The smartwatch market is heating up, with the Oppo Watch 3 Pro and Google Pixel Watch 2 representing distinct approaches to Wear OS. While both aim to be comprehensive wrist-worn companions, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly the chipset and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which watch best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and potentially longer battery life, the Oppo Watch 3 Pro, powered by the 4nm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1, emerges as the winner. However, the Pixel Watch 2’s streamlined software experience and faster 80% charge in 45 minutes make it a compelling alternative for those valuing convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 10 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 19 | Available. Released 2023, October 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 50.4 x 38.5 x 12.8 mm (1.98 x 1.52 x 0.50 in) | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | eSIM (market/region dependent) | eSIM |
| Weight | 37.5 g (1.34 oz) | 31 g (1.09 oz) |
| | 5ATM water resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 378 x 496 pixels (~327 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.91 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 | - |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm 5100 |
| GPU | Adreno A702 | - |
| OS | Android Wear OS - InternationalColorOS Watch 3.0 - China | Android Wear OS 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | - | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, compass, barometer, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wired, 80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 550 mAh | Li-Ion 306 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Polished Silver, Matte Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | - | G4TSL, GC3G8, GD2WG |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Oppo Watch 3 Pro
- More efficient Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset
- Potentially longer battery life due to 4nm process
- Likely smoother performance under sustained load
- Charging speed is unknown and may be slower
- Software experience may not be as refined as Pixel Watch 2
Google Pixel Watch 2
- Fast charging: 80% in 45 minutes
- Integrated Fitbit health tracking
- Polished Wear OS software experience
- Less efficient Qualcomm 5100 chipset
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to Oppo Watch 3 Pro
- May experience throttling under heavy load
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics. However, given Oppo’s history with AMOLED panels, the Watch 3 Pro likely features a vibrant display. The Pixel Watch 2’s display is known for its brightness and clarity. Without nit counts or LTPO specifics, a direct comparison is difficult, but both are expected to deliver a premium visual experience. Bezels will be a key differentiator, and user reviews will be crucial for assessing real-world visibility.
Camera Comparison
Neither device’s camera capabilities are detailed in the provided context. Smartwatches generally have limited camera functionality, and image quality is rarely a primary purchase driver. Any camera comparison would rely on external reviews and sample images.
Performance
The Oppo Watch 3 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 (4nm) represents a significant architectural advantage over the Google Pixel Watch 2’s Qualcomm 5100. The 4nm process node inherently offers superior power efficiency compared to the 5100, which is built on a less advanced process. This translates to less heat generation under load and potentially longer sustained performance. The quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU in the Oppo Watch 3 Pro, combined with the W5+ Gen 1’s optimized architecture, should handle demanding applications and Wear OS animations more fluidly than the Pixel Watch 2. While the 5100 is a capable chip, it lacks the architectural advancements of the W5+ Gen 1.
Battery Life
The context data doesn’t provide battery capacities. However, the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1’s 4nm efficiency in the Oppo Watch 3 Pro suggests it will deliver superior battery life compared to the Pixel Watch 2, even with a similar battery size. The Pixel Watch 2 compensates with its 80% charge in 45 minutes, offering a quicker top-up for users who prefer frequent, short charging sessions. The Oppo Watch 3 Pro’s charging speed is unknown, making the Pixel Watch 2 the clear winner in charging convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Watch 3 Pro if you need a smartwatch with a demonstrably more efficient chipset, potentially leading to better battery endurance during demanding tasks and a smoother overall experience. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 2 if you prefer a more polished, integrated software experience with Fitbit’s health tracking and prioritize quick charging over absolute peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Qualcomm 5100 in the Pixel Watch 2 get hot during extended use, like during a long phone call or GPS tracking?
The Qualcomm 5100, while capable, is built on a less efficient process than the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1. This means it's more likely to generate heat during sustained, demanding tasks. Users should expect some warmth during prolonged GPS tracking or calls, and potential performance throttling to manage temperatures.
❓ How does the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 in the Oppo Watch 3 Pro impact app loading times and overall system responsiveness compared to the Pixel Watch 2?
The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1’s architectural improvements and 4nm process should result in noticeably faster app loading times and a more responsive user interface on the Oppo Watch 3 Pro. The Pixel Watch 2’s Qualcomm 5100 is still a competent chip, but it lacks the performance headroom of the W5+ Gen 1, especially when multitasking.
❓ If I frequently use GPS for outdoor activities, which watch would be better for battery life?
The Oppo Watch 3 Pro is likely to provide significantly better battery life during GPS-intensive activities. The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1’s power efficiency will minimize battery drain compared to the Qualcomm 5100 in the Pixel Watch 2.
