Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm
Google Pixel Watch 4

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm Google Pixel Watch 4

Common Features

  • Both products are waterproof.
  • Both products have an always-on display.
  • Both products have replaceable watch bands.
  • Both products have a display.
  • Both products do not have a sapphire glass display.
  • Both products monitor blood oxygenation levels.
  • Both products have a heart rate monitor.
  • Both products have GPS.
  • Both products have an accelerometer.
  • Both products have a temperature sensor.
  • Both products have a compass.
  • Both products have a barometer.
  • Both products have a gyroscope.
  • Both products track your sleep.
  • Both products track distance.
  • Both products track steps taken.
  • Both products measure pace.
  • Both products provide sleep reports.
  • Both products detect activities automatically.
  • Both products have a route tracker.
  • Both products track elevation.

Main Differences

  • Screen size is 0.9″ on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and 1.4″ on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Display type is LCD on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and OLED/AMOLED on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • ATM rating is 10 ATM on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and 5 ATM on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Pixel density is 276 ppi on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and 320 ppi on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Resolution is 176 x 176 px on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and 456 x 456 px on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Branded damage-resistant glass is not present on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm but is present on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Thickness is 14.9 mm on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and 12.3 mm on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Weight is 52 g on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and 36.7 g on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Touch screen is not available on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm but is available on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Volume is 30.1725 cm³ on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and 24.9075 cm³ on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Multi-sport mode is available on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm but not available on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Stroke counter for swimming is available on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm but not available on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm is designed for golf, whereas Google Pixel Watch 4 is not.
  • Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm does not have a cellular module, but Google Pixel Watch 4 does.
  • Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm is compatible with iOS, whereas Google Pixel Watch 4 is not.
  • Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm does not support Wi-Fi, but Google Pixel Watch 4 does.
  • Battery life is infinite on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and 1.6 days on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm has a solar power battery, but Google Pixel Watch 4 does not.
  • Call answering is not available on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm but is available on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Call control is not available on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm but is available on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Irregular heart rate warnings are not available on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm but are available on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Voice commands are not available on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm but are available on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Internal storage is 0.128GB on Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and 32GB on Google Pixel Watch 4.
  • Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm does not have a built-in camera remote control function, but Google Pixel Watch 4 does.
  • Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm acquires GPS faster than Google Pixel Watch 4.
Specs Comparison
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm

Google Pixel Watch 4

Google Pixel Watch 4

Design:
screen size 0.9" 1.4"
Display type LCD OLED/AMOLED
water resistance Waterproof Waterproof
ATM rating 10 ATM 5 ATM
Always-On Display
pixel density 276 ppi 320 ppi
resolution 176 x 176 px 456 x 456 px
Watch band is replaceable
has branded damage-resistant glass
thickness 14.9 mm 12.3 mm
weight 52 g 36.7 g
height 45 mm 45 mm
width 45 mm 45 mm
Has a display
has a touch screen
Has sapphire glass display
volume 30.1725 cm³ 24.9075 cm³

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and the Google Pixel Watch 4 both feature waterproof designs with similar heights and widths, each measuring 45 mm in height and 45 mm in width. However, the Garmin model has a thicker build at 14.9 mm, while the Pixel Watch 4 is slightly slimmer at 12.3 mm. In terms of weight, the Garmin is heavier at 52 g compared to the Pixel Watch 4's 36.7 g. Both watches offer a replaceable watch band, but the Garmin lacks branded damage-resistant glass, unlike the Pixel Watch 4, which includes it.

The screen sizes of the two models also differ; the Garmin Instinct 3 has a 0.9″ LCD display, while the Pixel Watch 4 boasts a larger 1.4″ OLED/AMOLED display. This difference is also reflected in their pixel density, where the Garmin has 276 ppi and the Pixel Watch 4 has 320 ppi. The Garmin’s display resolution is 176 x 176 px, whereas the Pixel Watch 4 has a higher resolution of 456 x 456 px. Both models support Always-On Display, and neither includes sapphire glass for their displays.

