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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is the premium smartwatch that excels in display quality with its 1.4" AMOLED screen peaking at 2000 nits. Meanwhile, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is also premium, but its monochrome display and rugged design cater to outdoor enthusiasts. In real-world use, the Pixel Watch 3's 24-hour battery life means you'll need to charge it daily, whereas the Instinct 2X can last up to 40 days with solar exposure. If you're looking for advanced features and a stunning display, the Pixel is a no-brainer, but the Garmin's durability and battery life can’t be overlooked, especially for adventurers in 2026.
⚖️ Weight: 1.31 oz vs 2.36 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 24h vs 40 days
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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 Instinct 2X Solar
★4.7
(2,562)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app)
Operating System:Garmin OS
Case Size:50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in)
Case Material:Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone
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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 Instinct 2X Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2)
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm)
Resolution
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
32GB eMMC flash
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage)Winner
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 Instinct 2X Solar
Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
37 g (without band)Winner
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
67 g (2.4 oz)
Water Resistance
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant)
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
10 ATM (100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Wear OS 5.0
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Garmin OS
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 Instinct 2X Solar
Bluetooth, ANT+
+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 Instinct 2X Solar
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
★4.4(1,794)Amazon
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
★4.7(2,562)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) | Garmin Instinct 2X Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon | ★4.7(2,562)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS | iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app) |
Operating System | Wear OS 5.0 | Garmin OS |
Case Size | 45mm diameter x 12.3mm height | 50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in) |
Case Material | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone |
Display Type | Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
Display Size | 1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2) | Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm) |
Resolution | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color | 176 x 176 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (MIP technology) |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | IP68 dust and water resistance rating; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | MIL-STD-810 rated (thermal, shock, water); Operating temp: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) |
GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS | Multi-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | 4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB) | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
NFC Payments | Google Wallet | Yes (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 | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 Heart Rate; Pulse Ox (SpO2); 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) | Sleep Score & Insights; Body Battery; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration; Pulse Ox; 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 | Obstacle Course Racing, HIIT, Running, Cycling, Swimming, Strength, Skiing, Golf, Indoor Climbing, Tactical (on Tactical Edition) |
Storage | 32GB eMMC flash | 64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage) |
Speaker Mic | Built-in speaker; Built-in microphone | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | Yes (Bluetooth); LTE models support standalone calls | No (Notification alerts only; Text response/reject on Android) |
Battery | 420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode) | Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ 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-A); Solar charging |
Weight | 37 g (without band) | 67 g (2.4 oz) |
Band Sizes | Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists | Fits wrist sizes 145–228 mm; Standard 26 mm QuickFit 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 (White/Red variable intensities); Solar charging overlay; Breadcrumb navigation; TracBack; Safety & Incident Detection |
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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 Instinct 2X Solar
Rating:★4.7(2,562)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app)
Operating System:Garmin OS
Case Size:50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in)
Case Material:Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone
Display Type:Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Display Size:Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm)
Resolution:176 x 176 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (MIP technology)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810 rated (thermal, shock, water); Operating temp: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
GPS:Multi-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth, ANT+
NFC Payments:Yes (Garmin Pay)
Sensors:Garmin Elevate Gen 4 Heart Rate; Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric Altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer
Health Features:Sleep Score & Insights; Body Battery; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration; Pulse Ox; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Obstacle Course Racing, HIIT, Running, Cycling, Swimming, Strength, Skiing, Golf, Indoor Climbing, Tactical (on Tactical Edition)
Storage:64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only; Text response/reject on Android)
Battery:Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*)
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-A); Solar charging
Weight:67 g (2.4 oz)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 145–228 mm; Standard 26 mm QuickFit compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red variable intensities); Solar charging overlay; Breadcrumb navigation; TracBack; Safety & Incident Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Integrated LED flashlight is exceptionally useful for safety and utility
- • Potentially unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode (3 hours sun/day)
- • Multi-band GNSS provides superior accuracy in challenging environments
- • Extremely durable construction (MIL-STD-810) and 10 ATM rating
- • High-contrast monochrome display is perfectly legible in direct sunlight
✗ Cons:
- • Monochrome, low-resolution screen lacks the detail of AMOLED or color MIP
- • No topographic maps (breadcrumb trails only)
- • No onboard music storage (controls phone music only)
- • Large 50mm case size is bulky and may not fit smaller wrists well
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Which one is better?
The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is the better buy for most people - its battery life of up to 40 days crushes the Pixel Watch's 24-hour lifespan. That said, grab the Pixel if you want a vibrant display and advanced health metrics - it's worth the extra features.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) if: you want a stunning 1.4" AMOLED display, need advanced health features like ECG, or prefer a smartwatch that integrates seamlessly with your Android devices.
Choose the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar if: you need a rugged design for outdoor activities, want potentially unlimited battery life with solar charging, or require a device that can withstand harsh conditions. (2.36 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
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 Instinct 2X Solar is better if you prioritize integrated led flashlight is exceptionally useful for safety and utility. 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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