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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
If you are torn between Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, this breakdown is for you. We compare specs, pros, and cons so you can decide confidently.
Ratings: 4.4★ vs 4.4★
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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 Watch Ultra
★4.4
(243)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features
Operating System:Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Case Size:47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D
Case Material:Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass
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Comparison: Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
★4.4(1,794)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
★4.4(243)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon | ★4.4(243)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS | Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features |
Operating System | Wear OS 5.0 | Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch) |
Case Size | 45mm diameter x 12.3mm height | 47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D |
Case Material | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass |
Display Type | Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit | Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 3000 nits |
Display Size | 1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2) | 1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display |
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) | 10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable |
Durability | IP68 dust and water resistance rating; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | MIL-STD-810H certified; Operating temp -20°C to 55°C; 9000m altitude resistance |
GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS | Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); Glonass; Beidou; Galileo |
Connectivity | 4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB) | LTE (eSIM standard on all models); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC |
NFC Payments | Google Wallet | 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 Bio-signal + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; 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) | Energy Score; Sleep Apnea detection (FDA authorized); AGEs Index; Body Composition; ECG; Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification; Cycle Tracking with skin temperature; Sleep coaching |
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 | Multisport tile (Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon); Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling; Race Partner; Track Back; Custom workouts via Quick Button |
Storage | 32GB eMMC flash | 32GB |
Speaker Mic | Built-in speaker; Built-in microphone | Speaker (with Siren support); Microphone |
Calls | Yes (Bluetooth); LTE models support standalone calls | Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone) |
Battery | 420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode) | 590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving) |
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 Inductive); Proprietary puck required for max speed |
Weight | 37 g (without band) | 60.5 g (Body only) |
Band Sizes | Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists | One Size (fits 145–205mm wrists via Dynamic Lug System) |
Extras | UWB for Watch Unlock and finding devices; Google Home control; Camera Remote for Pixel phones; Offline Google Maps; Recorder app | Quick Button (customizable); 86dB Emergency Siren; Night Mode watch face; Gesture controls (Double Pinch) |
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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 Watch Ultra
Rating:★4.4(243)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features
Operating System:Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Case Size:47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D
Case Material:Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass
Display Type:Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 3000 nits
Display Size:1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display
Resolution:480 x 480 pixels
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable
Durability:MIL-STD-810H certified; Operating temp -20°C to 55°C; 9000m altitude resistance
GPS:Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); Glonass; Beidou; Galileo
Connectivity:LTE (eSIM standard on all models); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
NFC Payments:Samsung Wallet / Google Wallet
Sensors:Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Light sensor
Health Features:Energy Score; Sleep Apnea detection (FDA authorized); AGEs Index; Body Composition; ECG; Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification; Cycle Tracking with skin temperature; Sleep coaching
Workout Modes:Multisport tile (Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon); Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling; Race Partner; Track Back; Custom workouts via Quick Button
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:Speaker (with Siren support); Microphone
Calls:Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone)
Battery:590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving)
Charging:Fast Wireless Charging (WPC Inductive); Proprietary puck required for max speed
Weight:60.5 g (Body only)
Band Sizes:One Size (fits 145–205mm wrists via Dynamic Lug System)
Extras:Quick Button (customizable); 86dB Emergency Siren; Night Mode watch face; Gesture controls (Double Pinch)
✓ Pros:
- • True multi-day battery life (up to 100h in power saving)
- • Extremely durable Grade 4 Titanium build with 10ATM rating
- • Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) provides superior tracking accuracy
- • Brightest display in class (3000 nits) for outdoor visibility
- • Exclusive features like Siren and Multisport tile for triathletes
✗ Cons:
- • Large 47mm square-circle design may not fit smaller wrists
- • Key health features (ECG, Sleep Apnea) locked to Samsung phones
- • Proprietary band attachment (Dynamic Lug) limits third-party options
- • Charging speed is slower (~2 hours) compared to competitors
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Which one is better?
Overall, Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) delivers better satisfaction. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is still a quality option with specific strengths worth considering.
Who should buy each?
Choose Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) if:
- You want Significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors, Advanced running metrics (stride, oscillation) without external pods
- Rating: 4.4★ (1794 reviews)
Choose Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra if:
- You prefer True multi-day battery life (up to 100h in power saving), Extremely durable Grade 4 Titanium build with 10ATM rating
- Rating: 4.4★ (243 reviews)
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. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is better if you prioritize true multi-day battery life (up to 100h in power saving). 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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