Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs Suunto Race
If you're torn between the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) and the Suunto Race, here's the scoop: the Pixel Watch 3 is the premium option, boasting a stunning 1.4-inch display with a brightness of 2000 nits. Meanwhile, the Suunto Race offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 40 hours in GPS mode. In real-world use, the Pixel Watch 3's vibrant screen shines for notifications and fitness tracking, but you'll need to charge it daily if you use Always-On Display. On the flip side, the Suunto Race is perfect for those who prioritize endurance, making it a go-to for multi-day adventures or workouts without constant recharging.
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Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)

Suunto Race
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs Suunto Race
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)

Suunto Race
| Criterion | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) | Suunto Race |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon | ★4.2(297)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) |
Operating System | Wear OS 5.0 | Suunto UI |
Case Size | 45mm diameter x 12.3mm height | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in) |
Case Material | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone |
Display Type | Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit | AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable) |
Display Size | 1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2) | 1.43 in |
Resolution | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color | 466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness) |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant) | 100 m (10 ATM) |
Durability | IP68 dust and water resistance rating; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) |
GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); 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, Wi-Fi (for map downloads) |
NFC Payments | Google Wallet | No (Not supported) |
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 | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope |
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) | HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status |
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 | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates |
Storage | 32GB eMMC flash | 16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model) |
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) |
Battery | 420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode) | Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charging Cable (included); 0–50% in ~28 min; 0–80% in ~50 min; 0–100% in ~80 min | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A) |
Weight | 37 g (without band) | 83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model) |
Band Sizes | Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists | Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width |
Extras | UWB for Watch Unlock and finding devices; Google Home control; Camera Remote for Pixel phones; Offline Google Maps; Recorder app | Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation |
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Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
✓ 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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Suunto Race
✓ Pros:
- • Vibrant 1.43” AMOLED screen with sapphire crystal durability
- • Excellent battery life (up to 40 hours in max accuracy GPS mode)
- • Free global offline maps with intuitive digital crown zooming
- • Dual-band GNSS provides highly accurate tracking in difficult terrain
- • Military-grade (MIL-STD-810H) durability
✗ Cons:
- • No NFC payments or music storage (music controls only)
- • No built-in speaker or microphone for calls
- • 49mm case size is bulky for smaller wrists
- • Steel version is noticeably heavier (83g) than the Titanium model (69g)
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is the better buy for most people - its 1.4-inch display at 2000 nits crushes the Suunto Race's 1.43-inch display at 1000 nits. That said, grab the Suunto Race if you need extended battery life for long outdoor excursions - it lasts up to 40 hours compared to the Pixel's 24 hours.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) if: you want a vibrant display for notifications, you need advanced health metrics like ECG, or you prefer a watch that integrates deeply with the Google ecosystem. (1.31 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Suunto Race if: you require a watch with exceptional battery life, you enjoy outdoor activities and need dual-band GNSS for accurate tracking, or you prefer a similar-weight watch for extended wear. (2.93 oz weight, 16 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. Suunto Race is better if you prioritize vibrant 1.43” amoled screen with sapphire crystal durability. 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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