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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) vs Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) is the premium option with a sleek design and superior battery life. It boasts an impressive 16-day battery life compared to the Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm), which offers 40 hours. If you're into outdoor activities or night training, the built-in LED flashlight on the Garmin is a game changer that the Pixel Watch lacks. In real-world use, the Garmin's AMOLED display shines at 1.3 inches, while the Pixel Watch's 1.4-inch Actua 360 display offers a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. You'll appreciate the clarity for daily notifications or workout stats, but the Garmin's durability and extended battery life make it the go-to for outdoor enthusiasts needing a rugged watch that can last.
⚖️ Weight: 2.47 oz vs 1.29 oz🔋 Battery: 16 days vs 40 hours
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Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
★4.7
(1,201)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens
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Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
★4.5
(405)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 11.0 or later (Google account required); not compatible with iOS
Operating System:Wear OS 6.0 (pre-installed)
Case Size:45mm (45.0 x 45.0 x 12.3 mm)
Case Material:100% recycled aluminum case; 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
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
1.4 in (Actua 360 domed design)
Resolution
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
416 x 416 pixels
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
32GB
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
32GB eMMC flash
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
455 mAh; Up to 40 hours with Always-On Display; Up to 72 hours in Battery Saver mode
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
36.7 g (without band)Winner
Water Resistance
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
5 ATM (50 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
Wear OS 6.0 (pre-installed)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
Bluetooth 6.0; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz/5GHz; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB); LTE version available
+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: Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) vs Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
★4.7(1,201)Amazon
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
★4.5(405)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) | Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,201)Amazon | ★4.5(405)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | Android 11.0 or later (Google account required); not compatible with iOS |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | Wear OS 6.0 (pre-installed) |
Case Size | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm | 45mm (45.0 x 45.0 x 12.3 mm) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens | 100% recycled aluminum case; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | Actua 360 AMOLED LTPO (1-60Hz) with 15% thinner bezels |
Display Size | 1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter | 1.4 in (Actua 360 domed design) |
Resolution | 416 x 416 pixels | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes (Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters) | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens | IP68 dust and water resistance; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth 6.0; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz/5GHz; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB); LTE version available |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Google Wallet |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor | Compass; Altimeter; Red/Infrared SpO2 sensors; Multipurpose electrical sensors (ECG); Multi-path optical heart rate sensor; 3-axis accelerometer; Gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; cEDA sensor (stress); Skin temperature sensor; Barometer; Magnetometer |
Health Features | ECG App (FDA cleared); Hill Score; Endurance Score; Jet Lag Adviser; Body Battery; Sleep Score; HRV Status; Health Snapshot; Pulse Ox | Gemini-powered Health Coach; Sleep Apnea detection; Daily Readiness; Cardio Load; ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Stress management (cEDA); Skin temperature variation |
Workout Modes | Advanced Strength Training; HIIT; Running (Track, Trail, Ultra); Cycling (MTB, eBike); Skiing/Snowboarding; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); Soccer; Tennis; and 80+ others | 40+ exercise modes; Auto-workout detection; Custom runs; Real-time guidance; Pace training; Heart Zone training |
Storage | 32GB | 32GB eMMC flash |
Speaker Mic | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) | Built-in speaker (improved for Gemini); Microphone |
Calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) | Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days | 455 mAh; Up to 40 hours with Always-On Display; Up to 72 hours in Battery Saver mode |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable) | Fast charging (50% in 15 min; 80% in 30 min; 100% in 60 min) via 5-pin magnetic dock |
Weight | 70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model | 36.7 g (without band) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone band included); QuickFit 22mm compatible | Active Band included (Small: 150–185 mm; Large: 165–215 mm) |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Red Shift Mode (preserves night vision); Outdoor Maps+; Real-time Stamina; Morning Report | Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip; Cortex M55 co-processor; Satellite SOS (LTE only); Offline Google Maps; Safety Check; Fall Detection |
