Garmin Venu 2 Plus vs Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen)
The Verdict
Garmin Venu 2 Plus excels in battery longevity with up to 9 days of smartwatch mode and dedicated GPS functionality lasting 24 hours, making it ideal for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Google Pixel Watch offers superior integration with Android ecosystem, lighter weight at 36g versus 51g, and includes ECG capability absent in the Venu 2 Plus. Pixel Watch's cellular connectivity enables independent calling and messaging, though battery life drops to 24 hours. Display quality favors Pixel Watch with higher 450x450 resolution and DCI-P3 color accuracy compared to Venu 2 Plus's 416x416 AMOLED panel. For multiday adventures and serious fitness tracking, Garmin's endurance advantage justifies the $100 premium. Conversely, Pixel Watch delivers better everyday smartwatch experience with richer software, lighter build, and ECG monitoring at lower cost. Choose Garmin for extended outdoor use; select Pixel Watch for seamless Android integration and daily wear comfort.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Venu 2 Plus if…
- →Built-in speaker and microphone enable phone calls from the wrist
- →Vivid AMOLED display is one of the best on any Garmin
- →Voice assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby) via phone
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
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
Pros
- Built-in speaker and microphone enable phone calls from the wrist
- Vivid AMOLED display is one of the best on any Garmin
- Voice assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby) via phone
- 9-day battery with AMOLED is excellent
- On-watch music storage with Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer
Cons
- No cellular — phone calls require Bluetooth connection to phone
- No multi-band GPS — less precise in urban canyons
- $449 approaches Apple Watch Ultra territory
- Stainless steel bezel adds bulk at 51 g
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 | Garmin Venu 2 Plus | Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) | Wear OS 3.5 by Google |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 51 g | 36 g (without band) |
| Case material | Stainless steel bezel with fiber-reinforced polymer case | Recycled stainless steel with domed Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 9 days (smartwatch), 24 hrs GPS | Up to 24 hours |
| Display | ||
| Size | 43mm (1.3 inches) | 41mm |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, DCI-P3, Always-On |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 416 x 416 | 450 x 450 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom processor | 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.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Garmin products or all Google products. View full details for the Garmin Venu 2 Plus or the Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen).