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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Time to compare Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm). We will cover the essentials so you can buy with confidence.
Ratings: 4.5★ vs 4.4★
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
★4.5
(920)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 12.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (Galaxy phone required for full feature set)
Operating System:Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch
Case Size:46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm)
Case Material:Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back)
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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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Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
★4.5(920)Amazon
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
★4.4(1,794)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(920)Amazon | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 12.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (Galaxy phone required for full feature set) | Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS |
Operating System | Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch | Wear OS 5.0 |
Case Size | 46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm) | 45mm diameter x 12.3mm height |
Case Material | Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back) | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
Display Type | Super AMOLED Color Always-On Display | Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit |
Display Size | 1.34 in (34.0 mm) | 1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2) |
Resolution | 438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi) | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color |
Always On Display | Yes (Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness) | Yes |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters) | 5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H military standard; Stainless steel frame | IP68 dust and water resistance rating; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
GPS | Dual-band GPS (L1+L5); GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS |
Connectivity | LTE (Optional); Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4+5GHz); NFC | 4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB) |
NFC Payments | Samsung Wallet; Google Pay | Google Wallet |
Sensors | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart Signal + BIA); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Light sensor; 3D Hall sensor | 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 | Vascular Load monitoring; Antioxidant Index (AGEs); Sleep Apnea detection; ECG; Blood Pressure (market dependent); Body Composition (BIA); Cycle Tracking with skin temp | 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 Coach; Multisport tile; Race partner; Heart Rate Zones; Auto-detection for workouts | 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 | 64GB | 32GB eMMC flash |
Speaker Mic | Speaker (supports media/calls/Gemini); Microphone | Built-in speaker; Built-in microphone |
Calls | Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models) | Yes (Bluetooth); LTE models support standalone calls |
Battery | 445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC) | 420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode) |
Charging | Fast Wireless Charging | USB-C Fast Charging Cable (included); 0–50% in ~28 min; 0–80% in ~50 min; 0–100% in ~80 min |
Weight | 63.5 g (without strap) | 37 g (without band) |
Band Sizes | 20mm standard (One Click system supported) | Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists |
Extras | Physical rotating bezel; Integrated Google Gemini AI; Gesture controls (Double pinch); Customizable Quick Button | UWB for Watch Unlock and finding devices; Google Home control; Camera Remote for Pixel phones; Offline Google Maps; Recorder app |
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Rating:★4.5(920)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 12.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (Galaxy phone required for full feature set)
Operating System:Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch
Case Size:46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm)
Case Material:Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back)
Display Type:Super AMOLED Color Always-On Display
Display Size:1.34 in (34.0 mm)
Resolution:438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes (Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness)
Water Resistance:5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H military standard; Stainless steel frame
GPS:Dual-band GPS (L1+L5); GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
Connectivity:LTE (Optional); Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4+5GHz); NFC
NFC Payments:Samsung Wallet; Google Pay
Sensors:Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart Signal + BIA); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Light sensor; 3D Hall sensor
Health Features:Vascular Load monitoring; Antioxidant Index (AGEs); Sleep Apnea detection; ECG; Blood Pressure (market dependent); Body Composition (BIA); Cycle Tracking with skin temp
Workout Modes:Advanced Running Coach; Multisport tile; Race partner; Heart Rate Zones; Auto-detection for workouts
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Speaker (supports media/calls/Gemini); Microphone
Calls:Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models)
Battery:445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC)
Charging:Fast Wireless Charging
Weight:63.5 g (without strap)
Band Sizes:20mm standard (One Click system supported)
Extras:Physical rotating bezel; Integrated Google Gemini AI; Gesture controls (Double pinch); Customizable Quick Button
✓ Pros:
- • Iconic physical rotating bezel for intuitive navigation
- • Display brightness doubled to 3,000 nits (matches Ultra model)
- • Storage capacity increased to 64GB (up from 16/32GB in previous Classics)
- • Premium stainless steel build looks more like a traditional timepiece
✗ Cons:
- • Small 1.34" screen relative to the large 46mm case size (bezel takes up space)
- • Significantly heavier (63.5g) than the aluminum standard models
- • Battery (445 mAh) is smaller than the Galaxy Watch Ultra (590 mAh)
- • Some health features (AGEs, BP) are Samsung Galaxy phone exclusive
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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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Which one is better?
Based on ratings and feature balance, Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) has a slight edge for quality and performance. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic remains a strong alternative if its strengths match your needs.
Who should buy each?
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic excels at: Iconic physical rotating bezel for intuitive navigation, Display brightness doubled to 3,000 nits (matches Ultra model)
Watch for: Small 1.34" screen relative to the large 46mm case size (bezel takes up space)
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) excels at: Significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors, Advanced running metrics (stride, oscillation) without external pods
Watch for: Battery life rated for only 24h with AOD (daily charging required)
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) 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?
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic excels if you value iconic physical rotating bezel for intuitive navigation. Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is better if you prioritize significantly larger and brighter display (2000 nits) than predecessors. 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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