This is our Google Pixel Watch 3 review, a follow-up to our Pixel 9 Pro XL review. The Pixel Watch 3 45mm, Google’s latest addition to the wearable market, comes with upgrades that build upon the strengths of its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 2. With a larger display, a larger 45mm option, brighter screen, and a significantly larger battery in the larger size, and the latest integration of Fitbit and WearOS 5, this smartwatch has a lot to offer for those seeking a comprehensive fitness tracker and a polished smartwatch experience. In this review, we dive deep into the improvements, design, and performance to help you determine if the Pixel Watch 3 is worth your investment.
Table of Contents
Pixel Watch 3 Review: Display and Design: Bigger, Brighter, and Better
One of the most immediately noticeable changes in the Pixel Watch 3 is its display. The 45mm model boasts a 1.46-inch LTPO OLED display, a roughly 22% increase over the previous model, making it larger and easier to interact with. The smaller bezels on both sizes allow the display to feel more expansive, and its DCI-P3 compliance ensures that colors are rich, accurate, and vibrant. This is complemented by a new brightness capability of up to 2,000 nits—double the brightness of the Pixel Watch 2—making it highly visible even in direct sunlight, a crucial feature for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
The design maintains Google’s signature minimalist aesthetic, with a sleek, rounded shape that feels both modern and comfortable on the wrist. The Pixel Watch 3’s construction is solid, using premium materials that enhance its look and durability. It is available in multiple colors and finishes, ensuring it can suit a variety of personal styles. While there are no major changes in terms of the materials used from the Pixel Watch 2, the larger screen and reduced bezels make the Pixel Watch 3 feel more refined and premium overall.
Performance: The Same Chip, but Optimized Software
Under the hood, the Pixel Watch 3 runs on the Qualcomm W5100 chipset, which is the same processor used in the Pixel Watch 2. While some might see this as a missed opportunity for a more significant performance boost, Google has clearly focused on software optimization to get the most out of the hardware. With the new WearOS 5, the watch runs smoothly, handling notifications, fitness tracking, and app usage with no noticeable lag or slowdowns.
WearOS 5 itself introduces several new features, such as a revamped charging screen and offline maps, which allow you to navigate even without a phone connection. Additionally, the integration of most Android 14 features (such as unused app archiving, Privacy Dashboard, and Watch Face Format 2) ensures the watch stays well-synced with the latest Google release, providing a cohesive ecosystem experience. While the Qualcomm W5100 might not be a leap forward, it still handles tasks reliably, thanks to the software’s refinements.
Fitbit Features: A New Era in Fitness Tracking
The Pixel Watch 3 brings with it an even deeper integration of Fitbit’s robust fitness and health-tracking services. New features like Morning Briefing and Cardio Load provide users with more comprehensive insights into their fitness journeys. Morning Briefing offers a daily snapshot of your sleep, exercise, and overall health metrics, helping you start the day with a clear understanding of your progress. Cardio Load, meanwhile, offers advanced heart rate and cardiovascular insights, helping users better understand the impact of their workouts on overall heart health.
A neat addition is the AI-assisted exercise creation, a tool designed to help users customize workout plans based on their current fitness levels and goals. The ability to personalize your exercise routine makes the Pixel Watch 3 an excellent companion for both beginners and more advanced fitness enthusiasts. The suite of Fitbit features, coupled with the Pixel Watch 3’s impressive hardware, cements its place as one of the top fitness-focused smart watches on the market.
Pixel Watch 3 Review – Battery Life: A Welcome Improvement
One of the most significant upgrades in the Pixel Watch 3 is its battery. The 420mAh battery represents a roughly 33% increase in capacity over the Pixel Watch 2, and this enhancement delivers real-world results. In our battery test, the Pixel Watch 3 comfortably exceeded two full days of use with Always-On Display (AOD) turned on, wake gestures off, and 2-4 exercises tracked each day for at least 15 minutes.
This is a noticeable improvement over the Pixel Watch 2, which often struggled to last beyond a single day of intensive use. Google’s official claim is 24 hours of standard usage, but the Pixel Watch 3 often outperforms this under moderate conditions. For those who need even more battery life, switching to battery saver mode can extend usage to around 36 hours. The longer battery life makes this watch a strong contender for users who want a reliable fitness tracker that doesn’t need to be charged daily.
WearOS 5: Better Integration and Features
With WearOS 5, the Pixel Watch 3 brings several software improvements that elevate the user experience. One of the most notable is the new charging screen, which offers a clean and modern interface when charging, making it easier to track how much juice your watch has at a glance.
The offline maps feature is another strong addition, allowing users to navigate without needing their phones—ideal for runners, hikers, and travelers who prefer leaving their phones behind. WearOS 5 also brings a smoother, more intuitive interface, improved notifications, and deeper integration with Google services, making the watch an even more powerful tool for daily tasks.
Pixel Watch 3 Review Verdict: A Strong Contender with Meaningful Improvements
The Pixel Watch 3 is a well-rounded smartwatch that offers meaningful improvements over its predecessor. The larger, brighter display, the longer battery life, and the expanded suite of Fitbit features make it a compelling option for both fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike. While the fact that it still uses last year’s chipset may leave some wanting more in terms of raw performance, Google has made sure that the software optimizations and new features more than compensate.
You Should Buy If:
- You want a versatile fitness tracker with deep Fitbit integration and AI-assisted exercise plans.
- You appreciate a full suite of Google services, including WearOS 5’s new features like offline maps and privacy dashboard.
- The attractive, minimalist design fits your style and you appreciate a brighter, larger screen.
You Should Avoid If:
- The $349 baseline price (for the 41mm WiFi version) is outside your budget.
- You don’t need the full power of a WearOS smartwatch and prefer a simpler fitness tracker.
The Pixel Watch 3 builds on its predecessor in all the right ways, and for those already in the Google ecosystem or in need of a high-end smartwatch, it’s hard to find a better option. You can buy it by visiting the Google Store.