Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Google Pixel Watch 3
The Verdict
Both smartwatches share an identical $349 price point, but serve different user priorities. Garmin Forerunner 255 excels with exceptional battery longevity, delivering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours of GPS tracking, making it ideal for endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Its MIP display offers excellent readability in sunlight and requires minimal power. Google Pixel Watch 3 counters with superior health tracking capabilities, including ECG and skin temperature sensors absent on the Garmin, plus a vibrant 408x408 AMOLED display with 2000 nits brightness. Battery life reaches 24 hours with always-on, dropping significantly below Garmin's endurance. Processing power and Wear OS 5 software provide richer app ecosystems and seamless Android integration. Choose Forerunner 255 for multi-day athletic tracking and minimal charging hassle; select Pixel Watch 3 for comprehensive health metrics and premium display quality with daily charging requirements.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 255 if…
- →14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- →Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- →Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
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
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Garmin Forerunner 255
Pros
- 14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
- Race Predictor estimates finish times for 5K to marathon
- Lightweight at 49 g and comfortable for 24/7 wear
Cons
- MIP display lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED competitors
- No touchscreen on base model — button-only navigation
- No ECG or blood pressure monitoring
- Limited smart features compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS
- Third-party app ecosystem is small
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 Forerunner 255 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin proprietary OS | Wear OS 5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 49 g | 31 g (41mm, without band) |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Recycled aluminum |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM + IP68 |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS | Up to 24 hours with always-on display, up to 36 hours in Battery Saver |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm | 41mm (1.2") |
| Type | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective | LTPO AMOLED Actua, up to 2000 nits, 1Hz–60Hz |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 260 x 260 | 408 x 408 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 + Cortex M33 co-processor |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
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 Forerunner 255 or the Google Pixel Watch 3.