Choosing Between Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Google Pixel Watch 3
In the growing realm of smartwatches, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Google Pixel Watch 3 have garnered significant attention from tech enthusiasts. If you're contemplating which one to purchase, you’ve come to the right place. After wearing both devices for several weeks, I’ve compiled insights regarding their screen differences, health sensors, battery life, and overall usability to aid in your decision-making process.
When contemplating a smart watch, pricing and size are often key factors. The Galaxy Watch 7 provides options starting at $300 for the 40 mm version, or $330 for the 44 mm variant. Conversely, the Pixel Watch 3 starts at $350 for the 41 mm edition and goes up to $400 for the 45 mm. In this review, I wore the smaller sizes of each watch due to my wrist size and will indicate any larger models where applicable.
Both watches feature round displays, but according to my observations, the Pixel Watch has an edge in aesthetics with its sophisticated design including curved edges and a rotating crown. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 7 sports a flat screen with two side buttons. Personal comfort can be subjective, yet both models felt unobtrusive during extended wear, including nighttime sleep tracking.
Both devices utilize AMOLED screens, achieving brightness levels of up to 2000 nits, ensuring visibility even in direct sunlight. However, I noted that the flatter design of the Galaxy Watch 7 appeared less reflective.
A key differentiator in durability is the material used for the screens. The Galaxy Watch 7 is protected by sapphire crystal glass, while the Pixel Watch uses Gorilla Glass 5. My experience with the Galaxy variant has been positive, showing no signs of scratching. In contrast, I did experience a notable scratch on a previous unit of the Pixel Watch, although a replacement has remained scratch-free.
When placed side by side, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers more screen real estate, which is particularly noticeable in the smaller 40 mm model. It includes a haptic touch bezel, allowing menu navigation. However, I found the physical crown on the Pixel Watch to be superior for the precision it offers; navigating menus felt more intuitive and less prone to overshooting selections, especially in humid conditions.
Both watches boast dust and water resistance allowing for usage during swimming and inclement weather.
The inclusion of a speaker and microphone on both devices allows for features such as call answering, message dictation, and notifications. One notable feature of the Galaxy Watch is that it can playback music via its speaker, which is not available on the Pixel Watch.
Operating System and Features
Running on the latest version of Wear OS, both watches are compatible with an extensive array of apps within the Google ecosystem, including Gmail and Google Assistant. Samsung users can opt for Bixby, enhancing the Samsung ecosystem experience, while Google users can leverage unique features such as remote access to Nest cameras and Google TV.
In terms of performance, both devices are responsive; however, I found the Pixel Watch to have the edge with faster startup times and smoother app navigation.
Health and Fitness Tracking
When it comes to health and fitness tracking, both devices come equipped with an ECG app, blood oxygen monitoring, and skin temperature sensors. The Galaxy Watch distinguishes itself with an advanced body composition sensor and FDA-authorized sleep apnea detection—features accessible primarily to Samsung phone users, although they can be sideloaded on other Android devices.
Tracking capabilities reveal that both watches provide sleep data, alongside simple sleep scores. Comparatively, the Galaxy Watch’s readings aligned closely with dedicated sleep trackers I tested, demonstrating a stronger correlation in sleep duration and REM cycles.
The Fitbit app on the Pixel Watch, in conjunction with its health tracking metrics, offers deeper insights into fitness data but does require a $10 monthly subscription for optimal usage. Notably, the Galaxy Watch does not necessitate any subscription for accessing full health data.
Battery life remains a critical factor for smartwatch users. Both watches offer about 24 hours of usage in their smaller versions, but the Pixel Watch 3 impressively lasted close to 2.5 days during my testing period. Charging times are also worth mentioning, with the Galaxy Watch needing 1 hour and 14 minutes for a full charge, while the Pixel Watch takes around 59 minutes. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Watch has eliminated the previously available reverse wireless charging feature.
Ultimately, the choice between the Galaxy Watch 7 and Pixel Watch 3 heavily depends on your existing smartphone ecosystem and feature preferences. For Galaxy phone owners, the Galaxy Watch 7 is the clear choice, while Pixel phone users will find the Pixel Watch’s integration superior.
If you are looking for advanced fitness tracking capabilities, particularly for running metrics, the Pixel Watch’s superior health app features may sway your decision—even at a higher price point. Alternatively, if affordability and essential features are more critical, the Galaxy Watch 7 is an impressive option.
Let me know your thoughts on both watches or if you have further inquiries about them in the comments below!
