Apple Watch SE 3 vs Pixel Watch 4
Apple brings the Apple Watch SE 3; Google answers with the Pixel Watch 4. Both play in the everyday smartwatch class. Look at the scorecard and the Pixel Watch 4 stands out, ahead in 3 of 4 areas. The health & fitness sensors numbers explain a lot of that. That $100 launch price gap between the Pixel Watch 4 and the Apple Watch SE 3 will shape the verdict as much as any spec.
At a glance
- Display Pixel Watch 4 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors Pixel Watch 4 wins
- Battery Life Pixel Watch 4 wins
- Smart Features & Connectivity Apple Watch SE 3 wins
- Price Apple Watch SE 3 wins
- Display5.0
- Health & Fitness Sensors2.9
- Battery Life0.0
- Smart Features & Connectivity10.0
- Display10.0
- Health & Fitness Sensors10.0
- Battery Life3.0
- Smart Features & Connectivity8.2
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Pixel Watch 4 has 122% more rated battery life
The numbers aren’t close. The Pixel Watch 4 lists 40 h for rated battery life, while the Apple Watch SE 3 lists 18 h. Longer battery life means fewer nights on the charger, which also makes sleep tracking easier.
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The Pixel Watch 4 has 200% higher peak brightness
A clear win for the Pixel Watch 4: 3,000 nits against 1,000 nits. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. The Pixel Watch 4’s higher peak brightness is a real help for outdoor workouts.
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The Pixel Watch 4 has an ECG app
Having an ECG app gives the Pixel Watch 4 one more thing the Apple Watch SE 3 can’t match. An ECG reading on a watch isn’t a diagnosis, but it can be a useful record to discuss with a professional.
-
The Pixel Watch 4 has dual-frequency GPS
Not every buyer will care, but the Pixel Watch 4 gives you dual-frequency GPS and the Apple Watch SE 3 doesn’t. On open roads, single-band GPS is usually fine; the advantage shows up where signals bounce around.
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The Pixel Watch 4 has longer life in low-power mode
Here the Pixel Watch 4 pulls well ahead of the Apple Watch SE 3, with 3 days compared to 32 h. The Pixel Watch 4 stretches further in low-power mode, handy for travel or multi-day events.
Design & Size
- Apple Watch SE 3 44 mm × 0.42 in
- Pixel Watch 4 45 mm × 0.48 in
The Pixel Watch 4 is the larger watch of the two, while the Apple Watch SE 3 is the more compact choice. In the weight column, the Apple Watch SE 3 leads by 0.13 oz. The Pixel Watch 4 measures 0.06 in more in depth than the Apple Watch SE 3.
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 3 | Pixel Watch 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 44 mm | 45 mm |
| Available sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm | 41 mm, 45 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum | Recycled aluminum |
| Thickness | 0.42 in (winner) | 0.48 in Thickest in class |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.16 oz (winner) | 1.29 oz |
Display
Pixel Watch 4 leads
The Apple Watch SE 3 is outclassed on display; the Pixel Watch 4 leads by a clear margin. The Pixel Watch 4 takes this one with 200% higher peak brightness. A brighter screen stays readable on a sunny run, at the beach or on a ski slope. On display alone, the Pixel Watch 4 gets the nod.
Peak brightness
Apple Watch SE 3: 1,000 nits Pixel Watch 4: 3,000 nits Indoors, both may be bright enough; the difference shows up in direct sunlight.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Pixel Watch 4 leads
This section belongs to the Pixel Watch 4. In health & fitness sensors, it leads the Apple Watch SE 3 by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Pixel Watch 4 adds an ECG app. The Pixel Watch 4 offers ECG; the Apple Watch SE 3 doesn’t. That’s a meaningful gap if heart health is a concern for you. If health & fitness sensors is your priority, the Pixel Watch 4 is the watch to pick.
ECG
Apple Watch SE 3: no Pixel Watch 4: yes An ECG app can record a single-lead reading that you can share with your doctor, where regional approval allows it.
Dual-frequency GPS
Apple Watch SE 3: no Pixel Watch 4: yes Dual-frequency GPS improves tracking accuracy among tall buildings, dense trees and deep valleys.
Battery Life
Pixel Watch 4 leads
Look at the battery life table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Pixel Watch 4. The Pixel Watch 4 pulls ahead with 122% more rated battery life. The Pixel Watch 4 is rated to last longer between charges, a big deal on trips and long weekends. That makes the Pixel Watch 4 the natural choice for buyers focused on battery life.
Rated battery life
Apple Watch SE 3: 18 h Pixel Watch 4: 40 h Ratings assume typical use; GPS workouts and always-on screens will shorten both.
