The smartwatch landscape is heating up, with Samsung and Google both releasing compelling new contenders. The Galaxy Watch7, powered by Samsung’s new Exynos W1000, aims to refine the established Tizen-based experience. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel Watch 3 leverages Qualcomm’s SW5100, doubling down on the Wear OS integration and promising improved performance. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on their processing power and charging capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a seamless Wear OS experience, the Google Pixel Watch 3 emerges as the winner. Its Qualcomm SW5100 chipset delivers competitive performance, and the wired charging solution significantly reduces downtime. However, Samsung loyalists deeply embedded in the Galaxy ecosystem may prefer the Watch7.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 66, 71 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, July 10 | 2024, August 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July 24 | Available. Released 2024, September 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7 mm (1.75 x 1.75 x 0.38 in) | 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm (1.77 x 1.77 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 33.8 g (44mm), 28.8 g (40mm) (1.02 oz) | 37 g (1.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels (~327 ppi density) | 456 x 456 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.5 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 2000 nits (peak) | LTPO AMOLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Penta-core | - |
| Chipset | Exynos W1000 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SW5100 |
| GPU | Mali-G68 | - |
| OS | Android Wear OS 5, up to 6.0, One UI Watch 8 | Android Wear OS 5, up to 3 major Android upgrades |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 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 (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, altimeter, compass, SpO2, temperature (skin), BioActive | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | 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 425 mAh | Li-Ion 420 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cream, Silver, Green | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, Matte Hazel |
| Models | SM-L310F, SM-L315F | - |
| Price | $ 199.99 / € 136.55 | € 215.76 |
| SAR EU | 0.73 W/kg (head) 1.85 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Watch7
- Potentially superior power efficiency due to the 3nm Exynos W1000.
- Deep integration with the Samsung ecosystem.
- Likely vibrant AMOLED display based on Samsung's history.
- Slower 10W wireless charging.
- Reliance on Tizen-based Wear OS, which may have a smaller app ecosystem.
- Battery capacity currently unknown.
Google Pixel Watch 3
- Significantly faster wired charging.
- Seamless Wear OS integration and access to Google services.
- Fitbit integration for comprehensive health tracking.
- Chipset process node is unknown, potentially impacting efficiency.
- Wired charging requires a cable and adapter.
- Battery capacity currently unknown.
Display Comparison
Display specifications are currently unavailable for both devices. However, given Samsung’s history with AMOLED technology, the Galaxy Watch7 is likely to feature a vibrant and color-accurate display. The Pixel Watch 3, while also expected to utilize AMOLED, may prioritize a more minimalist aesthetic. Bezels and peak brightness will be key differentiators, but without concrete data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is marketed for its camera capabilities, and detailed camera specs are unavailable. Smartwatches primarily use cameras for limited functions like video calls or potentially NFC payments. Any camera differences will likely be minimal and won’t be a significant factor for most users.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch7 utilizes the Exynos W1000, fabricated on a cutting-edge 3nm process. This smaller node generally translates to improved power efficiency and potentially higher transistor density, leading to performance gains. Conversely, the Google Pixel Watch 3 employs the Qualcomm SW5100. While the process node isn’t specified, Qualcomm’s expertise in mobile chip design suggests a well-optimized processor. The penta-core architecture of the Exynos W1000 suggests a focus on multi-tasking, while the SW5100’s core count and clock speeds will determine its single-core performance. Real-world performance will depend on software optimization and RAM speed (likely LPDDR5x in both cases).
Battery Life
Battery capacity remains undisclosed for both devices. However, the charging solutions present a clear distinction. The Galaxy Watch7 offers 10W wireless charging, a convenient but relatively slow method. The Pixel Watch 3, in contrast, utilizes wired charging, achieving 50% charge in 28 minutes (45mm model) or 24 minutes (41mm model), and 80% in 50 or 35 minutes respectively. This faster charging speed is a significant advantage for users who frequently need to top up their smartwatch throughout the day. The faster charging of the Pixel Watch 3 effectively mitigates any potential battery capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 if you need a smartwatch deeply integrated with the Samsung ecosystem, valuing features like Samsung Health and potentially benefiting from optimized performance within that environment. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 3 if you prefer a cleaner Wear OS experience, prioritize fast charging speeds, and appreciate Google’s suite of services like Google Assistant and Fitbit integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos W1000 chip in the Galaxy Watch7 overheat during intensive tasks like GPS tracking or workout recording?
While the 3nm process should improve thermal efficiency, the actual performance under load remains to be seen. Samsung’s software optimization will play a crucial role in managing heat. Historically, Samsung has been effective at thermal management in their wearables, but independent testing will be necessary to confirm.
❓ Is the wired charging of the Pixel Watch 3 inconvenient compared to the wireless charging of the Galaxy Watch7?
The convenience of wireless charging is undeniable, but the Pixel Watch 3’s significantly faster wired charging speeds offer a compelling trade-off. A 30-minute charge can provide a substantial amount of battery life, minimizing downtime compared to the slower wireless charging of the Galaxy Watch7.
❓ How does the integration with Fitbit affect the health tracking capabilities of the Pixel Watch 3?
The Pixel Watch 3 leverages Fitbit’s expertise in health and fitness tracking, providing detailed insights into sleep, activity levels, and heart rate. This integration goes beyond basic step counting, offering personalized guidance and advanced metrics for users focused on wellness.
