If you're like me and use both an iPhone and an Android phone, you might consider the Apple Watch Series 11, the more entry-level Apple Watch SE 3, or even the recently released Google Pixel Watch 4.
This article focuses on the user experience of the Pixel Watch 4 and compares it with the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3, highlighting the differences in usability, functionality, and positioning of these three smartwatches to provide a reference for purchasing decisions.
Pixel Watch 4 Quick Hands-on Review: Simple Yet High-Quality Design and Wearability
The Pixel Watch 4 comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, and the version reviewed here is the 45mm version. The watch body retains the circular surface design using the Actua 360 display screen specifications, but the bezels have been further narrowed, making the overall display area larger, and the peak brightness has been increased to 3000 nits.
In contrast, the Apple Watch Series 11 continues the product design language of many years, with an aluminum metal case that brings a mature feel, while the Apple Watch SE 3 is positioned as an entry-level model, with a design that continues the design of the Apple Watch series, and a more affordable price.
In terms of wearing experience, the Pixel Watch 4's round screen and narrow bezels provide a stronger "the watch face is the screen" feel when checking the time and notifications. The Apple Watch Series 11 remains smooth in operation, with excellent system and peripheral support, while the Apple Watch SE 3 makes no compromises on the entry-level experience.
If you prefer a round watch face and primarily use Android phones, the Pixel Watch 4 is clearly the only option, or you can choose a watch from a third-party brand, such as Samsung's Galaxy Watch series.
If you primarily use an iPhone, you can choose between the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Apple Watch SE 3 based on your needs in terms of features and price. The former is naturally the most complete in terms of functionality, while the latter focuses on cost-effectiveness but lacks certain features, such as ECG and blood oxygen saturation. However, it does not lack depth and water temperature measurement functions. Both of them use the S10 processor and their basic functions are roughly the same.
Key features: Health monitoring, AI integration and system support
pixel watch 4
Google has introduced advanced features to the Pixel Watch 4, including a skin temperature sensor, satellite SOS (currently only available in the US excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico), and dual-frequency GPS for improved positioning accuracy. It runs Wear OS 6 and is deeply integrated with Gemini AI, allowing the watch to execute voice commands, reply to messages, and analyze health data. Compared to previous designs primarily focused on message notifications, this is clearly more in line with its "smartwatch" positioning.
In addition, the Pixel Watch 4 claims to have a battery life of about 30–40 hours (for the 45mm size), and can also be charged with fast charging, replenishing a significant amount of power in just 15 minutes.
Apple Watch Series 11
Apple added features such as hypertension notifications, sleep score, and more scratch-resistant glass to the Apple Watch Series 11. In addition, the battery life has been increased from up to 18 hours in the previous generation Apple Watch Series 10 to up to 24 hours. It also supports the full Apple product ecosystem and a wide range of apps.
However, compared to the previous generation Apple Watch Series 10, both use the S10 processor and W3 chip design, and the appearance design is almost identical. The differences are almost only in the scratch resistance of the glass and the battery life. New features such as blood pressure warning and sleep score can also be used on the Apple Watch Series 10, and even the Liguid Glass design of watchOS 26 can be used through upgrades.
Therefore, if you are already using an Apple Watch Series 10, you may want to continue wearing it. However, if you are an Apple Watch user of an earlier model, such as Series 8, it is recommended that you upgrade.
Compared to Google's integration of Gemini AI in the Pixel Watch 4, Apple also integrated Siri digital assistant functionality into the Apple Watch Series 11, which also supports Apple Intelligence, enabling a more natural spoken interaction experience. Although Apple Intelligence is currently integrated with OpenAI's ChatGPT feature, the overall user experience is still not as good as the Gemini AI interaction on the Pixel Watch 4.
Apple Watch SE 3
Positioned as an "entry-level but worthwhile" device, the Apple Watch SE 3 lacks some sensing functions, such as ECG and blood oxygen saturation recording, but it still has key functions such as heart rate abnormality detection, sleep score, sleep apnea symptom assessment, and menstrual cycle tracking and SOS emergency call, so it can still meet most user needs.
In addition, the Apple Watch SE 3 also features Always-On display and faster charging speeds, making it more than enough for users who mainly need daily notifications and fitness tracking.
The Apple Watch SE 3 also features Siri digital assistant functionality for Apple Intelligence services, but its intuitive user experience is still not as good as Google's Gemini AI.
