## Google Pixel Watch 3 vs. Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar: An In-Depth Comparison
Choosing the right smartwatch can seem like a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Today, we’re going to do an in-depth comparison between the Google Pixel Watch 3 and the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar. These two devices cater to different needs and preferences, so let’s break down their features.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 retains a sleek and modern design, not much different from the previous model. They come in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, with the larger model having a 16% smaller bezel and a larger screen area. The curved glass gives it a premium look and also offers a wide range of color options. However, some may find the design too familiar and lacking in fresh aesthetics; the larger 45mm size, while offering a larger screen, may seem bulky on smaller wrists.
On the other hand, the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar is a monster watch. With a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal, it’s tough and durable. The watch is built for adventure and screams endurance - it’s bigger and heavier than the Pixel Watch 3, so it might not be suitable for everyday wear for everyone. The two-tone silicone strap is comfortable, but the overall look is utilitarian rather than stylish.
The Pixel Watch 3 features a bright AMOLED display with up to 2,000 nits of brightness, making it easily visible even in direct sunlight. It can also be dimmed by 1 nit for comfortable viewing in a dark room. The bright and crisp display is ideal for viewing notifications and apps; the 45mm model in particular offers a more comfortable viewing experience thanks to a new grid of app icons.
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro features a memory-in-pixels (MIP) display that’s always on. Perhaps it’s not as bright as the Pixel’s AMOLED display, but it works great in bright sunlight and is surprisingly energy efficient. It comes with a touchscreen, but physical buttons are more reliable and useful, especially during workouts.
The Pixel Watch 3 runs Wear OS 5 and offers a smooth and fluid user experience. Switching between apps is quick and integration with Google Assistant is seamless. A new grid of app icons makes navigation faster and more intuitive. However, some advanced fitness features are locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription and can’t be paired with external sensors.
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro is feature-rich, but the user interface can feel clunky and unintuitive. The menus are not always easy to navigate. The menus aren’t always easy to navigate, and some options are hidden deep inside. While the watch offers comprehensive health and fitness tracking, the smart features are limited compared to the Pixel Watch 3. For example, it doesn’t have a keyboard for text replies.
The biggest improvement in the Pixel Watch 3 is battery life: the 45mm model now lasts up to two days with moderate use, a significant increase over the previous generation. This is a breakthrough for those who were dissatisfied with the previous Pixel Watch’s battery performance. I used them for a full day with Always On Display mode on and still had battery life.
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro is the battery life champ. With solar charging, it can last up to a month, depending on usage. This is a huge advantage for outdoor enthusiasts and those who don’t want to worry about daily recharging. However, heavy use of GPS and tracking will significantly reduce battery life.
The Pixel Watch 3 features an improved heart rate sensor that is surprisingly accurate and comparable to a chest strap. The new cardio feature tracks all activity, not just workouts, and offers daily goals. However, the accuracy of the GPS is not always perfect, sometimes there are drifts and small errors. In addition, the device lacks dual-band GPS.
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro provides comprehensive health and fitness tracking with detailed metrics and information. Advanced multi-band GPS provides highly accurate location tracking. The endurance tracking feature provides information on energy levels during a workout. However, the weightlifting tracking feature is basic and does not provide a detailed count of calories burned.
Additional features of the Pixel Watch 3 include an Ultra Wideband chip to unlock your Pixel phone, a recording app, and integration with Google’s ecosystem. The watch also features a new app grid for easier navigation. The ability to control smart home devices is also a nice touch.
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro features a built-in dimmable flashlight, SOS mode, offline maps, and music storage. These features are perfect for outdoor adventures and vacationing without your phone. The flashlight is very useful for finding keys at night or walking the dog.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is priced at $299.99, making it a more affordable option for many users. A good balance between features and price, the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar costs $749.99 USD. This makes it a premium choice for those who want advanced features and a rugged design. The high price tag may put it out of reach for some.
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The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a great choice for those looking for a stylish and functional smartwatch with extended battery life and seamless integration into the Google ecosystem. They’re perfect for everyday use and casual fitness tracking. Meanwhile, the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar is a premium device designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who want advanced tracking capabilities, rugged construction, and exceptional battery life. It’s a more specialized device with a higher price tag, but it delivers on its promise for those who need it.
| Feature | Google Pixel Watch 3 | Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar |
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The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a great option for those looking for a stylish and functional smartwatch with improved battery life and seamless integration with Google's ecosystem. It's ideal for everyday use and casual fitness tracking.
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar is a premium device designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who need advanced tracking features, rugged durability, and exceptional battery life. It's a more specialized device with a higher price tag, but it delivers on its promises for those who need it.
