Google has officially announced the Pixel Watch 3 at its "Made by Google" event in 2024, introducing significant upgrades aimed at enhancing user experience. The new smartwatch now comes in two sizes, improving comfort and accessibility for a wider audience. With extended battery life, improved display technology, and advanced fitness tracking capabilities, the Pixel Watch 3 is poised to be a strong contender in the smartwatch market. Pre-orders are available now, with the watch expected to be released on September 10th.
A Closer Look at the Hardware and Design
One of the most noticeable updates in the Pixel Watch 3 is the introduction of a 45mm size option, addressing concerns from users who felt the original 41mm model was too small. The larger display is not just about size—it offers a 40% increase in screen real estate, making notifications, workouts, and other data easier to read at a glance. Additionally, Google has reduced the bezel size on the 41mm model by 16%, providing a more immersive display experience.
The AMOLED-LTPO display is another major enhancement, featuring a dynamic refresh rate that adjusts between 1Hz and 60Hz, optimizing battery efficiency. For outdoor visibility, the watch now reaches an impressive 2,000 nits of brightness, while also supporting a minimum brightness of 1 nit, which is ideal for nighttime use.
Battery Life and Charging Improvements
Battery life has been a major focus for Google in this update. The Pixel Watch 3 offers 24 hours of use with the always-on display active, while a battery saver mode extends it to 36 hours. Charging speeds have also been improved, with the device now charging 20% faster, reducing the time required for a full charge by approximately 15 minutes. These enhancements are largely due to the dual-chip architecture, which assigns one core to handle intensive tasks and another to manage background processes efficiently.
Enhanced Fitness and Health Features
Google continues to emphasize fitness and health tracking with the Pixel Watch 3, introducing several key upgrades. The watch still uses the same heart rate sensor as previous models but has a new algorithm designed to improve accuracy, particularly during high-intensity activities such as running. This updated algorithm aims to differentiate between cadence and heart rate, addressing inaccuracies in previous models.
For runners, the Pixel Watch 3 now captures advanced running metrics, including ground contact time, vertical oscillation, stride length, and cadence. The Fitbit app integration allows users to analyze running form over time, helping to track improvements and optimize performance.
The Workout Builder is another exciting addition, allowing users to create customized workouts with intervals, targets for pace, heart rate, distance, and calorie goals. The watch provides real-time guidance with haptic and audible alerts to ensure users stay within their planned workout structure. These tools make the Pixel Watch 3 a valuable companion for both casual exercisers and serious athletes.
Training and Recovery Features
Beyond workouts, the Pixel Watch 3 introduces new features designed to help users manage recovery and training load. Cardio Load tracks the intensity of workouts based on heart rate zones and duration, while the Readiness Score—now free for all users—provides insights into whether the body is prepared for intense activity or needs more rest. Target Load takes this a step further by suggesting how much training intensity a user should aim for each day, based on recent activity and recovery data.
The Morning Brief feature is another welcome addition, offering users a quick snapshot of their heart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality, readiness score, and fitness streaks first thing in the morning. These updates solidify the Pixel Watch 3’s position as a serious fitness and wellness tool.
Smartwatch Features and Google Integrations
Google has also refined its smartwatch ecosystem by improving Google service integrations. The Pixel Watch 3 introduces Nest Camera Live View, enabling users to see and respond to their security cameras directly from their wrist. It also functions as a Google TV remote, allowing users to control playback and adjust settings without reaching for their phone.
For those who rely on their smartwatch for everyday convenience, the Pixel Watch 3 supports Ultra-Wideband (UWB) unlocking, enabling users to unlock their Pixel phone or compatible cars just by wearing the watch. A new Find My Phone feature further enhances usability, making it easier to locate misplaced devices.
The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5, which brings efficiency improvements, faster animations, and better overall performance. Fitbit Premium has also been updated to provide AI-powered workout recommendations and deeper analysis of training loads and heart rate zones.
Pricing and Availability
The Pixel Watch 3 is available for pre-order now, with an official release expected around September 10th. Pricing varies based on size and connectivity:
- 41mm (Wi-Fi): $349
- 41mm (LTE): $449
- 45mm (Wi-Fi): $399
- 45mm (LTE): $499
Early Impressions and Anticipated Improvements
Initial hands-on experiences with the Pixel Watch 3 have been positive, with users praising the larger display, improved battery life, and new training features. However, there are still areas where users hope to see further refinements:
- GPS Accuracy: There is interest in whether Google has improved GPS precision, particularly in urban environments and wooded areas.
- Data Export Capabilities: Users are requesting support for TCX/FIT file exports to integrate workouts with platforms like Strava and TrainingPeaks.
- Integration with Third-Party Apps: Many fitness enthusiasts want better native support for TrainingPeaks and more advanced analytics tools.
- Display Customization: Some users would appreciate greater flexibility in customizing font sizes and data screen layouts.
- Improved Heart Rate Broadcasting: Reliability when connecting to external devices such as bike computers and gym equipment remains an area of concern.
- Restoration of Fitbit Web Dashboard: The removal of this feature has frustrated users who prefer analyzing their data on a larger screen.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel Watch 3 builds on its predecessor with meaningful improvements in display size, battery life, and fitness tracking. The addition of advanced running metrics, workout customization, and enhanced recovery insights makes it a compelling choice for those invested in their health and fitness journey. However, its real-world performance—especially in GPS accuracy and battery efficiency—will ultimately determine whether it can compete with Garmin and Apple in the smartwatch market. For now, the Pixel Watch 3 stands as Google’s most refined smartwatch yet, bringing Wear OS closer to being a true fitness and lifestyle powerhouse.