The Google Pixel Watch 3 has finally hit the market, stirring waves with a huge focus on running and fitness. This hands-on review identifies new features and improvements that give this smartwatch a compelling base among athletes and any fitness freak.
The very first evident change in the Pixel Watch 3 is in its size. Now, apart from the conventional 41mm case, Google has brought a 45mm case model. This new size should suit people with large wrists and also, some people just like their displays big. On the 45mm model, there's a 36.2mm screen with 456 pixels, and on the 41mm model, there is a 32.2mm screen with a resolution of 408 pixels.
Display technology has also been upgraded. Now, the Pixel Watch 3 comes with AMOLED-LTPO and supports as low as 1Hz and as high as 60Hz refresh rate. Other than improving the visuals, this change seems to have an impact on better battery efficiency. It can support up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness for better screen readability under very strong light conditions, and down to as low as 1 nit for comfortable viewing at night or in dark environments.
One of the most important factors for smartwatches in general is the battery life. The Pixel Watch 3 will surprise you with the new battery saver mode, which gives up to 36-hour battery life and up to 24 hours while in always-on display mode. The charging times improved as the new Pixel Watch 3 charges 20% faster compared to the older generation model.
One of the Pixels Watch 3's USPs, according to leaks, is an advanced running and fitness feature. Google has rewritten and optimized the algorithm for heart rate monitoring as it focuses on running. This brings more accurate readings while one exercises.
There's a new workout builder that lets users create custom workouts directly on the watch or via the renewed Fitbit app. This is especially beneficial to runners who want customization for their training sessions. It also now allows structured workouts and will guide the runs in real time.
With the Pixel Watch 3, serious runners can track a number of running efficiency metrics that include, among others, Ground Contact Time, Vertical Oscillation, Form Analysis, Cadence, and Stride Length. These metrics are aimed at describing running form and efficiency to users so that they would do better and be at less of a chance of injury.
The fitness features of the Pixel Watch 3 arrive through the Fitbit app, which has been redesigned. This new app is supposed to fill in the chasm between wanting simple, easy metrics and detailed data for athletes. More specifically, it delivers an almost full view of the training load, readiness, and your general fitness.
The Pixel Watch 3 comes with Wear OS 5, the new flavor of Google's smartwatch operating system. This version comes updated with a lot of new features and improvements, like an auto bedtime mode, wherein device sensors track when you've fallen asleep and then change the power settings to conserve battery life.
It doesn't end there. The watch also includes media controls right within the workout interface so that users can manage their music without disrupting the workout. This is a small but still relevant enhancement that improves the user experience.
With these new features and updates, the Pixel Watch 3 will be able to contend with high-priced smartwatches that dominate the market today, such as the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch. It would be best for athletes and people involved in all kinds of fitness due to its real running and health possibilities, along with its larger display size and prolonged battery life.
The Pixel Watch 3 from Google and the Series 9 from Apple are two of the most premium smartwatches that exist, filling their lists with features aiming to please two different characteristics: usage preferences and ecosystem. Here is a detailed comparison between these two flagship devices.
Google Pixel Watch 3: The Pixel Watch 3 comes in two different sizes: 41mm and 45mm. It carries a round AMOLED-LTPO display, with the larger model fitted with a 36.2mm display having 456 pixels and the smaller model having a 32.2mm display that contains 408 pixels. It also features a dynamic refresh rate of 1Hz to 60Hz for better viewing and improved battery efficiency. At the brightest scene, the maximum is 2,000 nits, while at minimum, it is just 1 nit to provide comfortable viewing in the dark.
Apple Watch Series 9: This Apple Watch will be available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, sporting an OLED screen of rectangular shape. The 45mm unit offers a screen with a size of 1.77 inches and a resolution of 484x396 pixels, crystal clear and sharp, with the always-on feature that will allow users to sneak a peek at their time and other details at a glance.
Google Pixel Watch 3: The Pixel Watch 3 has an always-on display feature that can keep going for up to 24 hours. Battery saver mode increases efficiency up to 36 hours, charging 20% faster than the last model so users get to spend more time untethered to a charger.
Apple Watch Series 9: The Apple Watch Series 9 has a slightly less impressive 18-hour battery life compared to the Pixel Watch 3, but this is generally enough to take one through a full day. Health Features
Google Pixel Watch 3: Outshines all other fitness and health-keeping tracks, especially for runners. Has comprehensive heart rate monitoring and advanced running efficiency metrics, like ground contact time, vertical oscillation, cadence, and stride length. More compatibility with the Fitbit App. A new Workout Builder allows one to make his workouts, and the watch will also support structured workouts for real-time guidance.
Apple Watch Series 9: It is known to monitor the general health of a person. Advanced sensors have been included, like ECG, blood oxygen, skin temperature, fall detection, and an SOS of Emergency. Fitness tracking will always prove to work perfectly with the comprehensive Apple Health app.
Google Pixel Watch 3: Running Wear OS 5, the Pixel Watch 3 is deeply integrated with the Google services suite, containing Google Assistant, Google Wallet, and Google Maps. This makes it an excellent option for people who are already heavily invested in and reliant on the Google ecosystem.
Apple Watch Series 9: This being an Apple product, the Apple Watch Series 9 comes with watchOS 10—fully optimized to have seamless integration into Apple's ecosystem. This means support for Siri, Apple Pay, and Apple Maps, just to mention but a few third-party apps. Works perfectly with an iPhone, giving the user seamless and flawless use.
Google Pixel Watch 3: In the fresh Pixel Watch 3, run and fitness get the front seat. A new workout builder, structured workout, and, right within the workout interface, media controls allow users to take control of their workout without ever having to exit workout mode for their music.
Apple Watch Series 9: The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts an in-depth health monitoring system that enables features like fall detection and emergency SOS. This device is supportive of thousands of third-party apps and is multifunctional and powerful as a smartwatch.
1. What are some of the most important features of the Google Pixel Watch 3?
It has a larger display, improved battery life, and more sophisticated fitness capabilities. The Pixel Watch 3 will be available in 41mm and 45mm models. It adds new health metrics, including Daily Readiness, Cardio Load, and Target Load. It will give Loss of Pulse Detection, never seen before in any smartwatch, able to detect when the heart has suddenly stopped beating.
2. How does the display improve on the Pixel Watch 3 from earlier models?
The Pixel Watch 3 features the AMOLED-LTPO Display with Dynamic Refresh Rates from as low as 1Hz to as high as 60Hz. The 45mm model packs a 36.2mm display with a resolution of 456 pixels, while the 41mm model has a 32.2mm display with a resolution of 408 pixels. This one is brighter, reaching up to 2,000 nits, and more power-friendly than earlier displays.
3. What has changed in the area of battery life?
The Pixel Watch 3 will provide up to 24-hour battery life with always-on display mode and 36 hours in the mode of the battery saver. Improved charge times: Increased charge speed—charges 20% faster than the previous generation.
4. What new fitness features have the Pixel Watch 3 got?
It provides advanced heart rate tracking, and metrics of running efficiency like ground contact time, vertical oscillation, cadence, stride length, and pairing ability with the Fitbit App. Added to that is the introduction of a new workout builder and structured workouts supporting real-time guidance.
5. How does the Pixel Watch 3 tie into the larger Google ecosystem?
With Wear OS 5, the Pixel Watch 3 works very closely with Google services and apps, from Google Assistant to Google Wallet and Google Maps. And it fits in rather nicely for those invested already in the Google ecosystem.