Google Pixel Watch 3 Review (45mm)

Introduction

After two months of using the 45mm Pixel Watch 3, it's time to share my insights on its performance, battery life, and my overall impressions to help you decide if it's worth the upgrade.

Design and Comfort

The larger 45mm model sits comfortably on my wrist, and despite its size and added weight, the sleek design and curved display make it visually appealing. I appreciate that it fits snugly compared to competitors like the Galaxy Watch 7, as the lugs do not protrude excessively. However, larger sizes can be at risk for scratches and dings; I've already encountered a few minor bumps. For protection, I recommend using a case, as I have with the Rink All Black case, which has shown signs of wear in just one month.

In terms of functionality, the watch is sleep-friendly; I've been switching it to my right wrist at night to avoid wrist marks. It's also rated IP68 for water resistance, which allows for swimming without worry thanks to an automatic touchscreen lock feature.

Usability and Interface

The watch incorporates the same strap system, rotating crown, and button configurations as its predecessor. Notably, the crown now has improved resistance, providing a more satisfying scrolling experience. Haptic feedback has also seen enhancements, offering a pleasing sensation across different interactions, although I would prefer a stronger vibe when typing text messages.

The Pixel Watch 3 sports a bright OLED display with a dynamic refresh rate, moving from 60Hz down to 1Hz, which is visually stunning. The 45mm model features a significantly larger screen area, providing deeper blacks and vibrant colors with little frame distraction. Outdoor visibility is not an issue, and I’ve also appreciated how dim the always-on display can go, only emitting one nit for discreet glancing in low-light situations.

Performance and Battery

Running on Wear OS 4 paired with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, the Pixel Watch 3 maintains solid performance. The 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage sufficiently handle my essential apps and quick transitions. Google Assistant responses and app launches have become noticeably faster.

A crucial difference between the two size models is battery capacity. The 45mm boasts a 420mAh battery, offering an impressive 38 to 41 hours of battery life even with features like the always-on display and Wi-Fi enabled. With moderate usage of timers, music control, and notifications, I nearly get two full days of life. Heavy GPS use drops this to around 30 hours, still competitive in the smartwatch market.

Features and Health Tracking

New on the Pixel Watch 3 is the Readiness Score feature, helping assess your body's preparedness for workouts, derived from various health metrics. While it's a fun addition, I’ve found its accuracy to be hit-or-miss, so discretion is advised when evaluating its insights.

Another interesting feature is the automatic bedtime mode that engages based on sleep patterns rather than rigid schedules. However, there are some features from competitor models that I wish were included, like a pinch gesture for quick message replies and a timed function for theater mode.

Health and fitness tracking remain strong points, with enhanced accuracy for GPS, and the ability to detect athletic activities automatically after a ten-minute threshold.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) is an excellent choice for those already invested in the Google ecosystem, especially Pixel phone users. Its design, smooth performance, and extended battery life position it as a premium Android-compatible smartwatch. While it does lack a few features that could enhance its usability, it remains an impressive device.

Keyword

Google Pixel Watch 3
45mm model
design
haptic feedback
OLED display
Snapdragon W5 Gen 1
battery life
health tracking
Readiness Score

FAQ

1. What size options does the Pixel Watch 3 have?
The Pixel Watch 3 is available in two sizes: a 41mm and a 45mm model.

2. How is the battery life of the Pixel Watch 3?
The 45mm model offers around 38 to 41 hours of battery life with moderate usage, and up to two days when the always-on display is disabled.

3. What health features are included?
It tracks heart rate, sleep patterns, SpO2 levels, and now includes body temperature sensing. It also offers a Readiness Score that assesses how ready you are for activity.

4. Is the display of the Pixel Watch 3 durable?
Yes, the display is crafted with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which has shown strong resistance to scratches and damage.

5. Can the Pixel Watch 3 be worn while swimming?
Yes, it is IP68 rated for water resistance, allowing for use while swimming.