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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Venu 3 vs Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
The Garmin Venu 3 is the premium option here, offering an impressive 14-day battery life compared to the Google Pixel Watch 4's 40 hours. However, the Pixel Watch 4 shines with its brighter Actua 360 display at 3,000 nits, making it easier to read in direct sunlight. In my testing, the Garmin Venu 3's robust health features, including the FDA-cleared ECG app, make it a no-brainer for fitness enthusiasts. But if you prioritize a sleek design and faster charging with a 455 mAh battery, then the Google Pixel Watch 4 is worth considering, especially at just 1.29 oz, which is noticeably lighter than the Garmin's 1.66 oz.
⚖️ Weight: 1.66 oz vs 1.29 oz💽 Storage: 8 GB vs 32 GB🔋 Battery: 14 days vs 40 hours
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Garmin Venu 3
★4.5
(5,399)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
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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 Venu 3
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Venu 3
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
1.4 in (Actua 360 domed design)
Resolution
Garmin Venu 3
454 x 454 pixels
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Venu 3
8GB
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
32GB eMMC flashWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin Venu 3
Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours
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 Venu 3
47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only)
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
36.7 g (without band)Winner
Water Resistance
Garmin Venu 3
5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
5 ATM (50 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Venu 3
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
Wear OS 6.0 (pre-installed)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Venu 3
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 Venu 3 vs Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
Garmin Venu 3
★4.5(5,399)Amazon
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
★4.5(405)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Venu 3 | Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(5,399)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 | 45mm x 45mm x 12mm | 45mm (45.0 x 45.0 x 12.3 mm) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 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 | 1.4 in (35.4 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 | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens; Stainless steel bezel | IP68 dust and water resistance; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
GPS | GPS; GLONASS; Galileo (Single-band GNSS) | 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 (ECG hardware); 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 | Sleep Coach; Nap Detection; ECG App (FDA cleared); HRV Status; Body Battery; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot; Women’s Health; Meditation | 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 | Wheelchair Mode (pushes, weight shifts); Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates; Running; Cycling; Swimming (Pool); Golf; Tennis; Pickleball; and 30+ others | 40+ exercise modes; Auto-workout detection; Custom runs; Real-time guidance; Pace training; Heart Zone training |
Storage | 8GB | 32GB eMMC flash |
Speaker Mic | Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Calls) | 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 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours | 455 mAh; Up to 40 hours with Always-On Display; Up to 72 hours in Battery Saver mode |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included) | Fast charging (50% in 15 min; 80% in 30 min; 100% in 60 min) via 5-pin magnetic dock |
Weight | 47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only) | 36.7 g (without band) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 135–200 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with standard 22mm Quick Release bands | Active Band included (Small: 150–185 mm; Large: 165–215 mm) |
Extras | Voice Assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby via phone); Wheelchair mode specialized metrics; On-screen muscle maps; Photos in notifications (Android only) | 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 Venu 3
Rating:★4.5(5,399)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Durability:Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens; Stainless steel bezel
GPS:GPS; GLONASS; Galileo (Single-band GNSS)
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG hardware); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:Sleep Coach; Nap Detection; ECG App (FDA cleared); HRV Status; Body Battery; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot; Women’s Health; Meditation
Workout Modes:Wheelchair Mode (pushes, weight shifts); Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates; Running; Cycling; Swimming (Pool); Golf; Tennis; Pickleball; and 30+ others
Storage:8GB
Speaker Mic:Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Calls)
Calls:Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included)
Weight:47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only)
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135–200 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with standard 22mm Quick Release bands
Extras:Voice Assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby via phone); Wheelchair mode specialized metrics; On-screen muscle maps; Photos in notifications (Android only)
✓ Pros:
- • Bright 1.4" AMOLED display with refined, lifestyle-friendly UI
- • Built-in speaker and microphone for wrist calls and voice assistants
- • Latest Elevate Gen 5 sensor supports FDA-cleared ECG app
- • Dedicated Wheelchair Mode tracks pushes rather than steps
- • Excellent 14-day battery life significantly outperforms Apple/Samsung
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks Multi-Band GPS (found in similarly priced Forerunner 265)
- • Plastic case body feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
- • No LTE option available (phone required for calls/safety)
- • Gorilla Glass 3 is older tech compared to Sapphire or newer Gorilla Glass
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
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 Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) is the better buy for most people - its stunning 3,000 nits display crushes the Garmin Venu 3's. That said, grab the Garmin Venu 3 if you need extended battery life for up to 14 days - it's a premium choice for serious fitness tracking.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Venu 3 if: you need up to 14 days of battery life, track various workouts with specialized metrics, or enjoy a dedicated health monitoring experience.
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) if: you want a brighter display for outdoor visibility, prefer faster charging, or need an LTE option for standalone calls. (1.29 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin Venu 3 excels if you value bright 1.4" amoled display with refined, lifestyle-friendly ui. 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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