Google’s Pixel Watch series has taken a more refined approach this year with the release of the Pixel Watch 3. While the first Pixel Watch was a decent attempt, it left much to be desired, and the Pixel Watch 2 was a step in the right direction but still had room for improvement. Now, Google is aiming to capture the smartwatch market with the Pixel Watch 3, bringing numerous enhancements and new features.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of two body sizes: a 41mm and a 45mm frame. This addresses a common complaint about the previous Pixel Watches being too small for some wrists. The larger size option provides a more substantial feel without being overly bulky.
Beyond the added size, the Pixel Watch 3 boasts a significant redesign. The bezels surrounding the display have been significantly reduced, resulting in a 40% larger usable screen area. The display itself has also been upgraded, featuring an Actua display capable of reaching 2,000 nits of brightness and as low as a single nit. The refresh rate dynamically adapts from 1Hz to 60Hz, and Google has made significant improvements to power efficiency. Adding to its robustness, the Pixel Watch 3 is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 and boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, along with a 5ATM rating for water-resistance. This means it’s safe to wear while swimming, though it’s not designed for diving.
The Pixel Watch 3 leverages Fitbit’s expertise in health and fitness tracking, offering a comprehensive suite of features. It includes step counting, heart rate monitoring, blood-oxygen tracking, workout tracking for a variety of activities, and automatic tracking for select exercises. Google has enhanced the running tracking capabilities and added the option to create running plans directly on the watch or the smartphone app, complete with guidance to help users maintain their target pace. Advanced motion tracking analyzes your running form, providing insights to improve your technique.
An AI-powered coach provides personalized daily run recommendations to push users further. This is powered by three new features: Readiness, Cardio Load, and Target Load. Readiness, similar to Samsung’s Energy Score, analyzes daily activity, exercise, and sleep data to predict your energy levels for the next day. Cardio Load and Target Load track how hard your heart and body are working during workouts, ensuring you don’t overdo it and risk injury.
The Pixel Watch 3 now automatically detects when you’re asleep and transitions into Bedtime Mode. This disables the always-on display, silences notifications, and optimizes battery usage. It’s a welcome addition for those who have experienced the annoyance of their watch lighting up unexpectedly during the night.
Powering the Pixel Watch 3 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor, similar to the Pixel Watch 2. This solid processor is optimized for multitasking, thanks to its dual-chip architecture. One part of the chip handles animations while another ensures the smooth operation of features like step counting and heart rate monitoring. While users are unlikely to notice a significant difference in real-life performance, it’s a testament to the Pixel Watch 2’s already snappy performance.
The two case sizes correspond to two differently sized batteries. The 41mm model houses a 306mAh battery, while the 45mm version features a 420mAh battery. The 41mm battery is the same size as the Pixel Watch 2, suggesting similar battery life. Users can expect a day to a day-and-a-half of use on a single charge, which is respectable for a smartwatch. The larger battery in the 45mm model may lead to longer battery life, but it’s worth noting that it’s also powering a larger screen.
Google has improved the charging speed, claiming it’s 20% faster than the Pixel Watch 2. The smaller Pixel Watch 3 takes an hour to fully charge, while the larger 45mm model takes 80 minutes.
The Pixel Watch 3 runs Wear OS 5, showcasing Google’s emphasis on cross-device connectivity. It seamlessly integrates with other Google devices. For instance, users can view their Nest cameras, communicate through their Nest Doorbell, and control their Google TV remotely. Other features include a Recorder app, UWB-powered phone unlock, enhanced camera controls, and expanded Call Assist capabilities.
Overall, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is a significant improvement over its predecessors. With two new body sizes, a larger display, enhanced health and fitness tracking, and faster charging, it’s a compelling option for smartwatch enthusiasts. Google’s attention to detail and focus on user experience make the Pixel Watch 3 a strong contender in the crowded smartwatch market.
