Garmin Venu Sq 2 vs Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen)
The Verdict
Garmin Venu Sq 2 excels in battery longevity, delivering 11 days of smartwatch mode compared to Google Pixel Watch's single day of use. Its lightweight aluminum construction and SpO2 tracking satisfy fitness enthusiasts seeking reliable data without constant charging. Google Pixel Watch counters with superior display resolution (450x450 vs 320x360), ECG capability, and optional cellular connectivity for standalone phone calls. Wear OS 3.5 provides broader app ecosystem access, though Garmin OS remains specialized for athletic pursuits. At $249 versus $349, Venu Sq 2 offers exceptional value for endurance athletes prioritizing battery life. Pixel Watch suits users embedded in Google's ecosystem wanting comprehensive health metrics and smartwatch independence. Choose Venu Sq 2 for workout-focused reliability; select Pixel Watch for balanced connectivity and advanced biometric analysis.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Venu Sq 2 if…
- →11-day battery life destroys Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch endurance
- →AMOLED display with always-on mode at an affordable price
- →Garmin's best-in-class GPS accuracy for running and cycling
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 Sq 2
Pros
- 11-day battery life destroys Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch endurance
- AMOLED display with always-on mode at an affordable price
- Garmin's best-in-class GPS accuracy for running and cycling
- 25+ built-in sport modes with detailed workout analytics
- NFC for Garmin Pay contactless payments
Cons
- No ECG or skin temperature monitoring
- Square design is polarizing — not as elegant as round watches
- Garmin OS has far fewer third-party apps than Wear OS
- No cellular option — phone must be nearby for notifications
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 Sq 2 | Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS | Wear OS 3.5 by Google |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 38 g | 36 g (without band) |
| Case material | Aluminum bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer | 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 11 days (smartwatch mode), 26 hrs GPS | Up to 24 hours |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40 mm (1.41 inches) | 41mm |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, DCI-P3, Always-On |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 320 x 360 | 450 x 450 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin proprietary | 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 Sq 2 or the Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen).