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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
If you're debating between the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm), the Ultra takes the crown thanks to its incredible battery life of up to 100 hours in power-saving mode. In real-world use, that means you can go days without charging, making it perfect for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts alike. The Pixel Watch 3 shines with its 1.4-inch Actua Display, which is 40% larger than its predecessor and peaks at 2000 nits. However, it requires daily charging with a battery life of just 24 hours, which might not cut it for those who hate plugging in every night. So, the question is: do you prioritize battery longevity over display size and features?
⚖️ Weight: 2.13 oz vs 1.31 oz🔋 Battery: 100h vs 24h🌊 Water Resistance: 10ATM vs 5ATM
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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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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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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2)
Resolution
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
480 x 480 pixels
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color
Performance1 specs
Storage
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
32GB
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
32GB eMMC flash
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving)
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
60.5 g (Body only)
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
37 g (without band)Winner
Water Resistance
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Wear OS 5.0
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
LTE (eSIM standard on all models); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
+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: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
★4.4(243)Amazon
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
★4.4(1,794)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(243)Amazon | ★4.4(1,794)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features | Android 10.0 or newer (requires Google Account and Pixel Watch app); Not compatible with iOS |
Operating System | Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch) | Wear OS 5.0 |
Case Size | 47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D | 45mm diameter x 12.3mm height |
Case Material | Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass | 100% recycled aluminum housing; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
Display Type | Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 3000 nits | Actua Display (AMOLED LTPO); 1–60Hz responsive refresh rate; Peak brightness 2000 nits; Minimum 1 nit |
Display Size | 1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display | 1.4 in (approx. 40% more screen area than Pixel Watch 2) |
Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi); DCI-P3 color |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable | 5 ATM (ISO 22810:2010); IP68 (Dust and water resistant) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H certified; Operating temp -20°C to 55°C; 9000m altitude resistance | IP68 dust and water resistance rating; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
GPS | Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); Glonass; Beidou; Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS |
Connectivity | LTE (eSIM standard on all models); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 4G LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz + 5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB) |
NFC Payments | Samsung Wallet / Google 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 | 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 | Energy Score; Sleep Apnea detection (FDA authorized); AGEs Index; Body Composition; ECG; Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification; Cycle Tracking with skin temperature; Sleep coaching | 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 | Multisport tile (Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon); Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling; Race Partner; Track Back; Custom workouts via Quick Button | 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 | 32GB eMMC flash |
Speaker Mic | Speaker (with Siren support); Microphone | Built-in speaker; Built-in microphone |
Calls | Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone) | Yes (Bluetooth); LTE models support standalone calls |
Battery | 590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving) | 420 mAh (typical); Up to 24 hours (Always-on Display enabled); Up to 36 hours (Battery Saver mode) |
Charging | Fast Wireless Charging (WPC Inductive); Proprietary puck required for max speed | USB-C Fast Charging Cable (included); 0–50% in ~28 min; 0–80% in ~50 min; 0–100% in ~80 min |
Weight | 60.5 g (Body only) | 37 g (without band) |
Band Sizes | One Size (fits 145–205mm wrists via Dynamic Lug System) | Active Band: Small fits 150–185 mm wrists; Large fits 165–215 mm wrists |
Extras | Quick Button (customizable); 86dB Emergency Siren; Night Mode watch face; Gesture controls (Double Pinch) | 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 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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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?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the better buy for most people - its battery life of up to 100 hours crushes the Google Pixel Watch 3's 24-hour limit. That said, grab the Pixel Watch 3 if you want a lighter watch at 1.31oz and a stunning display for daily use.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra if: you need 100 hours of battery life, want a rugged design with 10ATM water resistance, or require advanced health features.
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) if: you prefer a sleek design that's lighter at 1.31oz, want a vibrant display with enhanced metrics for running, or prioritize deep integration with Google services.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra excels if you value true multi-day battery life (up to 100h in power saving). 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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