Google Pixel Watch 3 hands-on review: Finally

When we reviewed the original Google Pixel Watch, and then the Google Pixel Watch 2 a year later, we repeatedly criticized two key design elements that limited the smartwatch's potential: the thick bezel and lack of multiple size options. Well, with the Google Pixel Watch 3, those laments are no longer.

Officially revealed at Made by Google 2024, the Pixel Watch 3 tells us that Google is taking its flagship smartwatch seriously. Now in its third-generation, this Pixel Watch introduces a second size, up to 40% usable screen space, a brighter display, faster charging, advanced running data, a revamped readiness score with training guidance, deeper integrations with Google apps, and more.

Google Pixel Watch 3 Hands On! Biggest Upgrades to Know - YouTube

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Certain health features that were previously locked behind Fitbit Premium no longer require the paid membership, too. That said, Fitbit Premium is still necessary to take advantage of AI-powered metrics.

But the vast number of improvements make the Pixel Watch 3 — available on September 10 starting at $349  — look like the best smartwatch for Pixel smartphone users, and perhaps even the best Android smartwatch overall.

We'll still need to test it thoroughly before coming to conclusions in a full review, but below you can find our first impressions based on hands-on demos with the Pixel Watch 3.

Pixel Watch 3 cheat sheet

• What is the Pixel Watch 3 release date? The Pixel Watch 3 release date is September 10, 2024.
• What is the Pixel Watch 3 price? The Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349 for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-only and $449 for the LTE-capable version.
• Pixel Watch 3 vs. 2? There are several upgrades from the Pixel Watch 2 to the Pixel Watch 3 in terms of design, fitness tracking and charging. You can read more in our Google Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2 comparison guide.
• How long is the Pixel Watch 3 battery life? The Pixel Watch 3 can last up to 36 hours with battery saver mode. Otherwise, you can probably expect about 24 hours with normal use.
• Do you need Fitbit Premium for Pixel Watch 3? You'll get 6 months of Fitbit Premium free when you register your new Pixel Watch 3, and you'll want it in order to access all the fitness-tracking features your smartwatch is capable of. But there are also ample metrics available to those who skip Fitbit Premium, if you want to avoid paying a membership fee.

Pixel Watch 3: Specs

Pixel Watch 3: Price and availability

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is available for preorder as of August 13, 2024 and will be available starting September 10, 2024. The 41mm version starts at $349, which has been the same starting price for the previous two Pixel Watch generations.

But for a version equipped with LTE connectivity, you'll spend $449, which is $50 more than you had to spend for the Pixel Watch 2 with LTE. 

For the first time, the Pixel Watch comes in a 45mm size that costs $399 for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and $499 for LTE. The 45mm option comes in Black, Silver or Hazel, while the 41mm size comes in Black, Silver and Gold.

Pixel Watch 3: Design

Although the Pixel Watch 3 looks familiar at a glance, it's undergone some significant design changes that many (including us) have been asking for. First, it finally comes in two size options like the comparable flagship watches from Samsung and Apple. 

By introducing a 45mm size alongside the existing 41mm option, the watch is more inclusive to users with larger wrists or who simply larger screen sizes. We tried on both watches for size; Tom's Guide editor Mike Prospero, who likes larger watches, preferred the 45mm model. It felt better on his wrist, and didn't feel as dainty as the 41mm version. 

Second, the display bezels are a bit thinner now. The bezel was quite chunky before, so any decrease would've been an improvement, but the 41mm size has 16% more usable screen space while the 45mm has a 40% bigger display. The displays on the watch are also brighter than before, up to a max 2,000 nits from just 1,000 nits on the Pixel Watch 2.

The always-on display can drop down to 1 nit to cause limited disruption in a dark environment, while the display refresh rate dynamically adjusts between 1 and 60Hz to benefit performance and power efficiency. 

Pixel Watch 3: Fitness features

Google says the Pixel Watch 3 has the company's most accurate heart rate sensor yet, though it's worth noting that this was already a strong point of the Pixel Watch lineup.

Still, the sensor's algorithm has been specifically tuned to deliver the most accurate running data possible, taking into account arm movements and ground contact involved with running.

In hand with the watch's motion sensors, the Pixel Watch has new advanced running metrics and form insights including step cadence, length of stride, height of stride, and more. 

Runners can set up routines and plans ahead of time to be properly prompted during the workout with haptic and audio cues. Your progress and performance can be viewed in the new running dashboard in the Fitbit app, even without Fitbit Premium.

But Fitbit Premium does unlock Google AI daily running plans based on your recent performance and readiness, as well exclusive workout content from Fitbit Premium trainers. Fitbit Premium costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year, but you'll get 6 months free when you set up your new Pixel Watch.

For the first time, the Readiness Score isn't locked behind Fitbit Premium, so all wearers get a daily rating based on activity and recovery needs. A new cardio load score also informs you on how hard your heart is working related to your workout routines to help avoid overtraining. Your watch's Morning Brief will give you some of these scores at a glance, as well if anything in your body seems a bit off.

Although there aren't any notable new sleep tracking features, the Pixel Watch 3 introduces auto bedtime mode that automatically detect when you fall asleep to initiate an optimized UI. It'll conserve battery by disabling the always-on display and snooze notifications, too. Then, once awake, it'll return to normal programming.

Pixel Watch 3: Wear OS 5

A big reason we like the Pixel Watch is that it's not just a fitness tracker — it's a device that's deeply integrated with a large collection of Google apps. As with the Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch, the Pixel Watch performs best when it's integrated with its own company's services.

It helps that Wear OS 5 for Android watches was developed by Google, too (even though Wear OS 5 debuted on the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra). While the Pixel Watch already had great apps for Google Maps, YouTube Music, Google Home and Google Play, the latest version takes things a step further.

Now, you'll be able to view security camera feeds directly on your wrist — like the Nest Cam (battery), and even answer the doorbell. The watch can also act as a Google TV remote, letting you control what your watching if you're not sure where the physical remote is at the moment. 

The Pixel Recorder app comes to the watch, so you can record voice memos that'll sync directly to your Pixel phone. Meanwhile, offline Google Maps is now available on-wrist. Overall, the Pixel Watch 3 seems to deliver big on the smarts in smartwatch.

Pixel Watch 3: Battery life

The Pixel Watch 3 battery life offers some slight improvements thanks to updated power-saving modes that can extend the stamina up to 36 hours. Otherwise, you can expect roughly 24 hours of battery life using standard settings, which is basically the same as the Pixel Watch 2.

The good news is that the Pixel Watch 3 has 20% faster charging compared to Pixel Watch 2 as long as you use the included USB-C cable with your own 30W adapter. Google estimates it'll take 50 minutes to get the watch to 80% charged.

Pixel Watch 3: Outlook

The Pixel Watch 3 is the most excited we've been about the Pixel Watch for years. It has the type of upgrades that bring it up to speed with the flagship watches from Google's biggest hardware competitors. But we'll need to fully review the watch and see how it performs in real life scenarios to see if it lives up to the early hype.