Pixel Watch 3 Review: The Ultimate Game-Changer in Wearable Tech?

Pixel Watch 3 Review: A Game-Changer in Wearable Tech?

With the launch of the Pixel Watch 3 casual users and enthusiasts are curious to know more about the new features and improvements in this latest iteration. Wearables have steadily become an integral part of our lives. Now a day they are acting as more than just accessories. They are nothing but an extension of our smartphones. Wearables help us stay connected, active and informed.

In this in-depth review, we will explore everything you need to know about the Pixel Watch 3. Let us discuss everything, from its design, features, and performance, to its pros and cons, and how it compares to other smartwatches. Let’s dive in!

What is New in the Pixel Watch 3?

Google aims to solidify its position in the smartwatches market with the Pixel Watch 3. The previous models were solid offerings. The Pixel Watch 3 promises improvements across various fronts—better hardware, longer battery life, more health features, and a refined design.

Google has focused on enhancing the user experience by integrating its latest Wear OS 4.0 software. While it is maintaining a minimalist the Pixel Watch is of premium design. But what truly sets the Watch 3 apart from its predecessors and competitors? Let us find out.

2. Design and Build Quality: Sleek, Modern, and Durable

One of the first things you will notice about the Pixel Watch 3 is its elegant design. Google has retained the circular shape. The circular shape is now a signature of the Pixel Watch series. However, this Pixel Watch comes with slight refinements. That refinement makes it more modern and streamlined. The casing is made from recycled aluminum. That ensures its durability without compromising on style.

Materials

• Stainless steel frame with scratch-resistant coating.
• Gorilla Glass DX protects the display. Gorilla Glass DX offers enhanced durability against scratches and drops.
• Interchangeable bands: Google has introduced a new range of stylish, easy-to-swap watch bands. These watch bands are of various materials, from silicon to leather. That is making it customizable for every occasion.

One of the standout features of the Pixel Watch 3 is its availability in two different sizes. They are of two different sizes 41mm and 43mm. This allows users to choose a size that best fits their wrist and personal style. Google has ensured that both models maintain the same premium aesthetics and functionality.

Size Options:

• 41mm: Ideal for users who prefer a smaller, more discreet watch. Watch 3 version is lightweight.  And it is best suited for those with smaller wrists. It is also best suited for users who like a more minimalistic look.
• 43mm: This slightly larger option provides a broader screen. This larger display makes it easier to interact with apps and view notifications. Besides, it is perfect for users who prefer a bolder and more prominent Smartwatch.

One of the primary highlights of the Pixel Watch is it uses recycled aluminum for the casing. The use of recycled aluminum makes it an environmentally conscious choice. Google’s commitment to sustainability shines through. Pixel watch combines a premium look and feel with eco-friendly materials. Google ensures that style does not come at the cost of the planet.

Comfort and Fit

The lightweight nature of the Pixel Watch makes it comfortable for all-day wear. It best suits, whether you are heading to the gym or attending a business meeting. The curved glass seamlessly merges with the frame. That gives it a polished look.

Overall, the Pixel Watch 3 scores high in terms of aesthetics, durability, and comfort.

3. Display: Stunning AMOLED Experience

This Pixel Watch comes equipped with a 1.4-inch AMOLED display. That is nothing short of stunning. With a 400 x 400-pixel resolution, colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and text is sharp. The edge-to-edge design of this watch gives a larger screen-to-body ratio. It makes navigation smoother and visuals more immersive.

Brightness and Visibility

It is bright up to 2,000 nits. The screen is bright enough to be visible under direct sunlight. The always-on display mode ensures you can check the time and notifications without having to wake the watch manually. The brightness adjusts automatically. That adjustment is based on ambient lighting. Brightness ensures you get the best viewing experience at all times.

Brightness:  up to 2000 Nits

Display: Actua display, Responsive Display, Custom 3D Corning Gorilla  Glass 5

4. Performance: The Power under the Hood

• Snapdragon W5 Gen 1
• Cortex-M33 co-processor
• 32 GB eMMC flash
• 2 GB SDRAM

At the core of the Pixel Watch 3 lies a Snapdragon Wear 5100 processor. Watch 3 is a notable upgrade from its previous generation. This chip delivers a snappy and lag-free experience when you navigate through apps or use voice commands via Google Assistant.

