## Google Pixel Watch 3 vs Fitbit Versa 3: An in-depth comparison
Choosing the right smartwatch can seem like a daunting task. You need something that will fit your lifestyle, track fitness, and look good on your wrist. Today, we’re going to do an in-depth comparison between the Google Pixel Watch 3 and the Fitbit Versa 3. Both have their pros and cons, so let’s break them down so you can make the best choice.
Design and Display
The Google Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, to suit different wrist sizes. The 45mm model has a 16% smaller bezel and a larger display with a larger screen area. The displays are very bright, up to 2,000 nits, and can be dimmed to 1 nit, making them visible in all lighting conditions. However, the design hasn’t changed much from the previous generation and may not be enough for those looking for a fresh aesthetic. Also, the increased size to 45mm may seem bulky on smaller wrists.
On the other hand, the Fitbit Versa 3 features a 1.5-inch AMOLED display. It’s bright and vibrant, and it’s easy to read stats and notifications on it. The design is sleek and modern, with a curved display that blends in with your wrist. The watch is well made and you’ll want to wear it every day.
Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5 and delivers a smooth experience. Switching between apps is fast, and integration with Google Assistant is seamless. The heart rate sensor is more accurate and provides data comparable to a chest strap. However, some advanced fitness features are locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription and can’t be paired with external sensors, which may be a drawback for serious athletes. GPS accuracy is generally good but not perfect, with occasional drift.
The Fitbit Versa 3 has built-in GPS and can track activity without a cell phone. It also has a call function on the wrist, which is very useful. You can choose between Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Heart rate and sleep are tracked accurately, and the Fitbit app provides detailed health information. However, the touch buttons are choppy, and the UI sometimes stutters or freezes. App selection is also limited, and SPO2 measurement is only available during sleep and on some watch faces. iPhone users can’t even reply to text messages on the watch.
Battery life
One of the notable improvements to the Pixel Watch 3 is battery life: the 45mm model lasts up to two days with moderate use, significantly longer than previous Pixel Watches. This is a breakthrough for those who didn’t like charging the watch every day. The increase in battery life has a lot to do with the efficiency of Wear OS 5.
The Fitbit Versa 3 watch also has better battery life, often being able to run for days on a single charge. This is a big plus for those who don’t want to worry about constantly charging the watch. Fast charging is also a great feature, allowing you to charge your watch for a full day in just a few minutes.
The user experience of the Pixel Watch 3 is similar to the premium experience. New app icons speed up navigation, and integration with the Google ecosystem is seamless. The improved heart rate tracking is a big plus, and the ability to unlock your Pixel phone with the watch is a nice touch. However, the automatic sleep mode isn’t always accurate, and the GPS isn’t perfect. The lack of dual-band GPS is also disappointing.
The Fitbit Versa 3 is built to fit seamlessly into everyday life. The built-in GPS is ideal for walking and running, and the call function is useful when both hands are occupied. The voice assistant works well, and the wrist notifications are useful. However, the touch buttons are unstable, and the UI is sometimes annoying. Other drawbacks include a limited selection of apps and the inability to reply to iPhone text messages.
Pros and Cons of Google Pixel Watch 3
Pros:
- Available in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm 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:
- Design remains largely unchanged: Lacks fresh aesthetics.
- GPS accuracy is not always perfect.
- Lacks dual-band GPS, which is common in this price range.
- Advanced fitness features are locked: Behind Fitbit’s premium subscription.
- No pairing with external sensors: Limited functionality for serious athletes.
Pros of Fitbit Versa 3:
- Built-in GPS: For tracking activity without a phone.
- Calls can be made on your wrist.
- Choice of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant: for voice control.
- Bright and clear AMOLED display: For clear visibility.
- Accurate heart rate and sleep tracking: For detailed health information.
Cons of Fitbit Versa 3:
- Inconsistent touch buttons: Can be annoying to use.
- User interface sometimes stutters and freezes: Affects usability.
- Limited number of apps: Available in the Fitbit store.
- SPO2 measurement is only available during sleep.
- iPhone users cannot reply to text messages.
- Insufficiently loud speaker.
Final Thoughts
Google Pixel Watch 3 and Fitbit Versa 3 are solid smartwatches, but they meet different needs. The Pixel Watch 3 focuses on performance and integration with Google’s ecosystem. It’s a premium device. It’s a great choice for those who want a smooth, feature-rich experience and don’t mind paying a little more. The Fitbit Versa 3, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option, but with a wide range of features especially suited for fitness tracking. This is a great choice for those who want a reliable smartwatch without spending a lot of money. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and budget.