Here’s How the Pixel Watch Compares to the New Apple Watch
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Apple recently announced the features of the new Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. Here, we’ll cover the highlights of the announcement and everything we know about the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you’re still up to date. But if you’re ready to dive into the details and are curious about how these specs compare to those of Pixel watches, including the Pixel Watch 3 and the upcoming Pixel Watch 4 , here’s a comparison.
Display type and brightness
The new Apple Watch Ultra 3 has the most impressive display of any watch I’ll review today. The wide-angle OLED displays provide a wide viewing angle, while LPTO3 technology provides a significant reduction in power consumption. These features are the main contributors to the Always On Display feature, as now even the inactive version of the display will refresh every second, and you’ll be able to easily see the display without lifting it to your wrist. Peak brightness is 3,000 nits.
The Apple Watch Series 11 doesn’t refresh every second, but it does feature wide-angle OLED displays that are easier to see from an angle. Peak brightness is 2,000 nits.
The Pixel Watch 3 doesn’t have any of these new features, but it does have a brighter display with 2,000 nits of brightness. The Pixel Watch 4 , which hits shelves in October, uses a domed display and has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits.
Battery life
The Apple Watch Ultra has always had impressive battery life compared to other Apple Watch models, and the Ultra 3 is no exception. Apple claims the Ultra 3 has a battery life of 42 hours, with up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
Series 11 can last up to 24 hours in normal use and up to 38 hours in low power mode.
The Pixel Watch 3 lasts 24 hours with typical use and 36 hours in battery saver mode — almost the same as the Apple Watch Series 11. The upcoming Pixel Watch 4 improves on that, delivering 30 to 40 hours of typical use (depending on the size of the watch) and 48 to 72 hours in battery saver mode.
Health and Fitness Features
The new Apple Watch will finally feature a sleep score, which has long been available on the Pixel via Fitbit (the company’s health-tracking app). It’s not a particularly useful metric because it’s impossible to verify; I wouldn’t put too much trust in a sleep score in any app. But Apple is showing that it’s catching up with other devices by offering an easy-to-read score instead of individual metrics.
Apple also plans to implement high blood pressure alerts if it gets the necessary regulatory approval. (Whoops recently ran into trouble with the FDA for implementing an unapproved blood pressure feature; Apple is treading more cautiously.) The Pixel doesn’t have blood pressure capabilities, though it’s unclear whether the smartwatch can monitor blood pressure at all.
Apple’s latest version of WatchOS includes Workout Buddy, a voice assistant that gives you encouragement during your workouts ( assuming your iPhone is new enough ). The Pixel watch doesn’t have this feature, but the Pixel Watch 4 will include an AI-powered fitness trainer as part of Fitbit’s premium subscription. The subscription costs $9.99 per month, and you get six months free when you buy a new device.
Connectedness
Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 support 5G and LTE networks on cellular models. Apple Watch Ultra 3 also supports satellite communications, allowing you to contact emergency services and notify friends and family even without cellular service.
The Pixel Watch 3 only supports 4G LTE on cellular models, but the Pixel Watch 4 also has Satellite SOS.
Pricing
The Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399 for the 42mm model and $429 for the 46mm model. Cellular versions cost $100 more.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799 and is available in one size, 49mm.
The Pixel Watch 3 starts at $249 for the 41mm model and $299 for the 45mm model. Like Apple’s counterparts, cellular versions cost $100 more.
The Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349 for the 41mm model and $399 for the 45mm model, with cellular versions costing $100 more.