Garmin Venu 3 vs Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen)
The Verdict
Garmin Venu 3 excels for fitness-focused users with superior battery endurance, delivering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode versus Google Pixel Watch's 24 hours. Display quality matches closely, both featuring 454x450 AMOLED screens with always-on capability. Garmin's health suite includes skin temperature monitoring absent on Pixel Watch, plus specialized sports tracking and training metrics that enthusiasts appreciate. Google Pixel Watch offers cellular connectivity for standalone calling and messaging, plus deeper integration with Android ecosystem and Google services like Maps and Wallet. At $449.99 versus $349, Garmin commands a premium justified by fitness credentials and battery longevity. Pixel Watch suits mainstream Android users prioritizing seamless ecosystem integration and compact design at 36g. Choose Garmin for serious fitness tracking and multi-week battery life; select Pixel Watch for smart features and cellular independence.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Venu 3 if…
- →Outstanding 14-day battery life with AMOLED display
- →Comprehensive health tracking including ECG and skin temperature
- →Built-in speaker and microphone for calls
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 3
Pros
- Outstanding 14-day battery life with AMOLED display
- Comprehensive health tracking including ECG and skin temperature
- Built-in speaker and microphone for calls
- Advanced sleep coaching and nap detection
- Multi-band GNSS for accurate GPS tracking
Cons
- No third-party app ecosystem like Wear OS
- Limited smartwatch features compared to Apple/Samsung
- No cellular connectivity option
- Garmin Pay supports limited banks
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 3 | Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS | Wear OS 3.5 by Google |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 47 g | 36 g (without band) |
| Case material | Stainless steel bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case | Recycled stainless steel with domed Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 days smartwatch mode, 26 hours GPS | Up to 24 hours |
| Display | ||
| Size | 1.4 inch | 41mm |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, DCI-P3, Always-On |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 454 x 454 | 450 x 450 |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | Samsung Exynos 9110 with Cortex-M33 co-processor |
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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 3 or the Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen).