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Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Google Pixel Watch 4

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 4.1). Apple Watch Ultra 3 is best for: Outdoor adventurers needing robust features. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple Watch Ultra 3
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Smartwatches
Apple Watch Ultra 3
2 sources$649as of Oct 16

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 brings a larger LTPO3 display, 5G connectivity, and visible seconds to the wrist, making it well-suited for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts. PCMag's Andrew Gebhart notes its enhanced battery life and cellular performance, while a YouTube reviewer found the screen improvements subtle in daily use. The device is ideal for those seeking a premium smartwatch with robust outdoor features, though it doesn't drastically outpace its predecessor in core functionality.

Strengths
  • — Larger LTPO3 display with improved off-angle viewing
  • — Seconds are visible on the screen without raising wrist, per Birchtree
  • — Enhanced battery life compared to previous models, per OutdoorGearLab
Watch-outs
  • — Sold in only one 49mm case size and one titanium configuration, unlike cheaper Apple Watch models
$649 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Google Pixel Watch 4
Ranked #7 in Best Smartwatches
Google Pixel Watch 4
2 sources$399.99as of Oct 11

The Google Pixel Watch 4 features a refined curved display with improved brightness and smaller bezels, delivering over two days of battery life. It includes built-in Gemini AI assistant and maintains accurate fitness tracking capabilities. While it offers a sleek design and solid performance, it lacks new sensors and restricts some features behind a paywall. This smartwatch appeals to users prioritizing style and battery longevity over advanced health monitoring.

Strengths
  • — More than two days of battery life (56 hours tested)
  • — Built-in Gemini for voice control
  • — Accurate exercise and sleep tracking
Watch-outs
  • — Daily run recommendations are paywalled, per PCMag
  • — Lack of sapphire glass makes the display prone to scratches
$399.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 features a larger LTPO3 display and 5G connectivity, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 11 don't offer, but it lacks the advanced fitness metrics found in the Garmin Venu 4 and doesn't provide the same level of battery life as the OnePlus Watch 3. Compared to the Google Pixel Watch 4, it offers more comprehensive health tracking but lacks the built-in Gemini AI. The Apple Watch SE 3 provides better value with its updated design and speaker capabilities.

Google Pixel Watch 4

The Google Pixel Watch 4 offers over two days of battery life and built-in Gemini AI, which is more than the Apple Watch Series 11 or OnePlus Watch 3, but it lacks sapphire glass and restricts some features behind a paywall. Unlike the Garmin Venu 4, it doesn't provide advanced fitness metrics or recovery tracking, and while it's more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, it doesn't offer the same durability or health monitoring capabilities. The Apple Watch SE 3 provides better value with its updated design and speaker capabilities.

Specs side-by-side

SpecApple Watch Ultra 3Google Pixel Watch 4
Display TypeLTPO3 OLEDAMOLED
Connectivity5G4G LTE and UMTS, Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, Ultra wideband, Satellite SOS
Water Resistance100m5 ATM IP68
OSWatchOS 26Wear OS 6.0
CompatibilityiOSAndroid
MaterialTitanium100% recycled aluminum
BatteryBuilt-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery325 mAh
Dimensions8.4 x 4.6 x 1.5 inches41mm diameter x 12.3mm height
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