User Experience: Observations in Real-World Scenarios
I wear the Pixel Watch 4 as my daily watch and alternate between it and the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3. Here are my impressions:
• View notifications and operation interface:The Pixel Watch 4 boasts a large screen with narrow bezels and high brightness, allowing for clear readability even in bright outdoor light. While the Apple Watch Series 11 performs well overall, the Apple Watch SE 3's screen struggles slightly in bright sunlight.
• Fitness and exercise records:In situations such as outdoor running, the Pixel Watch 4's dual-frequency GPS provides more stable positioning, while the Apple Watch Series 11's fitness tracking features are relatively complete. As for the Apple Watch SE 3, although it can complete basic fitness recording, there may be slight delays or slightly insufficient accuracy.
• Health monitoring and AI assistance:The Pixel Watch 4's skin temperature and AI analysis allow it to record more data while you sleep, while the Apple Watch Series 11's blood pressure alerts and sleep scores are a plus for those who are concerned about their personal health, and the Apple Watch SE 3 provides basic health recording functions.
• Battery life and charging:The Pixel Watch 4 can last for about 24-30 hours under high brightness and normal usage conditions. If certain functions are turned off, it can last close to the official claim of 30-40 hours. As for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3, their overall battery life is still about one day. Therefore, when there are more frequent message notifications and function operations, the power may be exhausted in a shorter time.
• System and ecosystem integration:If you primarily use an Android phone, the Pixel Watch 4 is the only choice among the watches in this comparison, offering a highly integrated experience. If you primarily use an iPhone, you can choose the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Apple Watch SE 3. Both are highly integrated into the Apple device ecosystem, but the former naturally has more complete functions, while the latter focuses on higher cost-effectiveness.
Summary of advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of Google Pixel Watch 4
• High screen brightness, narrow bezels, and a superior visual experience
• Advanced features include dual-frequency GPS, skin temperature sensing, and satellite SOS (currently only available in major areas within the United States).
• The overall system (Wear OS + Gemini AI) is extremely attractive to Android users.
• Charging and system efficiency improvement
Cons
• While battery life has improved, daily charging may still be necessary in some cases.
• Ecosystem support and applications are still slightly inferior to Apple's.
• If you are an iPhone user, you can currently only choose to use the Apple Watch series.
Advantages of Apple Watch Series 11
• Fully functional: Blood pressure alerts, sleep analysis, and scratch-resistant glass are all pluses.
Apple's mature device ecosystem and rich app support
• Intuitive operation and excellent overall experience
Cons
• Higher price
• Currently unavailable for Android devices, thus having low appeal to users who primarily use Android phones.
• If battery life is the primary requirement, then this is not a model that emphasizes long battery life.
Apple Watch SE 3 Advantages
• Affordable entry-level price and practical features
• Lightweight and easy to wear, suitable for first-time smartwatch users
• Added Always-On display and fast charging improvements
Cons
• Lacks certain flagship features (such as electrocardiogram and blood oxygen saturation).
• Screen and sensor specifications are simplified compared to the flagship model
• You may feel limited if you want to use advanced health monitoring.
• It is also unusable on Android devices, thus having low appeal to users who primarily use Android phones.
In conclusion, the choice depends on the platform used and the actual usage needs.
Summary of experience: If you are an Android phone user who is looking for the latest screen and advanced health monitoring and GPS accuracy, the Pixel Watch 4 is a smartwatch worth considering. It makes Google feel "finally in place" in the wearable device field, no longer just an accessory.
If you're an iPhone user who values a mature ecosystem, a wide range of apps, and comprehensive health features, then the Apple Watch Series 11 is a reliable and well-rounded choice. However, if this is your first time buying a smartwatch, or you simply want a device that can provide notifications, activity tracking, and health monitoring, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the most reasonable entry-level option if you have a limited budget.
Ultimately, whichever one you choose, the most important thing is that you're willing to wear it, look at it, and use it every day. After all, the value of a smartwatch isn't just in its specifications, but in the moment you're willing to integrate it into your life.
The Pixel Watch 4 will be available for purchase on November 6th at 9:11 AM through various channels including the Google Store, Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, SenseTime International, SenseTime Online Store, Shopee, Momo Shopping, myfone Shopping, and PChome 24h Shopping.
