Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Google Pixel Watch 3
Both are good picks with different strengths. The Pixel Watch 2 is lighter, while the Pixel Watch 3 has a brighter screen and comes in 2 sizes.
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Key differences
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GPS
Evenly matched
Both have built-in GPS with similar features.
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Display
Evenly matched
Both have AMOLED screens of a similar size.
-
Health
Evenly matched
Much the same health sensors.
-
Weight
Pixel Watch 2 wins
The Google Pixel Watch 2 is lighter: 31 g against 37 g.
Other differences
- Sizes Pixel Watch 3 wins
The Pixel Watch 3 comes in 2 case sizes (41 and 45 mm).
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Pixel Watch 2 if…
- You wear it to bed or have small wrists: it weighs 31 g.
- You prefer its look and app: it covers the same essentials as the Pixel Watch 3.
Choose the Pixel Watch 3 if…
- You're outside a lot: its screen reaches 2,000 nits.
- You want the right fit for your wrist: it comes in more than one size.
Full spec comparison
On the specs both makers publish, these two are closely matched.
Green cells with a ✓ mark the better spec in that row. Tick "Show differences only" to hide the rows where they match.
Overview
| Spec | Google Pixel Watch 2 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ||
| Series | Pixel Watch | Pixel Watch |
| Versions | — | 41 mm, 45 mm |
| Colours | Matte Black Aluminum Case / Obsidian Active Band, Polished Silver Aluminum Case / Bay Active Band, Polished Silver Aluminum Case / Porcelain Active Band, Champagne Gold Aluminum Case / Hazel Active Band | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, Matte Hazel |
Platform & apps
Both work with the same phones and software.
| Spec | Google Pixel Watch 2 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Wear OS | Wear OS |
| Works with | Android only | Android only |
| Minimum Android | Android 9 | Android 10 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 |
| RAM | 2,048 MB | 2,048 MB |
| Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB |
Display
The Pixel Watch 3 is ahead on the display.
It has a brighter screen, and the Pixel Watch 2 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Google Pixel Watch 2 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | AMOLED | LTPO OLED |
| Display name | — | Actua display |
| Pixel density | 320 ppi | 320 ppi |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | 2,000 nits |
| Colour display | Yes | Yes |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | buttons, crown | buttons, crown |
Design & durability
Each watch has its strengths on size and durability.
The Pixel Watch 2 is lighter, while the Pixel Watch 3 comes in 2 sizes.
| Spec | Google Pixel Watch 2 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Case sizes | 41 mm | 41 / 45 mm |
| Case shape | Round | Round |
| Dimensions | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm | 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm |
| Thickness | 12.3 mm | 12.3 mm |
| Weight (case) | 31 g | 37 g |
| Case material | 100% recycled aluminum | 100% recycled aluminum |
| Lens | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Band material | Fluoroelastomer with soft-touch coating | Fluoroelastomer with soft-touch coating |
| Fits wrists | 130-210 mm | 150-215 mm |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Water standard | ISO 22810:2010 | ISO 22810:2010 |
Battery
Battery life is close on both.
How you use the screen, GPS and notifications will matter more than the difference between them.
| Spec | Google Pixel Watch 2 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| All battery modes | Always-on display: 24 hours | Always-on display: 24 hours; Battery saver: 36 hours |
| Battery capacity | 306 mAh | 420 mAh |
| Battery type | Li-ion | Li-ion |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Full charge time | 75 min | 80 min |
| Fast charging | About 43 minutes to 80% | About 50 minutes to 80% |
GPS & navigation
Both have built-in GPS with similar capabilities.
| Spec | Google Pixel Watch 2 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS | Built-in | Built-in |
| Satellite systems | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS | GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS |
Health & sensors
Both track much the same health data.
Heart rate, sleep and the extra sensors line up closely.
| Spec | Google Pixel Watch 2 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | optical HR, ECG electrode, SpO2, skin temperature, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, compass, ambient light, EDA | optical HR, ECG electrode, SpO2, skin temperature, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, compass, ambient light, EDA |
| Heart-rate sensor | Multi-path optical heart rate sensor | Multi-path optical heart rate sensor |
| ECG | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen (SpO2) | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Stress tracking | Yes | Yes |
Smart features
Both offer much the same smart features.
| Spec | Google Pixel Watch 2 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular | LTE version available | LTE version available |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz | Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4GHz, 5GHz |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ultra-wideband | — | Yes |