Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) vs Google - Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Between the Watch SE (2nd gen) and Pixel Watch 3 (45mm), the Watch SE (2nd gen) comes out ahead in display size and weight, while the Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) wins on battery life and peak brightness. Overall, the Watch SE (2nd gen) scores 56.1 and the Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) scores 46.7 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Watch SE (2nd gen) is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 9.4 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the Watch SE (2nd gen) if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are display size, weight.
Pick the Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) if your top frustration with your current device is running out of charge before the day ends — endurance is the lead spec here. Its strongest claims are battery life, peak brightness, ecg, among others.
Both ship with comparable cellular, water resistance, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Watch SE (2nd gen) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) wins
- ▲Display size — 27.14% more. 1.78 " vs 1.4 ".
- ▲Weight — 4.00 g less. 33 vs 37.
Why Google - Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) wins
- ▲Battery life — 100.00% more. 36 h vs 18 h.
- ▲Peak brightness — 100.00% more. 2000 nits vs 1000 nits.
- ▲Has ECG.
- ▲Has SpO2.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) | Google - Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 44 mm | 45 mmlead |
| Weight | 33 glead | 37 g |
| Case material | aluminum | aluminum |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
Display
| Spec | Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) | Google - Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 1.78 "lead | 1.4 " |
| Always-on display | false | truelead |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 1000 nits | 2000 nitslead |
Health & Fitness
| Spec | Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) | Google - Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| ECG | false | truelead |
| SpO2 | false | truelead |
| Temperature sensor | false | truelead |
| Sleep tracking | true | true |
| Blood pressure | false | false |
Battery & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) | Google - Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 18 h | 36 hlead |
| GPS | true | true |
| Cellular | true | true |
| NFC | true | true |
| OS | watchOS | WearOSlead |
Frequently asked
Which has longer battery life, Watch SE (2nd gen) or Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)?+
Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) lasts 36h vs 18h.
Do Watch SE (2nd gen) or Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) support ECG?+
Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) supports ECG; Watch SE (2nd gen) does not.
Which has cellular, Watch SE (2nd gen) or Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)?+
Both offer cellular variants.
Spec-level deep dives
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