Garmin Fenix 8 Pro vs Google Pixel Watch 3
The Verdict
The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and Google Pixel Watch 3 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Google Pixel Watch 3 is the cheaper of the two at $350 versus $1,200, a difference of about $850. The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Garmin Fenix 8 Pro stands out for inreach satellite + cellular connectivity, while Google Pixel Watch 3 is praised for beautiful actua display with 2000-nit peak brightness and slimmer bezels. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro if…
- →inReach satellite + cellular connectivity
- →Up to 27 days battery (AMOLED)
- →MicroLED display option ($1999)
Buy the Google Pixel Watch 3 if…
- →Beautiful Actua display with 2000-nit peak brightness and slimmer bezels
- →Now offered in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) for better fit options
- →Deep Fitbit integration with advanced running form and cardio load metrics
Pros & Cons
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
Pros
- inReach satellite + cellular connectivity
- Up to 27 days battery (AMOLED)
- MicroLED display option ($1999)
- LTE voice calls and two-way messaging
- Built for extreme outdoor adventures
Cons
- $1199 starting price ($1999 MicroLED)
- No ECG sensor
- Garmin OS lacks app ecosystem of watchOS/Wear OS
- 73g is heavy on the wrist
Google Pixel Watch 3
Pros
- Beautiful Actua display with 2000-nit peak brightness and slimmer bezels
- Now offered in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) for better fit options
- Deep Fitbit integration with advanced running form and cardio load metrics
- Loss of Pulse Detection feature can summon emergency help automatically
- Improved battery life over Pixel Watch 2, up to 36 hours in Battery Saver
Cons
- Battery life still trails Samsung and Apple Ultra-tier watches
- Some advanced Fitbit features require a Premium subscription
- Not repairable — Google won't repair damaged units
- Limited third-party app selection compared to Apple Watch
- Not compatible with iPhones
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Fenix 8 Pro | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS | Wear OS 5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 73 g (47mm AMOLED) | 31 g (41mm, without band) |
| Case material | Titanium bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer | Recycled aluminum |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM | 5ATM + IP68 |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 27 days (AMOLED smartwatch mode) | Up to 24 hours with always-on display, up to 36 hours in Battery Saver |
| Display | ||
| Size | 47mm / 51mm | 41mm (1.2") |
| Type | AMOLED or MicroLED | LTPO AMOLED Actua, up to 2000 nits, 1Hz–60Hz |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | — | 408 x 408 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin proprietary | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 + Cortex M33 co-processor |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
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Related Comparisons
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.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Garmin products or all Google products. View full details for the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro or the Google Pixel Watch 3.