Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) vs Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

8.9/10 Great

4.6★ (28,400 owners)

S8 chip, crash detection, fall detection, Apple Pay, iPhone companion. Entry Apple Watch.

Full Review

Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm

9.0/10 Excellent

4.4★ (4,800 owners)

AMOLED, Fitbit sensors, ECG, Google Assistant, Pixel integration, 24hr battery. Google's flagship watch.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)	Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.0/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (28,400)	4.4★ (4,800)
Verdict	Great	Excellent

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): S8 chip, crash detection, fall detection, Apple Pay, iPhone companion. Entry Apple Watch. Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm: AMOLED, Fitbit sensors, ECG, Google Assistant, Pixel integration, 24hr battery. Google's flagship watch. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

Crash Detection uses accelerometer + gyroscope to detect car crashes and call emergency services
Fall Detection auto-calls emergency services if wearer doesn't respond after a fall
S8 chip ensures smooth watchOS performance across all apps for 3-4 years
Seamless iPhone integration — same as Series 10 for daily use features
28,400 Amazon reviews at 4.6★ — most validated Apple Watch available

No always-on display — screen goes dark unlike Series 10 and Samsung alternatives
No ECG — health monitoring limited vs Series 10 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
iPhone-only — complete ecosystem dependency

Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm

Best Google integration: Google Assistant, Maps, Pay and YouTube Music natively on the watch
Fitbit health sensors including ECG, SpO2 and body temperature — comprehensive health suite
Pixel phone users get exclusive features: seamless connection, battery sharing and personalised charging
24-hour battery is adequate for most users with charger access overnight
Emergency SOS via LTE enables calls without the phone present

24-hour battery trails Huawei GT4, Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and all Garmin alternatives significantly
Best value requires owning a Pixel phone — non-Pixel Android misses several headline features
Wear OS app ecosystem smaller than Apple Watch despite improvements

FAQ

Which is better, Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) or Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm?

Is the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) worth the extra cost?

The Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) best suited to?

S8 chip, crash detection, fall detection, Apple Pay, iPhone companion. Entry Apple Watch.

Who is the Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm best suited to?

AMOLED, Fitbit sensors, ECG, Google Assistant, Pixel integration, 24hr battery. Google's flagship watch.

What are the main downsides of each?

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): No always-on display — screen goes dark unlike Series 10 and Samsung alternatives; No ECG — health monitoring limited vs Series 10 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm: 24-hour battery trails Huawei GT4, Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and all Garmin alternatives significantly; Best value requires owning a Pixel phone — non-Pixel Android misses several headline features.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) sits at 4.6★ from 28,400 verified Amazon owners, and Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm at 4.4★ from 4,800.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.