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Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45mm) vs Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)

At $449 and $399, the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45mm) and Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) sit close enough in price to be genuine alternatives — here's how they actually compare.

Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45mm)

The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45mm) brings a 1.2" display, 18 days of typical battery life, built-in GPS to the table.

$449

Global reference price

Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)

The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) offers a 1.4" display, 1 day of typical battery life, built-in GPS, 5ATM+IP68 water resistance.

$399

Global reference price

Specification Comparison

Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45mm)Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)
Screen Size1.2 inch1.4 inch
Battery Life18 days1 days
Water ResistanceUnknown5ATM+IP68
Built-in GPSYesYes
Cellular ConnectivityNoNo

Key Differences

Battery life is a major gap here: the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45mm) is rated for 18 days against the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)'s 1, meaning far fewer trips to the charger. Screen size also favors the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm), at 1.4" versus the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45mm)'s 1.2", making it easier to read notifications and metrics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45mm)

Pros

  • Much longer battery life (18 days)
  • Built-in GPS

Cons

  • Smaller 1.2" display
  • Costs a bit more

Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)

Pros

  • Larger 1.4" display
  • Lower price
  • Built-in GPS

Cons

  • Shorter battery life (1 days)

Which One Is Right For You?

  • Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45mm): Best for someone who wants to charge as infrequently as possible.
  • Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm): A good fit for buyers who prefers a larger, easier-to-read display and wants to spend a little less.

Conclusion

Neither watch is a strict downgrade from the other — each wins on a different practical dimension, so the right pick depends on which of those matters more day to day.

Summary

Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45mm)

Strengths

  • Much longer battery life (18 days)
  • Built-in GPS

Weaknesses

  • Smaller 1.2" display
  • Costs a bit more

Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)

Strengths

  • Larger 1.4" display
  • Lower price
  • Built-in GPS

Weaknesses

  • Shorter battery life (1 days)

There's no universal winner here — match the pick to whichever tradeoff (battery life, screen, or connectivity) actually applies to daily use.