For the third version of its Pixel Watch, Google is thinking a little bigger. The watch now comes in two sizes and aims to compete with sports models thanks to Fitbit’s experience.
The previous Pixel Watch models released in 2022 and 2023 left us a little hungry. The reasons were not always intuitive functions, rather meager performance and above all a battery life that was far too short. Google has therefore repeated its copy for these new Pixel Watch 3 announced at the same time as the Pixel 9 series during its Made by Google event on August 13. Pixel Watches in the plural therefore since the firm is presenting a variation of its connected watch in two sizes this year: 41 mm (like the Pixel Watch 1 and 2) and 45 mm. It is true that the initial size was a little small for vigorous wrists.
Among the new features, Google has revised its screen. The panel now has slightly thinner borders (16% lower on the 41 mm model compared to the Pixel Watch 2). The size of the black borders was also one of the main complaints until now. The 45 mm Pixel Watch offers a 40% larger display surface.
Both benefit from an Oled Actua Display panel that is twice as bright as before (2000 nits) and offers a refresh rate of 1 to 60 Hz. Apart from the screen, little has changed. The Pixel Watch 3 retains the very successful pebble-shaped design of its predecessors and of course comes with a choice of straps.
Under the screen, Google has also revised some components. Starting with the battery. The firm announces a battery life of 36 hours with the energy saving mode, which is not very reassuring all the same. We learn in passing that the 45 mm model, the largest, relies on a battery 45% larger than the Pixel Watch 2 (41 mm). If the autonomy does not seem to reach peaks like with the watches of Xiaomi, Huawei or OnePlus, Google also promises a charge 20% faster than with the Pixel Watch 2.
Google Pixel Watch 3: a watch designed for sport
For its new watch, Google is taking advantage of all of Fitbit’s experience (acquired in 2021) and its expertise in the field of sports monitoring. The Pixel Watch 3 allows you to create personalized training plans. During the race, for example, it will be able to indicate whether it is time to speed up a little to get back to the personal record previously recorded. Other measurements are appearing such as stride length, vertical oscillation, cadence, etc. It will also be able to specify and compare recovery times to further improve performance. A sports coach (aided by AI) will also make recommendations for staying in shape.
Finally, other functions join the watch such as a remote control for Google TV and other connected devices with Google Home, a call assistant (to answer or not a phone call), a remote camera trigger (with the smartphone) or even the highly anticipated UWB (Ultra Wide Band) module allowing to unlock a nearby device (a compatible Android smartphone for example) as Apple does with its Apple Watch, its iPhone, iPad and Mac.
The Pixel Watch, available in four models, will be available soon. Good news, the price of the most affordable model does not change compared to last year’s Pixel Watch 2.
- Pixel Watch 3 41 mm Wi-Fi: 399 euros
- Pixel Watch 3 41 mm Wi-Fi + 4G: 499 euros
- Pixel Watch 3 45mm Wi-Fi: 449 euros
- Pixel Watch 3 45 mm Wi-Fi + 4G: 549 euros