Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch Ultra: The Ultimate Showdown

The smartwatch market is booming, and two titans stand out: the Google Pixel Watch and the Apple Watch Ultra. Both offer premium features and sleek designs, but cater to different ecosystems and user needs. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your wrist.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Apple Watch Ultra dominates in ruggedness, battery life, and advanced features like depth tracking. However, the Pixel Watch offers a more refined design and seamless integration with the Google ecosystem. For serious athletes and adventurers, the Ultra wins; for everyday users prioritizing style and Google services, the Pixel Watch is a strong contender.

PHONES
Phone Names Google Pixel Watch Apple Watch Ultra
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK
4G bands2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 66, 71 - GWT9R1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 5, 7, 26 - GBZ4S1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada
Launch
Announced2022, October 062022, September 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, October 13Available. Released 2022, September 23
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), stainless steel frameSapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame
Dimensions41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in)49 x 44 x 14.4 mm (1.93 x 1.73 x 0.57 in)
SIMeSIMeSIM
Weight36 g (1.27 oz)61.3 g (2.15 oz)
 50m/5ATM water resistant (IP68) ECG certifiedIP6X certified 100m water resistant (WR100) 40m swimproof/diving (EN13319) MIL-STD 810H certified ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Sapphire crystal glass
Resolution450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density)502 x 410 pixels (~338 ppi density)
Size1.2 inches1.92 inches
TypeAMOLED, 1000 nits (peak)Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak)
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUDual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53Dual-core
ChipsetExynos 9110 (10 nm)Apple S8
GPUMali-T720PowerVR
OSAndroid Wear OS 3.5watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal32GB 2GB RAM32GB
 eMMC-
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers (86-decibel)
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBNoNo
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water)
 -Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Depth gauge (±1m accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
ChargingWireless (Qi)Wireless, 0-80% in 60 min
TypeLi-Ion 294 mAhLi-Ion 542 mAh
Misc
ColorsMatte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne GoldTitanium
ModelsGQF4C, GBZ4S, GWT9RA2684, A2622, A2859, watch6,18
PriceAbout 220 EURAbout 550 EUR
SAR EU-0.35 W/kg (head)     0.60 W/kg (body)
Camera
 NoNo

Google Pixel Watch

  • Sleek and comfortable design
  • Seamless Google ecosystem integration
  • Fitbit health tracking features
  • Elegant domed display

  • Short battery life
  • Less durable than the Ultra
  • Exynos 9110 chipset is less powerful
  • Limited third-party app support compared to Apple Watch

Apple Watch Ultra

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Rugged and durable design (titanium case, sapphire crystal)
  • Advanced features for outdoor activities (depth gauge, compass)
  • Powerful Apple S8 chip
  • Larger, brighter display

  • Higher price point
  • Primarily designed for Apple ecosystem
  • Larger size may not suit all wrists
  • Design is more utilitarian than stylish

Display Comparison

The Apple Watch Ultra boasts a larger, brighter, and more durable display with a flat sapphire crystal, making it significantly more visible in direct sunlight. The Pixel Watch has a smaller, curved OLED display that's visually appealing but less practical for outdoor use. The Ultra's larger size also allows for more complications and information at a glance.

Camera Comparison

Neither the Pixel Watch nor the Apple Watch Ultra have a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, relying instead on smartphone integration for photography.

Performance

The Apple S8 chip in the Apple Watch Ultra provides noticeably faster performance and smoother animations compared to the Exynos 9110 in the Pixel Watch. While the Pixel Watch is responsive for everyday tasks, the Ultra handles demanding apps and workouts with greater ease. The Apple Watch Ultra's optimized software also contributes to its superior performance.

Battery Life

The Apple Watch Ultra's battery life is a significant advantage, offering up to 36 hours of regular use and up to 60 hours in low-power mode. The Pixel Watch struggles to reach a full day of battery life with moderate usage, often requiring nightly charging. This difference is crucial for users who prioritize longevity.

Buying Guide

The Google Pixel Watch is ideal for Android users deeply invested in the Google ecosystem, valuing a stylish design and seamless integration with apps like Google Assistant and Fitbit. The Apple Watch Ultra is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and those needing a durable, feature-rich smartwatch with exceptional battery life and advanced health tracking capabilities, primarily within the Apple ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Pixel Watch compatible with iPhones?
No, the Pixel Watch is primarily designed for Android devices and has limited functionality with iPhones.
❓ How durable is the Apple Watch Ultra?
The Apple Watch Ultra is exceptionally durable, featuring a titanium case, sapphire crystal display, and water resistance up to 100 meters, making it suitable for extreme conditions.
❓ Does the Pixel Watch have cellular connectivity?
Yes, a cellular version of the Pixel Watch is available, allowing for calls and data usage without a paired smartphone.
❓ What are the key health features of the Apple Watch Ultra?
The Apple Watch Ultra offers advanced health features including ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, heart rate tracking, temperature sensing, and fall detection, along with specialized features for diving and other outdoor activities.