Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: A Detailed Comparison

## Apple Watch Series 9 vs Google Pixel Watch 3: Detailed Comparison

It’s hard to choose between the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Google Pixel Watch 3. Both devices are great smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs and preferences. Let’s do a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.

Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 is the newest addition to Apple’s smartwatch lineup. They boast a faster S9 chip, a much brighter display, and new features like Precision Finding. However, it’s more of an incremental upgrade than a revolutionary leap forward.

Pros

• Better performance: Everything is faster, from opening apps to using Siri, thanks to the S9 chip.
• Brighter display: The 2,000-nit display greatly improves outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight.
• A new ultra-wideband chip provides accurate iPhone location tracking and AirTags.
• Siri on your device: Siri is faster, more reliable and makes it easier to perform basic tasks like setting timers, even without a strong internet connection.
• Carbon-neutral design: Special strap options make Series 9 an eco-friendly choice.

Cons

• Minor iterative upgrades: Not too big of a leap over the Series 8, so if you have the latest Apple Watch, it may not be worth upgrading.
• Pending double-tap feature: The double-tap gestures, while innovative, are a bit disappointing as they weren’t available at launch and have limited customization options.
• Siri’s offline functionality is limited to basic tasks and more complex queries require connectivity.
• Battery life remains the same: Despite improved power efficiency, battery life remains the same and requires daily charging.
• Some new features, such as Siri processing health data on the device, are laggy and can be frustrating for those new to using the device.
• Design: The design is much the same as the previous generation, without any visual differences, which may not appeal to those looking for a fresh look.

Google Pixel Watch 3

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed to improve on its predecessor, with a focus on battery life and an improved display. They come in two sizes and offer a smoother experience with Wear OS 5.

Pros

• Available in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, to fit different wrist sizes and preferences.
• Larger display: The 45mm model has a larger display and offers a wider screen area with 16% smaller bezels.
• Longer battery life: The 45mm offers up to two days of battery life with moderate use, significantly better than the previous Pixel Watch.
• Brighter display: The display is brighter (up to 2,000 nits) and can be dimmed to 1 nit, making it visible in all lighting conditions.
• Improved heart rate sensor: The heart rate sensor is now more accurate and comparable to a chest strap.
• Smooth operation: Wear OS 5 provides a smooth experience, including quick switching between apps and integration with Google Assistant.

Cons

• Unchanged Design: The design hasn’t changed much from the previous generation, and it lacks a fresh aesthetic.
• The larger 45mm size can feel bulky on smaller wrists.
• GPS accuracy is not always perfect, with occasional drifts and small errors.
• The device doesn’t have dual-band GPS, which is common in this price range, so accuracy in harsh conditions is limited.
• Fitbit Premium Lock: Some advanced fitness features are locked behind the Fitbit Premium subscription, which may not appeal to some users.
• No external sensors: External sensors cannot be paired, which limits functionality for serious athletes who rely on such devices.

Real-world usage and user experience

As an Apple Watch Series 9 user, I find the Apple Watch Series 9 to be a solid device. The improved brightness of the display makes notifications easier to read outdoors. The pinpoint search feature was surprisingly useful and saved me time when I lost my phone. However, the double-tap feature was a bit awkward when it worked and not always reliable. Battery life isn’t great, but we still got used to charging it every day. The seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem is a big plus, and the device is comfortable and reliable for everyday use.

The Google Pixel Watch 3, on the other hand, impresses with its improved battery life: the larger 45mm model can last a day and a half and sometimes two days. The display is bright and easy to read, and the Wear OS 5 experience is smooth and fluid. The heart rate sensor is accurate, and integration with Google services is seamless. GPS accuracy could be better, however, and the lack of pairing with external sensors is a drawback for serious athletes. The design, while sleek, is starting to feel a bit dated, and the Fitbit Premium lock on some functions is a bit annoying.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Google Pixel Watch 3 are both great smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs, with the Apple Watch Series 9 being the better choice for those deeply immersed in the Apple ecosystem, While the Google Pixel Watch 3 is a strong contender for Android users, offering improved battery life and a smooth Wear OS experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preferences and priorities.