The Google Pixel Watch 3 was officially released in September 2024, and it’s bringing some major upgrades that are perfect for both tech lovers and fitness fans. From a new, larger size to some seriously cool health features, this smartwatch is ready to take on the competition. Let’s break down what makes the Pixel Watch 3 stand out and why it might just be the next smartwatch you want on your wrist.
Here is a quick summary of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Larger display options (45mm and 41mm)
- Extremely bright display (2,000 nits) for outdoor readability
- Advanced fitness tracking with new metrics (Daily Readiness, Cardio Load)
- Life-saving Loss of Pulse Detection feature
- Seamless integration with Google services
- Faster charging (20% quicker than previous models)
Cons
- Some features are exclusive to Pixel phones
- Battery life still limited to 24 hours in standard mode
- LTE version costs $50 extra
- Limited color options
- Not compatible with iOS devices
- Fitbit Premium subscription required after 6-month free trial for advanced health insights ($9.99/month or $79.99/year)
Sleeker Design and Bigger Display
First things first—the design. Google has finally given us a larger 45mm version, along with the standard 41mm size. This is huge (literally) for people who have been wanting a bigger screen or have larger wrists. The larger model is all about giving you more space to enjoy everything your watch has to offer.
Speaking of the screen, it’s now twice as bright with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. Translation? You can actually see what’s on your screen, even in bright sunlight. Whether you’re checking your steps during an outdoor workout or glancing at notifications, everything is clear as day.
Oh, and the bezels? Those have been slimmed down too. The 45mm watch has 40% more screen space, and even the 41mm gets a 10% boost. So, you’re getting a bigger, more immersive display without the bulk.
Fitness and Health Tracking: A Game Changer
If you’re into fitness or just keeping tabs on your health, the Pixel Watch 3 has a lot to offer. It’s packed with new features like Daily Readiness, Cardio Load, and Target Load. These fancy terms basically mean you’ll know if you’re ready for an intense workout or if you should take it easy, plus you’ll get insights into how hard you’re pushing yourself.
For runners, this watch is a dream. It tracks advanced stats like stride length and cadence, giving you super detailed feedback on your performance. This can help you improve your form and boost your training.
One of the coolest new features is Loss of Pulse Detection. If your heart rate suddenly drops dangerously low, the watch will alert you. This could be a literal lifesaver and adds a whole new level of health monitoring that most smartwatches just don’t have.
And if you’re a fan of smart home gadgets, the Pixel Watch 3 integrates seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem. You can check your Nest Cam feeds or even use the watch as a Google TV remote—all from your wrist.
Battery Life and Faster Charging
Battery life is always a big deal with smartwatches, and Google has made some improvements here too. The Pixel Watch 3 lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge with standard settings, but if you switch to Battery Saver Mode, you can stretch that to 36 hours.
It charges 20% faster than before. So even if you forget to plug it in overnight, a quick charge will have you back in action in no time. However, battery life may be one of the downsides compared to some competitors that offer 7-10 days of battery on a single charge.
Seamless Google Integration with Wear OS 5
The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5, which is Google’s latest and greatest operating system for smartwatches. That means everything from Google Maps to YouTube Music to Google Home is easily accessible right on your wrist. You can even use offline Google Maps, so if you’re out and about without your phone, you’ll still know where you’re going.
However, there’s a small catch—some features are only available if you have a Pixel phone. For example, accessing Nest camera feeds or using the Pixel Recorder app will require a Pixel device. But if you’re using any other Android phone (version 10 or newer), you’ll still get most of the functionality without any hiccups.
Pricing and Color Options
So, how much does this all cost? The Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes:
- The 41mm version starts at $349.
- The 45mm version is $399.
If you want LTE connectivity (so you can leave your phone behind), it’ll cost you an extra $50 for either model.
As for colors, here’s what you can choose from:
- 45mm: Black, Silver, and Hazel
- 41mm: Black, Silver, and Gold
Do You Need a Subscription for the Google Pixel Watch 3?
Yes, some features on the Google Pixel Watch 3 require a subscription. If you want to unlock advanced fitness metrics and personalized tips, you’ll need a Fitbit Premium membership. However, Google includes six months of free Fitbit Premium when you buy the watch, so you can try out all the cool features without paying extra right away.
If you choose the LTE version of the watch, you’ll also get two years of free LTE data through Google Fi Wireless. This means you can send messages and use GPS without your phone—at no extra cost for two years. After that, though, you’ll need to sign up for a data plan to keep using the LTE features.
Feature Table
Feature | Pixel Watch 3 |
---|---|
Sizes | 41mm and 45mm |
Display brightness | 2,000 nits peak |
Display size | 41mm: 1.2-inch, 45mm: 1.4-inch |
Refresh rate | Dynamic 1-60Hz |
Bezels | 16% smaller (4.5mm) |
Battery capacity | 41mm: 306mAh, 45mm: 420mAh |
Operating system | Wear OS 5 |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5100 |
RAM | 2GB |
Storage | 32GB |
Water resistance | IP68/5ATM |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Optional LTE, Ultra-wideband |
Health features | SpO2, ECG, EDA, skin temperature |
New fitness features | Cardio load, Target load, Advanced running dynamics |
AI integration | Google AI for fitness goals (with Fitbit Premium) |
Special features | Loss of Pulse Detection, Morning Brief |
Compatibility | Android 10.0 or newer |
Colors | 41mm: Black, Silver, Gold; 45mm: Black, Silver, Hazel |
Why the Pixel Watch 3 is Worth It
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is packed with features that make it one of the most exciting smartwatches available right now. From its larger, brighter display to advanced health tracking and seamless Google integration, it’s clear that Google has upped its game.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking for detailed performance stats, or someone who wants a smartwatch that easily syncs with your daily digital life, the Pixel Watch 3 ticks all the boxes. It’s faster, smarter, and more stylish than ever.
Sources:
https://store.google.com/gb/product/pixel_watch_3?hl=en-GB
https://support.google.com/googlepixelwatch/answer/15273704?hl=en
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