Google has been in the smartwatch game for two years, and the Pixel Watch 3 is the latest iteration of their popular wearable. If you’re still rocking the original Pixel Watch, you might be wondering if it’s time to upgrade. Or, perhaps you’re new to the smartwatch world and are debating between the first-gen Pixel Watch and the shiny new Pixel Watch 3. Let’s break down the differences and help you make the right decision.
Design and Display
At first glance, the Pixel Watch 3 and the original look strikingly similar. Google’s minimalist design language has remained consistent across generations, creating an attractive watch that complements various styles. The Pixel Watch 3 introduces two sizes, a 41mm option mirroring the original’s size but with a slightly lighter weight, and a larger 45mm version for those with bigger wrists. Both sizes boast a substantial display upgrade with a new AMOLED-LTPO screen, offering a smooth 60Hz refresh rate and smaller bezels for a more immersive experience. Beyond the display, the watches share similar physical features, including the protective Gorilla Glass, the rotating bezel for navigation (missing from the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra), and the compatible lug-style watch band system. They also maintain the same 5ATM water resistance, allowing them to withstand submersion up to 50 meters.
Health, Fitness, and Sensors
The Pixel Watch 3 utilizes the same sensor suite as the Pixel Watch 2, known for its improved data accuracy, particularly the heart rate sensor. New additions include a thermometer and skin conductance sensors for tracking skin temperature and cycle monitoring. Other new sensor additions include a light sensor, barometer, gyroscope, and a pulse oximeter, which plays a crucial role in the innovative Loss of Pulse Detection feature. This feature, currently available in select EU countries, can contact emergency services if the watch fails to detect a pulse, providing an extra layer of safety in emergency situations. The Pixel Watch 3 also boasts new health and fitness features like Cardio Load and Target Load, designed to track your heart’s performance and provide valuable insights. A Daily Readiness score, previously exclusive to Fitbit Premium subscribers, is now available to all users, giving you a personalized assessment of your body’s readiness for activity. The watch comes with a complimentary six-month subscription to Fitbit Premium, which offers a more in-depth analysis of your health data.
Software and Features
The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5, offering a significant advantage over the original Pixel Watch’s Wear OS 3.5. The new operating system leverages Google AI for personalized recommendations and insights. Exclusive features for Pixel phone users include camera control, Google TV integration, Nest Cam viewing, call screening, and smart audio recording with AI analysis. The original Pixel Watch, while providing a basic Pixel Watch experience, lacks many of the features found in the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 2.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the original Pixel Watch’s major shortcomings was its battery life. The Pixel Watch 3 tackles this issue with a larger battery, a more efficient processor, and software optimizations. The 41mm model boasts a 307mAh battery, while the 45mm size features a 420mAh battery, significantly larger than the original’s 294mAh battery. The Snapdragon SW5100 processor in the Pixel Watch 3 offers better efficiency than the Exynos 9110 found in the original. While battery life hasn’t been officially confirmed, it’s expected to last for a full day with the Always On display enabled or even up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode. This represents a substantial improvement over the original Pixel Watch’s less than stellar battery life. The Pixel Watch 3 also shines in charging speed. The 41mm model can reach 50% charge in just 24 minutes and 85% in 35 minutes, while the 45mm takes slightly longer, achieving 50% in 28 minutes and 85% in 50 minutes. While a full charge still takes over an hour, the fast charging is a lifesaver when you need a quick top-up.
Price, Availability, and Colors
The Pixel Watch 3 launches on September 9th with a starting price of $349, while the original Pixel Watch, currently available for around $200, offers a much lower entry point. Despite the price difference, the Pixel Watch 3 represents better value due to its enhanced features and performance. The Pixel Watch 3 offers a Bluetooth-only option for $349 and an LTE version for $449 in the 41mm size. The larger 45mm model adds $50 to both prices. Available colors for the 41mm model include Polished Silver, Matte Black, and Champagne Gold, while the 45mm model replaces the gold option with Hazel. A range of bands are available, including a stylish new Rose Quartz option that complements Google’s latest phones.
Verdict
If you own the original Pixel Watch, upgrading to the Pixel Watch 3 is highly recommended. It offers everything you could want in a smartwatch, including stylish design, enhanced health and fitness features, and a host of helpful extras. If you’re new to the Pixel Watch family and budget is a concern, the original Pixel Watch remains an option, although there are other comparable smartwatches from that era that offer better value. However, if you prioritize the best possible Google smartwatch experience, the Pixel Watch 3 is the clear winner, offering a significant step up from its predecessor. If you’re looking for a slightly more budget-friendly option, the Pixel Watch 2, just $70 more expensive than the original, provides a compelling middle ground.
