The Google Pixel Watch 3 is now official, and while it retains the same design, it brings some radical changes to the range. While you might mistake it for a Pixel Watch 2 from a distance, you now have two sizes to choose from: 41mm and 45mm.
Inside, the Pixel Watch 3 features the same Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 SoC as wearables, the same collection of sensors like a heart rate monitor, ECG, SpO2 measurements, a skin thermometer, and GPS. The new addition is the UWB chip.
This means the Pixel Watch 3 is the first Android smartwatch to feature UWB connectivity, making it easier to unlock your phone or find the device 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 display gets a slight upgrade. The 41mm and 45mm variants now have displays capable of 2,000 nits peak brightness, which is a big step up from last year's 1,000-nit Pixel Watch 2.
Pixel Watch 3
The display bezels are perhaps more noticeable, as they are now a millimeter thinner. The 41mm variant still has a 1.2-inch display, while the 45mm version increases the size to 1.4 inches.
The 41mm option retains the same battery as its predecessor – 310mAh – while the 45mm has a 420mAh cell. Interestingly, Google promises 24 hours of battery life off the charger with the always-on display feature enabled, which is exactly the same battery life as last year’s Pixel Watch 2. Still, we think the 45mm might be able to do more.
Pixel Watch 3
Charging is supposedly improved, as the new watch can now charge 20% faster.
If you listen to music or podcasts on your watch while you go for a 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 such a feature.
Google is touting a few other features like improved run tracking, controlling your Pixel phone's camera, accessing your Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell right from your watch, and navigating using Google Maps in offline mode.
New Fitness and Health Tracking Features
Some new health tracking features are also on hand, including a Readiness Score, which assesses your recovery level and gives you an idea of whether you're ready for your next workout or if you need more rest.
Different Pixel Watch 3 bands available
The available colors for both variants are matte black aluminum with an obsidian strap and polished silver aluminum with a porcelain strap. The 41mm model also features the champagne gold aluminum paint with a hazelnut strap, while the 45mm model benefits from the matte hazelnut aluminum option with the same hazelnut strap.
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi will sell for $349, while the same configuration for the 45mm model will set you back $399. LTE connectivity adds $100 to the standard price.
In the UK, prices are £349/£399 with a £100 surcharge for the LTE modem, while in mainland Europe, prices are €399/€449 and €100 more for the cellular version. Deliveries to all markets start on September 10.