The Google Pixel Watch 3 is now official and while it retains the same design, it brings a huge change to the lineup. Although from a distance it will look similar to the Pixel Watch 2, you now have the option to choose from two sizes – 41mm and 45mm.
Inside the Pixel Watch 3 is the same Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 SoC for wearables, the same collection of sensors such as HR monitor, ECG reading, SpO2, skin thermometer, and GPS. The new addition is the UWB chip.
This means the Pixel Watch 3 is the first Android smartwatch to offer UWB connectivity, making it easier to unlock your phone or locate your gadget if you lose it using Google’s Find My Device feature. If the watch has this feature, it will also be able to unlock your car.
The screen has been improved slightly. Both the 41mm and 45mm variants now feature displays with 2,000 nits of peak brightness, which is a significant improvement over last year’s 1,000-nit Pixel Watch 2.
pixel watch 3
Perhaps more noticeable are the screen bezels, which are now a millimetre thinner. The 41mm variant still has a 1.2-inch screen, while the 45mm variant has grown to 1.4 inches.
The 41mm option has the same 310mAh battery as its predecessor, while the 45mm has a 420mAh cell. Interestingly, Google promises 24 hours off the charger with the always-on display feature turned on, which is the same runtime as last year’s Pixel Watch 2. Still, we believe the 45mm could have a higher capacity than that.
pixel watch 3
Charging has been improved, as the new watch can now charge 20% faster.
If you listen to music or podcasts on your watch while on your morning walks, you’ll be happy to know that the Pixel Watch 3 now supports Bluetooth LE audio. This is a low-energy Bluetooth audio protocol that uses less power to stream songs. It’s also the first Android smartwatch to offer such functionality.
Google also offers a few other features, like improved running tracking, controlling your Pixel phone’s camera, accessing your Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell directly from your watch, and navigating using Google Maps in offline mode.
New fitness and health tracking features
There are also some new health tracking features available, including a Readiness Score, which assesses your recovery level and lets you know whether you’re ready for your next workout or need more rest.
Different Pixel Watch 3 bands available
The colours available for both variants are: Matte Black Aluminium with Obsidian Strap and Polished Silver Aluminium with Porcelain Strap. The 41mm also features a Champagne Gold Aluminium paint job with a Hazel band, while the 45mm gets a Matte Hazel Aluminium option with the same Hazel band.
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi will cost $349, while the same configuration for the 45mm model will set you back $399. LTE connectivity will add $100 to the standard price.
In the U.K. it costs £349/€399, with £100 extra for the LTE modem, while in continental Europe it costs €399/€449 with €100 extra for the cellular version. Shipping begins on September 10 in all markets.
