Google Pixel Watch 3 vs. Apple Watch Series 10: Expected differences

The Pixel Watch 3 and the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 represent different approaches to wearable technology. While the former is now officially available, the latter is still surrounded by speculation. However, based on the recent leaks and rumors surrounding the Apple Watch S10, we can make initial comparisons with the PixelWatch 3.The PixelWatch 3 offers a sophisticated, stylish aesthetic in two size options and builds on the design language of its predecessor. On the other hand, the Apple Watch S10 is expected to offer some impressive new health tracking features and is aimed at those who like to keep an eye on their body in every way.

It is important to note that this comparison is based on available information and speculation, so you should view any conclusions with due skepticism.

In terms of size, the PixelWatch 3 measures 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm and weighs 37 g. We don't know these dimensions for the S10, but we have last year's model as a reference, which measures 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm and weighs 51.5 g. In other words, the Pixel Watch is much lighter in comparison, but thicker.

In fact, some rumors say that Apple plans to make the Watch S10 even thinner, although well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo contradicts this claim and says that there will be no significant design changes in the Series 10.

Music

Apple may offer a better band mechanism

The PixelWatch 3 comes with the same fluoroelastomer bands as its predecessor. The color tones are also the same: matte black, polished silver and champagne gold. The mechanism is also the same, but its larger case is not compatible with old Pixel Watch bands.

On Apple's side, there have been rumors that the Apple Watch S10 will introduce a new mechanism for attaching watch straps, based on magnets instead of the clips we've seen so far. However, it's not clear exactly how this would work.

Software and features

BRIEF SUMMARY
The PixelWatch 3 uses the same Wear OS 5 operating system as the Galaxy Watch 7, but Google has added special features just for Pixel users. These include a new way to organize apps, more detailed watch face options like weather and goal progress, and better data for the runners out there like how your foot lands, your stride length, and how much you bounce up and down.

The watch can also track how hard your body is working and when you are ready to workout. It also has a smart battery mode that automatically turns on when you go to sleep.

If you have other Google devices, PixelWatch 3 is even more useful. With Google Nest, you can see who's at your door, control your Google TV, and use your heart rate data with other fitness devices thanks to 5G ultra-wideband connectivity.

As for the Apple Watch Series 10, it's shaping up to be a big deal, especially when it comes to health features. According to reliable sources, it could monitor your blood pressure via a newly added sensor and alert you when it gets too high. At first, it won't show you exact numbers, but later versions will. It will also be able to record when your blood pressure rises.

Another exciting feature could be the detection of sleep apnea, which is when you stop breathing for a short period of time while you sleep. The S10 could detect signs of this and suggest a visit to the doctor if necessary. Apple is putting more and more emphasis on health, so these new features are likely.

Although there are talks of measuring blood sugar levels with the Apple Watch, that's not likely to happen this year. It's a tricky thing to get right, and sufficient accuracy would be detrimental to those who would use the feature.

Of course we can expect that Apple Watch Series 10 to keep the features we already love, like accident detection, heart rate checking, sleep monitoring, and tracking our activities.

Heart rate accuracy

Apple Watches are known to be among the smartwatches with the best precision for measuring heart rate and we expect nothing less from the Apple Watch S10.
Last year, the Pixel Watch 2 wasn't far behind the Apple Watch in terms of heart rate accuracy, meaning you don't have to think too hard in this area when choosing between the two smartwatches.

Accuracy of sleep monitoring

For sleep monitoring PixelWatch 2 was among the best smartwatches last year, so we have high expectations for the PixelWatch 3. More on this as soon as we can test it.

The Apple Watch has also ranked quite high in the past when it comes to sleep monitoring accuracy, but we hope that Apple will improve this even further with the Apple Watch S10.

GPS accuracy

Both the predecessor of the PixelWatch 3 and the Apple Watch S10 were not particularly convincing in terms of GPS accuracy and showed deviations especially near tall buildings or in forest areas. The Pixel Watch, however, seems to have a bit more trouble compared to its Apple competitor.

Battery and charging

BRIEF SUMMARY

You will receive the PixelWatch 3 either with 306 mAh and 420 mAh batteries, depending on which size you choose. We do not know what battery sizes the Apple Watch Series 10 will still be available, but Apple normally promises up to 18 hours of normal use with a similar battery capacity.

The PixelWatch 3 Chargers pretty fast, and the Apple Watch S10 should too. The PixelWatch 3 can charge from empty to half full in about half an hour and fully charged in under an hour and twenty minutes. We expect it will be the same with the Apple Watch S10.

The Apple Watch S10 will likely cost the same as last year’s Watch S9, which would make it slightly more expensive than the PixelWatch 3.

PixelWatch 3 Prices:

  • PixelWatch 3 41mm Wi-Fi starting at $349
  • PixelWatch 3 41 mm LTE starting at $449
  • PixelWatch 3 45mm Wi-Fi starting at $399
  • PixelWatch 3 45mm LTE starting at $499

Expected prices for the Apple Watch S10:

  • Apple Watch S10 41mm Wi-Fi starting at $399
  • Apple Watch S10 41mm LTE starting at $499
  • Apple Watch S10 45mm Wi-Fi starting at $429
  • Apple Watch S10 45mm LTE starting at $529

Voice calls and haptics

We can’t tell you how the voice calls and haptics would compare as we haven’t tested the devices yet, but if the previous models are any indication, then PixelWatch 3 and the Apple Watch S10 should be pretty good in this regard, although the Apple Watch tends to perform better.

Technical data

Here's a quick spec comparison for the number nerds out there:

Summary

All in all, the Apple Watch S10 continues to shape up as a more expensive option that offers comparatively more niche features. When it comes to the basic and most commonly used features like heart rate and sleep tracking, the two will likely be neck and neck.

It's worth noting, however, that Apple has a much better handle on offering users intuitive and useful software on its smartwatches. The Pixel Watch is notorious for exhibiting strange glitches and counterintuitive behavior, such as not showing notifications for some apps but showing them for others.

Until we can test both devices, the Apple Watch S10 seems to be the better choice. Of course, that is if you have an iPhone or plan to have one in the future…

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