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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple Watch Ultra 2 vs Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
In real-world use, the Ultra 2's display shines with a staggering 3,000 nits compared to the Pixel Watch 3's 2,000 nits, making it the go-to choice for outdoor visibility. When it comes to battery life, the Ultra 2 can last up to 36 hours on a single charge, while the Pixel Watch 3 maxes out at just 24 hours. If you hate daily charging, this difference matters.
⚖️ Weight: 2.18 oz vs 1.31 oz💽 Storage: 64 GB vs 32 GB
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Apple Watch Ultra 2
★4.7
(1,082)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish)
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Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
★4.4
(1,794)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS
Operating System:Wear OS 5.0
Case Size:45mm diameter x 12.3mm height
Case Material:100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple Watch Ultra 2
1185 sq mm display area
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2)
Resolution
Apple Watch Ultra 2
410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi)
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color
Performance1 specs
Storage
Apple Watch Ultra 2
64GBWinner
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
32GB eMMC flash
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple Watch Ultra 2
61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only]
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
37 g (without band)Winner
Water Resistance
Apple Watch Ultra 2
100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319)
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple Watch Ultra 2
watchOS
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Wear OS 5.0
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple Watch Ultra 2
LTE and UMTS (Cellular is standard); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Apple Watch Ultra 2
★4.7(1,082)Amazon
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
★4.4(1,794)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,082)Amazon | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later | Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS |
Operating System | watchOS | Wear OS 5.0 |
Case Size | 49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D) | 45mm diameter x 12.3mm height |
Case Material | Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish) | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED (flat sapphire crystal display) | Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit |
Display Size | 1185 sq mm display area | 1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2) |
Resolution | 410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi) | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes |
Water Resistance | 100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319) | 5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant) |
Durability | IP6X dust resistant; tested to MIL-STD 810H (altitude, high/low temp, temperature shock, immersion, freeze/thaw, ice/freezing rain, shock/vibration) | IP68 dust and water resistance rating; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
GPS | Precision dual-frequency GPS: L1 and L5 (GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou) | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS |
Connectivity | LTE and UMTS (Cellular is standard); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip | 4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB) |
NFC Payments | Apple Pay | Google Wallet |
Sensors | Electrical heart sensor (ECG app); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; temperature sensing; depth gauge (±1 m accuracy); water temperature sensor; compass; always-on altimeter; high-g accelerometer; high dynamic range gyroscope; ambient light sensor; blood oxygen sensor (feature availability subject to US patent rulings) | Compass; Altimeter; Red and infrared sensors for oxygen saturation (SpO2); Multipurpose electrical sensors (ECG); Multi-path optical heart rate sensor; 3-axis accelerometer; Gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; cEDA sensor (stress); Skin temperature sensor; Ultra-Wideband |
Health Features | ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Irregular rhythm notifications; Sleep tracking with stages; Sleep apnea notifications; Vitals app; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates; Noise app | Loss of Pulse Detection; Daily Readiness; Cardio Load; Target Load; Sleep Profile; ECG app; SpO2; High/low heart rate notifications; Irregular heart rhythm notifications; Skin temperature variations; Body Response (stress detection) |
Workout Modes | Customizable Action Button for instant workout start; Advanced running metrics (stride length, ground contact time); Multisport; Swimming; Hiking; Diving (Oceanic+ app required for dive computer functions) | Advanced Running Form (Cadence, Stride Length, Vertical Oscillation, Ground Contact Time); Custom Runs; Interval Training; 40+ exercise modes including HIIT, Pilates, Strength, Cross-country skiing, and more |
Storage | 64GB | 32GB eMMC flash |
Speaker Mic | Dual speakers (40% louder than Series 8); Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation | Built-in speaker; Built-in microphone |
Calls | Yes (Cellular, Wi-Fi, and iPhone tethering) | Yes (Bluetooth); LTE models support standalone calls |
Battery | Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) | 420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode) |
Charging | Fast charging capable (0–80% in approx. 1 hour); USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable included | USB-C Fast Charging Cable (included); 0–50% in ~28 min; 0–80% in ~50 min; 0–100% in ~80 min |
Weight | 61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only] | 37 g (without band) |
Band Sizes | Trail Loop (S/M, M/L); Alpine Loop (S, M, L); Ocean Band (One Size); fits 130–210mm wrists depending on selection | Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists |
Extras | S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; On-device Siri; Precision Finding for iPhone 15/16 lineup; 86-decibel Siren; Night Mode (Modular Ultra face) | UWB for Watch Unlock and finding devices; Google Home control; Camera Remote for Pixel phones; Offline Google Maps; Recorder app |
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Apple Watch Ultra 2
Rating:★4.7(1,082)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish)
