## Google Pixel Watch 3 vs SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra: An In-Depth Comparison
Choosing the right smartwatch can seem like a maze. 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 SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra. Both devices are strong contenders, but each meets different needs and preferences. Let’s break down the features of each.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes - 41mm and 45mm. The 45mm model features 16% smaller bezels, a larger display, and a wider screen area. The display is also very bright - up to 2,000 nits and can be dimmed to just 1 nit, making it visible in all lighting conditions. However, the design hasn’t changed much from the previous generation, so some may find it a bit old-fashioned. Also, the increased size to 45mm may seem bulky on smaller wrists.
On the other hand, the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra has a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal display, giving it a premium look and durability. It is built to withstand the rigors of everyday life and outdoor use. The watch face is easy to customize and provides a wealth of information at a glance, including the UV index. The watch is a bit large, but it is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even while sleeping. One small drawback is the marine strap can snag on sleeves and other surfaces.
The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5 and provides a smooth experience. It offers fast switching between apps and easy integration with Google Assistant. The improved heart rate sensor is surprisingly accurate and comparable to a chest strap. However, some advanced fitness features are locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription, and there’s no dual-band GPS. You also can’t connect external sensors to the watch, which could be a deal breaker for serious athletes.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is highly accurate in heart rate tracking and GPS, often as good as high-end fitness devices like the Polar H10 and Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2. However, the buttons aren’t optimized for navigation during workouts, and the quick buttons are easy to press during exercise and can be accidentally pressed. Battery life is good but not exceptional - about 2.5 days with an hour-long workout with GPS. A notable inconvenience is that the sensor cannot be charged on Samsung phones due to its large size, and requires a separate charger for traveling.
One of the biggest improvements to the Pixel Watch 3 was battery life: the 45mm model lasts up to two days with moderate use, which is a significant improvement over previous Pixel Watches. This means that with Always On Display mode enabled, the battery can last all day and still have battery life left. This is a breakthrough for those who were previously unhappy with the battery life on the Pixel Watch.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is capable of 2.5 days of battery life after an hour-long workout with GPS. That’s decent, but falls short of Samsung’s claimed 100 hours of normal use. That’s enough for most users, but particularly heavy users may need to charge the watch more often than the Pixel Watch 3.
Pixel Watch 3 users praised the new grid of app icons. They also praised the cardio load feature, which allows them to track all types of activity and set daily goals. However, some users have noted slight variations in GPS accuracy, such as slight skids on straight roads. The automatic sleep mode can also be inaccurate, sometimes confusing just lying down with actual sleep.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is praised for its comfortable fit and the ability to use older watch straps. The pinch gesture is a useful feature, and the durability of the watch is impressive. However, the strap is difficult to fit and the buttons are not suitable for workout navigation. The touch bezel isn’t as effective as the rotating bezel, and the touch gesture can be too sensitive. Problems with display skewing have also been reported, which is a quality control issue.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Google Pixel Watch 3 and SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra are great smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs. The Pixel Watch 3 has better battery life, smooth performance, thanks to seamless integration with Google. It’s the perfect choice for everyday users who want a stylish and functional smartwatch. On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is durable and accurate, making it an ideal choice for fitness and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers top-notch tracking features and a rugged design, but it is expensive and comes with some inconveniences. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and lifestyle.
| Feature | Google Pixel Watch 3 | SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra |
|---|
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a great smartwatch with improved battery life and smooth performance, ideal for everyday users within the Google ecosystem.
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra is a durable and accurate smartwatch, perfect for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, despite some minor inconveniences.
