Garmin Venu 3 vs Google Pixel Watch 3
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Both smartwatches excel in health monitoring, offering ECG, SpO2, skin temperature, and comprehensive sleep tracking. Garmin Venu 3 delivers superior battery longevity with up to 14 days in smartwatch mode versus Pixel Watch 3's 24 hours, making it ideal for users prioritizing multi-week wear without charging. Google's offering counters with a brighter LTPO AMOLED display (2000 nits vs standard AMOLED), faster Snapdragon W5+ processor, lighter 31g construction, and deeper Wear OS 5 integration with Android ecosystem services. Pixel Watch 3's 24-hour endurance with always-on display represents solid real-world performance despite trailing Garmin. Price favors Google at $349.99 versus $449.99. For fitness-focused users demanding extended autonomy, Venu 3 remains unmatched. Android users seeking seamless smartphone integration with daily charging acceptance should choose Pixel Watch 3. Garmin edges ahead for battery-centric priorities.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Garmin Venu 3 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS | Wear OS 5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 47 g | 31 g (41mm, without band) |
| Case material | Stainless steel bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case | Recycled aluminum |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM | 5ATM + IP68 |
| 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 with always-on display, up to 36 hours in Battery Saver |
| Display | ||
| Size | 1.4 inch | 41mm (1.2") |
| Type | AMOLED | LTPO AMOLED Actua, up to 2000 nits, 1Hz–60Hz |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 454 x 454 | 408 x 408 |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Chipset | — | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 + Cortex M33 co-processor |
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 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
Related Comparisons
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 3.