Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs Garmin Enduro 3
Looking for a smartwatch that fits your lifestyle? The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is the premium choice here, offering advanced running metrics and a stunning 2000 nits display. But if you prioritize battery life and ruggedness, the Garmin Enduro 3 shines with a jaw-dropping 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar charging. In real-world use, the Pixel Watch's large display at 1.4 inches is perfect for quick notifications, while the Enduro 3's design makes it ideal for long outdoor adventures. So, whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a tech-savvy user, there's a watch for you in 2026. Key specs: Weight: 1.31 oz vs 2.22 oz and Display: 2000 nits vs 280 nits.
Why compare these? The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) (high-end) and Garmin Enduro 3 (premium flagship) represent different approaches to smartwatches. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Google Pixel | Garmin Enduro |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4★ (1,794 reviews) | ✓5★ (7 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors | Unrivaled battery life: up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar |
| Main Drawback | Battery life rated for only 24h with AOD (daily charging required) | Lacks the speaker/microphone found in the Fenix 8 series |
| Market Position | Premium | ✓Flagship |
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS
Wear OS 5.0
45mm diameter x 12.3mm height
100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Garmin Enduro 3
iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm
Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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 Garmin Enduro 3
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Garmin Enduro 3
| Criterion | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) | Garmin Enduro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon | ★5(7)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) |
Operating System | Wear OS 5.0 | Garmin OS (Proprietary) |
Case Size | 45mm diameter x 12.3mm height | 51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm |
Case Material | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens |
Display Type | Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit | Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
Display Size | 1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2) | 1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color | 280 x 280 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (MIP display is always visible) |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant) | 10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters) |
Durability | IP68 dust and water resistance rating; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens |
GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou |
Connectivity | 4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB) | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi |
NFC Payments | Google Wallet | Garmin Pay |
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 | Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG capable); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer |
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) | Garmin ECG App (region dependent); Body Battery; Sleep Score and advanced monitoring; HRV Status; Pulse Ox; Nap detection; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot |
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 | Ultrarunning (with rest timer); Adventure Racing; Trail Run; Advanced Strength Training; Hiking; Cycling (MTB, Gravel, Road); Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Skiing; Surfing; and 100+ others |
Storage | 32GB eMMC flash | 32GB |
Speaker Mic | Built-in speaker; Built-in microphone | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) |
Calls | Yes (Bluetooth); LTE models support standalone calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) |
Battery | 420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode) | Smartwatch mode: Up to 36 days (90 days with solar); GPS Only: Up to 120 hours (320 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charging Cable (included); 0–50% in ~28 min; 0–80% in ~50 min; 0–100% in ~80 min | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included); Solar charging |
Weight | 37 g (without band) | 63 g (Case only: 57 g) — includes UltraFit nylon strap |
Band Sizes | Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists | Fits wrists 127–225mm (UltraFit nylon strap included); QuickFit 26mm compatible |
Extras | UWB for Watch Unlock and finding devices; Google Home control; Camera Remote for Pixel phones; Offline Google Maps; Recorder app | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; TopoActive Maps (preloaded); NextFork Map Guide; Grade Adjusted Pace; Real-time Stamina |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS
Wear OS 5.0
45mm diameter x 12.3mm height
100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit
1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2)
Pros
- Significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors
- Advanced running metrics (stride, oscillation) without external pods
Cons
- Battery life rated for only 24h with AOD (daily charging required)
- Strictly incompatible with iPhone (Android 10+ only)
Garmin Enduro 3
iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm
Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens
Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Pros
- Unrivaled battery life: up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar
- Incredibly lightweight (63g) for a 51mm watch due to nylon strap/titanium
Cons
- Lacks the speaker/microphone found in the Fenix 8 series
- No diving certification (unlike Fenix 8 which is rated to 40m)
Which one is better?
The Garmin Enduro 3 is the better buy for most people - its battery life of up to 90 days crushes the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)'s 24 hours. That said, grab the Pixel Watch if you need a vibrant display and advanced health metrics - it’s a premium option worth considering.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) if: you love a bright 2000 nits display for easy visibility, want advanced running metrics without extra gear, or need smooth integration with Google services.
Choose the Garmin Enduro 3 if: you need notable battery life of up to 90 days, prefer a design for long outdoor activities, or want a watch that can handle extreme environments with durability.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (5★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Garmin Enduro
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,794 reviews vs 7
→ Choose Google Pixel
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Garmin Enduro
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Google Pixel
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Garmin Enduro 3 leads with a 5★ rating versus 4.4★. That said, Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) or Garmin Enduro 3?
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is the better choice if you prioritize significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors. Garmin Enduro 3 wins if you value unrivaled battery life: up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar. Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) and Garmin Enduro 3?
Key differences: Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) offers significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors, while Garmin Enduro 3 stands out with unrivaled battery life: up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar. Consider that Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) battery life rated for only 24h with aod (daily charging required). Meanwhile, Garmin Enduro 3 lacks the speaker/microphone found in the fenix 8 series. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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.