Skip to main content
Watch Match
Head-to-head · smartwatch

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) vs Google Pixel Watch 3

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (2023, listed at $249) and Google Pixel Watch 3 (2024, listed at $349) are both smartwatches, so the choice comes down to specifics.

Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Leads on raw specs: Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)(3–1)
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
smartwatch

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)

Best-value Apple Watch — core fitness, calls and Apple Pay without the ECG/SpO2 premium.

$249list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from Apple
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Full specs
Google Pixel Watch 3
smartwatch

Google Pixel Watch 3

Google's most refined Pixel Watch — Fitbit-powered fitness, gorgeous 320 ppi AMOLED.

$349list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from Google Store
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Full specs

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) wins on battery life (1.2 days vs 1 day), weight (33 g vs 37 g) and price ($249 vs $349); Google Pixel Watch 3 wins on tracked features (7 vs 4).

Check your phone first. The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) works with iPhone only; the Google Pixel Watch 3 works with Android only. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.

Bottom line: on raw specs the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) leads 3 to 1, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.

Spec by spec

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and Google Pixel Watch 3 specifications
SpecApple Watch SE (2nd gen)Google Pixel Watch 3
Battery (rated)1.2 days1 day
Weight33 g37 g
List price$249$349
Water rating5ATM5ATM
Tracked features47
Case size44 mm45 mm
DisplayOLEDAMOLED
Works withiPhone onlyAndroid only
Listed best foreveryday wellness, gym and strength work and runningeveryday wellness, health tracking and running
Released20232024

Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.

Feature overlap

Both have (4)

  • built-in GPS
  • on-device music
  • contactless payments
  • swim tracking

Only Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (0)

Nothing unique.

Only Google Pixel Watch 3 (3)

  • ECG
  • blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
  • AMOLED display

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) if…

  • You want to spend less: it lists for $100 less.
  • You want fewer charges: about 1.2 days per charge vs 1 day.
  • You want a lighter watch: 33 g vs 37 g.
  • Your main use is gym and strength work: it is listed for that and the Google Pixel Watch 3 is not.
  • You use an iPhone: the Google Pixel Watch 3 does not pair with it.

Skip it if…

  • • You use an Android phone — it only pairs with iPhone.
  • • You do not want to charge often — it is rated for about 1.2 days per charge.

Pick the Google Pixel Watch 3 if…

  • You need ECG, blood-oxygen (SpO₂) and AMOLED display, which the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) does not list.
  • Your main use is health tracking: it is listed for that and the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) is not.
  • You use an Android phone: the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) does not pair with it.
  • You want the newer model (2024 vs 2023).
  • You want a bright AMOLED screen.

Skip it if…

  • • You use an iPhone — it needs an Android phone for full features.
  • • You do not want to charge often — it is rated for about 1 day per charge.

Frequently asked questions

Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Google Pixel Watch 3?

The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) has the longer rated battery life: about 1.2 days per charge against 1 day. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.

Which is cheaper, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Google Pixel Watch 3?

The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) has the lower list price: $249 against $349 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and Google Pixel Watch 3 work with iPhone and Android?

Check your phone first. The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) works with iPhone only; the Google Pixel Watch 3 works with Android only. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.

Which is better for swimming, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Google Pixel Watch 3?

Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 5ATM. 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.

Not sure either is right for you?

Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.

Take the free quiz

Related comparisons