Compare Garmin Approach S50 vs Google Pixel Watch 3

P1 Garmin Approach S50
P2 Google Pixel Watch 3

Comparison Takeaways

Garmin Approach S50

Where It Has the Edge

  • GPS accuracy is 4.8 vs 3.2. GPS accuracy was one of the strongest points, with reviewers reporting quick satellite lock, reliable course selection, and...
  • durability is 4.2 vs 2.9. Durability evidence is limited but positive, centered on the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens.
  • touchscreen responsiveness is 4.7 vs 3.6. Touchscreen responsiveness is a repeated strength, with reviewers calling the screen responsive, intuitive, and central to navigation.
  • cross-platform compatibility is 3.3 vs 2.5. Cross-platform compatibility is mixed: the S50 works with iPhone and Apple users, but reviewers found Garmin's iPhone experience...

Google Pixel Watch 3

Where It Has the Edge

  • voice assistant quality is 3.8 vs 2.0. Google Assistant worked well for some tasks, but the lack of Gemini and awkward voice experiences limited enthusiasm.
  • call handling is 4.2 vs 2.5. Call features were useful, especially Ask to Hold and watch-based call handling, with Pixel phone integration adding value.
  • size options is 4.7 vs 3.1. The new 45mm option was one of the most agreed-upon wins, broadening appeal and improving screen and battery...
  • contactless payments is 4.4 vs 3.1. Contactless payments are well supported through Google Wallet or Google Pay and treated as a normal smartwatch strength.
Average score
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.0
Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2
activity auto-detection
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.4

Auto-detection evidence is strongest around golf-shot detection, score prompts, and Move IQ-style automatic activity interpretation.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Auto-detection was usually praised for reliable workout or bedtime recognition, though one reviewer said it missed training sessions.

app ecosystem
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.4

The Garmin ecosystem is a strength, especially app syncing, accessory support, Garmin Golf membership upgrades, club sensors, and cross-device benefits.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.6

Reviewers liked Wear OS app availability and found the platform close enough to mature smartwatch ecosystems for most users.

band quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.9

Band quality is polarizing: several reviewers liked the lightweight nylon ComfortFit band, while others found it fiddly, sweaty, or less premium.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.2

The default band could be comfortable, but reviewers disliked the proprietary connector, strap mechanism, and 45mm band reset.

battery life
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.3

Battery life is strong overall, with multi-day to near-week-long use reported, but it remains below the S70's rated endurance.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.3

Battery life was a consistent improvement, especially on 45mm models, generally landing between a full day and close to two days.

blood oxygen tracking
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.0

Blood oxygen tracking is present through Pulse Ox, with reviewers noting both the sensor and sleep/on-demand measurement behavior.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.0

Blood oxygen data appears as part of the health metrics stack, but reviewers discussed it as one metric rather than a headline strength.

Bluetooth connectivity
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.7

Bluetooth connectivity is useful for accessories, especially rangefinder yardages and connected golf hardware.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Bluetooth was viewed positively for upgraded specs and stable phone pairing, with some ecosystem unlocking benefits tied to connectivity.

brightness
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.4

Brightness is generally praised, but one Florida-sun review found smaller text could be hard to read in direct sunlight.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Brightness drew strong praise after the jump to 2,000 nits and better sunlight readability.

build quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.8

Build quality is generally positive for slimness and lightness, but one reviewer felt the S50 was somewhat plasticky versus pricier models.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Build quality felt refined and premium, though ruggedness concerns remain separate from the basic construction impression.

button controls
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.0

Button controls are functional with two side buttons, but several reviewers preferred the extra physical controls on higher-end Garmin watches.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

The crown and side buttons were generally responsive, with reviewers appreciating the haptic crown and physical controls.

call handling
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
2.5

Call handling is basic: reviewers found phone-call notifications and answer/reject controls, but no full calling experience from the watch.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Call features were useful, especially Ask to Hold and watch-based call handling, with Pixel phone integration adding value.

calorie tracking usefulness
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.8

Calorie tracking is available as part of the daily health metrics, but reviewers mostly mentioned it as a tracked stat rather than deeply evaluating its usefulness.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.0

Calorie tracking was treated as useful for general fitness context, not as a dedicated precision tool.

charging convenience
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.5

Charging convenience is mixed: the cable is familiar for Garmin users, but proprietary charging was criticized as inconvenient for trips.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.3

Charging convenience was mixed: the puck could be secure and useful for quick top-ups, but some found accessory options or cable behavior limiting.

charging speed
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.0

Charging speed has limited evidence, but one reviewer said the initial charge only took a few hours.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Charging speed improved meaningfully, with multiple reviewers noting fast partial top-ups and shorter full-charge times.

coaching features
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.1

Coaching features include Garmin coaching, meditation or breathing prompts, sleep coach, and training-program support, though they are secondary to the golf feature set.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Coaching improved substantially through custom runs, voice cues, Cardio Load, and AI-style suggestions, though it still leans runner-first.

comfort
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.3

Comfort is one of the S50's standout strengths thanks to its lightweight, low-profile design, though the nylon strap can feel less comfortable when sweaty.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.6