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Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Rating:★4.7(1,201)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter
Resolution:416 x 416 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:ECG App (FDA cleared); Hill Score; Endurance Score; Jet Lag Adviser; Body Battery; Sleep Score; HRV Status; Health Snapshot; Pulse Ox
Workout Modes:Advanced Strength Training; HIIT; Running (Track, Trail, Ultra); Cycling (MTB, eBike); Skiing/Snowboarding; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); Soccer; Tennis; and 80+ others
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only)
Calls:No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable)
Weight:70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone band included); QuickFit 22mm compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Red Shift Mode (preserves night vision); Outdoor Maps+; Real-time Stamina; Morning Report
✓ Pros:
- • Premium Sapphire and Titanium build is lightweight yet durable
- • Built-in LED flashlight is incredibly useful for night training
- • Elevate Gen 5 sensor enables ECG and improved tracking accuracy
- • Excellent battery life (16 days) despite the bright AMOLED screen
- • Multi-band GPS with SatIQ offers top-tier location precision
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks the microphone and speaker found in the newer Fenix 8
- • No LTE/Cellular option (phone required for data/safety features)
- • Significant price premium over standard non-Sapphire models
- • Proprietary charging cable is less convenient than wireless options
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
Rating:★4.5(405)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 11.0 or later (Google account required); not compatible with iOS
Operating System:Wear OS 6.0 (pre-installed)
Case Size:45mm (45.0 x 45.0 x 12.3 mm)
Case Material:100% recycled aluminum case; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Display Type:Actua 360 AMOLED LTPO (1-60Hz) with 15% thinner bezels
Display Size:1.4 in (Actua 360 domed design)
Resolution:456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes (Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum)
Water Resistance:5 ATM (50 meters)
Durability:IP68 dust and water resistance; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
GPS:Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC
Connectivity:Bluetooth 6.0; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz/5GHz; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB); LTE version available
NFC Payments:Google Wallet
Sensors:Compass; Altimeter; Red/Infrared SpO2 sensors; Multipurpose electrical sensors (ECG); Multi-path optical heart rate sensor; 3-axis accelerometer; Gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; cEDA sensor (stress); Skin temperature sensor; Barometer; Magnetometer
Health Features:Gemini-powered Health Coach; Sleep Apnea detection; Daily Readiness; Cardio Load; ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Stress management (cEDA); Skin temperature variation
Workout Modes:40+ exercise modes; Auto-workout detection; Custom runs; Real-time guidance; Pace training; Heart Zone training
Storage:32GB eMMC flash
Speaker Mic:Built-in speaker (improved for Gemini); Microphone
Calls:Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models)
Battery:455 mAh; Up to 40 hours with Always-On Display; Up to 72 hours in Battery Saver mode
Charging:Fast charging (50% in 15 min; 80% in 30 min; 100% in 60 min) via 5-pin magnetic dock
Weight:36.7 g (without band)
Band Sizes:Active Band included (Small: 150–185 mm; Large: 165–215 mm)
Extras:Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip; Cortex M55 co-processor; Satellite SOS (LTE only); Offline Google Maps; Safety Check; Fall Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Battery life significantly improved to 40 hours with AOD enabled
- • Brighter Actua 360 display (3,000 nits) with thinner bezels
- • Faster charging (0-50% in just 15 minutes)
- • New Satellite SOS feature for emergency communication (LTE models)
✗ Cons:
- • Design remains largely unchanged (still uses Gorilla Glass 5)
- • Requires Android 11.0+ (no iOS support)
- • Case thickness (12.3mm) is substantial compared to competitors
- • Satellite SOS requires an active LTE plan/carrier support
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) is the better buy for most people - its 16-day battery life crushes the Google Pixel Watch 4's 40 hours. That said, grab the Pixel Watch 4 if you want a lighter device with a vibrant display and smart features - it's lighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) if: you need long battery life for multi-day adventures, you want a durable design for outdoor activities, or you value health features like ECG and advanced metrics. (2.47 oz weight)
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) if: you prefer a vibrant display for daily use, you need Bluetooth calling capabilities, or you want faster charging times for quick top-ups. (1.29 oz weight)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) excels if you value premium sapphire and titanium build is lightweight yet durable. Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) is better if you prioritize battery life significantly improved to 40 hours with aod enabled. 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.
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