← Back to Smartwatches
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs COROS VERTIX 2S
The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is the premium option here, boasting an impressive 2000 nits brightness for its display. In real-world testing, this brightness means better visibility in sunlight, something the COROS VERTIX 2S, with its lower resolution of 280 pixels, struggles to match. If you're after battery life, the COROS VERTIX 2S wins by a landslide with an astonishing 118 hours in standard GPS mode, compared to the Pixel Watch's daily 24-hour cycle. This means you can go on multi-day adventures without worrying about charging, making it the no-brainer for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
⚖️ Weight: 1.31 oz vs 3.07 oz📱 Display: 2000 nits vs 280 pixels🔋 Battery: 24h vs 118h
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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
Check Amazon Price→
COROS VERTIX 2S
★4
(89)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via COROS app)
Operating System:COROS UI
Case Size:50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
COROS VERTIX 2S
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2)
COROS VERTIX 2S
1.4 in
Resolution
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color
COROS VERTIX 2S
280 x 280 pixels (64 colors)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
32GB eMMC flash
COROS VERTIX 2S
32 GB (Music storage and Maps)
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode)
COROS VERTIX 2S
Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
37 g (without band)Winner
COROS VERTIX 2S
87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only)
Water Resistance
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant)
COROS VERTIX 2S
10 ATM (100 m)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Wear OS 5.0
COROS VERTIX 2S
COROS UI
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
COROS VERTIX 2S
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates)
+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: Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs COROS VERTIX 2S
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
★4.4(1,794)Amazon
COROS VERTIX 2S
★4(89)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) | COROS VERTIX 2S |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon | ★4(89)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS | Android and iOS (via COROS app) |
Operating System | Wear OS 5.0 | COROS UI |
Case Size | 45mm diameter x 12.3mm height | 50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in) |
Case Material | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal |
Display Type | Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit | Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (LCD) touchscreen |
Display Size | 1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2) | 1.4 in |
Resolution | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color | 280 x 280 pixels (64 colors) |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (Memory LCD technology) |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant) | 10 ATM (100 m) |
Durability | IP68 dust and water resistance rating; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Operating temp: -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C); scratch-resistant sapphire; titanium chassis |
GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS | Dual-Frequency GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS |
Connectivity | 4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB) | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates) |
NFC Payments | Google Wallet | No (Not supported) |
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 | Next-Gen Optical Heart Rate; Barometric Altimeter; Accelerometer; Gyroscope; 3D Compass; Thermometer; Optical Pulse Oximeter; ECG Sensor |
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) | HRV Index; Sleep tracking (REM/Deep/Light); SpO2 (Altitude mode); Daily Stress; Recovery time; Resting Heart Rate |
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 | Multi-pitch climbing, Trail Running, Hiking, Skiing (XC/Touring/Downhill), Surfing (Speed/Wind), Whitewater, Triathlon, Strength |
Storage | 32GB eMMC flash | 32 GB (Music storage and Maps) |
Speaker Mic | Built-in speaker; Built-in microphone | No (Beep alerts and vibration only) |
Calls | Yes (Bluetooth); LTE models support standalone calls | No (Notification alerts only) |
Battery | 420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode) | Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charging Cable (included); 0–50% in ~28 min; 0–80% in ~50 min; 0–100% in ~80 min | COROS proprietary charging cable (USB-A) |
Weight | 37 g (without band) | 87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only) |
Band Sizes | Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists | Silicone: 130–240 mm; Nylon: 155–225 mm; 26 mm Quick Fit width |
Extras | UWB for Watch Unlock and finding devices; Google Home control; Camera Remote for Pixel phones; Offline Google Maps; Recorder app | Global offline landscape/topo maps; Music playback (MP3 via Bluetooth); GoPro/Insta360 camera control; Digital Dial navigation; Storm alerts |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
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)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
COROS VERTIX 2S
Rating:★4(89)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via COROS app)
Operating System:COROS UI
Case Size:50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal
Display Type:Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (LCD) touchscreen
Display Size:1.4 in
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels (64 colors)
Always On Display:Yes (Memory LCD technology)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 m)
Durability:Operating temp: -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C); scratch-resistant sapphire; titanium chassis
GPS:Dual-Frequency GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Next-Gen Optical Heart Rate; Barometric Altimeter; Accelerometer; Gyroscope; 3D Compass; Thermometer; Optical Pulse Oximeter; ECG Sensor
Health Features:HRV Index; Sleep tracking (REM/Deep/Light); SpO2 (Altitude mode); Daily Stress; Recovery time; Resting Heart Rate
Workout Modes:Multi-pitch climbing, Trail Running, Hiking, Skiing (XC/Touring/Downhill), Surfing (Speed/Wind), Whitewater, Triathlon, Strength
Storage:32 GB (Music storage and Maps)
Speaker Mic:No (Beep alerts and vibration only)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency)
Charging:COROS proprietary charging cable (USB-A)
Weight:87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only)
Band Sizes:Silicone: 130–240 mm; Nylon: 155–225 mm; 26 mm Quick Fit width
Extras:Global offline landscape/topo maps; Music playback (MP3 via Bluetooth); GoPro/Insta360 camera control; Digital Dial navigation; Storm alerts
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading battery life (118 hours standard GPS, 40 days daily use)
- • Updated next-gen heart rate sensor for improved accuracy over Vertix 2
- • Dual-frequency GNSS provides rock-solid tracking in steep terrain
- • Bombproof build quality with full titanium body and sapphire glass
- • 32GB storage for offline global maps and music without phone dependency
✗ Cons:
- • No NFC payments or streaming music support (Spotify/Apple Music)
- • Large 50.3mm case is very bulky for smaller wrists
- • Screen is less vibrant and lower resolution than AMOLED competitors
- • No built-in speaker or microphone for voice notes or calls
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The COROS VERTIX 2S crushes the competition with its unbeatable 118-hour battery life, making it the better buy for most people.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) if: you want a bright display for outdoor use, need advanced running metrics, or are heavily invested in the Google ecosystem. (1.31 oz weight)
Choose the COROS VERTIX 2S if: you need class-leading battery life of 118 hours, prioritize durability for extreme conditions, or want a similar-weight watch for long outdoor adventures.
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?
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) excels if you value significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors. COROS VERTIX 2S is better if you prioritize class-leading battery life (118 hours standard gps, 40 days daily use). 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
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.