The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a triumph, finally delivering on the promise of a truly exceptional smartwatch experience. This latest iteration from Google addresses the shortcomings of previous models, offering a larger display, a more comfortable fit, improved health and fitness tracking, and extended battery life. It’s not just a collection of features; it’s a meticulously crafted package that feels truly complete.
Visually, the Pixel Watch 3 retains the sleek and elegant design that made its predecessors so appealing. It still boasts a round display, a side button, a rotating crown, and the same proprietary watch band system. However, the most notable change is the introduction of a larger 45mm case size, which makes the watch more substantial on the wrist without feeling bulky. This added screen real estate is a game-changer, allowing for more information to be displayed and improving the overall user experience.
The Pixel Watch 3’s hardware is equally impressive. The rotating crown feels smooth and responsive, the buttons offer a satisfying click, and the haptics are strong and noticeable. The Gorilla Glass 5 protecting the display is resilient against scratches, and the watch boasts IP68 and 5ATM ratings for dust and water resistance. Although the watch’s back has picked up a few scratches after a couple of weeks, this is a minor cosmetic concern and doesn’t detract from the overall durability of the watch.
One of the biggest upgrades in the Pixel Watch 3 is its display. The larger screen size, combined with significantly reduced bezels, results in a far more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience. Watch faces now accommodate additional complications, and you can read more of your messages and notifications without them being cut off. The display’s brightness has also been boosted to 2,000 nits, ensuring readability even under bright sunlight.
Health and fitness tracking remain a cornerstone of the Pixel Watch 3’s capabilities, with the integration of Fitbit’s powerful suite of tools. All-day activity tracking, sleep tracking, automatic workout detection, a skin temperature sensor, SpO2 monitoring, an ECG app, and other essential health features are included. Google has also introduced two new health metrics: Cardio Load and Readiness. Cardio Load provides a comprehensive overview of your daily activity, including workouts and general movement, to help you understand your training intensity. Readiness, on the other hand, assesses your body’s overall preparedness for the day ahead, taking into account factors like heart rate variability, sleep quality, and resting heart rate. Both features offer valuable insights for optimizing your health and fitness journey.
The Pixel Watch 3 also boasts a suite of new running features. Real-time coaching during runs provides guidance on pace and heart rate, while the new Running Dashboard offers detailed breakdowns of your performance data. Fitbit Premium subscribers also gain access to AI-powered running recommendations, which suggest personalized runs based on your readiness score, target load, and preferences. The rest of the health and fitness suite is also top-notch, with accurate auto workout detection and sleep tracking that rivals other leading wearable devices.
Under the hood, the Pixel Watch 3 is powered by the same Snapdragon W5 chip that powered its predecessor, ensuring swift and responsive performance. Apps load quickly, animations are smooth, and notifications arrive promptly. Wear OS 5 is a pleasure to navigate, offering a clean and intuitive interface. Google’s watch faces are also a standout, with a variety of stylish and informative options available. The Pixel Watch 3 also benefits from Google’s expanding app ecosystem, with new features like a virtual Google TV remote, live view of Nest security cameras, offline Google Maps navigation, and even an improved camera app.
Battery life is another area where the Pixel Watch 3 excels. Google promises 24 hours of use per charge, but in real-world testing, the Pixel Watch 3 consistently delivered around a day-and-a-half of battery life, even with the always-on display enabled and regular use of health and fitness features. The quick charging capabilities also make it easy to top up the battery when needed.
At $350 for the 41mm model and $400 for the 45mm model, the Pixel Watch 3 is priced competitively with other high-end smartwatches. The LTE variants add an extra $100 to the price, but for a limited time, buying an LTE Pixel Watch 3 from the Google Store comes with two years of free LTE connectivity. This is a fantastic deal for those who want the convenience of cellular connectivity.
In conclusion, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is a game-changer for Android users seeking a stylish, functional, and feature-packed smartwatch. Its remarkable hardware, stunning display, seamless software experience, robust health and fitness capabilities, and competitive pricing make it one of the best smartwatches available today. If you’re looking for a smartwatch that ticks all the right boxes, the Pixel Watch 3 is a strong contender and a must-have for any Android enthusiast.
