← Back to Smartwatches
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is the premium option, while the Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) stands as a flagship powerhouse. If you're eyeing 2026 tech, you'll want to know how these two smartwatches stack up in real-world usage. The key difference here is battery life: the Garmin fēnix 8 boasts an impressive 16 days in smartwatch mode, while the Pixel Watch 3 only lasts 24 hours with Always-On Display enabled. So, if you're tired of daily charging, the fēnix 8 might be your go-to pick for extended adventures or outdoor activities.
⚖️ Weight: 1.31 oz vs 2.58 oz🔋 Battery: 24h (Pixel) vs 16d (Garmin)🏊 Water Resistance: 5 ATM (Pixel) vs 10 ATM (Garmin)
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→
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
★4.6
(1,856)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47mm x 47mm x 13.8mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover; Bezel: Titanium or Stainless Steel; Lens: Sapphire Crystal or Corning Gorilla Glass
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)
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2)
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Resolution
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
454 x 454 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
32GB eMMC flash
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
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 fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
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
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
37 g (without band)Winner
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Stainless Steel: 80g (Case only: 59g); Titanium: 73g (Case only: 52g)
Water Resistance
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant)
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters); Dive rated (EN13319) to 40 meters
Software1 specs
Operating System
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Wear OS 5.0
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
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 fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
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 fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
★4.4(1,794)Amazon
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
★4.6(1,856)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) | Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon | ★4.6(1,856)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 | 47mm x 47mm x 13.8mm |
Case Material | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover; Bezel: Titanium or Stainless Steel; Lens: Sapphire Crystal or Corning Gorilla Glass |
Display Type | Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available; 1000 nits peak brightness |
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 | 454 x 454 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); Dive rated (EN13319) to 40 meters |
Durability | IP68 dust and water resistance rating; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | MIL-STD-810H thermal/shock/water tested; Leakproof inductive buttons; Metal sensor guard |
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; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor; Depth sensor (up to 40m) |
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) | 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 |
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 (sport-specific); Recreational Scuba Diving (Single Gas); Apnea Diving; HIIT; Trail Run; Ultra Run; Triathlon; Skiing; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); and 100+ others |
Storage | 32GB eMMC flash | 32GB |
Speaker Mic | Built-in speaker; Built-in microphone | Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Voice Notes) |
Calls | Yes (Bluetooth); LTE models support standalone calls | Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone) |
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 (7 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 47 hours (37 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) | Stainless Steel: 80g (Case only: 59g); Titanium: 73g (Case only: 52g) |
Band Sizes | Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists | Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone); 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); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; Garmin Messenger app; Outdoor Maps+ (subscription optional); SkiView Maps |
| 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→
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Rating:★4.6(1,856)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47mm x 47mm x 13.8mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover; Bezel: Titanium or Stainless Steel; Lens: Sapphire Crystal or Corning Gorilla Glass
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available; 1000 nits peak brightness
Display Size:1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters); Dive rated (EN13319) to 40 meters
Durability:MIL-STD-810H thermal/shock/water tested; Leakproof inductive buttons; Metal sensor guard
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
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; Depth sensor (up to 40m)
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
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
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Voice Notes)
Calls:Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone)
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
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable)
Weight:Stainless Steel: 80g (Case only: 59g); Titanium: 73g (Case only: 52g)
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone); QuickFit 22mm compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; Garmin Messenger app; Outdoor Maps+ (subscription optional); SkiView Maps
✓ 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)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) is the better buy for most people - its 16-day battery life crushes the Google Pixel Watch 3's 24-hour endurance. That said, grab the Pixel Watch 3 if you want a brighter display at 2000 nits for outdoor visibility - it's worth it.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) if: you want the brightest display at 2000 nits, need advanced running metrics without extra pods, or you're deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem.
Choose the Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) if: you require a battery that lasts up to 16 days, enjoy diving with a watch rated to 40m, or frequently engage in outdoor activities needing robust GPS.
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 fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) is better if you prioritize stunning 1.4" amoled display with efficient 16-day battery life. 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.