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Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: Which should you buy?

Choose between two powerful devices running the latest Wear OS.
By

Published onAugust 13, 2024

Google Pixel Watch 3
MSRP: $349.00
Check price
Positives
Attractive, minimalist design in multiple sizes
Powerful, pure Wear OS 5 experience
New wellness features including Target Load
Negatives
Limited external updates
Retains a high launch price
Still only 24 hour battery claim
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
MSRP: $299.99
Check price
Positives
Useful new Energy Score
Sleek, refined design
Familiar Wear OS experience
Easily interchangeable watch bands
Reasonable price
More accurate heart rate monitor
Negatives
Some Samsung-exclusive features
GPS tracking still struggles with tall buildings
Still mostly minor updates
Battery life is good but not great

There are now officially multiple players in the smartwatch field boasting the latest Wear OS 5 operating system. Despite running the same base software, Samsung and Google offer shoppers unique experiences, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Now on its third generation, the Pixel Watch line continues to improve and pack in features. Meanwhile, Samsung’s latest delivers iterative improvements and a handful of new tools. Find out more in this Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7 comparison guide.

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: At a glance

  • The Google Pixel Watch 3 runs pure Wear OS 5, while the Galaxy Watch 7 features Wear OS 5 with Samsung's One UI Watch 6.0 overlay.
  • The Pixel Watch 3 offers thorough integration with the Fitbit health and wellness tracking platform.
  • The Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349, and the Galaxy Watch 7 starts at $299.
  • Both devices are available in two case sizes and a variety of colorways.
  • Both watches pack a robust smartwatch experience and wellness tools as well as AI-generated features.
  • Each features unique integration with smartphones within its own ecosystem.

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: Specs

Google Pixel Watch 3Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Display
Google Pixel Watch 3
Always-on display
Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
AMOLED-LTPO display with DCI-P3 color
Up to 2,000 nits peak brightness
1 nit minimum brightness

41mm:
320ppi

45mm:
320ppi
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Always-on display
Sapphire glass
Super AMOLED, Full color
Up to 2,000 nits peak brightness

40mm:
1.3-inch display
432x432 resolution
330ppi

44mm:
1.5-inch display
480x480 resolution
327ppi
Materials and finishes
Google Pixel Watch 3
Case: 100% recycled aluminum
Active Band: Fluoroelastomer
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Case: 100% recycled aluminum
Active Band: Fluoroelastomer
Dimensions and weight
Google Pixel Watch 3
41mm
Diameter: 41mm
Height: 12.3mm
31g (without band)

45mm
Diameter: 45mm
Height: 12.3mm
37g (without band)

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
40mm
40.4 x 40.4 x 9.7 mm
28.9g (without band)

44mm
44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7mm
33.8g (without band)

Processor
Google Pixel Watch 3
Qualcomm SW5100
Cortex M33 co-processor
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Exynos W100
5 cores
3nm process
Storage and memory
Google Pixel Watch 3
32GB eMMC flash
2GB SDRAM
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
32GB storage
2GB RAM
Power
Google Pixel Watch 3
420mAh (typical)
Up to 24 hours with always-on display
Up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode
USB-C Fast charging cable
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
40mm: 300mAh
44mm: 425mAh

WPC-based wireless charging

Software
Google Pixel Watch 3
Wear OS 5.0
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Wear OS 5.0
One UI Watch 6.0
Sensors
Google Pixel Watch 3
Compass
Altimeter
Blood oxygen sensor
Multipurpose electrical sensor
Multi-path optical heart rate sensor
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Ambient light sensor
Electrical sensor to measure cEDA
Skin temperature sensor
Barometer
Magnetometer
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Samsung BioActive sensor (Optical Bio-signal sensor, Electrical Heart Signal, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis)
Temperature sensor
Accelerometer
Barometer
Gyro sensor
Geomagnetic sensor
Light sensor
Audio
Google Pixel Watch 3
Built-in microphone
Built-in speaker
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Built-in microphone
Built-in speaker
Durability
Google Pixel Watch 3
5ATM + IP68
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
5ATM + IP68 + MID-STD-810H
Connectivity
Google Pixel Watch 3
Bluetooth 5.0
4G LTE and UMTS
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz
NFC
GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, Navic
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Bluetooth 5.3
LTE
Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5GHz)
NFC
GPS dual frequency (L1+L5)
Glonass
Beidou
Galileo
Compatibility
Google Pixel Watch 3
Android 10.0 or newer
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Android 11.0 or newer
Band Size
Google Pixel Watch 3
Active band:
Small: 130-175mm around
Large: 165-210mm around
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Active band:
Small: 130-175mm around
Large: 165-210mm around
Colors
Google Pixel Watch 3
Matte Black Aluminum case / Obsidian Active band
Polished Silver Aluminum case / Porcelain Active band

41mm only:
Champagne Gold Aluminum case / Hazel Active Band
Polished Silver Aluminum case / Rose Quartz Active Band

45mm only:
Matte Hazel Aluminum case / Hazel Active band
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
40mm:
Green
Cream

44mm:
Green
Silver

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: Design, size comparison, and colors

At a glance, the brand new Pixel Watch 3 in hand looks a lot like its predecessors, with a minimalist design and domed display. It also still features integrated bands, a side button, and a digital crown. However, for the first time, the new generation officially lands in two sizes both of which feature a larger, brighter display with shrunken bezels. Shoppers can grab the device in either a 41mm or 45mm recycled aluminum case with a fluoroelastomer sport band. The 45mm case is available in Matte Black with an Obsidian band, Polished Silver with a Porcelain band, or Matte Hazel with a Hazel band. The 41mm case is also available in Matte Black with an Obsidian Active Band and Polished Silver with a Porcelain band but differentiates itself with Champagne Gold with a Hazel band and Polished Silver with a Rose Quartz band options.

