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Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm)

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Central features

• Display: 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO display with DCI-P3 color (1-60 Hz)
• Battery: 307 mAh
• Size: Diameter: 41mm x Height: 12.3mm
• Weight: 31 g (without strap)
• Chip: Qualcomm SW5100 + Cortex M33 coprocessor
• RAM: 2 GB SDRAM
• Storage: 32 GB eMMC flash storage

The Pixel Watch 3 is available in two sizes. The small 41mm version that we have visited, and then a larger 45mm. The only difference between them, apart from a larger screen of course, is that the large 45mm version has also got room for a slightly larger 420 mAh battery.

A walk around the Pixel Watch 3

Apart from the new size in the range, not much has happened in relation to the design of the Pixel Watch 3 compared to previous generations.

It's still clearly a Pixel Watch, with the soft rounded shapes without any border around the dial. On the right side of the watch, Google still has their "Crown" which can be used to scroll and operate menus and apps, supplemented by a single function button.

The watches are available in a selection of different color combinations on the watch case itself and the strap it comes with. Our test specimen is an aluminum watch capsule in "Polished Silver" with an "Active Band" in Rose Quartz aka pink.

Although the exterior is confusingly similar to the last generation, something new has of course happened. The watch itself has not become larger, but because there are now 16% smaller edges around the screen, the usable part of the screen has become larger.

On top of that, the brightness has also improved with up to 2000 nits peak brightness. So all in all you should now have a screen that is easier to see, even out in the sun and that should be easier to operate, even with sausage fingers like I have.

Pixel Watch 3 comes with an IP68 certification and is waterproof down to 50 meters.

If we look at the bottom of the watch, we find a selection of sensors that measure oxygen saturation, heart rate and skin temperature. Google has not made any update in relation to the sensors. The improvements that have been made have primarily come about through improving the algorithms that Google uses to analyze and process the data that is measured.

On top of the external sensors, there are of course also the internal ones such as gyroscope, altimeter and compass.

Setup and software

Setting up a new Pixel Watch 3 is an easy and relatively quick affair, which is managed with a wizard that ensures connection to your phone and setting up a Google account for apps and synchronization.

The operating system on the Pixel Watch 3 is WearOS 5.0 and includes a host of apps at startup. There is of course a wide selection of Google apps which synchronize with your Google account and the content on your connected phone.

This means that you can easily and quickly check emails, notes, calendar etc. on the watch without having to take the phone out of your pocket.

In addition to that, Fitbit unsurprisingly occupies a large part in relation to fitness and especially running tracking. Google acquired Fitbit in 2021, so it is very natural to see it as a central part of the Pixel Watch.

In addition to the apps that are installed by default, it is also possible to add others via the Google Play Store.

WearOS is gradually becoming a solid operating system that provides a stable foundation for the watch.

There are wide options for customizing the watch face and the set-up of the watch so that it best suits the things you want to use your watch for.

On the one hand, there is a good selection of watch faces, both from Google and from third parties, which focus on different degrees of functionality or style.

In addition to that, you can also largely choose how the sorting of apps should be and set up shortcuts to favourites, so the watch is tuned specifically to your needs.

By swiping to the side of the watch, you quickly get access to a selection of different apps, which you choose yourself and place as you see fit.

Testing

I've been using the Pixel Watch 3 for about three weeks now, along with a combination of the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

In relation to setup and connection to the two phones, there has been no problem, which was perhaps also to be expected with Google's own phones.

There is a feature that can easily transfer the watch to a new phone. So you don't have to reset everything just because you change phones, which I've experienced on other watches.

The vast majority of the time with the watch has been spent with the normal everyday things, such as receiving and checking notifications, acting as an alarm clock and then the regular watch functions.

On that front, I haven't had any problems at all. The connection has been stable and notifications received continuously for the apps that have permission to do so.

It is possible to reply to messages and emails via the watch. Personally, it is quite difficult for me to use the very small keyboard with my sausage fingers. Fortunately, there is a very well-functioning speech to text function. So you can simply enter your reply to, for example, a Messenger message. In my tests, it worked flawlessly every time. It's just a matter of speaking and then pressing send.

A large part of the marketing surrounding the Pixel Watch 3 revolves around tracking your exercise and general health with factors such as heart rate and sleep. To get the most out of it, Google recommends that you wear the watch as much as possible, in order to collect as much data as possible, so that you have a more complete picture.

