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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

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.

⚖️ Weight: 1.31 oz vs 2.93 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 16 GB📏 Display Size: 1.4" vs 1.43"

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Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)

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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Suunto Race

Suunto Race

4.2
(297)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; 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.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2)
Suunto Race
1.43 in
Resolution
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color
Suunto Race
466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
32GB eMMC flashWinner
Suunto Race
16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
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)
Suunto Race
Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
37 g (without band)Winner
Suunto Race
83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Water Resistance
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant)
Suunto Race
100 m (10 ATM)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Wear OS 5.0
Suunto Race
Suunto UI
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)
Suunto Race
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
+

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)

Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)

4.4(1,794)Amazon
Suunto Race

Suunto Race

4.2(297)Amazon
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)

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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Suunto Race

Suunto Race

Rating:4.2(297)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Display Type:AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable)
Display Size:1.43 in
Resolution:466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (10 ATM)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F)
GPS:Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope
Health Features:HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status
Workout Modes:95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates
Storage:16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A)
Weight:83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation

✓ 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)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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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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