Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: Your Guide to the Best Smartwatch in 2024

In a time when our watches do more than just tell time, two major players are going head-to-head: Google’s Pixel Watch 3 and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7. Both promise to make your life easier, your workouts more efficient, and your style a little sharper. But how do they really compare when you put them side by side? Buckle up, because we’re about to break down the Pixel Watch 3 and the Galaxy Watch 7.

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: The Verdict

Let’s get right to the point: which watch wins? To make it simple, we’ve split this verdict into categories that matter most.

Best by Price:

If you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank, the Pixel Watch 3 takes the cake. Google has positioned this watch at a lower price point than Samsung’s latest, making it the friendlier option for budget-conscious buyers. You get top-tier features without the premium price tag.

Overall Best:

The Galaxy Watch 7 edges out the competition here. Why? It’s got everything: incredible hardware, a dazzling display, and a mature ecosystem that pairs effortlessly with Android and iOS devices. If you want the ultimate smartwatch experience, the Galaxy Watch 7’s versatility is hard to beat.

Best for Health Monitoring:

This one’s a tie. Both the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 are packed with features that will keep you on top of your health game. Whether it’s heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, or stress management, they both shine in this department. However, Samsung throws in a few extra perks like a body composition analysis feature, so it might tip the scale for those super focused on fitness.

Best for Battery Life:

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 pulls ahead here. While Google has made strides with the Pixel Watch 3, Samsung’s latest model simply lasts longer between charges. If you hate reaching for the charger every night, the Galaxy Watch 7 is the better choice.

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: Detailed Comparison

Now that we've scratched the surface, it's time to dive deeper and really break down how the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 compare across key areas. This will help you get a clearer picture of which one suits your lifestyle best.

Design and Display: Form Meets Function

Starting with design, both watches are undeniably sleek, but they cater to different tastes. The Pixel Watch 3 champions minimalism. Its slim, circular frame gives off a modern, almost understated vibe, perfect for anyone who likes a watch that complements their style without stealing the show. Its design fits comfortably on most wrists, especially for those who prefer a more subtle, compact look.

In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 7 leans into a bolder aesthetic. While it maintains the classic circular form, it adds a sense of ruggedness, particularly with its larger face and rotating bezel—an iconic feature that lets you navigate menus without ever touching the screen. The bezel is a practical feature that not only preserves the cleanliness of your display but also provides an added tactile element to using the watch, making it stand out for those who value functionality as much as fashion.

Moving on to the display itself, both watches boast AMOLED screens, known for vibrant colors and sharp contrast. However, the Galaxy Watch 7 has a larger and slightly crisper display. Its always-on mode is brighter and easier to see, even in direct sunlight. The Pixel Watch 3 holds its own indoors, but for outdoor use—whether you’re jogging or just checking the time on a sunny day—Samsung takes the edge with better brightness and visibility.

Health and Wellness Tracking: A Battle of Metrics

When it comes to health tracking, this is where both watches shine, but with some important distinctions. The Pixel Watch 3 is deeply integrated with Fitbit and Google Fit, which brings a lot of fitness and health tracking power to the table. It offers features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and an ECG (electrocardiogram) app. Fitbit’s reputation in health tracking adds credibility to Google’s offering, especially if you’re already part of the Fitbit ecosystem.

The Galaxy Watch 7, however, takes health monitoring to another level. In addition to the basics like heart rate and sleep tracking, Samsung’s offering brings advanced features like blood pressure monitoring and body composition analysis—allowing you to track things like muscle mass, fat percentage, and even hydration levels. The inclusion of an SpO2 sensor for measuring blood oxygen levels, along with stress tracking, makes the Galaxy Watch 7 a more comprehensive health tracker for users who want deeper insights into their bodies.

Fitness and GPS: Tracking Every Move

Fitness tracking is a staple of both watches, but each has its own unique approach. The Pixel Watch 3 excels with its Fitbit Premium integration, offering detailed metrics for workouts, personalized training programs, and guided fitness sessions. It’s perfect for people who want to close their activity rings, track their calories burned, and maintain a consistent workout routine with an easy-to-navigate interface.

The Galaxy Watch 7 builds on Samsung's reputation for robust fitness features. It offers advanced workout tracking and comes with a built-in GPS that performs exceptionally well. This makes it a superior choice for runners, hikers, and cyclists who need accurate location data without having to rely on their smartphones. Additionally, it supports a wider variety of sports and workout modes, making it an ideal pick for athletes or outdoor adventurers.

Battery Life: Going the Distance

One area where the Galaxy Watch 7 really pulls ahead is battery life. Samsung’s watch can last up to three days on a single charge, which is a massive benefit for those who hate the constant need to plug in their devices. Even with heavy usage—such as tracking multiple workouts and having the always-on display activated—you’re looking at at least two full days of use.

