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The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid choice if you want a running-focused smartwatch that works well with your Pixel phone. It features a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that’s easy to read in various lighting conditions and offers traditional button controls for convenience during workouts. The watch’s battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in regular smartwatch mode and around 19 hours when using GPS continuously, which is great for long training sessions or daily use without constant charging.
Fitness tracking is detailed with over 25 built-in activity profiles, including running, cycling, and HIIT, plus personalized workout suggestions that adjust based on your recovery and performance. You’ll also get insights into your training impact and recovery time, helping you avoid overtraining. Safety features like incident detection require your phone’s network, so they work best when you carry your Pixel with you. The device supports smart notifications for calls and texts, and Garmin Pay lets you make contactless payments, which adds convenience.
While water resistance is generally handled well by Garmin watches for sweat and rain, you may want to check specifics if swimming is important to you. The watch is lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear, with a sleek design that’s not bulky. Garmin’s app ecosystem through Garmin Connect offers a good way to track your progress and connect with friends, focusing on fitness more than broader smartwatch functionalities. If you want a smartwatch that pairs nicely with your Pixel and emphasizes running and fitness, the Forerunner 165 is a capable and user-friendly option, though it relies on your phone for some features and may not support all smartwatch capabilities like music storage or advanced app downloads.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a great choice if you use Pixel devices and are looking for a smartwatch with a bright, easy-to-read display and a sleek design. Its 41mm screen is larger and brighter than previous models, making it easier to check your stats and notifications. The watch excels in fitness and health tracking, offering advanced features for running and insights powered by Fitbit, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress tracking. The readiness and cardio load features help you gauge your fitness levels and decide whether to work out or rest.
The battery life is decent, with 24 hours of usage and up to 36 hours in Battery Saver mode, and it charges faster than the Pixel Watch 2. Connectivity is strong with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and seamless integration with Pixel devices, allowing you to control your Pixel Camera, see feeds from Nest devices, and listen to music with Pixel Buds. The watch also supports Google Maps offline and Google Wallet for easy payments.
However, the 24-hour battery life might feel limiting for heavy users, and while it's water-resistant, it may not be suitable for deep-water activities. The app ecosystem is robust but primarily optimized for Google services, which might be a downside if you prefer other apps. It's an excellent smartwatch for fitness enthusiasts and those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem, but its battery life and potential limitations in app variety should be considered.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm) is a strong choice for Pixel phone users looking for a sleek, easy-to-use smartwatch that integrates well with Android. It offers a bright, round 41mm display that’s 10% larger and twice as bright as its predecessor, making it simple to check your stats at a glance. The design with a polished silver aluminum case and rose quartz band is stylish and comfortable for daily wear.
Its fitness and health features are powered by Fitbit, delivering advanced running support like custom workouts, real-time guidance, and detailed tracking of heart rate, sleep, and stress. Features like readiness scores and cardio load help users balance workouts and recovery effectively. Battery life provides around 24 hours on a single charge, which means you’ll likely need daily charging. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, ensuring smooth syncing with your phone and apps. The watch supports contactless payments and fall detection, adding practical safety and convenience.
GPS requires tethering to your smartphone, so standalone tracking is limited. While the app ecosystem is decent for Android users, it’s not as extensive as some competitors like the Apple Watch. The Pixel Watch 3 is ideal for those who want a fitness-focused, stylish smartwatch that works well with Google services but may fall short if you need longer battery life or fully independent GPS tracking.