Google Pixel Watch 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: A Detailed Comparison

Top Compras Updated: January 7, 2025

Google Pixel Watch 3

7/10
Google Pixel Watch 3
$299.99
Available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm)
45mm model has a larger display with a 16% smaller bezel
Improved battery life, with the 45mm model lasting up to two days with moderate use
vs

Apple Watch Ultra 2

7.8/10
Apple Watch Ultra 2
$719.99
Exceptionally bright display (up to 3000 nits)
New S9 chip for faster processing
Double tap feature for convenient interaction

Quick Overview

A detailed comparison between the Google Pixel Watch 3 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, covering design, performance, battery life, user experience, pros, and cons.
## Google Pixel Watch 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Detailed Comparison

Choosing between the Google Pixel Watch 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can be a tough decision. Both devices are high-end smartwatches, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Let’s take a look at a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.

Design and Display

The Google Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, with the larger model having a 16% smaller bezel and a larger screen area. The display is bright, with a brightness of 2,000 nits and the brightness can be reduced to 1 nit, making it visible in all lighting conditions. However, the design hasn’t changed much from the previous generation and may not appeal to those looking for a fresh aesthetic; while the 45mm size offers a larger screen, it may seem bulky on smaller wrists.

On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts an exceptionally bright display with up to 3,000 nits of brightness, making it surprisingly comfortable to read even in direct sunlight. The sturdy titanium case and sapphire crystal display can withstand the harshest of environments. However, their size and bulk may not be comfortable for everyone, especially those with smaller wrists. The design of the watch is more rugged and is definitely geared towards outdoor enthusiasts.

Performance and Features

The Pixel Watch 3 runs Wear OS 5 and offers a smooth experience, including quick switching between apps and integration with Google Assistant. The watch also boasts an improved heart rate sensor that is as accurate as a chest strap. However, some advanced fitness features are locked behind the Fitbit Premium subscription and can’t be paired with external sensors, which could be a drawback for serious athletes. GPS accuracy is generally good but not always perfect, with occasional drifts. However, GPS accuracy is not always perfect, sometimes there are drifts.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a new S9 chip for faster processing and better performance. They also have a double-tap function, which is useful when both hands are busy. In addition, the watch is equipped with features such as a siren, underwater computer and dual-frequency GPS, making it suitable for outdoor activities. However, the new models sold in the U.S. have the blood oxygen sensor disabled, and GPS accuracy can be erratic in dense urban environments. Also, some advanced features, such as offline maps, are limited to certain regions.

Battery Life

The biggest improvement in the Pixel Watch 3 is battery life: the 45mm model lasts up to two days with moderate use, which is significantly longer than previous Pixel Watches. That means you can use them all day with Always On Display mode on, and you’ll still have battery life left. Even when I forgot to charge them overnight, they lasted until the next day.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also has a longer battery life, lasting up to two days with normal use. This is a significant improvement over other Apple Watches and makes it a reliable companion for long outdoor adventures. However, in some real-world scenarios, they are not as impressive as the Pixel Watch 3.

User Experience

The user experience of the Pixel Watch 3 is smooth. New app icons speed up navigation on the watch, and integration with Google’s ecosystem is smooth. The heart rate tracking is incredibly accurate, and the new cardio workout download feature was a breakthrough for me. It tracks all my activities, not just workouts, and shows me my daily goals. However, the automatic sleep mode isn’t always accurate and the GPS has a few quirks.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is rugged and reliable; the 3,000-nit display is incredibly bright, and the dual-touch gestures are revolutionary. Fitness tracking is top-notch, and battery life is a big plus. However, sleep tracking is a bit choppy and the topographical map is limited to certain areas. The lack of a blood oxygen sensor is also disappointing.

Pros and Cons of Google Pixel Watch 3

Pros:

  • Two sizes: Available in 41mm and 45mm models for different preferences.
  • Improved battery life: The 45mm model lasts up to two days with moderate use.
  • Bright display with up to 2,000 nits of brightness ensures visibility in all lighting conditions.
  • Enhanced heart rate sensor accuracy: Chest strap equivalent.
  • Smooth operation: Wear OS 5, fast switching between apps, Google Assistant integration.

Disadvantages of Google Pixel Watch 3:

  • Virtually unchanged design: Lacks fresh aesthetics.
  • GPS accuracy: Not always perfect, sometimes there is drift.
  • Common in this price range.
  • Advanced fitness features are available with Fitbit Premium subscription.
  • Lack of pairing with external sensors: Limits functionality for serious athletes.