Memory and Storage

It comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. With it, the Pixel Watch is capable of multitasking efficiently. You can store offline music, download apps, and even save images. That ensures you need not rely on your smartphone for everything.

Responsiveness

The combination of a powerful processor and Wear OS 4.0 ensures smooth scrolling and quick app launches. Further, they ensure a seamless user experience. Whether you are checking notifications or launching your fitness app, the Pixel Watch handles it all with ease.

5. Health and Fitness Features: A Fitness Companion

When it comes to health tracking, the Pixel Watch 3 has stepped up its game. With Fitbit integration, it offers multiple features that cater to both casual users and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitoring

This Pixel Watch boasts a continuous heart rate monitor. It tracks your heart rate 24/7, even during rest or sleep. The new SpO2 sensor measures your blood oxygen levels. That gives you deeper insights into your overall health.

Workout Modes

There are more than 40 workout modes. They range from running, cycling, etc, to more niche activities like yoga and swimming. The Pixel Watch 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters. That makes it suitable for both casual swimmers and those looking to track their pool laps.

Sleep Tracking

One standout feature is the advanced sleep tracking. This Pixel Watch not only monitors your sleep stages but also offers insights into how to improve your sleep quality. It also provides tips on winding down before bed.

ECG App

An ECG app is also available on the Pixel Watch 3. That allows you to monitor your heart’s electrical activity. It can detect irregular heart rhythms. It provides an early warning system for potential health issues.

6. Software: Wear OS 4.0 and Seamless Google Integration

The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 4.0. Wear OS 4 offers a smooth and intuitive experience. Google has optimized the OS to make navigation effortless. Further, it improves your experience with easy access to notifications, apps, and settings.

Google Assistant

As expected, Google Assistant plays a central role in this Pixel Watch. You can ask questions, control smart home devices, send texts, or set reminders, all hands-free. The assistant is fast and accurate, making everyday tasks simpler.

App Ecosystem

The Google Play Store on Wear OS 4.0 gives you access to a wide range of apps specifically optimized for smartwatches. A good example of some of the optimized apps is Spotify, Google Maps, Strava, and more. The availability of these apps adds immense value to it as a daily companion.

Customizable Watch Faces

Google offers a variety of customizable watch faces. That allows users to personalize the watch’s interface. You can choose from minimalist designs to data-rich faces that display information like weather, heart rate, and calendar events.

7. Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?

• 420 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery (307 mAh for 41 mm)
• USB-C Fast Charging
• Full charge within 80 min. (60 min for 41mm)
• 36 hours on battery saver mode, and 24 hours with always-on display

One of the key areas of concern with any smartwatch is battery life. The Pixel Watch 3 features a 400mAh battery. This 400mAh battery offers a solid 36 hours of battery life under regular usage.

Note: The regular use includes heart rate monitoring, notifications, and occasional workouts.

Charging

It supports fast charging. It allows you to charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes. A full charge takes around 80 minutes. This fast charging feature makes it easy to top up your battery during short breaks.

Battery-Saving Mode

If you are in a pinch, the battery-saving mode can extend battery life significantly. In battery-saving mode, it disables all non-essential features while keeping basic functions like time and step count active.

8. Connectivity and Compatibility

• Bluetooth 5.3
• Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz
• NFC
• Ultra-Wideband
• GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS

The Pixel Watch 3 comes with Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, Wi-Fi, and optional LTE. These ensure you are always connected. With the LTE version, you can make calls and send texts even when your phone is out of reach.

Smartphone Compatibility

It works best with Google Pixel phones. But still, the it is compatible with most Android smartphones. Unfortunately, iOS compatibility is limited. This might deter some potential buyers. It Works with most phones running on Android 10.0 or newer.

