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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
In the battle of premium smartwatches, the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) stands out for its vibrant display, boasting a peak brightness of 2000 nits, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) impresses with its intuitive rotating bezel. The numbers tell the story: the Pixel Watch 3 offers a stunning 1.4" display compared to the Galaxy's 1.5", but it's the health features that could sway your decision. Battery life is where these two diverge significantly. The Galaxy Watch6 Classic can last up to 40 hours without always-on display, which is a game-changer for those who hate charging daily. On the flip side, the Pixel Watch 3 gives you a mere 24 hours on always-on, meaning you'll be reaching for the charger every day. If you're eyeing a 2026 upgrade, consider these key differences carefully.
⚖️ Weight: 1.31 oz vs 2.08 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 16 GB🔋 Battery: 40h (AOD Off) vs 24h (AOD On)
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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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Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
★3.9
(565)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 10.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (iOS NOT supported; some health features like ECG require a Samsung Galaxy phone)
Operating System:Wear OS 4 (Powered by Samsung, One UI 5 Watch)
Case Size:47mm (46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm / 1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in)
Case Material:Case: Stainless Steel; Glass: Sapphire Crystal; Strap: Hybrid Eco-Leather (standard US retail)
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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)
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2)
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
1.5 in (37.3 mm)
Resolution
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
480 x 480 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
32GB eMMC flashWinner
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
16 GB (Internal) / 2 GB RAM
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)
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
425 mAh; Up to 40 hours (AOD Off); Up to 30 hours (AOD On)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
37 g (without band)Winner
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
59.0 g / 2.08 oz (Case weight only)
Water Resistance
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant)
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Wear OS 5.0
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
Wear OS 4 (Powered by Samsung, One UI 5 Watch)
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)
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n); NFC
+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 Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
★4.4(1,794)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
★3.9(565)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) | Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon | ★3.9(565)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS | Android 10.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (iOS NOT supported; some health features like ECG require a Samsung Galaxy phone) |
Operating System | Wear OS 5.0 | Wear OS 4 (Powered by Samsung, One UI 5 Watch) |
Case Size | 45mm diameter x 12.3mm height | 47mm (46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm / 1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) |
Case Material | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Case: Stainless Steel; Glass: Sapphire Crystal; Strap: Hybrid Eco-Leather (standard US retail) |
Display Type | Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit | Super AMOLED touchscreen (Always-On capable) |
Display Size | 1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2) | 1.5 in (37.3 mm) |
Resolution | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color | 480 x 480 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant) | 5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters) |
Durability | IP68 dust and water resistance rating; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | MIL-STD-810H compliant (Environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests) |
GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou |
Connectivity | 4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB) | Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n); NFC |
NFC Payments | Google Wallet | Yes (Samsung Wallet, 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 | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature Sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro Sensor; Geomagnetic Sensor; Light Sensor; 3D Hall 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) | Body Composition (BIA); ECG (AFib detection); Sleep Coaching & Analysis; Blood Oxygen (SpO2); Cycle Tracking (Skin Temperature); Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification |
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 | 90+ exercises; Automatic workout detection (Walking, Running, Cycling, Rowing, Elliptical, Dynamic High-Intensity, Swimming); Personalized Heart Rate Zones |
Storage | 32GB eMMC flash | 16 GB (Internal) / 2 GB RAM |
Speaker Mic | Built-in speaker; Built-in microphone | Yes (Built-in speaker and microphone) |
Calls | Yes (Bluetooth); LTE models support standalone calls | Yes (Make and answer calls via Bluetooth) |
Battery | 420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode) | 425 mAh; Up to 40 hours (AOD Off); Up to 30 hours (AOD On) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charging Cable (included); 0–50% in ~28 min; 0–80% in ~50 min; 0–100% in ~80 min | Fast Wireless Charging (WPC-based puck included; no wall adapter) |
Weight | 37 g (without band) | 59.0 g / 2.08 oz (Case weight only) |
Band Sizes | Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists | Fits wrist sizes ~145–205 mm (M/L strap); Uses standard 20mm width (new One-Click mechanism, backwards compatible) |
Extras | UWB for Watch Unlock and finding devices; Google Home control; Camera Remote for Pixel phones; Offline Google Maps; Recorder app | Physical Rotating Bezel for navigation; Camera Controller; SmartThings smart home control; Fall Detection; SOS |
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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)
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Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
Rating:★3.9(565)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 10.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (iOS NOT supported; some health features like ECG require a Samsung Galaxy phone)
Operating System:Wear OS 4 (Powered by Samsung, One UI 5 Watch)
Case Size:47mm (46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm / 1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in)
Case Material:Case: Stainless Steel; Glass: Sapphire Crystal; Strap: Hybrid Eco-Leather (standard US retail)
Display Type:Super AMOLED touchscreen (Always-On capable)
Display Size:1.5 in (37.3 mm)
Resolution:480 x 480 pixels
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H compliant (Environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests)
GPS:GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n); NFC
NFC Payments:Yes (Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet)
Sensors:Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature Sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro Sensor; Geomagnetic Sensor; Light Sensor; 3D Hall Sensor
Health Features:Body Composition (BIA); ECG (AFib detection); Sleep Coaching & Analysis; Blood Oxygen (SpO2); Cycle Tracking (Skin Temperature); Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification
Workout Modes:90+ exercises; Automatic workout detection (Walking, Running, Cycling, Rowing, Elliptical, Dynamic High-Intensity, Swimming); Personalized Heart Rate Zones
Storage:16 GB (Internal) / 2 GB RAM
Speaker Mic:Yes (Built-in speaker and microphone)
Calls:Yes (Make and answer calls via Bluetooth)
Battery:425 mAh; Up to 40 hours (AOD Off); Up to 30 hours (AOD On)
Charging:Fast Wireless Charging (WPC-based puck included; no wall adapter)
Weight:59.0 g / 2.08 oz (Case weight only)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes ~145–205 mm (M/L strap); Uses standard 20mm width (new One-Click mechanism, backwards compatible)
Extras:Physical Rotating Bezel for navigation; Camera Controller; SmartThings smart home control; Fall Detection; SOS
✓ Pros:
- • Iconic physical rotating bezel provides intuitive, smudge-free navigation
- • Comprehensive health suite including FDA-cleared ECG and Body Composition (BIA)
- • Stunning 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display with sapphire crystal protection
- • High-quality stainless steel build feels more premium than aluminum competitors
- • Seamless ecosystem integration with Samsung Galaxy phones
✗ Cons:
- • Battery life (max 40h) requires daily charging compared to multi-day competitors
- • Key health features (ECG, IHRN) are locked to Samsung phones only
- • Not compatible with iPhones (iOS)
- • Charging speed is decent but slower than OnePlus Watch 2's rapid charge
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) is the smarter buy for most people - its impressive battery life of up to 40 hours crushes the Pixel Watch 3's 24 hours. That said, grab the Google Pixel Watch 3 if you want cutting-edge health metrics and a brighter display.
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 gear, or are deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) if: you prefer intuitive navigation with a rotating bezel, want longer battery life of up to 40 hours, or need FDA-cleared ECG features.
Conclusion
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) and Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
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. Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) is better if you prioritize iconic physical rotating bezel provides intuitive, smudge-free navigation. 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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