Google Pixel Watch 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch8
The Verdict
The Google Pixel Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch8 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is the cheaper of the two at $300 versus $350, a difference of about $50. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Google Pixel Watch 3 stands out for beautiful actua display with 2000-nit peak brightness and slimmer bezels, while Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is praised for thinnest galaxy watch at 8.6mm. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 if…
- →Thinnest Galaxy Watch at 8.6mm
- →3nm Exynos W1000 processor
- →3000 nits peak brightness
Pros & Cons
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
Samsung Galaxy Watch8
Pros
- Thinnest Galaxy Watch at 8.6mm
- 3nm Exynos W1000 processor
- 3000 nits peak brightness
- Wear OS 6 with Gemini AI assistant
- Dual-frequency GPS
Cons
- $300 starting price for base model
- Battery life varies heavily with AOD
- Limited third-party watch face selection on Wear OS
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel Watch 3 | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Wear OS 5 | Wear OS 6 with Gemini |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 31 g (41mm, without band) | 28.8 g (40mm) |
| Case material | Recycled aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
| Water resistance | 5ATM + IP68 | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810H |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours with always-on display, up to 36 hours in Battery Saver | Up to 40 hours |
| Display | ||
| Size | 41mm (1.2") | 40mm / 44mm |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED Actua, up to 2000 nits, 1Hz–60Hz | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 408 x 408 | 480 x 480 (44mm) |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 + Cortex M33 co-processor | Exynos W1000 (3nm) |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
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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 Google products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Google Pixel Watch 3 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch8.