The Pixel Watch series has always stood out with its cool round design and futuristic curved glass, but Google still hasn’t addressed one major issue: repairability. Like previous models, the latest Pixel Watch is not repair-friendly. If you crack the screen or have battery issues, you can't fix it; you'll have to replace the entire watch. Google says any hardware issues (out of warranty) or an accident will render your Pixel Watch 3 beyond repair. It is not made for repair, you will need to replace it completely.
Google Pixel Watch 3 Can't Be Repaired If Your Screen Cracked
The design contributes to this problem. While the round shape and curved glass look great, it also makes the watch more vulnerable to damage, especially the screen, which is most likely to be damaged by drops or bumps.
Google confirmed to Android Authority that its smartwatch policy has not changed: If your Pixel Watch 3 breaks, you will need to replace it as it cannot be repaired.
For those concerned about accidental damage, Google recommends the Pixel Watch 3’s Preferred Care program. It offers a replacement for a $49 service fee. However, this program is only available in certain regions, so users in unsupported regions may face high replacement costs even outside of warranty. This approach contrasts sharply with Google’s recent sustainability efforts, which include its self-repair program for Pixel smartphones. It also leads to a lot of e-waste, as damaged Pixel Watches are rendered unusable, even if some parts still work perfectly. This is a major, controversial change to the company’s recent eco-friendly policies.
The 41mm Google Pixel Watch 3 costs $349 for the Wi-Fi-only model. The LTE variant will cost you $449. The larger 45mm models will ask for $399 for the Wi-Fi version, while the LTE variant costs $499. That’s a significant price for a device that can’t be repaired in the event of an accident. Hopefully, Google will change its mind on future models.
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Pixel Watch 3 Features Summary
- View: 3D curved always-on AMOLED display, 320 ppi, DCI-P3 color gamut, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, up to 2000 nits brightness
- Processor: Qualcomm SW5100 chipset, Cortex M33 coprocessor
- Operating System: Use OS 5.0
- Storage/RAM: 32GB eMMC storage, 2GB RAM
- Sensors: Compass, Altimeter, Red and infrared sensors for oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring, Multi-purpose electrical sensors compatible with ECG application, Multi-path optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient light sensor, Electrical sensor for measuring skin conductance (cEDA) for body response monitoring, Skin temperature sensor, Barometer, Magnetometer
- Daily Readiness Score, Sleep Profile, Sleep Score, Cardio Load, target load, Heart Rate Loss Detection and 40+ workout modes
- Interactions: Side button, Haptic crown, Premium haptics
- Built-in microphone and speaker
- 5 ATM and IP68 waterproof
- Body: 100% recycled aluminum; Active Band: Fluoroelastomer with soft touch coating
- Weight: 41mm – 31g (without band); 45mm – 37g (without band)
- 4G LTE (optional), Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz/5GHz), GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, NFC, Ultra Wideband chip
- 41mm – 307mAh battery, 24-hour battery life with always-on display, up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode, USB-C Fast Charging, 80% charge in 35 minutes
- 45mm – 420mAh battery, 24-hour battery life with always-on display, up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode, USB-C Fast Charging, 80% charge in 50 minutes
Conclusion: Be Careful or Consider Another Model
Protective cases can help keep your Pixel Watch 3 safe, but they also add bulk and can disrupt the watch’s sleek design. It’s a trade-off that some users may not want to make. While the Pixel Watch 3 has great features like better fitness tracking, a Heart Rate Loss Detection tool, and brighter displays, you should think carefully before purchasing due to repairability issues. So if you’re planning on buying one, it’s recommended that you get into the Preferred Care program. If it’s not available in your country, then you should consider other options.