Display Type:Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED (flat sapphire crystal display)
Display Size:1185 sq mm display area
Resolution:410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319)
Durability:IP6X dust resistant; tested to MIL-STD 810H (altitude, high/low temp, temperature shock, immersion, freeze/thaw, ice/freezing rain, shock/vibration)
GPS:Precision dual-frequency GPS: L1 and L5 (GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou)
Connectivity:LTE and UMTS (Cellular is standard); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
NFC Payments:Apple Pay
Sensors:Electrical heart sensor (ECG app); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; temperature sensing; depth gauge (±1 m accuracy); water temperature sensor; compass; always-on altimeter; high-g accelerometer; high dynamic range gyroscope; ambient light sensor; blood oxygen sensor (feature availability subject to US patent rulings)
Health Features:ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Irregular rhythm notifications; Sleep tracking with stages; Sleep apnea notifications; Vitals app; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates; Noise app
Workout Modes:Customizable Action Button for instant workout start; Advanced running metrics (stride length, ground contact time); Multisport; Swimming; Hiking; Diving (Oceanic+ app required for dive computer functions)
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Dual speakers (40% louder than Series 8); Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation
Calls:Yes (Cellular, Wi-Fi, and iPhone tethering)
Battery:Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Charging:Fast charging capable (0–80% in approx. 1 hour); USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable included
Weight:61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only]
Band Sizes:Trail Loop (S/M, M/L); Alpine Loop (S, M, L); Ocean Band (One Size); fits 130–210mm wrists depending on selection
Extras:S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; On-device Siri; Precision Finding for iPhone 15/16 lineup; 86-decibel Siren; Night Mode (Modular Ultra face)
✓ Pros:
- • Brightest Apple display ever (up to 3,000 nits) for superior outdoor visibility
- • Excellent battery life for an Apple Watch (up to 36 hours standard, 72 hours low power)
- • Rugged titanium build with sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance
- • Fast S9 SiP allows for Double Tap gesture and on-device Siri
- • Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) offers accurate tracking in dense environments
✗ Cons:
- • Large 49mm x 14.4mm casing is bulky on smaller wrists
- • Blood Oxygen feature is disabled on units sold by Apple in the US (post-Jan 2024)
- • Requires an iPhone to function; no Android compatibility
- • Expensive entry price compared to standard Series models
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Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Rating:★4.4(1,794)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS
Operating System:Wear OS 5.0
Case Size:45mm diameter x 12.3mm height
Case Material:100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Display Type:Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit
Display Size:1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2)
Resolution:456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant)
Durability:IP68 dust and water resistance rating; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
GPS:GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS
Connectivity:4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
NFC Payments:Google Wallet
Sensors:Compass; Altimeter; Red and infrared sensors for oxygen saturation (SpO2); Multipurpose electrical sensors (ECG); Multi-path optical heart rate sensor; 3-axis accelerometer; Gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; cEDA sensor (stress); Skin temperature sensor; Ultra-Wideband
Health Features:Loss of Pulse Detection; Daily Readiness; Cardio Load; Target Load; Sleep Profile; ECG app; SpO2; High/low heart rate notifications; Irregular heart rhythm notifications; Skin temperature variations; Body Response (stress detection)
Workout Modes:Advanced Running Form (Cadence, Stride Length, Vertical Oscillation, Ground Contact Time); Custom Runs; Interval Training; 40+ exercise modes including HIIT, Pilates, Strength, Cross-country skiing, and more
Storage:32GB eMMC flash
Speaker Mic:Built-in speaker; Built-in microphone
Calls:Yes (Bluetooth); LTE models support standalone calls
Battery:420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode)
Charging:USB-C Fast Charging Cable (included); 0–50% in ~28 min; 0–80% in ~50 min; 0–100% in ~80 min
Weight:37 g (without band)
Band Sizes:Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists
Extras:UWB for Watch Unlock and finding devices; Google Home control; Camera Remote for Pixel phones; Offline Google Maps; Recorder app
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors
- • Advanced running metrics (stride, oscillation) without external pods
- • Unique 'Loss of Pulse Detection' safety feature (first-of-kind)
- • Deepest integration with Google ecosystem (Nest, Maps, Pixel Camera)
- • Fast charging helps offset the 24-hour daily battery cycle
✗ Cons:
- • Battery life rated for only 24h with AOD (daily charging required)
- • Strictly incompatible with iPhone (Android 10+ only)
- • Some advanced health insights require Fitbit Premium subscription
- • Uses proprietary charging pin connection (not standard Qi wireless)
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Which one is better?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the better buy for most people - its 3,000-nit display crushes the Google Pixel Watch 3's 2,000 nits. That said, grab the Pixel Watch 3 if you want a lighter, more budget-friendly option at 1.31 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if: you need the brightest display for outdoor use, want up to 36 hours of battery life, or prioritize rugged durability.
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) if: you prefer a lighter watch, use Android exclusively, or want advanced running metrics without the bulk. (1.31 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple Watch Ultra 2 excels if you value brightest apple display ever (up to 3,000 nits) for superior outdoor visibility. Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is better if you prioritize significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
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