In comparison, the Pixel Watch 3 typically lasts about 24 hours on a full charge. This shorter battery life means you’ll likely need to recharge it daily, especially if you’re using a lot of its health tracking features. It’s still manageable, but less convenient for anyone who prefers a more hands-off charging routine.

Software and Smart Features: The Brains Behind the Beauty

On the software front, both watches run on Wear OS, but they’re tailored in different ways. The Pixel Watch 3 offers an uncluttered, streamlined experience with tight integration into Google’s ecosystem. Features like Google Assistant, Google Pay, and seamless access to Google Maps and Gmail make this watch a fantastic productivity tool. If you’re a heavy Google user, the Pixel Watch 3 will feel like a natural extension of your phone.

The Galaxy Watch 7, however, runs Samsung’s One UI Watch on top of Wear OS, and it comes with a few Samsung-exclusive perks. While you still get access to Google services, you also have the option to use Samsung Pay and Bixby (if you prefer it over Google Assistant). Samsung has also thrown in additional smart home controls, especially for users within its ecosystem of connected devices.

Price: Which One Fits Your Budget?

When it comes to price, the Pixel Watch 3 generally comes in at a more budget-friendly level, making it an attractive choice for those who want premium features without the premium price tag. It’s especially great for those who don’t need the extra bells and whistles of Samsung’s watch but still want a solid smartwatch experience.

The Galaxy Watch 7, on the other hand, tends to be more expensive, but with good reason. Its broader feature set, superior display, and longer battery life make it worth the extra investment for those who can stretch their budget a little further.

Compatibility: Crossing Platforms

Both watches work seamlessly with Android devices, but the Galaxy Watch 7 takes a step further in terms of compatibility. While the Pixel Watch 3 is predominantly designed for Android users, Samsung has ensured that the Galaxy Watch 7 works well with iPhones, too. It’s a great option if you’re someone who likes to switch between ecosystems or if you’re an iPhone user looking for more smartwatch options outside of Apple’s lineup.

Final Thoughts on the Detailed Comparison:

If you want a smartwatch that nails the basics with great software integration and doesn’t mind a shorter battery life, the Pixel Watch 3 is a fantastic choice, especially for Google enthusiasts. But if you need a more feature-rich, longer-lasting smartwatch that offers top-notch health and fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch 7 is the clear winner.

3 Alternatives to Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 that Might Fit Better to Your Needs

If neither the Pixel Watch 3 nor the Galaxy Watch 7 feels like the perfect fit for your wrist, don’t worry—there are other options out there that could be just what you’re looking for. Here’s a standout alternative that’s gaining attention:

Aether X: Powered by TikTik

The Aether X smartwatch blends cutting-edge technology with a chic design, perfect for those who want a statement piece on their wrist. This watch is packed with smart features like fitness tracking, notifications, and a crisp AMOLED display, but what makes it unique is its limited-edition designer touch. It’s the perfect choice for someone looking to stand out from the crowd without compromising on tech.

Apple Watch Series 9

If you’re already an Apple fan, the Apple Watch Series 9 is probably the most seamless smartwatch experience you can get. Known for its unparalleled synergy with iPhones, this watch offers deep integration with Apple services like Apple Health, Siri, and Apple Pay. It also comes with one of the most robust suites of health and fitness tracking features on the market, including blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, and even fall detection. While it’s a bit pricier, the Apple Watch Series 9 stands out for its smooth user experience and sleek design, making it a top contender for iPhone users looking for more than what the Pixel or Galaxy watches offer.

Garmin Venu 3

For those who need their smartwatch to do more than just count steps, the Garmin Venu 3 is an excellent alternative. This watch is a powerhouse when it comes to sports tracking, with highly accurate GPS, heart rate monitoring, and even body battery energy monitoring. Designed for serious athletes, the Venu 3 offers detailed metrics for everything from running to swimming, and even golf! Plus, its rugged design means it can take a beating, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. If health and fitness tracking are your top priorities, the Garmin Venu 3 blows both the Pixel and Galaxy watches out of the water.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between the Pixel Watch 3 and the Galaxy Watch 7, it really comes down to what you value most. The Pixel Watch 3 wins if price is a factor or if you’re already embedded in Google’s ecosystem. However, if you want the overall best smartwatch experience, especially in terms of display, battery life, and advanced health features, the Galaxy Watch 7 is the one to beat.

Of course, don’t forget about stylish alternatives like the Aether X if you’re in the market for something a little different. In the end, no matter which one you choose, you’ll be strapping a little bit of the future onto your wrist!