During this year's "Made by Google" event, Google unveiled several new fitness and Fitbit features for its Pixel Watch 3. The watch now has improved tools for runners, which include advanced metrics like stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation to help runners understand their performance better. These features have been refined using machine learning, providing more accurate measurements.

In addition, Google introduced a new "Target Load" feature and more advanced training plans, which allow users to tailor multi-level training sessions. The watch can now also warn users if they fall behind their target pace during a run.

The Pixel Watch 3 also gets an improved "Daily Readiness Score" and a Fitbit Morning Brief, which delivers a daily health update directly to the watch. Overall, these updates show that Google is committed to improving the running experience and providing users with more accurate data to improve their performance

Personally, I'm not a big runner when it comes to exercise, so I haven't had the opportunity to test all the new functions that are aimed specifically at running. I will leave that part to others with more of a penchant for running to test.

However, I have used the watch for tracking in connection with strength and interval training, and then of course for general tracking during the day.

You can set your own goals for training and steps, and via the watch receive reminders during the day to remember to move and reach your goals for steps.

Pixel Watch 3 can even register if you are out for a walk or run, for example, and ask you if you want to start a training session.

The most effective tracking is, of course, achieved if you choose the right type of training yourself and start it yourself when you start. Via the Fitbit app, there is a wide selection of training types to choose from, right down to individual exercises.

Based on my time with the watch, the tracking works fine and the data collected gives a good picture of the training. It can then be used as a basis for tracking over time, of the general physical form and progress in training.

One of the new functions that Google has introduced is their Daily Readiness Score or preparedness score. Here it includes information from previous training together with other data such as sleep, heart rate, etc. and based on that gives a score for how ready you are for more training in relation to optimal recovery.

Here you also get a target load score, which you should aim for in order to get an optimal balance between training and recovery.

It takes some time for the watch to gather enough data to be able to give you a score here. I've had the watch long enough now for me to get a score. However, I do not feel that after such a relatively short time I can fully assess how accurate the function is.

However, it seems like a good tool to have with you if you are the type who likes to measure your workouts and general physical data.

All that tracking and data collection naturally means that the battery is strained if the watch has to measure you all the time.

Google itself states that you can expect around 36 hours of battery life if you use the Battery Saver setting.

However, it is a number that will vary quite a bit, depending on how much you use the watch, and especially how often you use the watch to track training. Here, using the GPS function, for example, can make a big difference.

In practice, I found during my test that with normal use during the day and moderate tracking, I had to charge the watch every day if I wasn't going to get a little battery stress. I wanted to use the watch as an alarm clock and record my sleep, so it was difficult to get past the charger every day.

Fortunately, however, there is the possibility of fairly fast charging, with a full charge that can be completed in about an hour for the 41mm version.

Price

Google Pixel Watch 3 lands in stores with a price of 350$ for the 41 mm version in the WiFi version and 450$ for the LTE version.

If you want to upgrade to the large 45 mm version, you have to fork out 400$ for the WiFi version or 500$ for the one with LTE.

Conclusion

Google has added lots of good upgrades to the Pixel Watch 3, which overall gives us a solid and well-functioning watch.

In terms of design, not much has happened, but the changes that have taken place mean a lot for the overall experience of the watch.

Upgrades in hardware and not least Wear OS mean that the Pixel Watch 3 is now in the running as a serious bid for a smartwatch if you're on Android.

Fortunately, none of the tracking functions are limited to only working with Google's own Pixel phones.

I would have liked to see the possibilities with the larger 45mm model, as the watch itself is a tad too small for my taste. On top of that, the larger battery in the 45mm version would undoubtedly have done a lot for my experience of the watch as well.

The slightly limited battery life on the small version is my biggest complaint here. Especially for a device designed to live on your wrist as much as possible.

It may not be critical when you look at the smartwatch market in general, but when you have tried watches like TicWatch and OnePlus Watch, which can last several days without the need for a charger, it is annoying to have to find the charger every day.

We end up with a final grade of 9 for a solid upgrade with the Pixel Watch 3. 

Benefits

• Clear, clear and larger screen
• Good WearOS improvements
• Super good fitness tracking

Disadvantages

• Limited battery life on the 41 mm version