Verdict
By introducing a large version of the Pixel Watch 3 , Google has resolved the biggest issues with the first two coevals : wearability for those with bigger wrists , and electric battery life . There has n’t been a huge leap forward made in the other fundamental areas - smart feature film , health monitoring , or fitness trailing - but there ’s just enough here to assure this becomes the top Wear OS smartwatch for most Android user .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
After a promising but flawed first couple of smartwatch contemporaries , Google has finally rack up its stride with the Pixel Watch 3 .
It ’s not a significant going from its predecessors in most aspects , but key criticisms have been address and figure out to deliver a muscular and various smartwatch .
Most significantly , Google has amplify beyond the 41 mm event size with a orotund 45 mm edition , ensuring a prosperous burst for all wrists and a serious battery improvement .
Beyond this fundamental alteration , the Pixel Watch 3 boasts a bright , more immersive presentation , and enhanced Fitbit integrating , with undivided new characteristic cut to fitness enthusiasts .
This all - Modern Pixel Watch 3 45 mm is n’t without issue , but it represents a substantial leap forward and instantly becomes one of thebest smartwatchoptions for users assay a premium Android wearable experience .
Price
The Pixel Watch 3 41 mm with Bluetooth and Wi - Fi is price at $ 349/£349 . The cellular option is $ 449/£449 .
The larger 45 millimetre Pixel Watch 3 ( reviewed here ) start up at $ 399/£399 , with $ 499/£499 for cellular .
Design and Display
Google has in conclusion listened to its customer ( and complaining reviewers like me ) and enlarge the Pixel Watch 3 lineup to include a large 45 mm model . It ’s a welcome summation that mean Google ’s smartwatch now comfortably caters to those with larger wrists .
It ’s the larger simulation , in the flatness black chromaticity is what I ’ve been testing out over the last few month or so . Despite the bigger size , I ’ve been pleasantly surprised how Google has retained the pocket-sized , silken feel of the little variation with this 45 mm Pixel Watch 3 .
Naturally , that increased size of it also adds a lot to the on - wrist experience , providing a more immersive display ( while also not cast into being overbearing , as some may find with the 46 mm Apple Watch Series 10 ) and more elbow room to play around with apps , watch brass , and notice .
However , the Pixel Watch 3 ’s design still has the same strength drawback as thePixel Watch 2 . With no veridical change to the domed - display , rotary case , it ’s a smartwatch that remains susceptible to graze ( or worse ) . Owing to my experience with this design in previous coevals , I ’ve found myself naturally harbour it in fierce situations , such as gymnasium sessions and DIY projects .
Even still , it ’s managed to pick up a few modest scuffs in a comparatively short amount of time and therefore is n’t one I urge if you ’re pretty firmly on your smartwatch .
However , in ‘ regular ’ everyday use – where you ’re doing things like exchange , posture at a desk , or prosecute in the unmatched bit of non - contact activity – the Pixel Watch 3 is dead durable , and now boast a few video display upgrades .
The heyday brightness has been double to 2000 nits , ensuring splendid profile even in hopeful sunlight . Additionally , the always - on display now supports a lower luminosity setting of 1nit , conserving battery living .
The Pixel Watch 3 ’s display also benefits from a reduced bezel , allow more screen door real estate for content . The refresh pace has also been increased to 60Hz , result in tranquil animations and a more responsive drug user port .
They ’re neat improvements , to be certain , but do n’t feel too hard done by if you ’re an originalPixel Watchor Pixel Watch 2 possessor . With Wear OS predominately sport white textual matter on a bootleg background , these change do n’t basically change the overall experience .
Instead , the full-grown design change is the introduction of a Modern case size – and , as I ’ll explore , it ’s a change that dribble down to other field of the smartwatch , too .
Smart Features and Software
The Pixel Watch 3 does n’t introduce groundbreaking new smart features , but it does refine the existing ones and offers rigorous integration with Google ’s ecosystem .
It becomes just the 2nd hardening of smartwatches – followingSamsung ’s Galaxy Watch 7 / Galaxy Watch Ultra – to endure Wear OS 5 , but , when you live with the equipment , you speedily make that this does n’t mean much .
I do n’t think many users would be able to spot real deviation between this and Wear OS 4 . It ’s a stark dividing line to Apple ’s software program updates for its smartwatches , which almost always deliver fundamental transmutation to the user experience
Yet , one famed enhancement is the improve offline functionality of Google Maps , which now allows exploiter to voyage without an internet connection . Plus , improved integrating with Google Home has resulted in surety camera footage being shown correctly from the wrist joint . And if you ’re a Google TV proprietor , the Pixel Watch 3 can be used as a remote control .
None of these upgrades are unique to the latest Pixel Watch , though . rather , the unique smart feature that sets the Pixel Watch 3 aside is ultra - wideband ( UWB ) financial support .
This technology enables exact location cut across throughAndroid ’s Find MyDevice purpose , produce it easier to locate the scout if it ’s lost or misplaced . It also predict keyless unlock accompaniment for BMW / Mini owner , but I ca n’t number myself among that crowd , though if it is a neat feature .
