Google has finally hit its stride with the Pixel Watch 3, the latest iteration of its Android smartwatch. The first two versions, while boasting stylish circular designs, struggled with sluggish performance and disappointing battery life. Google has addressed these shortcomings head-on, but the solution comes with a slightly larger footprint.
The Pixel Watch 3 is available in both the familiar 41mm size of its predecessors and a larger 45mm model. I’ve been testing the larger version for a month, and while it sacrifices the subtle charm of the smaller model, it’s the clear winner for those who value extended battery life. I’ve managed to squeeze out two full days on a single charge, a feat rarely achieved by wearables running WearOS, Google’s smartwatch software. This impressive battery life is particularly remarkable considering the Watch 3 utilizes the same Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor as its predecessor, suggesting that Google has optimized the software in WearOS 5 to enhance efficiency.
The Pixel Watch 3 comes at a price, starting at £349 for the 41mm version and £399 for the 45mm. Adding 4G LTE connectivity to either model bumps the price up by £100. Personally, I’m a fan of chunky watches, so the larger size didn’t bother me. However, if you prefer a sleek and discreet smartwatch, the smaller 41mm model is a better fit. The larger screen of the 45mm model does offer advantages, displaying more text in apps and presenting less cluttered watch faces.
I’ve tested the Pixel Watch 3 with the Pixel 9 Pro and various other Android phones, and it performs admirably across the board. However, Pixel phone users benefit from exclusive features like synchronized Do Not Disturb and Bedtime modes between the watch and phone. These features, while not essential, were surprisingly missed when using a non-Pixel phone.
The Pixel Watch 3’s true potential lies in its integration with Fitbit Premium. While the watch tracks fitness metrics like sleep and stress levels, accessing detailed insights requires a subscription to Fitbit Premium. Without it, users are left with a limited view of the data their watch collects. Google has also bolstered the Pixel Watch 3’s fitness features, transforming it into a more capable tool for runners. WearOS 5 introduces new running efficiency metrics like ground contact time, form analysis, cadence, and stride length—features typically found on high-end sports watches from brands like Garmin and Polar. The addition of workout planning directly on the watch further enhances its appeal for fitness enthusiasts.
One minor annoyance is the watch’s automatic workout detection. While it accurately detects runs, it only starts recording from the point of detection, missing the initial minutes of the workout. Apple Watches, in contrast, record runs retroactively from the beginning. Google needs to refine this feature to improve its accuracy and responsiveness.
The Pixel Watch 3 boasts an accurate heart rate sensor, but I encountered occasional GPS connection issues when using it without my phone. This is a surprising shortcoming considering the watch’s price and focus on fitness. While standalone GPS worked reliably some of the time, it fell short compared to the Apple Watch Series 10 and Garmin Forerunner 265.
Google has packed the Pixel Watch 3 with safety features, including fall detection, emergency SOS, and a new ‘loss of pulse’ detection feature. The latter, which requires user consent in settings, can automatically contact emergency services if it detects no pulse from the heart rate sensor. While I couldn’t test this feature for obvious reasons, its presence is a valuable asset for individuals with certain medical conditions or who live alone.
The Pixel Watch 3 seamlessly integrates with Google’s smart home ecosystem. You can control your smart TV, lights, and even talk to someone at your door using the Nest Doorbell, all from the watch’s small screen. This move showcases Google’s commitment to creating a cohesive hardware and software ecosystem to rival Apple’s.
Despite its numerous features, the Pixel Watch 3 manages to remain unobtrusive when not in use. Unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Watches, which require a barrage of plugins and extra apps, the Pixel Watch 3 offers a streamlined experience after optionally linking it to Fitbit. I also appreciate the new customizable watch faces, particularly the ‘Active’ face, which displays a wealth of data throughout the day.
In conclusion, the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is an excellent Android smartwatch that doesn’t limit its features for non-Pixel phone users. It surpasses the latest Galaxy Watch, except for Samsung phone owners. Improved battery life, a larger screen, and tighter integration with Google’s products make the Pixel Watch 3 a significant improvement over its predecessors. However, if you prioritize multi-day battery life in a WearOS watch, the OnePlus Watch 2 is a worthy contender.
