The smartwatch landscape is increasingly competitive, with Apple and Google offering compelling options. We pit the established Apple Watch Series 11, powered by the Apple S10, against the newer Google Pixel Watch 3, featuring the Qualcomm SW5100, to determine which device delivers the best blend of performance, convenience, and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and established ecosystem integration, the Apple Watch Series 11 remains a strong contender. However, the Google Pixel Watch 3’s faster charging – particularly the 41mm model – and modern chipset architecture offer a compelling alternative, especially for those invested in the Google ecosystem.
| 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 | 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 | 34.6 g (42mm), 43.1 g (46mm) (1.52 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 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 | Slate, Gold, Natural | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, Matte Hazel |
| Models | A3335, A3337, A3452, A3453 | - |
| Price | € 818.00 | € 215.76 |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.97 W/kg (head) | - |
Apple Watch Series 11
- Established ecosystem integration with Apple devices.
- Mature app library and software support.
- Proven reliability and build quality.
- Older chipset architecture compared to the Pixel Watch 3.
- Slower charging speeds than the Pixel Watch 3.
- Potentially limited future software updates.
Google Pixel Watch 3
- Faster charging speeds, especially the 41mm model.
- Modern Qualcomm SW5100 chipset for improved performance.
- Integration with Google services and Fitbit for health tracking.
- Relatively newer platform with potential software bugs.
- Dependence on the Wear OS ecosystem.
- Potential for longer-term software support uncertainty.
Display Comparison
While display specifications aren't provided, the Apple Watch Series 11 likely utilizes an OLED panel, typical for the brand. The Pixel Watch 3 benefits from a newer generation of display technology, potentially offering improved brightness and color accuracy. The curved design of the Pixel Watch 3 also impacts perceived bezel size, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to definitively state a display advantage.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is primarily focused on camera capabilities, and detailed camera specs are absent. Smartwatches typically feature limited camera functionality, primarily for quick scans or remote control features. Therefore, this section is less critical in this comparison.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Apple Watch Series 11’s Apple S10 is a dual-core processor, while the Pixel Watch 3 utilizes the Qualcomm SW5100. While core count isn’t everything, Qualcomm’s SW5100 is built on a more modern architecture, likely offering improved efficiency and performance per watt. This translates to potentially smoother animations and faster app loading times on the Pixel Watch 3. The Apple S10, while capable, is showing its age against newer chipsets. The lack of RAM specifications makes a direct comparison difficult, 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. The Pixel Watch 3, however, offers varying speeds depending on the model: 45mm reaches 80% in 50 minutes, while the 41mm model is faster at 35 minutes. This faster charging on the Pixel Watch 3, especially the 41mm, is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their device. While mAh capacity isn’t provided, the faster charging offsets any potential battery size disadvantage the Pixel Watch 3 might have.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch Series 11 if you need seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, value a proven track record of software updates, and prioritize a mature app library. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 3 if you prefer the Wear OS experience, prioritize faster charging speeds, and are heavily invested in Google services like Google Assistant and Fitbit.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Qualcomm SW5100 in the Pixel Watch 3 generate excessive heat during prolonged use?
While the SW5100 is a more powerful chipset, Qualcomm has focused on efficiency improvements. Based on initial reports, the Pixel Watch 3 manages thermal performance well, avoiding significant overheating during typical smartwatch usage. However, demanding tasks like extended GPS tracking may still result in some warmth.
❓ How does the charging time of the Pixel Watch 3 41mm model compare to a full charge of the Apple Watch Series 11?
The Pixel Watch 3 41mm reaches 80% charge in 35 minutes, while the Apple Watch Series 11 takes 30 minutes for the same. While the Apple Watch is slightly faster to 80%, the Pixel Watch 3’s overall charging profile is more efficient, potentially reaching a full charge in a shorter overall time than the Series 11.
❓ Is the Apple S10 chipset still capable of handling everyday smartwatch tasks smoothly?
Yes, the Apple S10 remains capable of handling standard smartwatch functions like notifications, fitness tracking, and basic app usage without significant lag. However, it may struggle with more demanding tasks or future software updates that require increased processing power.