Comfort was a recurring strength, with reviewers finding both the strap and larger model wearable day and night.

companion app quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.2

The companion app experience is positive, with reviewers citing Garmin Golf setup, connectivity, and flawless syncing after pairing.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

The Fitbit app and data presentation were repeatedly praised for clarity and explanation, though Premium still complicates the value.

contactless payments
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.1

Contactless payments are supported through Garmin Pay/NFC, but reviewer evidence points to limited bank compatibility in the UK.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Contactless payments are well supported through Google Wallet or Google Pay and treated as a normal smartwatch strength.

cross-platform compatibility
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.3

Cross-platform compatibility is mixed: the S50 works with iPhone and Apple users, but reviewers found Garmin's iPhone experience less flexible than Apple Watch integration.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
2.5

Compatibility is good across Android phones but limited by no iPhone support and a few Pixel-exclusive features.

customization options
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.3

Customization is strong for golf settings, data screens, flag position, watch upgrades, and optional feature toggles.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.7

Customization is decent for watch faces, tiles, and runs, but sport data screens and non-running workouts remain constrained.

display quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.6

Display quality is a major strength, with repeated praise for the AMOLED/OLED screen, crispness, color, and modern look.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Display quality was one of the strongest upgrades thanks to bigger screens, slimmer bezels, sharper visuals, and more usable space.

durability
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.2

Durability evidence is limited but positive, centered on the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
2.9

Durability was a repeated caveat because Gorilla Glass and the domed design lack the rugged protections of some rivals.

ECG functionality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
No score yet
Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

ECG is present as part of the health suite, but reviewers tended to mention it alongside other sensors rather than testing it deeply.

fit
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.6

Fit is strong for many wrists due to the low profile and adjustable fabric strap, though some reviewers questioned larger-wrist suitability.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Fit was praised through the flush case, comfortable underside, and wearable larger size.

fitness tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.3

Fitness tracking accuracy is more mixed: reviewers liked the broad activity tracking and stats, but one noted the S50 cannot track elevation as accurately as the S70.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Fitness tracking accuracy was generally strong for workouts and heart-rate-based exercise logging, especially for casual and mainstream use.

GPS accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.8

GPS accuracy was one of the strongest points, with reviewers reporting quick satellite lock, reliable course selection, and yardages within a few yards of a laser rangefinder.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.2

GPS opinions were mixed to negative: lock-on and casual tracking could be fine, but precision lagged behind stronger sports watches.

health tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.2

Reviewers treated the S50 as a credible health tracker, especially through body battery, HRV, blood oxygen, sleep, and daily activity insights, though the evidence is stronger on feature coverage than lab-level validation.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.8

Health tracking accuracy was praised when compared with Apple Watch, Fitbit expectations, and reviewer lived experience.

heart rate accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.0

Heart-rate tracking was repeatedly cited as the key hardware difference that unlocks the S50's health and fitness value, with one reviewer noting it uses Garmin's older Gen 4 sensor.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.6

Heart rate accuracy was a standout, with several reviewers finding it close to chest straps or leading wearables.

LTE connectivity
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
No score yet
Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.0

LTE is available but typically framed as an optional paid upgrade rather than a transformative feature.

mapping and navigation
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.0

Mapping and navigation are core strengths for yardages, hazards, green views, PinPointer, and course data, but fuller maps and green contours often require Garmin's paid membership.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.9

Offline Google Maps improved navigation utility, but workout-integrated navigation still lagged specialized sports watches.

materials quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.8

Materials are mixed-to-good, with Gorilla Glass and aluminum noted positively while the lightweight body drew a plasticky caveat.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Materials felt premium with aluminum cases and curved Gorilla Glass, though the absence of sapphire limited rugged confidence.

menu navigation
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.0

Menu navigation is mostly straightforward once learned, though one reviewer found the golf features a bit complicated at first.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Menu navigation improved with the grid launcher and intuitive controls, but some Wear OS screens still required extra scrolling.

music controls
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.0

Music controls are present and useful, including phone music control and a music-controller feature in the watch interface.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Music controls and media access were useful, including workout-screen controls and phone or streaming-player control.

onboard music storage
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.4

Onboard music storage is available, but storage is modest compared with the S70 and one review specifically called out the 4 GB limit.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Onboard storage helps with offline maps and music, making phone-free runs more practical.

operating system experience
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.9

The operating-system experience is familiar and Garmin-consistent, but reviewers still saw some iPhone-related limitations.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Wear OS was usually described as smooth, polished, and increasingly mature, especially in Google’s own ecosystem.

outdoor visibility
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.2

Outdoor visibility is mostly strong thanks to the bright AMOLED screen and big-number options, but direct sun can make fine details harder to see.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
5.0

Outdoor visibility was very strong thanks to the 2,000-nit display and better sunlight readability.

pairing reliability
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.7

Pairing reliability is a strength, with reviewers describing Garmin Golf app pairing as simple, seamless, and reliable after setup.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.8

Pairing and setup were reliable in the scored reviews, including easy setup and stable use across Android phones.