Benefits of Apple Watch Ultra 2:

  • Extremely bright display: Up to 3000 nits, readable even in direct sunlight.
  • New S9 chip: Faster processing and improved performance.
  • Dual tap function: for convenient interaction.
  • Long battery life: up to 2 days with normal use.
  • Titanium body and sapphire glass display.

Disadvantages of Apple Watch Ultra 2:

  • Disabling blood oxygen sensor: In new US devices.
  • High price: Significant investment compared to other smartwatches.
  • Size: May not be comfortable for all users.
  • GPS accuracy is not stable.
  • Limited advanced features: For example, offline maps in some areas.
  • Sleep tracking is not accurate.

Final Thoughts

Google Pixel Watch 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are great smartwatches, but they meet different needs. The Pixel Watch 3 is aimed at Android users who want a stylish and functional smartwatch. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is for outdoor enthusiasts who want a rugged, reliable device with a bright display and long battery life. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Specification

FeatureGoogle Pixel Watch 3Apple Watch Ultra 2

Google Pixel Watch 3

Pros

  • Available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) to suit different preferences.
  • The 45mm model has a larger display with a 16% smaller bezel, providing more screen real estate.
  • Improved battery life, with the 45mm model lasting up to two days with moderate use.
  • The display is brighter (up to 2,000 nits) and can dim to 1 nit, making it visible in all lighting conditions.
  • Enhanced heart rate sensor accuracy, comparable to chest straps.
  • Smooth and fluid performance with Wear OS 5, with quick app switching and Google Assistant integration.

Cons

  • The design is largely unchanged from previous generations, lacking a fresh aesthetic.
  • The larger 45mm size, while offering more screen, may feel bulky on smaller wrists.
  • GPS accuracy is not always perfect, with occasional drifting and minor errors.
  • Still lacks dual-band GPS, which is common in this price range.
  • Some advanced fitness features, like AI-powered coaching, are locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription.
  • Cannot pair external sensors, limiting functionality for serious athletes.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Pros

  • The display is exceptionally bright (up to 3000 nits) and readable in direct sunlight.
  • The new S9 chip provides faster processing and improved performance for tasks like Siri and double tap.
  • The double tap feature offers a convenient way to interact with the watch without using the screen.
  • The battery life is significantly longer than other Apple Watches, lasting up to two days with normal use.
  • The titanium case and sapphire crystal display provide excellent durability and scratch resistance.
  • The inclusion of features like the siren, dive computer, and dual-frequency GPS makes it suitable for outdoor activities.

Cons

  • The blood oxygen sensor is disabled on new units sold in the US due to a patent dispute.
  • The price is high, making it a significant investment compared to other smartwatches.
  • The size and bulk may not be comfortable for all users, especially those with smaller wrists.
  • GPS accuracy can be inconsistent in dense urban environments with tall buildings.
  • Some advanced features like offline maps are limited to specific regions and may not be available everywhere.
  • The sleep tracking feature is not always accurate, particularly the in-bed time tracking.

Quick Verdict

Google Pixel Watch 3

Read Full Review

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a really good smartwatch, with improved battery life, which has been a major issue with the Pixel series. The larger model offers more screen space and a better battery. Fitness tracking is also improved. There's no longer a need for a chest strap, and there are new features exclusive to the Pixel Watch 3. If you're using the original Pixel Watch or Pixel Watch 2, we highly recommend upgrading. The larger version is definitely worth it. If you're in the Android ecosystem, this is a great option. You get a stylish, reliable, and very functional smartwatch.

7.5/10
Features
8/10
Performance
6.5/10
Value
7.5/10
Quality
7/10
Overall

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Read Full Review

For outdoor enthusiasts or those who just want a watch that can accommodate their busy lifestyles, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great choice. The improved brightness, new processor, and double-tap gestures make them a worthy upgrade, especially compared to older models. The battery life is a big bonus. It's not a cheap product, but if you're looking for a durable watch that you can use for anything, the Ultra 2 is something worth looking at. The fact that Apple is supporting this model with new features is also a great deal. It's not a must buy for those who already own the Ultra 1, but if you're looking for a new watch, the Ultra 2 is worth its money. It's not just a watch, it's a partner that has become a part of my daily life.

8.5/10
Features
9/10
Performance
6.5/10
Value
9.2/10
Quality
7.8/10
Overall

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Buy

Google Pixel Watch 3

$299.99
7/10

Apple Watch Ultra 2

$719.99
7.8/10