Cardio Load, and Target Load. Google has optimized the hear rate tracking algorithms to be more precise during running routines, and there's also a brand-new Morning Brief feature to show you all the information you need for the day neatly organized.

Google also introduced a new Auto Bedtime mode that recognizes when you've fallen asleep and automatically puts the watch into low-energy mode to conserve battery. Last but not least, there's improved integration with other Pixel devices. You can check who's at your door right on your Pixel Watch 3 (if you have a Nest doorbell device), or use the watch as a remote control for your Google TV. The usual workout and sleep tracking we're familiar with from the previous generation is present here as well.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra, on the other hand, comes with some additional, adventure-focused, features onboard to complement the rugged look and feel of the watch. There's a new Quick Button you can assign different functions to, the watch has an Emergency Siren, and also a night mode for the display. The usual Samsung health and fitness goodies are onboard as well, with BMI tracking, workouts, sleep and more.

There are some new metrics here as well, the AEG (Advanced Glycation End Products) Index is aimed to measure your biological age, there are triathlon and multisport modes, and also an FDA approved sleep apnea detection feature. Last but not least, there are some new gestures available on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, such as pinch, double-pinch, shake, etc. (sounds familiar?).

Battery and Charging

Massive battery on the Galaxy Watch Ultra

The Pixel Watch 3 comes with two different battery sizes for the two models. The 41 mm variant comes with a 306 mAh cell onboard, while the 45 mm one features a 420 mAh battery. Google promises 24 hours of battery life and we're in the process of testing this, so stay tuned.

However, the Pixel Watch 3 probably won't be able to beat the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which has a huge 590mAh battery. Our testing showed that with moderate to heavy use (including continuous heart rate monitoring, GPS workouts, and sleep tracking) you can get two full days out of the Galaxy Watch Ultra.

When it comes to charging, the differences aren't that big. The Pixel Watch 3 hits 50% charge in 28 minutes and 80% in 50 minutes for the 45 mm model. A full charge takes 80 minutes. The smaller battery on the 41 mm Pixel Watch 3 charges to 50% in 24 minutes, and a full charge takes about an hour. On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with its 15W wireless charging, can fully charge in about 80 minutes, which is impressive given the bigger battery inside.

Models and Prices

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is available in just one variant, which is the LTE-enabled version. The model starts at $649.99, and there aren't any aluminum or stainless steel versions or different sizes to choose from.

The Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes and each has two versions, a Wi-Fi and Cellular one. You can find the detailed pricing of the Pixel Watch 3 below.

Pixel Watch 3 prices:

Pixel Watch 3 41mm Wi-Fi starts at $349
Pixel Watch 3 41mm LTE starts at $449
Pixel Watch 3 45mm Wi-Fi starts at $399
Pixel Watch 3 45mm LTE starts at $499

Voice Calls and Haptics

This is an area where field tests are needed to assess the quality and strength of the speakers and vibration motors inside the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Pixel Watch 3. The former is already on our test bench, and we can assure you that it features a strong and precise haptics, probably thanks to the larger body. The voice call and microphone quality are both excellent on the Galaxy Watch Ultra.

We're testing the Pixel Watch 3 as we type this, so stay tuned for our impressions shortly. One thing we can say is that Google needs to improve the vibration motor in order to be competitive, as we found the one inside the Pixel Watch 2 rather uninspiring.

Specs

Here's a quick specs comparison for the number nerds out there:

Specs	Google Pixel Watch 3	Galaxy Watch Ultra
Models (Size, Weight, Prices)	41 and 45mm, both in Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular versions 41mm x 41mm x 12.3mm, 31g 45mm x 45mm x 12.3mm, 37g	47mm, 47.1 x 47.4 x 12.1mm, 60.5g
Processor, RAM, Storage	Snapdragon W5	3nm Exynos W1000 SiP, 2GB RAM + 32GB storage
Software	Wear OS 5	Wear OS 5
Battery and Charging	420mAh battery (45 mm version) Magnetic charger, 50% in 28 mins 306mAh battery (41 mm version) Magnetic charger, 50% in 24 mins	590mAh battery Magnetic charger, 50% in 30 mins
Sensors	Compass Altimeter Red and infrared sensors for oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring Multipurpose electrical sensors compatible with ECG app Multi-path optical heart rate sensor 3-axis accelerometer Gyroscope Ambient light sensor Electrical sensor to measure skin conductance (cEDA) for body response tracking Skin temperature sensor Barometer Magnetometer	Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optiocal Bio-signal sensor+ Electrical Heart Signal + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor
New features	Grid-based app launcher, Auto Bedtime mode Cardio Load Readiness score Morning Brief Weather conditions, Goal progress Ground contact time, Stride length, Vertical oscillation	Cusomizable Quick Button IP68+10ATM resistance, MIL-STBD-810H endurance 3,000 nits peak brightness

Summary

The Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Pixel Watch 3 look very different at first glance, but there are some similarities under the hood and after careful examination. The screen sizes are very similar (between the 45 mm Pixel Watch and the Galaxy Watch Ultra), and even though the design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra falls toward the rugged camp, the circular screens are more similar than different.

Both devices run on Wear OS 5, but while the Galaxy Watch Ultra has a hardware advantage with its ruggedness and bigger battery, the Pixel Watch 3 compensates by offering a more stylish and understated look. There's a clear advantage in battery life for the Galaxy Watch Ultra, the watch is able to go for two full days at least, while the Pixel Watch 3 can only do 24 hours, more or less.

The price difference is quite big, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is about twice as expensive as the base Pixel Watch 3. If you like rugged smartwatches with good battery life, premium materials, and you don't mind paying extra, the Galaxy Watch Ultra could be the better choice. If you own a Pixel device, on the other hand, and want to expand your Google ecosystem with a smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3 is a great option.

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Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.