recovery insights
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.3

Recovery insights were supported by body battery, sleep-recovery feedback, and post-exercise recovery guidance, making this one of the stronger wellness features.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Recovery guidance improved through Readiness, Target Load, and Cardio Load, giving more actionable daily training context.

reliability
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.5

Reliability is strong, with reviewers saying Garmin golf watches simply work, though one review mentioned a reduced GPS-signal course issue.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Reliability was strongest around battery consistency and stable software, though GPS and durability kept it from being flawless.

safety features
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.2

Safety features are present through LiveTrack and fall/emergency-contact settings, but they were covered mainly in a feature walkthrough.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.8

Safety features were robust, including fall detection, emergency calls, check-in tools, and loss-of-pulse detection.

size options
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.1

Size options are limited compared with the S70, and reviewers repeatedly flagged that the S50 may feel small for larger wrists.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.7

The new 45mm option was one of the most agreed-upon wins, broadening appeal and improving screen and battery life.

sleep tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.3

Sleep tracking drew strong praise across reviews, with reviewers highlighting detailed scoring, sleep coach features, and comfort for overnight wear.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Sleep tracking was generally viewed as accurate or useful for timing and sleep context, though not always deeply insightful.

smartphone notifications
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.6

Smartphone notifications are useful for triage and can be muted in golf mode, but reviewers noted limited iPhone notification controls and limited actionability from the watch.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.6

Notifications were a core strength, with prompt delivery and enough wrist interaction to reduce phone use.

smartwatch features
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.3

Smartwatch features are solid for a golf-focused device, adding alarms, timers, health metrics, notifications, weather, calendar, and broader daily-use tools.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.6

Smartwatch features were broad, including Google app integrations, smart home control, Recorder, TV remote, Wallet, and safety tools.

software smoothness
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.8

Software smoothness scored well based on seamless Garmin app pairing and the reviewer's statement that it works flawlessly after initial setup.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.7

Software smoothness was highly rated, with reviewers noting snappy app loading, no perceptible lag, or no stutters.

step counting accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
No score yet
Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Step counting tested very accurately in one review and reasonably close in another.

stress tracking
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.1

Stress tracking appeared consistently as part of the S50's wellness package, often tied to body battery, sleep, and heart-rate-based insights.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.6

Stress tracking was useful for some, especially cEDA responsiveness, but other reviewers found the explanations less actionable.

style and design
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.5

Style and design are widely praised, with reviewers calling the S50 sleek, lightweight, understated, and better looking than bulkier alternatives.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.7

Style and design were a major strength, with repeated praise for the pebble-like, elegant, distinctive look.

third-party app support
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.3

Third-party app support is limited and mixed, with restrictions around iPhone app notifications but some music-provider support.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.2

Third-party support was good for apps, but external sensor pairing and some data export workflows were limiting.

touchscreen responsiveness
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.7

Touchscreen responsiveness is a repeated strength, with reviewers calling the screen responsive, intuitive, and central to navigation.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.6

Touch input was responsive in normal use, though sweat or water could make it less dependable.

user interface
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.3

The interface is generally intuitive, with reviewers praising the touchscreen, simple golf start flow, and easy feature-to-feature movement.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.7

The interface was clean and straightforward overall, despite some round-screen inefficiencies and sparse layouts.

value for money
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.0

Value depends on buyer priorities: reviewers liked the golf-plus-health package, but subscription-locked maps and the cheaper S44 created meaningful tradeoffs.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.3

Value was mixed: reviewers liked the watch but cited high pricing, cheaper alternatives, or weak upgrade need.

voice assistant quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
2.0

Voice assistant support is weak, with the reviewer specifically noting that Siri-style talking from the watch is not available.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.8

Google Assistant worked well for some tasks, but the lack of Gemini and awkward voice experiences limited enthusiasm.

watch face quality
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.8

Watch-face quality is decent with many selectable faces, though the S70 was described as having better customization options.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.6

Watch faces were mixed, with some reviewers liking Active but others wanting more variety and better defaults.

water resistance
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
3.8

Water-related evidence is indirect: reviewers discussed swimming and shower use, but mainly as a nylon-band drying consideration.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.3

Water resistance was consistently supported through IP68 and 5ATM claims, suitable for showers and swimming contexts.

wellness insights
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.4

Wellness insights are a major strength, especially body battery, sleep, stress, respiration, recovery, and health snapshots that make the watch useful off the course.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Wellness insights improved through Morning Brief, Readiness, Cardio Load, and Fitbit health summaries.

Wi-Fi connectivity
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.2

Wi-Fi support is present for updates, though reviewer evidence is limited to feature walkthrough coverage.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.3

Wi-Fi connectivity improved through faster 5GHz support and was referenced as part of stable daily connectivity.

workout tracking variety
Product 1: Garmin Approach S50
4.2

Workout variety is broad for a golf watch, with support called out for runs, rides, swims, gym sessions, and other sports, though reviewers still framed it below higher-end Garmin fitness watches.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.0

Workout variety is broad enough for casual users, but reviewers repeatedly noted the strongest new tools favor runners.