In terms of water resistance, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition is rated for 10 ATM, providing a higher level of durability in water than the Pixel Watch 4’s 5 ATM rating. Both watches feature touch screens, but the Garmin does not support it, while the Pixel Watch 4 does. Lastly, the Garmin has a volume of 30.1725 cm³, while the Pixel Watch 4’s volume is slightly smaller at 24.9075 cm³.

Sensors:
Monitors blood oxygenation levels
Has a heart rate monitor
has GPS
has an accelerometer
Has a temperature sensor
has a compass
Has a barometer
has a gyroscope
Has a cadence sensor
Monitors perspiration

Both the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and the Google Pixel Watch 4 come with a comprehensive suite of sensors. These include monitoring for blood oxygenation levels, a heart rate monitor, GPS, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, a compass, a barometer, a gyroscope, and a cadence sensor. The presence of these sensors is identical in both models, with no differences between them in terms of functionality.

One key similarity is that neither watch is designed to monitor perspiration levels. This feature is absent from both products, leaving them with a focused set of performance and environmental sensors.

Given that all listed sensors are common between the two models, users can expect equivalent sensor capabilities, whether they choose the Garmin Instinct 3 or the Google Pixel Watch 4. Both watches are equipped to handle a range of fitness and outdoor tracking activities with a robust sensor suite.

Activity tracking:
Tracks your sleep
Tracks distance
Tracks steps taken
Measures pace
Provides sleep reports
Detects activities automatically
Has a route tracker
Tracks elevation
Has multi-sport mode
Has exercise tagging
Has a stroke counter for swimming
Tracks calorie intake
Designed for diving
Designed for golf

Both the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and the Google Pixel Watch 4 offer similar activity tracking features, including tracking sleep, distance, steps, pace, elevation, and calorie intake. They also both provide sleep reports, detect activities automatically, and include a route tracker. However, the Garmin model stands out with its additional features, such as multi-sport mode, exercise tagging, and a stroke counter for swimming. The Pixel Watch 4 does not support multi-sport mode or a stroke counter for swimming.

Another key difference is that the Garmin Instinct 3 is designed for golf, a feature absent from the Pixel Watch 4. On the other hand, the Pixel Watch 4 does not offer a diving mode, which the Garmin also lacks.

Overall, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm provides a more specialized set of features for various sports and activities, whereas the Pixel Watch 4 keeps its focus on core tracking and fitness features without those additional modes.

Connectivity:
has a cellular module
Is compatible with iOS
Is compatible with Android
supports Wi-Fi
has NFC
supports Galileo

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and the Google Pixel Watch 4 differ in terms of connectivity features. The Garmin model does not include a cellular module, whereas the Pixel Watch 4 does, allowing for more independent functionality without a phone. Both watches are compatible with Android devices, but the Garmin is also compatible with iOS, while the Pixel Watch 4 is not.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Garmin lacks Wi-Fi support, while the Pixel Watch 4 includes Wi-Fi connectivity, providing more versatile internet access. Both watches support NFC for contactless payments and have Galileo support for satellite navigation.

Overall, the Pixel Watch 4 offers more connectivity options with cellular support and Wi-Fi, while the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm is more focused on compatibility with both iOS and Android devices but lacks some of the advanced wireless features.

Battery:
battery life Infinity days 1.6 days
has wireless charging
has a rechargeable battery
Has a solar power battery
has a removable battery

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and the Google Pixel Watch 4 differ significantly in battery life. The Garmin model boasts a solar-powered battery with an impressive battery life of ″Infinity days″, meaning it can potentially last as long as there is sufficient sunlight to recharge it. In contrast, the Pixel Watch 4 has a fixed battery life of 1.6 days, requiring more frequent charging.

Both watches feature rechargeable batteries and lack removable batteries. However, the Garmin offers the added benefit of a solar power battery, which the Pixel Watch 4 does not have. Neither watch supports wireless charging, meaning both must be charged using a wired connection.

In summary, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm excels in battery life, thanks to its solar charging feature, while the Pixel Watch 4 offers a standard rechargeable battery with a relatively shorter battery life.

