Google’s journey with smartwatches has been somewhat tumultuous. The original Pixel Watch, while intriguing, left room for improvement. The Pixel Watch 2 made strides but still wasn’t perfect. Now, with hopes of getting it right, Google has introduced the Pixel Watch 3.
The Pixel Watch 3 is a significant step forward, offering two body sizes: 41mm and 45mm. This change addresses one of the main criticisms of previous models, providing a better fit for those who found the earlier sizes too small.
What’s New?
The Pixel Watch 3 isn’t just about size. It features a revamped design with a larger display while maintaining the signature look of the Pixel Watch. Beyond the cosmetic updates, it also boasts enhanced features including advanced exercise tracking, AI-driven daily recommendations, and energy monitoring. Here’s what you need to know:
Google Pixel Watch 3: Price and Availability
The Pixel Watch 3 is priced as follows:
- 41mm model: Starting at $349, up to $449 with LTE.
- 45mm model: Starting at $399, up to $499 with LTE.
Available in various colors and bands, the Pixel Watch 3 can be found at major retailers and online stores. Preorders began on August 13, with general availability starting September 10.
Google Pixel Watch 3: Specs
- Display: Google Actua OLED, protected by Gorilla Glass 5
- Body Size:
- 41mm: 41 x 41 x 12.3mm
- 45mm: 45 x 45 x 12.3mm
- Weight:
- 41mm: 31 grams (without band)
- 45mm: 37 grams (without band)
- Resolution: 320 pixels-per-inch (ppi)
- Touchscreen: Actua OLED, always-on display
- Storage: 32GB
- Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band, NFC, LTE
- Sensors: Blood-oxygen, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient light, Heart rate, Barometer, GPS (GPS, Galileo, Glonass), Compass
- Water/Dust Resistance: 5ATM & IP68
Battery Capacity:
- 41mm: 306mAh
- 45mm: 420mAh
Google Pixel Watch 3: First Impressions
We’ve had a chance to test the Pixel Watch 3, and initial impressions are promising. The introduction of new sizes is a welcome improvement, with the 45mm model offering a more substantial feel without being overly bulky. The reduced bezels provide a 40% increase in usable display area, addressing one of the previous models’ major shortcomings.
Design and Display
While maintaining its distinctive style, the Pixel Watch 3 has been updated with slimmer bezels, enhancing the display area by 40%. The Actua OLED screens are brighter, with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 60Hz. Durability is also a plus with Gorilla Glass 5 and an IP68 rating, making it suitable for swimming but not diving.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Integrated with Fitbit’s technology, the Pixel Watch 3 excels in health and fitness tracking. It offers comprehensive tracking including step count, heart rate, blood-oxygen levels, and exercise options. New features include improved run tracking, customizable running plans, and AI-powered daily recommendations. Features such as Readiness and Cardio Load help monitor and optimize your workout intensity and recovery. Automatic sleep detection with Bedtime Mode is a useful addition, turning off notifications and reducing battery use during sleep.
Performance and Battery
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor, the Pixel Watch 3 promises efficient performance. The 41mm model’s battery matches the Pixel Watch 2’s capacity, while the 45mm model features a larger battery, potentially offering longer usage. Charging is faster, with Google claiming a 20% improvement over the Pixel Watch 2. The 41mm takes about an hour to charge, and the 45mm around 80 minutes.
Software and Updates
The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5, with enhanced connectivity to other Google devices. You can view Nest cameras, interact with Nest Doorbells, control Google TV, and use additional features like UWB-powered phone unlock and advanced camera controls.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel Watch 3 represents a significant advancement in Google’s smartwatch lineup. With its expanded size options, improved display, and robust health and fitness features, it addresses many of the shortcomings of its predecessors. While it may not be perfect for everyone, particularly with its premium pricing, it offers a compelling package for those seeking a high-quality smartwatch with deep integration into the Google ecosystem. For users looking for a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3 is definitely worth considering.
