Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) vs Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen)
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE delivers excellent value for fitness-focused users seeking seamless iPhone integration. Its S5 chipset powers smooth performance, while the LTPO OLED display remains responsive and bright, though it lacks always-on capability. Health tracking is basic with heart rate and sleep monitoring but no ECG or blood oxygen. Google Pixel Watch steps up with superior health sensors including ECG and SpO2, plus a genuinely always-on AMOLED display with sharper 450x450 resolution. Battery life stretches to 24 hours versus SE's 18 hours. Wear OS 3.5 offers more Android integration, though app ecosystem remains limited. Google's recycled stainless steel construction feels more premium than aluminum. At $70 more, Pixel Watch justifies its cost through advanced health features and longer battery life. Choose SE for budget-conscious iPhone users; select Pixel Watch if health monitoring and display quality matter most.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) if…
- →Affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem with core features
- →Same large display as Series 6 — no visible compromise
- →Fall detection and emergency SOS for safety
Buy the Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen) if…
- →Beautiful domed glass design with smooth pebble-like aesthetic
- →Deep Fitbit integration for health tracking and premium features
- →Smooth Wear OS 3.5 with native Google Maps and Google Wallet
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE (1st Gen)
Pros
- Affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem with core features
- Same large display as Series 6 — no visible compromise
- Fall detection and emergency SOS for safety
- Compass and always-on altimeter for outdoor activities
- Family Setup enables use for kids without an iPhone
Cons
- No Always-On display — must raise wrist to see the time
- Older S5 chip — slower than the 2022 SE's S8
- No ECG, SpO2, or blood oxygen monitoring
- No fast charging — takes about 2.5 hours for full charge
Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen)
Pros
- Beautiful domed glass design with smooth pebble-like aesthetic
- Deep Fitbit integration for health tracking and premium features
- Smooth Wear OS 3.5 with native Google Maps and Google Wallet
- Accurate heart rate and SpO2 tracking with ECG support
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear at 36 g
Cons
- 24-hour battery life barely lasts a full day with active use
- Thick bezels reduce the usable screen area
- Exynos 9110 is an older chip that can feel laggy
- Only one 41mm size option — too small for many users
- No offline Google Maps navigation at launch
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) | Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 7 (upgradable to watchOS 10) | Wear OS 3.5 by Google |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 30.49 g (40mm) / 36.2 g (44mm) | 36 g (without band) |
| Case material | Aluminum | Recycled stainless steel with domed Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 41mm |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | AMOLED, DCI-P3, Always-On |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 450 x 450 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S5 SiP | Samsung Exynos 9110 with Cortex-M33 co-processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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