The Google Pixel Watch 3 is now official, and while it retains the same design, it brings drastic changes to the lineup. While it could be mistaken for the Pixel Watch 2 from a distance, you can now choose between two sizes – 41mm and 45mm.
Inside the Pixel Watch 3 is the same Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 SoC for wearables, the same set of sensors like a heart rate monitor, ECG readings, SpO2, skin thermometer, and GPS. The new addition is a 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 find your gadget if you lose it using Google’s Find My Device feature. The watch will also be able to unlock your car if it has that feature, of course.
The screen has been slightly improved. Both the 41mm and 45mm variants now have displays with 2,000 nits of peak brightness, a significant step up from last year’s Pixel Watch 2’s 1,000 nits of brightness.
Pixel 3 Watch
Perhaps more noticeable are the screen bezels, which are now a full millimeter thinner. The 41mm variant still has a 1.2-inch screen, while the 45mm version increases the size to 1.4 inches.
The 41mm option keeps the same battery as its predecessor – 310mAh – while the 45mm has a 420mAh cell. Interestingly, Google promises 24 hours away from the charger with the Always-On Display enabled, which is the exact same runtime as last year’s Pixel Watch 2. We still think the 45mm could be capable of more.
Pixel 3 Watch
Charging has reportedly been improved – the new watch can now charge 20% faster.
If you listen to music or podcasts on your watch during your morning run, 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 this functionality.
Google also offers a few other features, like improved run tracking, control over your Pixel phone’s camera, access to your Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell right from your watch, and navigation with Google Maps when offline.
New fitness and health monitoring features
There are also new health monitoring features, including a Readiness Gauge that assesses your recovery level and indicates whether you’re ready for another workout or need more rest.
Various watch straps available for Pixel Watch 3
The available colors for both variants are Matte Black Aluminum with Obsidian stripe and Polished Silver Aluminum with Porcelain stripe. The 41mm also has Champagne Gold Aluminum paint with Hazel stripe, while the 45mm has Matte Hazel Aluminum option with the same Hazel stripe.
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi will cost $349, while the same configuration for the 45mm model will cost $399. LTE connectivity adds $100 to the standard price.
In the UK, prices are £349/£399 with a £100 LTE modem add-on, while in continental Europe, prices are €399/€449 with a €100 cellular version. Shipping to all markets will begin on September 10.
