Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3: A Detailed Comparison

## Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 vs Google Pixel Watch 3: Detailed Comparison

Choosing between the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 and Google Pixel Watch 3 can be a challenge, as they cater to different needs and preferences. Garmin is a serious product for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, while the Pixel Watch 3 targets a broader audience with its smart features and sleek design. Let’s do a detailed comparison to see which watch is right for you.

Design and Build Quality

The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 watch is built like a tank. It’s made of premium materials like titanium and sapphire crystal, making it durable and scratch resistant. The AMOLED display is bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight. However, the design isn’t as sleek as the Pixel Watch 3. The interface also seems a bit complicated at first, and new users will need time to learn.

The Google Pixel Watch 3, on the other hand, has a sleeker and more modern design. They come in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, with the 45mm model featuring a larger display and smaller bezels. The design hasn’t changed much from the previous generation, and some may find it a bit old-fashioned. The display is incredibly bright, reaching up to 2,000 nits, and the brightness can be reduced to 1 nit, making it visible in all lighting conditions. It looks great, but it’s not as durable as the Garmin. Also, the 45mm size may seem bulky on smaller wrists.

Features and Functionality

The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 is packed with plenty of features for serious athletes. It offers comprehensive tracking for a wide range of sports and activities, customizable metrics, and advanced navigation with topographic maps. GPS tracking is accurate, and battery life is impressive, especially considering the AMOLED display. With the display on all the time and 2-3 hours of GPS use per day, the battery lasts for 5-6 days. The new endurance and climbing stats are interesting, but not perfect and still under development. On the minuses: there is no voice assistant or speaker for calls, and the step counter sometimes overestimates the number of steps due to hand gestures. Also, unlike other Garmin models, there’s no solar charging option.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 focuses on smart features and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem. The watch runs on Wear OS 5 and offers smooth operation, fast app switching, and integration with Google Assistant. The heart rate sensor has been upgraded to be as accurate as a chest strap. Battery life has also been improved, with the 45mm model lasting up to two days with moderate use. However, some advanced fitness features are locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription and can’t be paired with external sensors, which is a limitation for serious athletes. GPS accuracy isn’t always perfect, and dual-band GPS is missing.

Real-world Use and User Experience

Using the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 is like having a personal trainer on your wrist. The data is incredibly detailed, and the navigator is a lifesaver on hikes. The flashlight feature has proven to be incredibly useful. The interface may seem overly complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly powerful. The AMOLED screen is revolutionary and makes it easy to see stats even in bright sunlight. However, the high price tag is a major hurdle for many.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a more everyday partner. They’re perfect for recording workouts, receiving notifications, and controlling smart home devices. The improved battery life is a big plus. Integration with Google’s ecosystem is seamless, and Wear OS 5 is smooth and responsive. Automatic sleep mode isn’t always accurate, and GPS is a bit glitchy at times. Still, it’s a reliable and stylish smartwatch for everyday use. The ability to put your phone on standby from your wrist is a nice touch.

Pros and Cons

Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Pros:

• Sturdy construction made from premium materials like titanium and sapphire crystal.
• Bright AMOLED display with excellent clarity and outdoor visibility.
• Extensive tracking capabilities for a wide range of sports and activities.
• Customizable metrics and data fields for personalized analysis.
• Impressive battery life, especially considering the AMOLED display.
• Advanced navigation aids with accurate GPS tracking and topographic maps.

Disadvantages of Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2:

• High price, especially with the Sapphire version.
• Complex interface.
• Overkill for regular users who may not use all the advanced features.
• No voice assistant or speaker for calls.
• Step counter may overestimate the number of steps when you gesture with your hand.
• Unlike other Garmin models, there is no solar charging option.

Pros of Google Pixel Watch 3:

• Two sizes (41mm and 45mm) are available for different preferences.
• The 45mm model has a larger display and 16% smaller bezels.
• Improved battery life: The 45mm model lasts up to two days with moderate use.
• The display is brighter (up to 2,000 nits) and can be reduced to 1 nit.
• The heart rate sensor is more accurate and comparable to a chest strap.
• Smooth, seamless Wear OS 5, fast app switching, and Google Assistant integration.

Disadvantages of the Google Pixel Watch 3:

• The design has changed little from the previous generation and lacks a fresh aesthetic.
• The large 45mm size can feel bulky on smaller wrists.
• GPS accuracy isn’t always perfect.
• Still lacks dual-band GPS, which is common in this price range.
• Advanced fitness features are locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription.
• The inability to pair with external sensors limits its functionality for serious athletes.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 is a definite choice for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want the most accurate data and advanced navigation tools. It’s rugged, reliable, and can handle any task. However, it is expensive and has a complex interface. On the other hand, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is a great everyday smartwatch for those who want a stylish and functional device that integrates easily into the Google ecosystem. They’re more affordable and easy to use, but they lack the advanced features and durability of the Garmin. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities.