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

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: Specs

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

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.

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.

Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 7: FAQ