Google Pixel Watch 4 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Surprisingly close

For both watches, you need an active operator plan to access the satellites – that is, you must have a separate phone line or share numbers for your watch. You need to be in a location with a clear view of the sky, and the Pixel Watch 4 and Watch Ultra 3 will patiently guide you to get the best satellite reception. (I like this feature because I often have trouble finding reception with it Ordinary satellite messenger.)

The Pixel Watch 4 only offers satellite emergency services, meaning you have to call 911 and be in an active emergency, and you can only do that in the contiguous United States at the moment. The Watch Ultra 3 lets you send regular text messages, just as you can with your iPhone. For international travelers, Watch Ultra 3’s satellite messaging service is available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Offline Maps was the first time I encountered the limitations of Apple’s famous walled garden. Apple introduced offline topographic maps with WatchOS 10. I’ve used it before, and it’s good. You can search for the area in Apple Maps, sync with your watch, build your own hiking trails, etc. I like this better than using Garmin because you don’t have to use custom software, and you don’t have to sign up for a platform like AllTrails.

I didn’t realize how often my wife and I use Google Maps. I made a plan to visit my friend’s cabin and used Google Maps on my laptop to look up directions. I opened Google Maps on my Pixel 9 later, and that was it. I downloaded the offline maps, zoomed them out to include a scenic hike near her house, and dropped the Pixel Watch 4 on the charger to sync the maps and charge the battery while I ran to fill a water bottle and grab a jacket and a chocolate bar. It was so easy.