It’s been nearly a year since Google introduced the Pixel Watch 3, marking a significant leap in smartwatch technology by integrating closely with the much-loved Fitbit platform after acquiring it. With the Pixel Watch 4 expected next month alongside the Pixel 10 series, it begs the question: is the Pixel Watch 3 still a top contender in the rapidly evolving smartwatch market?
In our review, we found the Pixel Watch 3 to be one of the best smartwatches available today. Its larger design, excellent build quality, reduced bezels, outstanding battery life, and impressive health tracking features truly set it apart.
As we revisit the Pixel Watch 3, let’s take a look at its specifications to understand why it still draws attention after a year on the market.
| Size and Weight | 41mm: 41 x 41 x 12.3mm, 31g without strap 45mm: 45 x 45 x 12.3mm, 37g without strap |
| Display | 41mm: 1.3-inch 45mm: 1.7-inch Corning Gorilla Glass 5 2,000 nits peak brightness 1-60Hz dynamic refresh rate Always-on display |
| Durability | IP68 ATM (~50 meters) water resistance |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100 Cortex M33 co-processor |
| RAM and Storage | 2GB RAM 32GB storage |
| Software | Wear OS 5.0 |
| Battery | 41mm: 306mAh 45mm: 420mAh |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, NFC, Ultra-Wideband |
| Materials and Colors | Polished silver aluminum with “Rose Quartz” Active band (41mm only) Polished silver aluminum with “Porcelain” white Active band Matte black aluminum with “Obsidian” black Active band Champagne gold aluminum with “Hazel” green Active band |
| Price | 41mm: $349 (Wi-Fi only) / $449 LTE (€325 / €420) 45mm: $399 (Wi-Fi only) / $449 LTE (€370 / €420) |
Outstanding Battery Life But Slow Charging
The Pixel Watch 3 possesses a 420 mAh battery, which might not rank the best among competitors, but in our tests, it outshined others in battery life. It lasted an impressive 52 hours and 30 minutes on a full charge—far exceeding the Apple Watch Series 10 (38 hours and 30 minutes) and the Galaxy Watch 7 (43 hours).
Despite this remarkable longevity, its charging speed leaves much to be desired. It takes longer than some rivals, such as the Apple Watch Series 10, which can fully recharge in just 57 minutes. Users often struggle with the pogo pin dock used for charging, leading to frustrations.
Fitbit Integration: A Mixed Bag
While the Pixel Watch 3 benefits from its seamless integration with Fitbit, there are drawbacks. Though it comes with a six-month subscription to Fitbit Premium, the recurring cost of $10 per month (€9) for continued access to advanced features can deter users. However, Google has recently made features like the daily readiness score available without a subscription.
Some users genuinely appreciate the premium features that come with the subscription, like personalized training and a broader range of analytics. Yet, compared to the free features offered by competitors like Apple and Samsung, people might find it unsatisfactory after the trial ends.
What Improvements Do Users Want in Pixel Watch 4?
While the Pixel Watch 3 maintains a solid stance in the market, several enhancements could elevate the user experience. For instance, reducing the thickness of the watch would make it more comfortable. Currently, at 12.3mm thick, it feels heavier compared to the sleeker Apple Watch Series 10.
Additionally, a slight increase in display size could contribute to a better user experience. While the Pixel Watch 3’s 1.5-inch OLED display is visually appealing, making it more prominent could narrow the gap with competitors.
As Google looks to release the Pixel Watch 4, there’s a buzz about possible design changes, including a thinner profile and faster charging capabilities. Ensuring these upgrades are implemented could strengthen its market position.
What are the standout features of the Pixel Watch 3? The combination of a vibrant, dynamic display, robust health tracking, and extended battery life makes it commendable. Google has built on their previous offerings to create something that truly stands out.
What makes the Pixel Watch 3 suitable for fitness enthusiasts? Its impressive health tracking features, like heart rate monitoring and sleep analysis, backed by Fitbit’s technology, provide users with valuable insights into their fitness journey.
How does the Pixel Watch 3 compare to its rivals? Even though it’s not the fastest-charging watch on the market, its overall battery life and feature set often outweigh this drawback, making it a compelling option against competitors like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch series.
Ultimately, the Pixel Watch 3 still holds a significant place in the smartwatch landscape. Even with the competition tightening, Google’s creation remains a favorite among many. If you’re interested, continue to explore more about smart gadgets at Moyens I/O.