Key Takeaways
- The Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes with larger display size, improved brightness, and enhanced adaptive refresh rate.
- The watch comes with enhanced running features including guided routines, running form analysis, readiness score and cardio load tracking.
- Google is expanding the device’s connectivity, turning the Pixel Watch 3 into a remote control for home devices, TVs, and phone cameras.
With no shortage of leaks over the past few months, it might seem like we already know most about the Pixel Watch 3. But now that Google’s latest smartwatch is officially here, there’s no need to guess about its features. According to the company, the Pixel Watch 3 is “designed for performance inside and out to help you get the most out of your fitness routine and get the most out of your day.” Google has beefed up the display and feature set of its latest wrist-based wearable, making it, at least in theory, a great choice for the fitness-focused.
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Pixel Watch 3 design
Two sizes and more brightness
As expected, the Pixel Watch 3 will come in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, putting it on par with the competition. Thankfully, Google says it has reduced the bezel by over 16%, so the 41mm display is 10% larger than the Pixel Watch 2, and the 45mm is 40% larger. One of reviewers’ complaints about the Pixel Watch 2 was that the bezel took up a large portion of the display, so it’s nice to see that addressed. A larger display naturally makes it easier to read messages and see workout stats at a glance, but a 45mm watch isn’t ideal for every wrist. Luckily, the original size has also been slightly enlarged, which is nice.
Google has used Actua display technology on the screen, which delivers up to 2,000 nits of brightness, twice the peak brightness of the Pixel Watch 2. And the always-on display can be dimmed down to 1 nit, so you won’t be blinded when looking at your watch in the dark. The refresh rate automatically adjusts between 1 and 60 Hz, optimizing performance and power efficiency.
Behind the scenes, the new Pixel Watch packs a 420mAh battery, up from 306mAh in the previous version. Unfortunately, due to the increased brightness, the larger battery doesn’t translate to better battery life. Google promises 24 hours of life with the always-on display, the same as the Pixel Watch 2, but you can extend that to 36 hours in battery saver mode.
Other than these minor changes, the design remains largely unchanged from the Pixel Watch 2. The Pixel Watch 3 still features a 320 ppi resolution with Corning Gorilla Glass 5. It still has a side button and tactile crown for navigating the watch. The sensors remain the same and include a compass, altimeter, red and infrared sensors for SpO2 monitoring, a multi-purpose electrical sensor for the ECG app, an optical heart rate sensor, and a skin temperature sensor.
The Pixel Watch 3 continues to be made from 100% recycled aluminum and both sizes are available in a matte black aluminum case and obsidian band, or a polished silver aluminum and porcelain band. The 45mm watch also comes in a matte hazel aluminum and hazel band, while the 41mm model is available in champagne gold aluminum and hazel band, or a polished silver aluminum and rose quartz band.
Pixel Watch 3 Features
Tools specifically for running
Google is aiming to attract runners with its latest Pixel Watch, with new training features. In addition to the ability to set target pace, heart rate, time and distance, you can now create running routines with timed warm-ups and cool-downs. You can also set up repeating interval routines. When you select one of your saved routines, you’ll get real-time audio and haptic guidance on your wrist. This lets you know if you’re falling behind in your pace, if you’re running outside your desired heart rate zone, or if it’s time for a cool-down, without having to constantly look at your wrist.
Google is following Garmin’s lead and using advanced motion sensing and machine learning to provide running form analysis. After your run, you’ll see a breakdown of your cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and more. In the Fitbit app, you can see your weekly distance, personal bests, detailed running workout analysis, and more.
Athletes will also benefit from the Readiness Score and Cardio Load tracking. According to Google, Readiness Score is “more responsive and personalized to you.” It uses information from sleep tracking, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to give you a better idea of your body’s recovery level, while Cardio Load tells you how hard your heart is working. It provides daily target aerobic load based on your readiness level, helping you balance recovery and training.
Another Garmin-like feature is the Morning Brief (Garmin calls it Morning Report), which gives you a summary of your key health and fitness metrics each morning, including your sleep, readiness score, progress towards your weekly exercise goal, and whether other health metrics are outside of normal ranges.
Finally, Google aimed to improve connectivity across all devices, encouraging users to stay in the Google ecosystem for more tech products. The company added the ability to control Nest Cam and Doorbell directly from your wrist, with notifications, live view, and two-way calling right on your wrist. For TV viewing, the Pixel Watch 3 acts as a remote control, allowing you to pause shows, turn up the volume, and change channels. The watch also works as a remote control for the camera on your Pixel smartphone. Of course, you can access Google Maps even when offline, and use Google Wallet for payments.
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Google Pixel Watch 3 price and release date
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is available for pre-order starting today, with shipments starting on September 10. Prices start at $349.99 for the 41mm and $399.99 for the 45mm.
Google Pixel Watch 3
- brand
- Heart Rate Monitor
- yes
- Color Screen
- yes
- Notification Support
- yes
- Battery life
- 24 hours in always-on display, 36 hours in battery saver mode
- operating system
- Wear OS 5.0
- On-board GPS
- yes
- Customizable straps
- yes
- Lens Material
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- Case material
- Recycled Aluminum
- weather
- yes
- Case Size
- 41mm, 45mm
- screen
- 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO display
- battery
- 306mAh
- Connectivity
- 4G LTE and UMTS3, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, Ultra Wideband
- Health Sensor
- Compass, altimeter, red and infrared sensor, multi-purpose electrical sensor, multi-path optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, electrical sensor, skin temperature sensor, barometer, magnetometer
- Weight
- 45mm: 1.3 oz; 41mm: 1.1 oz
- Mobile Payments
- yes
- brightness
- 1-2,000 nits
- GPS
- US: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS; Rest of the World: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Nabik
- Fast charging
- yes