Both the Pixel Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 look a lot like last year's models, and each watch is available in two case sizes.

Just like the Pixel Watch 3, Samsung’s latest looks a lot like its older sibling. The Galaxy Watch 7 retains the same sporty aesthetic as the 6, including a flat circular display, two buttons, and quick-release bands. The buttons do feature more pronounced orange and white edges, but the two generations are otherwise largely identical, including availability in 40mm and 44mm case sizes. Both Galaxy Watch 7 case sizes are available in green. The larger model is also available in gray, while the smaller model offers a cream option instead. Either can be paired with a variety of band colors, including picks in fabric, athleisure, and sport materials.

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: Features

Both smartwatch lines offer users the latest Wear OS experience with crucial performance and power-efficiency improvements. The Pixel Watch 3 features the software in its purest form, providing a similar experience to the Pixel Watch 2 but with key refinement to top Google tools, like offline Google Maps access. Pixel Watch users will find in-depth Google integration, including Nest camera streams, phone call screening, and onwrist Google TV remote controls. The device even boasts a Recorder app.

For workouts, the Fitbit platform also continues to deliver with new features, including advanced running metrics and workout guidance, and improvements to the workout app, including integrated music controls, goal setting with real-time haptic feedback, and added heart rate compatibility with popular equipment. The watch also introduces an all-new Readiness Score, as well as Cardio Score for tracking exertion and Target Load for customized activity goals. Many of these new tools combine in Google’s new Morning Brief feature, which provides a daily digest of your key health stats and other details like upcoming weather, to help you prepare for the day ahead. Fitbit Premium members can even access AI-generated workout recommendations and additional content.

Each device runs the latest Wear OS 5 software, but offers unique integration within their own respective ecosystems.

Likewise, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers nearly the same functionality as the Galaxy Watch 6 series, plus a few new key features. On top of Wear OS 5, the device runs One UI 6 Watch, which boasts efficiency and aesthetic updates, support for an interactive always-on screen, and a Find My app, as well as new watch faces. The device also introduces Double Pinch, a gesture control for managing items on your Galaxy phone, like alarms and camera controls. The device also brings Galaxy AI into the limelight with Suggested replies for messaging within Google Messages and WhatsApp.

On the health and fitness front, the watch still offers basics like heart rate and blood oxygen tracking, body composition analysis, ECG, and blood pressure measurements. Unfortunately, the last two features remain exclusive to Galaxy smartphones. This year, Samsung also added AGEs Index for monitoring metabolic health and biological age and Energy Score, which analyzes key metrics, including sleep, activity, sleeping heart rate, and sleeping heart rate variability, to help users understand their body’s energy use. Other additions include Functional Threshold Power calculation, Personalized HR Zones, a new Race feature for competing against your own previous sessions, Sleep Apnea monitoring, Workout Routines, and Wellness Tips (described as a wellness coach on your wrist), plus improvements to Samsung’s sleep tracking platform. The Galaxy Watch 7 also features dual-frequency GPS support.

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: Price and availability

  • Google Pixel Watch 3 41mm Wi-Fi: $349
  • Google Pixel Watch 3 41mm LTE: $449
  • Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm Wi-Fi: $399
  • Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm LTE: $499
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 40mm Wi-Fi: $299
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 40mm LTE: $349
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 44mm Wi-Fi: $329
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 44mm LTE: $379

The Google Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349, $50 higher than the starting price of the Galaxy Watch 7. As mentioned, both lineups offer multiple case sizes at varying prices. Each is also available as a Wi-Fi-only or LTE variant, with an upcharge for the latter. Both sets of prices are consistent with those of their respective predecessors, though there is no Classic model available in the Galaxy Watch 7 series this year.

Samsung launched preorders for the 7 series on July 10, 2024, with general availability following July 24. The device is now readily available through Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores, and major retailers. Preorders for the Pixel Watch 3 began today, August 13, with the device scheduled to hit shelves on September 10. Each purchase of Pixel Watch 3 also comes with a 6-month free Fitbit Premium membership.

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Google Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 comes down to a few critical factors. First, the devices offer differing looks, so you’ll need to choose between a domed, minimalist aesthetic or a sporty, traditional smartwatch. Next, determine if you prefer a pure Wear OS smartwatch or if you want the Samsung-tailored influence of One UI Watch 6.

Google Pixel Watch 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Which would you rather buy?

257 votes

Each option offers differing on-device experiences. How about which wellness platform you prefer? Only the Pixel Watch lineup offers thorough Fitbit integration, but the Galaxy Watch does boast unique tools like body composition analysis.

Choosing between these two powerful Wear OS devices comes down to form factor, health platform, and desired ecosystem.

Regarding Samsung’s offering, it’s also hard to argue with a lower price point and seven generations of refinement. If you own a Galaxy phone and can access the full feature set, the Galaxy Watch 7 is likely the right pick for you. On the other hand, the Pixel Watch 3 delivers more than ever and shows that Google’s lineup is headed in the right direction. The raw Wear OS shines, especially with Google’s AI tools working behind the scenes. If you own a Pixel phone or plan to grab one of the newly launched models, the Pixel Watch 3 is the better option.

See price at Amazon
Google Pixel Watch 3
Google Pixel Watch 3
Larger, secondary case size
Multi-day battery life
Accurate heart rate tracking
See price at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Enhanced storage
Sleep apnea detection
Stylish design

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: FAQ

Both the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 feature 5ATM water resistance.

Neither the Google Pixel Watch 3 or Galaxy Watch 7 work with iPhones.

Both the Google Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 come with their own proprietary charger.

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