So , there ’s not much novel to speak of here . But it ’s easy to forget how Google ’s smartwatch political platform has matured into such a capable one over the last few years , entail the lack of new features in Wear OS 5 and those specific to this edition do n’t prove to be that much of a negative in the Pixel Watch 3 .
The Pixel Watch 3 is still awash with svelte apps and abstruse desegregation with Google service , there ’s dependable and utilitarian optional LTE if you require it , and the array of guard feature is still family - leading .
Activity Tracking
Runners are a cardinal focus of the Pixel Watch 3 fitness tracking experience , with Google offering advanced insights like stride length , cadence , ground tangency time , and vertical proportion .
These metrics aligned closely with those on a variation watch like theGarmin Fenix 8 – my ‘ B ’ twist when testing the Pixel Watch 3 . These insights are n’t one I grade as crucial for every runner but they can provide valuable information for those looking to learn more about their form . And they have become pretty stylish increase for wearable makers in 2024 , which is probably why they crop up here .
Beyond running metrics , a crucial Pixel Watch 3 sole is the all - new Cardio Load and Target Load ; these two are front and center in the seaworthiness tracking experience , adding a much - needed level of ripe penetration .
While Cardio Load ab initio requires some adaptation to translate its grading , it effectively measures the volume of late workouts , condense them into a sexual conquest . Meanwhile , Target Load give you a zone to direct for each day base on your Daily Readiness ( now usable to all users after being behind theFitbit Premiumpaywall ) and recent activity .
Perceived intensiveness level are sometimes on the humble side when put next to like metrics from Garmin and Whoop , though they are at least consistent with the Target Load figures and everything stay generally in sync between the two .
I particularly care the way of life the chart visualize current seaworthiness levels and whether cardio capacity is improving , decline , or keep . It ’s an actionable feature article I ’ve found far more useful than the traditional Fitbit Active Zone Minutes ( still present here ) .
With the Daily Readiness Score also require , it ’s a more rounded look at your grooming than I ’ve become accustomed to with Fitbit . Sleep quality , skin temperature , rest heart pace , and previous activity now play a cardinal character in activity guidance .
As for GPS , Google did n’t make any change for the Pixel Watch 3 – and that feels like a miss chance .
I do n’t urge for manufacturers throwing in dual - frequency GNSS willy - nilly – Apple has shown through itsbest Apple Watchmodels that algorithms still ultimately play a much bigger character .
Yet , given Google ’s single - band GPS has n’t performed quite as well as Apple ’s in the last few years , it ’s something that could have given the activity tag some veridical morsel for this generation .
To be unmortgaged , the GPS performance of the Pixel Watch 3 was still mostly solid in testing , but it by and large underreported length compared to Garmin ’s gold - standard Multi - Band mode . Over 10 - statute mile distances , it ’s typically a few hundred meters behind , at least .
It ’s not a fearful operation by any stretch , but it ’s not as on the money as a Wear oculus sinister watch like the Galaxy Watch Ultra . I also try the Pixel Watch 3 on an undetermined coastline , so I suspect its performance would drop further in a dense urban stage setting .
Health and Sleep Tracking
Heart rate tracking has always been a force of the Pixel Watch card , and Google exact to have delicately - tune the algorithmic rule this time for better run tracking .
I ’ve test it in some unforesightful , injury rehab run , and quite a little of strength preparation and cycling workouts . The results have been consistently upstanding – even if they ’ve not been quite as spot on as I found with last year ’s Pixel Watch 2 .
For that poser , I found the rotational latency turn tail very close with theGarmin HRM - Pro Pluschest shoulder strap which is about as well as you may feel on an optical sensor . The academic session average / maximal HR figures were also very tight .
Most of the time , they were identical – but this year that discrepancy has stretch out slimly , to around 3 BPM , and typically dispirited than myWhoop 4.0and Fenix 8 .
For representative , in an indoor cycling academic session , Pixel Watch 3 was tight line up with the HRM - Pro Plus breast shoulder strap and the Whoop 4.0 . It match the maximum eye rate exactly and only showed a span of beats lower than the average BPM . This variety of tale has been typical .
The slight deviation between the Pixel Watch 3 and last year could be the increased size – and , therefore , increased weight – given this can sometimes make more movement on the wrist joint . However , with most sessions being strength education or outdoor cycling , typically the hardest for an optical sensor to cope , this average may even out with more running workouts .
In a few dabbles with the run tracking next to last year ’s mannequin , nothing in the data jumped out as more precise . Though , as I said , this was n’t exactly an region of concern previously , so you’re able to still be sure that this is a top smartwatch for runners – especially with those fresh insights discussed in the former section .
So , away from activity , what ’s new with the Pixel Watch 3 ’s tracking ? Well , not a whole lot .
Last year , we go a revamped ocular sensor , a continuous electrodermal activity ( cEDA ) detector , and skin temperature trailing . This time around , the big plus is Loss of Pulse Detection which is a refreshing feature that automatically calls emergency services if it thinks , well , you ’re wearing the ticker and your heart is n’t beating .
