Google Pixel Watch 3 hands-on: Hitting the right stride

Unlike the rest of Google's latest hardware releases, the Pixel Watch 3 does not see any major design overhaul. Instead, the big news here is that the company's wearable now comes in a larger size, while also slimming down the bezels. If I were a betting man, I'd say that the Pixel Watch 3 is more about Google getting its ducks in a row ahead of a potential lineup refresh in 2025.

Much of this is evidenced by the continued reliance upon the Snapdragon W5 SoC, which is again paired with the Cortex M33 co-processor. Although this chip is now a few years old, I never felt as though it was holding back the Pixel Watch 2 , and I suspect the same to be the case with the Watch 3.

Changes that matter

One of the first things that I noticed was that you might not even know that the bezels are any slimmer on either the 41mm or 45mm watch. I guess we can give kudos to Google for its excellent watch faces which have done an excellent job at blending the screen with the bezel on the last two iterations.

I'm also appreciative that the Pixel Watch 3 uses the same band mechanism introduced with the original Pixel Watch . The only difference is that you won't be able to use your Pixel Watch 2 bands with the larger 45mm Watch 3. Plus, it seems as though Google is offering the same band colors and designs across both sizes, which is a nice touch.

Considering that I cycled through an Apple Watch Ultra, Watch 6 Classic , and TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro , even the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 felt as light as a feather. This probably won't be the case for everyone, but it was hardly even noticeable. But that's kind of what I expected, given that it's just a larger version of the 41mm Watch 3.

Although I loved both the original Pixel Watch and Watch 2, I never really felt like they were made for me. The 41mm case size is just too dainty, and it feels more like I'm wearing something like a Fitbit Charge than an actual smartwatch . In the limited time I spent with the 45mm Watch 3, any size concerns were put to rest.

I was also surprised to learn that Google has tweaked Wear OS to better accommodate the larger screen size. Basically, if you have the 45mm Watch 3, some apps and watch faces will show more information compared to the 41mm version. It was something I didn't even notice at first until it was pointed out to me.

This trend starts with the watch faces, as the default health-tracking watch face shows the time along with five other complications on both the 41mm and 45mm models. However, with the 45mm Watch 3, there are four more complications that line up along the edge of the screen.

Another example can be found when trying to choose a workout from the Fitbit "Quick Start" menu. The smaller Watch 3 shows three buttons, while the 45mm model shows six buttons. It's something that I hadn't even thought of, but I sure am happy to see that Google paid attention to it.

Specs

As mentioned, there's really not all that much that's different between the Pixel Watch 2 and the Pixel Watch 3 internally, save for new 45mm option. When you consider that we've yet to see a successor to the Snapdragon W5 series from Qualcomm, it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. That being said, here's the full list of specs for the Pixel Watch 3.

Fleshing things out

Google has also been putting in the work to make the Pixel Watch 3 seamlessly integrate even more with the rest of your Google ecosystem. If you have a Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell , you'll now be able to pull up a live view of the camera right from your Watch. There's even a microphone button on the screen, so you can talk to whoever is at the door, or choose a canned response.

In addition to the Nest Tile, we also have a few other new integrations to play around with. For one, you can turn the Watch 3 into a remote for your Google TV , which comes at the perfect time as the Google TV Streamer will arrive in September.

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I was also impressed by the ability to control the Pixel's Camera app from the Watch 3. Not only can you use the watch as a viewfinder, but you finally have the ability to switch between the different camera modes. This lets you set up the shot and then control everything from your wrist, as opposed to needing to do it on the phone itself.

Health and fitness improvements

Of course, the Pixel Watch 3 isn't just there for you to interact with notifications or tell you who's ringing your doorbell. It also aims to be one of the best smartwatches for health and fitness tracking .

In order to do so, Google is taking a different approach, as the Pixel Watch 3's health sensors are the same ones as the Pixel Watch 2. Instead, Google has put more of a focus on machine learning and algorithms, while also implementing new features and ways to measure different workouts.

It seems as though one of two things is happening; a lot of runners enjoy using the Pixel Watch, or Google is trying to compete with Garmin to lure runners over to the Pixel Watch. No matter what the actual reason is, the Pixel Watch 3 introduces a slew of running-focused options and measurements.

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Although I'm not a runner, I was both intrigued and surprised at the different options that are being made available. During a demo, I was shown just how easy it is to create a customized running routine. You can add all sorts of different "steps," such as warmups and cooldowns, along with setting different targets, and more.

You can even set up these routines from the Watch 3 itself, so you aren't locked into doing everything from the Fitbit app on your phone. Once the workout is underway, the Watch provides different cues, letting you know what's up next or when it's time to cool off a bit.

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I don't fully understand the ins and outs when it comes to running or completing events, but it's obvious that your running form is an important piece of the puzzle. With that, the Watch 3 combines good ole' machine learning with "advanced motion sensing" and aims to give you insights and tips on how to improve your form.

This even includes measuring your stride length and cadence before providing detailed analytics in the Fitbit app. There are so many different dashboards within the Fitbit app that it was enough to make my head spin. But each serves a different purpose, and I'm a big fan of the additions, even if I can't personally take advantage of them.

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Frankly, if it weren't for a couple of bum knees that limit what I can do, the analytical side of me would be enticed enough to at least try to pick up running.

The last thing I wanted to make mention of is the new "Morning Brief" feature. While I may not be able to take advantage of the new running metrics, I am a sucker for keeping track of my sleep. It's a great indicator of how the day will go and whether I'll hit my afternoon wall at noon or 5 PM.

As the name implies, Morning Brief gives you a summary of the day, including things like how long you slept, the weather, your readiness score, and more. I'm a big fan of these kinds of features, and it's something else that I'm kind of surprised Google had not yet implemented.

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Along with the various bits of information it provides, this feature will also give you an indication of whether you should push yourself to the limit or just take it easy. One of my favorite things is that Google is moving your readiness score out from underneath the Fitbit Premium umbrella.

While six months of Premium is included with every Watch 3 purchase, the readiness score is one of those things that felt like it should be a part of the experience for everyone. Thankfully, that will no longer be an issue, even if you decide against renewing the Premium subscription.

Final thoughts

There are a few other tidbits that I didn't really touch on here, such as Google's claims of up to 24 hours of battery life with the always-on display enabled or that the Watch 3 actually charges faster than its predecessor despite using the same charging puck.

That's largely because I couldn't test those things. Instead, you'll have to wait for our full Pixel Watch 3 review to see whether Google is following through on those promises.

When it comes to the majority of "new" features, I came away feeling as though this is Google finally hitting its stride. It didn't want to try and do too much at once, but now that the Watch is on its third iteration, Google is trying to fill in any potential gaps.

While I would've liked to see upgraded health sensors and maybe even a new processor, now's probably not the right time. I can't help but wonder if Google is working on a Tensor chip for smartwatches. If so, that would be the perfect time to introduce a design overhaul of any kind. I just hope it doesn't end up being the "Pixel Watch Ultra."