Features:
release date April 2025 August 2025
has HRV tracking
measures VO2 max
measures resting heart rate
has fast/slow heart rate notifications
shows readiness level
Can be used to answer calls
Locates your phone
Has call control
Has notifications
has irregular heart rate warnings
Has silent alarm
Has vibrating alerts
has fall detection
Has a stopwatch
Has smart alarm
has voice commands
internal storage 0.128GB 32GB
Has a built-in camera remote control function
Acquires GPS faster
warranty period 1 years 1 years

Both the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and the Google Pixel Watch 4 offer a similar range of fitness and health tracking features, including HRV tracking, VO2 max measurement, resting heart rate measurement, and fast/slow heart rate notifications. Additionally, both watches track readiness levels, have notifications, silent alarms, vibrating alerts, fall detection, and a stopwatch. They also support phone location tracking and have a 1-year warranty period.

One key difference between the two models is that the Garmin lacks the ability to answer calls and has no call control functionality, while the Pixel Watch 4 allows users to answer calls and control them directly. The Garmin also does not have irregular heart rate warnings, while the Pixel Watch 4 includes this feature. Another difference is that the Garmin model has 0.128GB of internal storage, while the Pixel Watch 4 has a much larger 32GB of internal storage.

Additionally, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition has faster GPS acquisition compared to the Pixel Watch 4. The Pixel Watch 4, on the other hand, supports voice commands and has a built-in camera remote control function, features that the Garmin does not offer.

App & Software:
Provides activity reports
Has inactivity alerts
Counts how many calories you've burned
Has goal setting
Has achievements
Free app
Has exercise diary
Ad-free
Has coaching
Has temperature tracking
Has period notifications
Supports routes
Syncs with existing calendars
Has voice feedback
Has music playback
Displays fertile window notifications
Includes maps
Doesn’t require account
Predicts ovulation
Predicts start date
Supports widgets
Can be personalised
Has barcode scanner on app
Tracks water intake
Has weight tracking
Has live tracking

Both the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and the Google Pixel Watch 4 offer a comprehensive set of features through their respective apps and software. These features include activity reports, inactivity alerts, calorie counting, goal setting, achievements, a free app, an exercise diary, ad-free usage, coaching, temperature tracking, period notifications, route support, calendar syncing, voice feedback, music playback, fertile window notifications, and maps. Additionally, both watches predict ovulation and the start date of the menstrual cycle, support widgets, and offer customization options.

There are no differences between the two models in terms of these features, as both watches support the same set of capabilities. Neither model includes a barcode scanner on the app, and both track water intake and offer weight tracking and live tracking.

Overall, both the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and the Pixel Watch 4 offer very similar software and app functionality, ensuring users have access to a full suite of fitness and health tracking tools along with personal customization and notifications.

Miscellaneous:
has a battery level indicator
Is compatible with Windows
has an external memory slot
Is compatible with Mac OS X
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack

Both the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and the Google Pixel Watch 4 feature a battery level indicator, ensuring users can easily monitor their battery status. However, there are differences in terms of compatibility and additional features. The Garmin model is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X, while the Pixel Watch 4 is only compatible with Android and does not support Windows or Mac OS X.

Neither watch has an external memory slot or a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack, making them similar in this respect. While the Garmin provides compatibility with more operating systems, the Pixel Watch 4 does not have support for these platforms.

In summary, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition offers more flexibility with operating system compatibility, whereas the Pixel Watch 4 is limited to Android users, but both watches share similar limitations regarding memory and audio connectivity.

Comparison Summary

This is a specification comparison between Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm and Google Pixel Watch 4. Both devices are waterproof, have an always-on display, and feature replaceable watch bands. They also share sensors for monitoring blood oxygenation, heart rate, GPS, and more. Key differences include screen size, with the Garmin featuring a 0.9″ display and the Google Pixel Watch 4 offering a larger 1.4″ OLED/AMOLED display. The Garmin has a 10 ATM water resistance rating, compared to the Pixel Watch 4's 5 ATM. Additionally, the Garmin provides infinite battery life with solar charging, while the Pixel Watch 4 lasts up to 1.6 days on a single charge. The Garmin has multi-sport mode and stroke counter features for swimming, which the Pixel Watch 4 lacks.