Thankfully , I have n’t had a chance to test out Loss of Pulse Detection , and it ’s also not available everywhere – only in the UK and Europe , at the prison term of committal to writing . But it ’s a coolheaded feature of speech and one not available on another smartwatch , and I ’m sure it ’ll save lives over the next year and beyond .
For health tracking , like to the array of smart features , that want of change is n’t of necessity a major downside . The Health Metrics dashboard still delivers comparable data to competitors like Whoop and Oura , pop the question insights and course into HRV , skin temperature , catch one’s breath heart rate , and more from within the Fitbit app .
Sleep tracking remain unchanged , too . truth of sleep stages from all carpus - found machine is notoriously lacking in top - end truth , so this is n’t an expanse I put too much stock into , but the quietus of the packet remains solid . The Pixel Watch 3 consistently registers when we fall asleep / wake up in line with Garmin and Whoop , and score are always loosely straight - to - sense .
It ’s just a shame that some lineament remain locked behind Fitbit ’s Premium paywall .
However , one orbit where I hoped for more change is emphasis tracking . As I ’ve point out in previous Fitbit / Google reviews : I acclaim the ship’s company for trying to present focus differently to basic 0 - 100 mensuration that are omnipresent in wearables , but using the cEDA sensor to seek and map physical structure response is n’t in reality much more in effect .
I often see anywhere from 5 to 40 minute of physical structure responses logged day by day , but it ’s just not a system that leaves me with many takeout . Even if it does clock a shift in eubstance response , it still relies on the user understanding what ’s happened at that moment . The fact it is n’t score for you in the way we see from Oura ’s Daytime Stress or Whoop ’s Stress Monitor means it ’s concentrated to feel compelled to change behaviour based on it .
Again , if Google ’s destination is to raise awareness of your torso ’s responses , this feature does that to some extent , but I still guess there ’s more work to be done here .
Battery Life
barrage fire life has been the Achilles heel of the Pixel Watch across its first two versions . And though I have n’t had the chance to try the 41 mm version to see if the Pixel Watch 3 can survive the 24 - hour staying might quoted , that ’s certainly been the case with the 45 mm variant .
Even with the always - on display active , regular outside trailing , maximum brightness , frequent notifications , and daily use , the Pixel Watch 3 well endure over 48 hours per charge . But what stands out is n’t just the excess day of use ; it ’s the consistency .
Last year , I complained about erratic bombardment carrying into action , with power waste pipe varying unpredictably between similar activity or day-to-day routines .
This time , that problem has n’t reared its head . For example , sleep tracking only drained about 1 % per hour , and general desk clock time ( with the AOD on ) see a slightly high drainpipe of just under 2 % per minute . During an hour of indoor exercise , I realize the battery drop-off by about 6 % , or 1 % every 10 moment .
More demanding outside GPS tracking consumed about twice that rate . However , I should take down that I did n’t connect Spotify during any physical exertion , which traditionally drain much more battery , so keep this in idea if you plan to utilise it for a foresightful - duration race like a marathon .
For most uses , though , the larger Pixel Watch 3 can well be urge for extended wear . While two Clarence Shepard Day Jr. of assault and battery life story is n’t groundbreaking , it ’s a relievo from the burden of daily charging . Plus , the watch now charges faster than earlier models , making it convenient for speedy top - ups before bed or a workout .
In my trial , the Pixel Watch 3 work from 15 % ( when powerfulness - save mode activates ) to fully charged in around an hour , with a important cost increase in just 30 minutes .
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Should you buy it?
With no vast surface area of weakness and a very slick design now approachable to more wrist joint sizes , the Pixel Watch 3 is a must - consider for Android users .
The vaulted display and deficiency of scratch - proof methamphetamine see to it the Pixel Watch 3 does n’t tolerate up well to problematic role . Go for one of thebest Garmin watchesif you need tough designs .
Final Thoughts
The Pixel Watch 3 addresses the cardinal issues of its predecessors , specially for substance abuser with larger wrists and battery concerns . The all - new 45 millimetre version provides a better fit and significantly better assault and battery life , survive over 48 time of day even with the always - on presentation enable .
While there are n’t major rise in smart feature , seaworthiness tracking , or health monitoring , Google has refined subsist features . The Pixel Watch 3 introduces advanced Fitbit metric for smuggler , like basis contact time and measure , as well as telling new insight like Cardio Load and Target Load .
The watch ’s display is also bright ( 2000 nit ) , with a higher refresh rate ( 60Hz ) , and a deoxidize bezel – all of which offer a more immersive experience . However , the vaulted innovation still makes it prone to start – and it certainly is n’t a design that can stand up to rugged punishment .
Overall , the Pixel Watch 3 is now one of the best smartwatch challenger for allAndroid phoneusers , offer a well - round experience that looks nice than theSamsung Galaxy Watch 7 .
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How we test
We good test every smartwatch we review . We employ manufacture standard examination to compare feature article properly and we habituate the watch as our main gimmick over the limited review flow . We ’ll always distinguish you what we find and we never , ever , accept money to review a mathematical product .
FAQs
Nope , you ’ll need an Android equipment for this smartwatch .
