The smartwatch landscape is fiercely competitive, with Apple and Google consistently pushing boundaries. We're pitting the established Apple Watch Series 11 Aluminum against the newer Google Pixel Watch 3, analyzing their core hardware differences to determine which offers the best experience for various users. This comparison focuses on the fundamental performance and charging capabilities of each device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel Watch 3 emerges as the superior choice. While the Apple Watch Series 11 offers the convenience of wireless charging, the Pixel Watch 3’s Qualcomm SW5100 chipset provides a more modern architecture, and its faster charging – particularly on the 41mm model – offsets the slightly longer full charge time.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 09 | 2024, August 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 19 | Available. Released 2024, September 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | 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 | 29.7 g (42mm), 36.9 g (46mm) (1.06 oz) | 37 g (1.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass (2025 gen) | 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 26, 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 | Li-Ion 420 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jet Black, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Silver | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, Matte Hazel |
| Models | A3333, A3331, A3335, A3337, A3450, A3451, A3452, A3453 | - |
| Price | € 398.00 | € 215.76 |
| SAR | 0.42 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.11 W/kg (head) | - |
Apple Watch Series 11 Aluminum
- Wireless charging offers convenience.
- Established watchOS ecosystem.
- Proven reliability of Apple hardware.
- Older Apple S10 chipset.
- Slower overall charging speed compared to Pixel Watch 3.
- Likely less efficient display technology.
Google Pixel Watch 3
- Modern Qualcomm SW5100 chipset.
- Faster charging speeds (especially 41mm model).
- Wear OS offers greater customization.
- Requires wired charging.
- Relatively newer platform with potential software quirks.
- Ecosystem lock-in may be a concern for some.
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Series 11’s age, it likely utilizes an older OLED panel with lower peak brightness and potentially a less efficient design. The Pixel Watch 3, benefiting from newer display technology, likely boasts superior color accuracy and potentially an always-on display feature, though this is speculative without specific data. Bezels on the Series 11 are likely more pronounced than on the newer Pixel Watch 3.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities, and no camera specs are provided for the Apple Watch Series 11. The Pixel Watch 3’s camera details are also absent. Therefore, a meaningful comparison is impossible. Smartwatch cameras are generally limited in quality and are primarily used for quick tasks like voice calls or remote triggering.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Apple Watch Series 11’s Apple S10, a dual-core processor, is a proven performer but is now several generations behind. The Google Pixel Watch 3’s Qualcomm SW5100 represents a significant architectural leap. While core count isn’t the sole determinant of performance, the SW5100 benefits from advancements in process node technology and CPU design, likely resulting in faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The lack of RAM specifications prevents a full assessment, but the SW5100’s architecture suggests better memory management.
Battery Life
Charging speeds are a key differentiator. The Apple Watch Series 11 achieves 0-80% charge in 30 minutes with wireless charging. The Pixel Watch 3, utilizing wired charging, reaches 50% in 24-28 minutes (depending on the 41mm or 45mm model) and 80% in 35-50 minutes. While the Series 11 offers wireless convenience, the Pixel Watch 3’s faster initial charging – particularly the 41mm model hitting 50% in just 24 minutes – is a significant advantage for users needing a quick power boost. mAh capacity is unknown for both devices, making a direct battery life comparison impossible, but the faster charging of the Pixel Watch 3 mitigates concerns about potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch Series 11 Aluminum if you prioritize established ecosystem integration and the convenience of wireless charging, and are comfortable with a slightly older chipset. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 3 if you value a more modern processor, faster charging speeds (especially the 41mm variant), and the flexibility of the Wear OS platform. The Pixel Watch 3 is ideal for users seeking a balance of performance and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Qualcomm SW5100 in the Pixel Watch 3 generate more heat than the Apple S10 during prolonged use?
While the SW5100 is more powerful, Qualcomm’s advancements in process technology generally lead to improved thermal efficiency. The S10, being an older chip, may struggle more under sustained load. However, without thermal testing data, it’s difficult to definitively say which runs cooler, but the SW5100’s architecture suggests better heat management.
❓ Is the wired charging of the Pixel Watch 3 a significant inconvenience compared to the wireless charging of the Apple Watch Series 11?
The convenience of wireless charging is undeniable. However, the Pixel Watch 3’s significantly faster charging speeds – particularly the 41mm model reaching 50% in 24 minutes – can mitigate the inconvenience of using a cable. For users who frequently need a quick top-up, the faster charging may outweigh the benefits of wireless charging.
❓ How does the age of the Apple S10 chipset impact app compatibility and future software updates for the Apple Watch Series 11?
An older chipset like the S10 may eventually face compatibility issues with newer apps optimized for more recent processors. Furthermore, Apple may discontinue software updates for the Series 11 sooner than for newer models, potentially limiting access to new features and security patches.
