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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
With a stunning 1.4" display at 2000 nits, it offers a vibrant visual experience that's hard to ignore, especially in bright conditions. Meanwhile, the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) boasts an outstanding battery life of up to 16 days, making it the go-to for long outdoor adventures. In my testing, I found the Pixel Watch 3 shines with features like advanced running metrics, giving you data like stride length and ground contact time without extra pods. However, its battery life of just 24 hours means you'll be charging it daily. On the flip side, the Garmin epix Pro's rugged design and built-in LED flashlight are perfect for those who train in low-light conditions, but it lacks some of the smart features found in the Pixel Watch 3, like a microphone for calls.
⚖️ Weight: 1.31 oz vs 2.47 oz🔋 Battery: 24h vs 16 days📱 Display: 1.4" vs 1.3"
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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
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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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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)
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2)
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter
Resolution
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
416 x 416 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
32GB eMMC flash
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
32GB
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)
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
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
37 g (without band)Winner
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model
Water Resistance
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant)
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Wear OS 5.0
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
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)
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
+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 epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
★4.4(1,794)Amazon
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
★4.7(1,201)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) | Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon | ★4.7(1,201)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 | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm |
Case Material | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens |
Display Type | Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available |
Display Size | 1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2) | 1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color | 416 x 416 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (optional) |
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 |
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; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light 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) | ECG App (FDA cleared); Hill Score; Endurance Score; Jet Lag Adviser; Body Battery; Sleep Score; HRV Status; Health Snapshot; Pulse Ox |
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 | 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 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 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days |
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 (clip-on data cable) |
Weight | 37 g (without band) | 70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model |
Band Sizes | Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists | Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone band included); QuickFit 22mm 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); Red Shift Mode (preserves night vision); Outdoor Maps+; Real-time Stamina; Morning Report |
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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.
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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
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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 Pixel Watch 3's 24 hours. That said, grab the Pixel Watch 3 if you want advanced running metrics and a brighter display - it's worth it for daily use.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) if: you want a bright 1.4" display for outdoor use, need advanced running metrics, or prefer deep integration with the Google ecosystem.
Choose the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) if: you require up to 16 days of battery life, need durability for outdoor adventures, or want a built-in LED flashlight for night training.
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?
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) excels if you value significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors. Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) is better if you prioritize premium sapphire and titanium build is lightweight yet durable. 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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