Rated life in low-power mode
Apple Watch SE 3: 32 h Pixel Watch 4: 3 days Low-power modes vary a lot in what they keep running, so check what you’d give up.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Apple Watch SE 3 leads
A modest lead on smart features & connectivity belongs to the Apple Watch SE 3. The Apple Watch SE 3 stands out with 32 GB more storage. If you run or train without your phone, the Apple Watch SE 3’s extra storage is useful. Anyone shopping mainly on smart features & connectivity should start with the Apple Watch SE 3.
Storage
Apple Watch SE 3: 64 GB Pixel Watch 4: 32 GB For notifications and fitness tracking alone, storage rarely matters.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 3 | Pixel Watch 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Actua 360 AMOLED LTPO (domed) |
| Resolution (largest) | 368 x 448 | N/A (not specified) |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | 3,000 nits (winner) Brightest screen in class |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Health & Fitness Sensors
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 3 | Pixel Watch 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | No | Yes (winner) |
| Blood oxygen | No | Yes (winner) |
| Skin temperature | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) | Dual-frequency GPS (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS; BeiDou/QZSS outside US) |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | Yes (winner) |
Battery Life
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 3 | Pixel Watch 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 18 h | 40 h (winner) |
| Rated life in low-power modeManufacturer rating | 32 h Shortest low-power mode | 3 days (winner) Longest low-power mode |
| Charging | Fast charging, 0 to 80% in about 45 min | Fast charging, 0 to 50% in about 15 min |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 3 | Pixel Watch 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S10 | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 + Cortex-M55 co-processor |
| Storage | 64 GB (winner) | 32 GB |
| Cellular option | Yes | Yes |
| Contactless payments | Yes | Yes |
| Phone compatibility | iPhone only | Android only (Android 11+) |
| Software | watchOS | Wear OS |
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 3 | Pixel Watch 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 44 mm | 45 mm |
| Available sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm | 41 mm, 45 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum | Recycled aluminum |
| Thickness | 0.42 in (winner) | 0.48 in Thickest in class |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.16 oz (winner) | 1.29 oz |
Price
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 3 | Pixel Watch 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $249 (winner) | $349 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Apple Watch SE 3 launched at $100 less than the Pixel Watch 4, a gap of 40%. The Pixel Watch 4’s premium of $100 isn’t just for the name; it brings 122% more rated battery life and 200% higher peak brightness.
These are US launch prices, recorded September 2025; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Apple Watch SE 3 if…
- you want more room for music and maps (64 GB vs 32 GB)
- you want the slimmer watch (0.42 in vs 0.48 in)
- you want the lighter watch (1.16 oz vs 1.29 oz)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $100 matters
Choose the Pixel Watch 4 if…
- you hate charging your watch every day (40 h vs 18 h)
- you train outdoors in bright sun (3,000 nits vs 1,000 nits peak brightness)
- you want an ECG app on your wrist
- you run or ride among tall buildings, trees or mountains
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Apple Watch SE 3 or the Pixel Watch 4?
For most people, the Pixel Watch 4 is the stronger choice, unless you know that 32 GB more storage would make a real difference in your routine.
Does the Apple Watch SE 3 last longer on a charge than the Pixel Watch 4?
Going by the official figures, the Pixel Watch 4 leads: 40 h versus 18 h for rated battery life. Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Which is larger, the Apple Watch SE 3 or the Pixel Watch 4?
The Pixel Watch 4 is the larger of the two. It measures 0.48 in, compared with 0.42 in for the Apple Watch SE 3.
Which has the better screen, the Apple Watch SE 3 or the Pixel Watch 4?
Going by the numbers, the Pixel Watch 4’s screen comes out ahead: 200% higher peak brightness.
Which costs less, the Apple Watch SE 3 or the Pixel Watch 4?
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the cheaper option, launching at $100 less than the Pixel Watch 4 (launch prices as of September 2025).
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 lighter than the Pixel Watch 4?
Going by the official figures, the Apple Watch SE 3 weighs 0.13 oz less than the Pixel Watch 4.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Apple Watch SE 3 and the Pixel Watch 4 are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. Here’s what matters most to me: the Pixel Watch 4 offers 122% more rated battery life. Then there’s 200% higher peak brightness, another point for the Pixel Watch 4. Credit where it’s due: the Apple Watch SE 3 offers 32 GB more storage.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is for you if smart features & connectivity tops your list; the Pixel Watch 4 is for you if display does.
My pick: the Pixel Watch 4 is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if your top priority is 32 GB more storage.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.