Part 1/10:
Choosing Between Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Google Pixel Watch 3
In the growing realm of smartwatches, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Google Pixel Watch 3 have garnered significant attention from tech enthusiasts. If you're contemplating which one to purchase, you’ve come to the right place. After wearing both devices for several weeks, I’ve compiled insights regarding their screen differences, health sensors, battery life, and overall usability to aid in your decision-making process.
Pricing and Size
Part 2/10:
When contemplating a smart watch, pricing and size are often key factors. The Galaxy Watch 7 provides options starting at $300 for the 40 mm version, or $330 for the 44 mm variant. Conversely, the Pixel Watch 3 starts at $350 for the 41 mm edition and goes up to $400 for the 45 mm. In this review, I wore the smaller sizes of each watch due to my wrist size and will indicate any larger models where applicable.
Design and Comfort
Part 3/10:
Both watches feature round displays, but according to my observations, the Pixel Watch has an edge in aesthetics with its sophisticated design including curved edges and a rotating crown. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 7 sports a flat screen with two side buttons. Personal comfort can be subjective, yet both models felt unobtrusive during extended wear, including nighttime sleep tracking.
Both devices utilize AMOLED screens, achieving brightness levels of up to 2000 nits, ensuring visibility even in direct sunlight. However, I noted that the flatter design of the Galaxy Watch 7 appeared less reflective.
Durability Considerations
Part 4/10:
A key differentiator in durability is the material used for the screens. The Galaxy Watch 7 is protected by sapphire crystal glass, while the Pixel Watch uses Gorilla Glass 5. My experience with the Galaxy variant has been positive, showing no signs of scratching. In contrast, I did experience a notable scratch on a previous unit of the Pixel Watch, although a replacement has remained scratch-free.
Display and Navigation Interface
Part 5/10:
When placed side by side, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers more screen real estate, which is particularly noticeable in the smaller 40 mm model. It includes a haptic touch bezel, allowing menu navigation. However, I found the physical crown on the Pixel Watch to be superior for the precision it offers; navigating menus felt more intuitive and less prone to overshooting selections, especially in humid conditions.
Both watches boast dust and water resistance allowing for usage during swimming and inclement weather.
Speaker and Microphone Functionality
Part 6/10:
The inclusion of a speaker and microphone on both devices allows for features such as call answering, message dictation, and notifications. One notable feature of the Galaxy Watch is that it can playback music via its speaker, which is not available on the Pixel Watch.
Operating System and Features
Running on the latest version of Wear OS, both watches are compatible with an extensive array of apps within the Google ecosystem, including Gmail and Google Assistant. Samsung users can opt for Bixby, enhancing the Samsung ecosystem experience, while Google users can leverage unique features such as remote access to Nest cameras and Google TV.
Performance
Part 7/10:
In terms of performance, both devices are responsive; however, I found the Pixel Watch to have the edge with faster startup times and smoother app navigation.
Health and Fitness Tracking
When it comes to health and fitness tracking, both devices come equipped with an ECG app, blood oxygen monitoring, and skin temperature sensors. The Galaxy Watch distinguishes itself with an advanced body composition sensor and FDA-authorized sleep apnea detection—features accessible primarily to Samsung phone users, although they can be sideloaded on other Android devices.
Part 8/10:
Tracking capabilities reveal that both watches provide sleep data, alongside simple sleep scores. Comparatively, the Galaxy Watch’s readings aligned closely with dedicated sleep trackers I tested, demonstrating a stronger correlation in sleep duration and REM cycles.
The Fitbit app on the Pixel Watch, in conjunction with its health tracking metrics, offers deeper insights into fitness data but does require a $10 monthly subscription for optimal usage. Notably, the Galaxy Watch does not necessitate any subscription for accessing full health data.
Battery Life
Part 9/10:
Battery life remains a critical factor for smartwatch users. Both watches offer about 24 hours of usage in their smaller versions, but the Pixel Watch 3 impressively lasted close to 2.5 days during my testing period. Charging times are also worth mentioning, with the Galaxy Watch needing 1 hour and 14 minutes for a full charge, while the Pixel Watch takes around 59 minutes. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Watch has eliminated the previously available reverse wireless charging feature.
Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
Part 10/10:
Ultimately, the choice between the Galaxy Watch 7 and Pixel Watch 3 heavily depends on your existing smartphone ecosystem and feature preferences. For Galaxy phone owners, the Galaxy Watch 7 is the clear choice, while Pixel phone users will find the Pixel Watch’s integration superior.
If you are looking for advanced fitness tracking capabilities, particularly for running metrics, the Pixel Watch’s superior health app features may sway your decision—even at a higher price point. Alternatively, if affordability and essential features are more critical, the Galaxy Watch 7 is an impressive option.
Let me know your thoughts on both watches or if you have further inquiries about them in the comments below!