Google Pixel Watch 3: A Real User’s Opinion
Have you ever felt like you’re constantly chasing the next technological innovation? That’s exactly how I feel about smartwatches, constantly searching for the perfect combination of style and substance. The original Google Pixel Watch was great, but the battery life was lacking. However, the battery life was short. Then came the Pixel Watch 2, which was slightly better, but still fell short. And now, with the Pixel Watch 3, I think Google has finally perfected them.
First Impressions
When I first took the Pixel Watch 3 out of the box, I was struck by their familiarity. They look almost the same as the previous models, which isn’t a bad thing. The design is clean and modern, and the distinctive curved glass gives them a premium look. The build is solid, and even the larger 45mm version fits well on my wrist. I like that the straps and chargers I had for the Pixel Watch 2 work with this model as well. Google says, “I know you’re invested in this, and I want to thank you for your support."
The biggest change this year was the introduction of the 45mm size. This is a welcome addition for those who want a little more screen space. The display is gorgeous, bright and vibrant. Google has two modes: a minimal mode with larger letters and a plus mode with extra complexity. On the smaller 41mm model, the text in Plus mode is much shallower, so the 45mm model is more comfortable for me. The weather forecast tile shows the expected temperature for one hour.
- Battery life: This is where the Pixel Watch 3 really shines. It was unthinkable with the previous Pixel Watch - with the Pixel Watch 2, I charged it twice a day, morning and evening; with the 45mm Pixel Watch 3, I charge it once a day, and on weekends I don’t charge it at all. On Friday I went to bed at 100%, on Saturday I biked, got notifications, used apps, kept the screen active and still had 50% by the time I went to bed. On Sunday I also went to bed at 14% and on Monday morning the battery was at 4% full. The improvement in battery performance is amazing.
- Display: The display is brighter than ever - up to 2,000 nits. This makes it easier to see in direct sunlight. Helping to extend battery life is the option to reduce the brightness to 1 nits. This is great for dark rooms. I went to the movies and was able to check the time without disturbing anyone.
- Wear OS 5: This watch runs on Wear OS 5, which is more battery efficient. This is one of the major factors in improving battery life.
- Ultra Wideband: Both models have an Ultra Wideband chip that allows you to unlock your new Pixel phone by simply putting the watch next to it. If you don’t have a new phone, use Bluetooth instead.
- App Grid: In Wear OS 5, app icons are now also displayed as a grid. However, if you prefer a list, you can revert back to the original option.
- Recording app: The Pixel mobile recorder app is available on the watch. Great for recording conversations and interviews.
Actual Use
I’ve been using the Pixel Watch 3 for a few weeks now, and it has seamlessly blended into my daily life. The battery lasts a long time and I don’t have to worry about it running out of power during the day. I can record my workouts, get notifications, and even use it to control smart home devices - I’ve used the Nest camera integration feature, and it’s really useful when you can see who’s at the door right from the watch. The “hold” feature is also useful. You can put a call on hold from your wrist.
Flaws and Limitations
Of course, there are areas where the Pixel Watch 3 could have been better.
- Automatic sleep mode: The automatic sleep mode is not always accurate. I was just reading on the couch and my phone and watch went into sleep mode, causing me to miss notifications. Google needs to improve this. It seems to confuse just lying down with actually sleeping.
- GPS: GPS is good, but not perfect. There are a few unexpected quirks. The health indicators are very accurate, but the GPS has a bit of a problem. Not as accurate as the chest strap, but very close.
- Missing Features: It still lacks some features we’d like to see, such as pairing with external sensors.
Compared to other smartwatches, the Pixel Watch 3 really stands out. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 may have a rotating bezel, but it doesn’t have the same level of battery life; the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers more features, but costs twice as much as the Pixel Watch 3; and the Pixel Watch 3 is slightly more expensive. With Samsung watches, many of the health features are tied to Samsung phones. Google doesn’t have that problem. The health features are available on any Android phone. The heart rate tracking is more accurate than Samsung’s and comparable to a chest strap. I like the integration with Google’s ecosystem, which not all smartwatches offer.
Final Thoughts
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a really good smartwatch, with improved battery life, which has been a major issue with the Pixel series. The larger model offers more screen space and a better battery. Fitness tracking is also improved. There’s no longer a need for a chest strap, and there are new features exclusive to the Pixel Watch 3. If you’re using the original Pixel Watch or Pixel Watch 2, we highly recommend upgrading. The larger version is definitely worth it. If you’re in the Android ecosystem, this is a great option. You get a stylish, reliable, and very functional smartwatch.
