Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs Suunto Vertical Solar
The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is the premium option here, offering a stunning 2000 nits display that truly shines. In my testing, I found it excels in advanced metrics for running enthusiasts, providing data without needing extra pods. Meanwhile, the Suunto Vertical Solar is the go-to choice for adventurers, boasting an notable battery life of up to 60 days, so you won't have to worry about charging during your weekend hikes. Key specs: Weight: 1.31 oz vs 2.61 oz and Display: 2000 nits vs 280 nits.
Why compare these? Both the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) and Suunto Vertical Solar are high-end smartwatches competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for high-end features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Google Pixel | Suunto Vertical |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.4★ (1,794 reviews) | 4.3★ (200 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors | Industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency |
| Main Drawback | Battery life rated for only 24h with AOD (daily charging required) | MIP display is less vibrant than AMOLED competitors |
| Market Position | Premium | Premium |
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS
Wear OS 5.0
45mm diameter x 12.3mm height
100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Suunto Vertical Solar
Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Suunto UI
49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) vs Suunto Vertical Solar
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Suunto Vertical Solar
| Criterion | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) | Suunto Vertical Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon | ★4.3(200)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 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in) |
Case Material | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; 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 | Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight |
Display Size | 1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2) | 1.4 in |
Resolution | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color | 280 x 280 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (Passive technology) |
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 (Military Standard); 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 (required 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; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m) |
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 (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max |
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 training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation |
Storage | 32GB eMMC flash | 32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps) |
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; predefined quick replies on Android) |
Battery | 420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode) | Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar) |
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); Solar charging |
Weight | 37 g (without band) | 74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar 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 | Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS
Wear OS 5.0
45mm diameter x 12.3mm height
100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit
1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2)
Pros
- Significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors
- Advanced running metrics (stride, oscillation) without external pods
Cons
- Battery life rated for only 24h with AOD (daily charging required)
- Strictly incompatible with iPhone (Android 10+ only)
Suunto Vertical Solar
Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Suunto UI
49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight
1.4 in
Pros
- Industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency
- Free global offline maps with ample 32GB storage and Wi-Fi downloading
Cons
- MIP display is less vibrant than AMOLED competitors
- No music storage (music controls only)
Which one is better?
The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is the better buy for most people - its 2000 nits display crushes the Suunto Vertical Solar's 280 nits. That said, grab the Suunto if you need unparalleled battery life for outdoor adventures - it lasts up to 60 days.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) if: you want a vibrant display for daily use, appreciate advanced running metrics, or rely on seamless Google ecosystem integration. (1.31 oz weight)
Choose the Suunto Vertical Solar if: you need 2+ months of battery life, love outdoor navigation with offline maps, or prefer a rugged design for extreme conditions.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.4★ vs 4.3★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Google Pixel
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,794 reviews vs 200
→ Choose Google Pixel
Significantly larger and Priority
Significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors
→ Choose Google Pixel
Industry-leading battery life Priority
Industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency
→ Choose Suunto Vertical
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) edges ahead with a 4.4★ rating compared to 4.3★. However, Suunto Vertical Solar remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) or Suunto Vertical Solar?
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is the better choice if you prioritize significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors. Suunto Vertical Solar wins if you value industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency. Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.3★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) and Suunto Vertical Solar?
Key differences: Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) offers significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors, while Suunto Vertical Solar stands out with industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency. Consider that Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) battery life rated for only 24h with aod (daily charging required). Meanwhile, Suunto Vertical Solar mip display is less vibrant than amoled competitors. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.