How Do the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 Compare?

Aug 10, 2025

Table of Contents

You like objects that are forgotten, but that deliver when it is necessary. So the question is not “the last is it more powerful?”, But “on the wrist, what does it change for me, every day?”.

Here is a clear pixel watch comparison, oriented uses, without emphasis or rumors.

What changes on the wrist: the size

Concretely: more readable notifications, more comfortable cards, training screens that breathe. No “plate” effect either: 12.3 mm thick remain contained on both sizes.

Screen: the real rocking

Pixel Watch 2 screen: AMOLED 320 PPP, up to 1,000 brightness. Sufficient on a daily basis, perfectible in full sun.
Pixel Watch 3 screen: Actua LTPO AMOLED, up to 2,000 Nits (X2), variable refreshment 1–60 Hz, minimum at 1 nit in AOD. More readable outside, softer at night, more efficient.

This gain of 2,000 nits changes the game for a quick look at the midday. And the LTPO (1–60 Hz) helps autonomy without sacrificing the fluidity of the animations.

Autonomy: pragmatic progress

Pixel Watch 2: up to 24 hours with the screen still on (AOD). We recharge each evening, serenely.
Pixel Watch 3: Always up to 24 hours with AOD, but a battery savings carries at ≈ 36 h without cutting health follow -up. The 45 mm version has a 35 % larger battery (420 mAh vs 306 mAh).

In practice: 41 mm remains a “a day + night” watch. The 45 mm offers more ease if you chain an evening and a morning run without catching within range.

Real uses, without theater

Sport and coaching: The larger screen of the Watch 3 Pixel 3 displays racing metrics, FC areas and intervals. Less scrolling, more effort on the effort.
Urban life: The 2,000 nits make Google Maps readable on a dazzling sidewalk. The 1 nit reduction avoids lighting the room during a session.
Ecosystem: UWB on Pixel Watch 3 for thinner unlocking/tracking with other compatible devices (and some cars). It’s discreet, but practical.

Comparative table – Size, screen, autonomy

Characteristic	Pixel Watch 2	Pixel Watch 3
Housing size	41 mm (31 g)	41 mm (31 g) or 45 mm (37 g)
Screen	Amoled, 320 ppi, up to 1,000 nits, AOD	Actua LTPO AMOLED, 320 ppi, up to 2,000 nits, 1–60 Hz, 1 nit min in aod
Display surface	–	+10 % (41 mm) / +40 % (45 mm) vs PW2
Announced autonomy	Until 24 hours with AOD	Up to 24 hours with AOD, up to ≈ 36 h in saving
Battery (capacity)	306 mAh	306 mAh (41 mm) / 420 mAh (45 mm)

Sources: Google (blog, support, blind) and The Verge.

Pixel Watch 3 size: advantage or disadvantage?

45 mm, advantage if: you want readability (cards, messages, sport metrics), a margin of autonomy and a slightly more assertive look. Possible drawback: more marked presence on fine wrist, weight +6 g, potentially wider bracelets.
41 mm, advantage if: You are looking for discretion and night comfort, without giving up the screen new features of the Watch 3 (brightness, LTPO). Disadvantage: autonomy less generous than the 45 mm.

Should we go from Pixel Watch 2 to 3?

If the outdoor readability annoys you (full sun, sport), the Pixel Watch 3 is worth the upgrade: screen twice bright, reduced edges, AOD better managed.
If your rhythm is “I recharge every evening” and the 41 mm suits you well, the Pixel Watch 2 remains coherent. The announced autonomy is identical in standard use.
If you are eyeing more endurance without losing software finesse, the Pixel Watch 3 in 45 mm is the best compromise.

Purchasing experience

Measure your wrist. Below 16 cm, the 41 mm is often more balanced. Beyond that, the 45 mm breathes better.
Test the outdoor legibility: if you happen to run at noon or to navigate by bike, the 2,000 nits make the difference.
Before deciding, see our house guide, clear and maintained: which pixel watch to choose?

Summary Express

Pixel Watch 2 or Pixel Watch 3: The key is the screen. The PW3 gains in brightness (2,000 nits) and on a readable surface, with an LTPO 1–60 Hz that spares the battery.
Pixel Watch 3 autonomy: identical to the PW2 in standard use (≈ 24 H AOD), but a saver pushes to ≈ 36 h; The 45 mm benefits from a larger battery.
Pixel Watch 3: 41 mm size for discretion; 45 mm for readability and energy margin.
If your priority is readability and comfort in the sun, justified upgrade. If you are satisfied with the 41 mm and a load each evening, keep the Watch 2 Pixel.

Sobre, clear, useful: it’s up to you to choose the right balance between compactness and visual comfort.

We compared the Google Pixel Watch 3 to its competitors:

OnePlus Watch 2 – Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 – Garmin Venu 3 – Apple Watch Series 9 – Ticwatch Pro 5

We compared the Google Pixel Watch 2 to its competitors:

Apple Watch Series 9

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August 10, 2025

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Thomas Kaufmann

Thomas Kaufmann is an expert in Swiss horology and a passionate advocate for the art of Swiss watchmaking. He has devoted his career to theSwitzerland’s finest timepieces, working in all the layers of watchmanking, from precision mechanism workshops to major swiss brand promotions around the world. As the founder and lead writer of the “Swiss Made Watch” blog, he provides in-depth insights and detailed analyses, showcasing his profound knowledge and appreciation for these artisanal timepieces. Thomas’s engaging articles and thorough reviews not only educate but also connect with a worldwide community of enthusiasts, fostering a deeper understanding of the Swiss watchmaking tradition. His work plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting this rich cultural heritage for future generations.