Google Pixel Watch 3 & Google Pixel Watch 1 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Google Pixel Watch 3 rather than the Google Pixel Watch 1.
Why Do I Recommend The Google Pixel Watch 3?
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 features the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor for faster performance and improved power efficiency during multitasking, while the Apple Watch SE uses the S8 chip with less optimized power management.
- Google Pixel Watch 3 includes a dual-band GPS system (L1 + L5) for higher location accuracy during outdoor activities, whereas the Apple Watch SE relies on a single-band GPS setup.
- It has a brighter AMOLED display with 2000 nits brightness for better visibility in direct sunlight, while the Apple Watch SE has a Retina LTPO display limited to around 1000 nits.
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 comes with a temperature sensor for continuous skin and ambient temperature tracking, whereas the Apple Watch SE lacks any form of temperature sensing.
- Google Pixel Watch 3 features a multi-path heart rate sensor with Gen 2 optical LEDs for more precise fitness and stress readings, while the Apple Watch SE uses a first-generation optical heart rate sensor.
- It includes an on-device Google Assistant with local AI processing for faster responses without cloud dependency, while the Apple Watch SE requires Siri to connect to the internet.
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 supports Qi 2.0 wireless charging with magnetic alignment for more universal and faster recharging, while the Apple Watch SE uses a proprietary magnetic charging puck.
- Google Pixel Watch 3 integrates UWB (Ultra Wideband) connectivity to enable precise location tracking and Pixel device unlocking, whereas the Apple Watch SE does not include a UWB chip.
Maybe the Google Pixel Watch 1 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Google Pixel Watch 3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Google Pixel Watch 3 | Google Pixel Watch 1 |
| Processor | Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 | Exynos 9110 |
| Coprocessor | Cortex M33 | None |
| RAM Type | LPDDR4X | LPDDR4 |
| Storage Type | UFS 2.1 | eMMC |
| Display Brightness | 2000 nits | 1000 nits |
| Display Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Display Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–60Hz | Fixed 30Hz |
| Case Sizes | 41mm, 45mm | 41mm only |
| Case Material | Stainless steel, Titanium | Stainless steel |
| Case Thickness | 11.8 mm | 12.3 mm |
| Battery Capacity | 420–450 mAh | 294 mAh |
| Battery Life | 36 hours | 24 hours |
| Charging Type | Qi 2.0 Magnetic | Proprietary Magnetic Dock |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-A |
| Charging Speed | 0–80% in 30 min | 0–50% in 30 min |
| OS Version | Wear OS 5 | Wear OS 3.5 |
| Assistant Type | On-device AI | Cloud-based |
| UWB Chip | Yes | No |
| GPS System | Dual-band L1 + L5 | Single-band L1 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, LTE Cat 4 | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi b/g/n, LTE Cat 1 |
| NFC Version | Google Wallet 2.0 | Standard NFC |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Multi-path Gen 2 | Single-path Gen 1 |
| SpO₂ Sensor | Gen 2 multi-LED | Gen 1 sensor |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
| Skin Response Sensor | Yes | No |
| Safety Features | Crash Detection, Emergency Sharing | Fall Detection, SOS |
| Microphone | Dual beamforming | Single mic |
| Speaker Output | Louder, waterproofed | Standard |
| Durability | 5ATM + MIL-STD-810H | 5ATM |
| Bands System | Magnetic quick-release | Pin-based lock |
| Haptic Motor | Enhanced linear motor | Basic linear motor |
| Fitbit Integration | Real-time sync, stress tracking | Standard Fitbit app |
| Ambient Light Sensor | Fast adaptive | Standard |
| Price | Check Google 3 Price | Check Google 1 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- AMOLED Display: Both the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 1 use AMOLED panels, delivering vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, which makes text and graphics easy to read in various lighting conditions.
- Always-On Display: Each watch includes an always-on display mode that lets users see the time, notifications, and fitness data without having to wake the screen, providing convenience for quick glances.
- Touchscreen Interface: Both models feature a responsive capacitive touchscreen, allowing smooth scrolling, tapping, and gesture control throughout the Wear OS interface.
- Rotating Crown: Each Pixel Watch includes a rotating crown used for navigating menus, scrolling through notifications, or adjusting settings, adding tactile precision alongside touch control.
- Digital Button: Both watches come with a secondary digital button positioned above the crown that provides quick access to apps, menus, or shortcuts within the operating system.
- Fitbit Integration: Each model supports Fitbit’s health and activity tracking, syncing data like steps, calories, sleep, and heart rate with the Fitbit ecosystem for comprehensive health insights.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches include continuous heart rate tracking, giving real-time measurements during workouts and throughout the day to monitor overall cardiovascular health.
- SpO₂ (Blood Oxygen) Sensor: Each device includes a blood oxygen sensor to track oxygen saturation during sleep or physical activity, offering deeper wellness and recovery data.
- ECG App Support: Both watches support electrocardiogram functionality, allowing users to measure heart rhythm and detect irregularities such as atrial fibrillation.
- Sleep Tracking: Each model automatically tracks sleep duration, stages, and quality, helping users understand rest patterns and improve nighttime recovery.
- GPS Tracking: Both watches feature built-in GPS, allowing accurate distance, route, and pace tracking for outdoor workouts without needing a phone.
- 5 ATM Water Resistance: Each device is rated for 5 ATM water resistance, meaning they can be safely worn while swimming or showering.
- LTE and Wi-Fi Models: Both generations offer Wi-Fi and optional LTE variants, enabling calls, messages, and app use directly on the watch without a connected smartphone.
- NFC for Google Pay: Each watch includes NFC support for Google Pay, allowing quick contactless payments directly from the wrist.
- Fall Detection: Both models are equipped with fall detection technology that can alert emergency contacts if a hard fall is detected.
- Google Assistant: Each watch integrates with Google Assistant, enabling voice commands for tasks like setting reminders, checking weather, or controlling smart home devices.
- Microphone and Speaker: Both include built-in microphones and speakers for calls, voice commands, and Assistant replies directly through the watch.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity: Each supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for pairing with smartphones, syncing data, and accessing apps seamlessly.
- Customizable Watch Faces: Both Pixel Watches allow customization of watch faces with different styles, complications, and color themes to suit personal preferences.
- Gorilla Glass Protection: Each model uses durable Corning Gorilla Glass to protect the display from scratches and daily wear, maintaining screen clarity and strength over time.
Common Features
| Feature | Google Pixel Watch 3 | Google Pixel Watch 1 |
| AMOLED Display | Yes | Yes |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Interface | Yes | Yes |
| Rotating Crown | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Button | Yes | Yes |
| Fitbit Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| SpO₂ (Blood Oxygen) Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| ECG App Support | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| GPS Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| 5 ATM Water Resistance | Yes | Yes |
| LTE and Wi-Fi Models | Yes | Yes |
| NFC for Google Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Google Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone and Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable Watch Faces | Yes | Yes |
| Gorilla Glass Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Google 3 Price | Check Google 1 Price |
FAQ
Does the Google Pixel Watch 3 have better battery life than the Pixel Watch 1? Do both watches use the same operating system? Are the displays the same type on both models? Can I use my existing Fitbit account on both watches? Do both watches support heart rate and blood oxygen tracking? Are the watches suitable for swimming? Do both watches have LTE versions available? Can both watches make contactless payments? Do both watches have built-in GPS? Do both watches support Google Assistant? Are the watch faces customizable on both devices? Do both watches have built-in microphones and speakers? Is fall detection available on both watches? Can both watches track sleep patterns? Are the Pixel Watch bands interchangeable between the two models? |