The smartwatch landscape is dominated by Apple and Google, each offering a compelling ecosystem. The upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 and the Google Pixel Watch 3 represent the latest iterations of these platforms, with key differences emerging in their core hardware and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which smartwatch delivers the best experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers seamless integration and likely optimized performance with the new S10 chipset. However, the Google Pixel Watch 3’s faster wired charging – particularly the 41mm model – and Qualcomm SW5100 chipset present a strong alternative, especially for Android users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 09 | 2024, August 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 20 | Available. Released 2024, September 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame (grade 5) | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46 x 39 x 9.7 mm (1.81 x 1.54 x 0.38 in) | 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm (1.77 x 1.77 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 34.4 g (42mm), 41.7 g (46mm) (1.48 oz) | 37 g (1.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 496 x 416 pixels (~330 ppi density) | 456 x 456 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.96 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO3 OLED, 2000 nits (peak) | LTPO AMOLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | - |
| Chipset | Apple S10 | Qualcomm SW5100 |
| GPU | PowerVR | - |
| OS | watchOS 11, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | Android Wear OS 5, up to 3 major Android upgrades |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 30 min | Wired, 50% in 28 min, 80% in 50 min - 45mm model
Wired, 50% in 24 min, 80% in 35 min - 41mm model |
| Type | Li-Ion 327 mAh | Li-Ion 420 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Slate, Gold, Natural | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, Matte Hazel |
| Models | A3001, A3002, A3003, A3206 | - |
| Price | € 614.01 | € 215.76 |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.26 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple Watch Series 10
- Optimized performance with Apple S10 chipset
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
- Likely superior display quality (brightness, color accuracy)
- Slower charging speed compared to Pixel Watch 3
- Limited compatibility with Android devices
- Reliance on proprietary wireless charging
Google Pixel Watch 3
- Faster wired charging (especially 41mm model)
- Wear OS offers broader app compatibility
- Strong integration with Google services
- Qualcomm SW5100 may not match S10’s efficiency
- Wired charging requires a cable
- Potentially less refined software experience compared to watchOS
Display Comparison
While display specifications are currently unavailable for the Series 10, Apple historically utilizes LTPO displays for variable refresh rates, maximizing battery efficiency. The Pixel Watch 3 is expected to continue with a similar AMOLED panel. The key differentiator will likely be peak brightness and color accuracy, areas where Apple typically excels. Bezels are also a crucial factor; smaller bezels translate to a more immersive experience, and Apple has consistently minimized these.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is primarily focused on camera capabilities, and detailed camera specs are unavailable. Smartwatches typically feature limited camera functionality, and this comparison will not focus on this aspect.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 10 features Apple’s dual-core S10 chipset, promising performance improvements over its predecessor. This is a system-on-a-chip (SoC) designed specifically for watchOS, allowing for tight hardware-software optimization. Conversely, the Google Pixel Watch 3 utilizes the Qualcomm SW5100. While Qualcomm is a powerhouse in mobile processors, the SW5100 is designed for the constraints of a smartwatch form factor. The S10’s custom architecture likely provides an edge in efficiency, but the SW5100 benefits from Qualcomm’s established ecosystem and potentially broader app compatibility. The impact of RAM speed (likely LPDDR5x in both) will be less noticeable than the core chipset differences.
Battery Life
The charging speeds are a significant point of divergence. The Apple Watch Series 10 offers wireless charging, reaching 80% in 30 minutes. The Google Pixel Watch 3 employs wired charging, achieving 50% in 28 minutes (45mm) or 24 minutes (41mm), and 80% in 50 minutes (45mm) or 35 minutes (41mm). The Pixel Watch 3’s faster charging, particularly the 41mm model, is a clear advantage for users who frequently need a quick top-up. While battery capacity (mAh) is unknown for both, the faster charging of the Pixel Watch 3 mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch Series 10 if you prioritize tight integration with iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices, and value a mature, well-established smartwatch platform. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 3 if you are an Android user, prefer the Wear OS experience, and prioritize faster charging speeds, especially if you opt for the 41mm model.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Qualcomm SW5100 chipset in the Pixel Watch 3 generate significant heat during prolonged use?
While the SW5100 is a capable processor, its thermal performance will depend heavily on Google’s thermal management design. Qualcomm’s chipsets are generally efficient, but smartwatch form factors limit heat dissipation. Expect some warmth during intensive tasks, but significant overheating is unlikely.
❓ How does the wireless charging of the Apple Watch Series 10 compare to the wired charging of the Pixel Watch 3 in terms of convenience for daily use?
Wireless charging offers greater convenience as it eliminates the need for cables. However, the Pixel Watch 3’s faster wired charging means you can achieve a substantial charge in a shorter amount of time, making it a viable option even with the cable requirement. The best choice depends on your charging habits and tolerance for waiting.
❓ Will the Apple Watch Series 10 maintain compatibility with older Apple Watch bands?
Apple has historically maintained band compatibility across generations, but this is not guaranteed. It's likely that the Series 10 will continue to use the existing proprietary band connector, but users should confirm this upon release.
