## Google Pixel Watch 3 vs Garmin Vivoactive 5: Detailed Comparison
It’s hard to choose between the Google Pixel Watch 3 and the Garmin Vivoactive 5. Let’s do a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, with the larger model having a 16% smaller bezel and a more engaging display. The display is incredibly bright, reaching up to 2,000 nits, and the brightness can be dimmed down to 1 nit, making it 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 of 45mm may seem bulky on smaller wrists.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 watch, on the other hand, features a bright and colorful AMOLED display, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. However, they only come in one size and may not fit everyone. The display reflects light and is difficult to read outdoors without brightness adjustment. The plastic buttons on the VivoActive 5 are a bit bumpy and require repetitive pressing, which can be frustrating.
The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5 and offers a smooth experience with quick app switching and Google Assistant integration. The improved heart rate sensor is also surprisingly accurate, as good as a chest strap. However, some advanced fitness features, such as artificial intelligence-based coaching, are locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription. In addition, the device does not have dual-band GPS and cannot be paired with external sensors, which can be a drawback for serious athletes. GPS accuracy is generally good, but not always perfect; sometimes drift is observed.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 has accurate sleep and GPS tracking, and battery life is long-lasting. The watch also supports offline music playback and Garmin Pay. However, it lacks a barometric altimeter, which negatively affects mountaineering and downhill tracking. The device uses an older Elevate Gen 4 heart rate sensor, which doesn’t support ECG and may be less accurate during high-intensity activities. The accuracy of sleep stage tracking is also questionable.
One of the biggest improvements to the Pixel Watch 3 is the battery life, which can last up to two days with moderate use, especially in the 45mm model. This is a significant improvement over the previous Pixel Watch model. The ability to reduce the display brightness by one nit also contributes to improved battery life.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 has good battery life: 7-8 days with normal use and 3-4 days with the display on. This is a great advantage for those who don’t want to charge the watch every day.
From a user’s perspective, the Pixel Watch 3 feels like a sleek, everyday smartwatch focused on seamless integration with the Google ecosystem. The new grid of app icons speeds up navigation, and the ability to record conversations directly from the watch is a nice touch. However, the automatic sleep mode is a bit elusive and sometimes confuses lying down with actual sleep. The inability to pair with external sensors is also a limitation for serious athletes.
On the other hand, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 feels like a fitness-oriented device with a good balance of smartwatch features. Sleep tracking is comprehensive, and the morning report is a great way to start the day. The open water swim mode is a welcome feature for swimmers. However, the lack of a barometric altimeter and outdated heart rate sensor are notable limitations. The Sleep Coach feature, while interesting, may be too formulaic.
Pros:
Disadvantages:
Pros:
Disadvantages:
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a great choice for those who want a stylish, everyday smartwatch that integrates seamlessly into Google’s ecosystem. The Garmin Vivoactive 5 offers fitness tracking and long battery life, making it the best choice for those who prioritize those features. The choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.
| Feature | Google Pixel Watch 3 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|
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.
Overall, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a solid fitness watch with a lot of things done right: a great AMOLED display, good battery life, and plenty of useful features. It's a great choice for those who want a stylish, feature-rich watch to track daily activity and workouts. It may not have all the “bells and whistles” like the more expensive Garmin watches, but at this price point, it's a bargain. If you're looking for a versatile fitness companion, the Vivoactive 5 is a great choice.
