Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) vs Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
The Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) is the premium option here, boasting an impressive 16-day battery life in smartwatch mode. In real-world usage, that means less time charging and more time enjoying your adventures. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) offers a solid 40 hours of battery, making it a strong contender for daily wear without a frequent recharge. What matters most here is the Garmin's ruggedness and dive-rated design, which can handle depths of 40m. If you're into diving or outdoor sports, this feature could be a game-changer. However, the Pixel Watch 4's brighter 3,000 nits display will shine in more casual settings, making it easier to read in bright sunlight.
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Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) vs Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)

Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
| Criterion | Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) | Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,856)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 | 47mm x 47mm x 13.8mm | 45mm (45.0 x 45.0 x 12.3 mm) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover; Bezel: Titanium or Stainless Steel; Lens: Sapphire Crystal or Corning Gorilla Glass | 100% recycled aluminum case; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available; 1000 nits peak brightness | Actua 360 AMOLED LTPO (1-60Hz) with 15% thinner bezels |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter | 1.4 in (Actua 360 domed design) |
Resolution | 454 x 454 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); Dive rated (EN13319) to 40 meters | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H thermal/shock/water tested; Leakproof inductive buttons; Metal sensor guard | IP68 dust and water resistance; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou | 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; Depth sensor (up to 40m) | 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 | Body Battery energy monitoring; Sleep Score and advanced sleep monitoring; HDR (High Dynamic Range) Heart Rate; HRV Status; Pulse Ox; Nap detection; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot | 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 (sport-specific); Recreational Scuba Diving (Single Gas); Apnea Diving; HIIT; Trail Run; Ultra Run; Triathlon; Skiing; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); and 100+ others | 40+ exercise modes; Auto-workout detection; Custom runs; Real-time guidance; Pace training; Heart Zone training |
Storage | 32GB | 32GB eMMC flash |
Speaker Mic | Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Voice Notes) | Built-in speaker (improved for Gemini); Microphone |
Calls | Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone) | Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (7 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 47 hours (37 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 | Stainless Steel: 80g (Case only: 59g); Titanium: 73g (Case only: 52g) | 36.7 g (without band) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone); QuickFit 22mm compatible | Active Band included (Small: 150–185 mm; Large: 165–215 mm) |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; Garmin Messenger app; Outdoor Maps+ (subscription optional); SkiView Maps | 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 fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
✓ Pros:
- • Stunning 1.4" AMOLED display with efficient 16-day battery life
- • Legitimate dive computer features (rated to 40m) with leakproof buttons
- • Built-in LED flashlight and speaker/mic add massive daily utility
- • Comprehensive offline mapping and best-in-class GPS accuracy
- • Advanced strength training plans tailored to specific sports
✗ Cons:
- • High price point compared to previous generations and competitors
- • No LTE/Cellular option for standalone calls (requires phone nearby)
- • Titanium models with Sapphire glass command a significant premium
- • Proprietary charging cable (not wireless/Qi standard)
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Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
✓ 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
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Which one is better?
The Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) is the better buy for most people - its stunning 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 design at 1.29 oz, making it easier for everyday wear.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) if: you need a watch that lasts 16 days on a single charge, you dive or swim regularly, or you want advanced sports tracking features.
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) if: you prefer a brighter display for outdoor use, you want faster charging in just 15 minutes, or you want a lighter watch for daily wear.
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?
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) excels if you value stunning 1.4" amoled display with efficient 16-day battery life. 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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