The Pixel Watch 2 brought some much-needed improvements over the Pixel Watch 1, but it couldn’t earn the best Wear OS smartwatch title. While it got many things right, there are a few things that aren’t great about it; however, Google has now launched its successor, the Pixel Watch 3 and 3 XL. While the answer to whether “they’re better than the predecessor” will be answered in our full review, here’s everything you need to know about the Pixel Watch 3.
Pixel Watch 3 and 3 XL: Build and Design
The build and design of the Pixel Watch 3 closely resemble its predecessor. It features the same rounded and curved aesthetic, complete with a rotating crown positioned on the right side. Additionally, the band sizes and mechanisms remain unchanged, ensuring compatibility with previous models.
The standard Watch 3 is available in a 41mm size, while the XL variant comes in a larger 45mm size. Notably, the Pixel Watch 3 has a slight increase in thickness compared to the Watch 2, but overall, the design feels familiar.
Display Enhancements
One of the significant upgrades in the Pixel Watch 3 is the display, which now features smaller bezels compared to the Pixel Watch 2. The bezels measure just 4.5mm, a noticeable improvement from the previous 5.5mm bezels. Although the change might not be immediately evident, it contributes to a more modern look.
The screen itself has seen enhancements as well. While it retains the same 1.2-inch size, it now utilizes Google’s Super Actua technology, making it twice as bright as the Pixel Watch 2’s display at 2,000 nits. Furthermore, the resolution has been improved to 408×408 pixels, up from 384×384 pixels in the previous model.
Health Sensors and Features
Many new features in the Pixel Watch 3 are integrated with the Fitbit app. These include functionalities designed to motivate users to surpass their personal bests, track their Cardio Load, and access Advanced Running Metrics. A new feature, Morning Brief, provides essential information like the Readiness Score at a glance.
In terms of hardware, there aren’t new sensors, but a significant addition is the support for Ultrawide Band Radio (UWB). This feature was initially planned for the Pixel Watch 2 but was dropped. With UWB, users can now pinpoint the location of connected devices through Google’s Find My Device network.
Performance and Battery Life
The Pixel Watch 3 and 3 XL continue to utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100 SoC found in the Watch 2. This chipset includes four Cortex-A53 cores, clocked at 1.7 GHz, which has proven itself reliable and efficient in past models.
The battery capacity remains the same for the standard Pixel Watch 3 at 310 mAh, while the XL variant boasts a larger 420 mAh battery, promising extended usage. Both models maintain the same charging speed and connector style, ensuring a consistent user experience.
Color Variants and Pricing
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 is available in four attractive color combinations: Silver/Rose Quartz, Black Case/Obsidian, Gold/Hazel, and Silver/Porcelain. The Watch 3 XL offers three options: Hazel/Hazel, Black/Obsidian, and Silver/Porcelain.
Google often aligns the bands and colors with the Pixel 9 series, which is expected to feature various colors such as Rose Quartz, Obsidian, Hazel, Porcelain, Jade, and Pink.
The Wi-Fi-only model of the Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349, while the 45mm Watch 3 is priced at $399. The LTE variants are set at $449 and $499 for the standard and XL models, respectively.
What are your thoughts on the latest Pixel Watch? Will you be “upgrading” to the new model from a Pixel Watch 1 or 2? Let us know in the comments below!