9. Google Assistant and Smart Features: A Smarter Way to Stay Connected

The Pixel Watch 3 comes equipped with Google Assistant. That gives users hands-free control over their devices. Google Assistant helps you to set reminders, check the weather, or control smart home devices. Further, Google Assistant provides real-time responses and seamless task management. The integration of Google Assistant enhances the overall experience.

Additionally, it comes with built-in apps like Google Maps, and Google Wallet. You can control and monitor your smart home devices via Google Home. It turns your wrist into a powerful productivity tool. You can even make contactless payments using Google Pay directly from your watch. That adds more convenience.

10. Compatibility: Seamless with Android, Limited iOS Support

It is designed to work seamlessly with Android smartphones. It provides the best integration experience. That is especially true for users within the Google ecosystem. The watch pairs effortlessly with Android devices. It gives users full access to notifications, apps, and settings.

However, iOS compatibility remains limited. The Pixel Watch 3 can still be paired with iPhones. Unfortunately, many of its smart features—like Google Assistant and health tracking—are not fully supported. That makes it a less ideal option for iPhone users compared to an Apple Watch.

11. Water and Dust Resistance: Built to Withstand Elements

The Pixel Watch 3 is water-resistant up to 5ATM (50 meters). That feature makes it suitable for swimming, showering, and other water-related activities. It also boasts IP68 dust resistance. IP68 ensures it holds up well in harsher environments like sand or dirt.

12. Customization: Make It Your Own

The Pixel Watch 3 offers a wide range of customizable watch faces and interchangeable bands. It allows users to personalize their smartwatch to match their unique style. Google ensures users have the flexibility to choose how they interact with the watch. In addition, the swappable bands give users the freedom to change the look of their watch for different occasions, from workouts to formal settings.

13. LTE Connectivity: Stay Connected Without Your Phone

For those who need to stay connected even when away from their phone, the LTE version of the it offers cellular connectivity. You can take calls, respond to messages, and stream music directly from your watch without needs to carry your phone. That makes it a perfect companion for runners or anyone who prefers to leave their phone behind during activities.

14. Pixel Watch 3 comparisons: How Does It Stack Up?

When compared to other smartwatches in the market, like the Apple Watch Series 9, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, and Garmin Venu 3, the Pixel Watch 3 holds its own with a sleek design. It provides excellent Google integration and robust health features.

Apple Watch Series 9

• Pros: The Apple Watch has tighter integration with iPhones and offers a more established app ecosystem.
• Cons: The Pixel Watch 3 has a more elegant circular design and superior Google services integration for Android users.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

• Pros: Samsung’s watch offers a rotating bezel and more fitness-focused features.
• Cons: The Pixel Watch 3 has a more minimalist design and better app integration through Wear OS.

Garmin Venu 3

• Pros: Garmin’s smartwatch is tailored more for hardcore fitness enthusiasts with longer battery life.
• Cons: The Pixel Watch 3 has a wider range of smart features and a more refined design.

15. Pixel Watch 3 price details: Pricing and Value for Money

At launch, it is priced competitively at $399 for the Bluetooth model and $499 for the LTE version. Given its premium features, robust performance, and tight Google integration, the Pixel Watch 3 offers excellent value for money. That is more particularly for Android users.

16. Conclusion: Is the Pixel Watch 3 Worth It?

In summary, the Pixel Watch 3 is a fantastic all-around smartwatch that caters to both tech enthusiasts and casual users. Its sleek design, stunning display, robust health tracking features, and seamless Google integration make it a worthy competitor in the wearable technology segment.

We have now covered its design, performance, health tracking, battery life, and eco-friendly materials, making it clear that the Watch 3 delivers in almost every category. Whether you are looking for advanced fitness tracking, seamless Google integration, or simply a stylish wearable, this smartwatch has something for everyone.

The battery life could be slightly better. But it is not a deal-breaker given the fast-charging capability. If you are an Android user looking for a stylish, feature-packed smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3 is worth considering.

Verdict: 9/10

Pros: Sleek design, powerful performance, excellent Google integration

Cons: Limited iOS compatibility, battery life could be better

Are you planning to upgrade to the Pixel Watch 3? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!