Garmin Instinct Solar vs. Google Pixel Watch 2

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Garmin Instinct Solar and Google Pixel Watch 2. Compare sizes, functions, displays, batteries and other important specifications and features to easily choose the right smartwatch for you. Our goal is to help you uncover differences between the products and find the watch that will best fit your needs.

Smartwatch Specifications Comparison

Garmin Instinct Solar vs. Google Pixel Watch 2 Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Product Type Sport watch Smart watch
Operating System - Wear OS 4.0 by Google
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android Android 9.0 or later
Activity/Sport Running, swimming, ski, cycling, hiking, fishing, climbing, snowboarding, rower, kayaking, hunting, jumpmaster, stand up paddleboarding -
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Audio Input - Microphone
Audio Output - Speaker
Width 45 mm -
Height 45 mm -
Depth 15.3 mm -
Weight 53 g -
Body Details - Case only: 31 g
Body Material Fibre-reinforced polymer 100% recycled aluminium
Protection Waterproof Water-resistant
Colours Pipeline | Tidal blue | Cloudbreak -
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Sensors Accelerometer, barometer, thermometre, altimeter, 3-axis compass, optical heart sensor Ambient light sensor, barometer, magnetometer, altimeter, 3-axis accelerometer, blood oxygen sensor, gyroscope, compass, multipurpose electrical sensor, temperature sensor, continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) sensor
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, blood oxygen saturation, stress level Calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, mood, skin temperature, blood oxygen saturation, pace, stress level, menstrual cycle, Resting Heart Rate (RHR), heart rate variability, breathing rate, ECG, sleep quality score
Modes Stealth mode -
Goal Setting Yes Yes
Features Music remote handling, Heart Rate target zone selector, find phone function, Bluetooth Smart technology, VIRB control, inactivity alert, Move IQ, Find my Device, Garmin Elevate, TrueUp, Body Battery, solar charging, night vision compatibility, dual grid coordinates format, trackback routing Call handling, find phone function, auto-activity detection, Find my Device, breathing training function, Fall detection, Emergency SOS, weather information, Active Zone Minutes, heart rate zones, instant message reply, customisable watch faces, Stress Management Score, Daily Readiness Score, brightness: 1000 nits, cardio fitness score
Notifications Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps Calendar, SMS, Email, incoming calls, applications, high and low heart rate, irregular rhythm
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type - Audio alert, vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou/QZSS receiver
Payment Technology - Google Pay
Internet of Things (IoT) Compatible - Yes
IoT Platform - Google Home
IoT Communications Type - Cloud
IoT Communications Technology - Wi-Fi
IoT Intelligent Assistant - Google Assistant
IoT Voice Controlled - Direct
CELLULAR Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Technology - WCDMA (UMTS)
Mobile Broadband Generation - 4G
SIM Card Type - Electronic SIM card (e-SIM)
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Wireless Interface Bluetooth, ANT+ IEEE 802.11b/g/n, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0
DISPLAY Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective AMOLED - colour
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels -
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm -
Pixel Density - 320 ppi
Screen Protection Power Glass Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (scratch resistant glass)
Always On Display (AOD) - Yes
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Type Touch buttons Touch sensitive screen, side button
CASE Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Case Shape Round Round
Case Back - Aluminium
Case Details Graphite | Black | Moss | Flame red | Sunburst | Lichen camo Polished silver aluminum
Crown Type - Haptic
BAND Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Band Type Band Active band
Band Size - S/L
Band Width 22 mm -
Fits Wrist with Circumference 132-224 mm 130-210 mm
Changeable Yes Yes
Clasp Type Buckle -
Band Material Silicone Fluoroelastomer
Band Colour Graphite | Black | Moss | Flame red | Sunburst | Lichen camo | Orchid | Graphite camo Porcelain | Bay
STORAGE Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Storage Capacity - 32 GB
RAM Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
RAM Size - 2 GB
CPU Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Manufacturer - Qualcomm
CPU Type - 5100
Features - Cortex M33 co-processor
BATTERY Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Capacity - 294 mAh
Battery Life 56 day(s) 24 hours
Battery Life Details Smartwatch mode - up to 24 days
Smartwatch mode (with solar) - up to 54 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode - up to 56 days
Max Battery GPS Mode - up to 30 hour(s)
Max Battery GPS Mode (with solar) - up to 38 hour(s)
Always-on display mode - up to 24 hours
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
Recharge Time - 75 hour(s)
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Instinct Solar Google Pixel Watch 2
Included Accessories Charging/data cable 2 wristbands (S+L), USB-C magnetic charging cable
Preloaded Software - Google Maps, YouTube Music, Google Wallet
Compliant Standards MIL-STD-810 -
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) - 0.12 W/kg (head)
0.84 W/kg (limb)
0.203 W/kg (body)
Max Depth of Water Resistance 100 m 50 m
Manufacturer Model Number - GC3G8
Warranty - 2-year warranty
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