The Google Pixel Watch 3 is now official and while it retains the same design it brings drastic changes to the lineup. While you’d be forgiven for confusing it for a Pixel Watch 2 from a distance you now have a choice between two sizes – 41mm and 45mm.
Inside the Pixel Watch 3 has the same Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 SoC for wearables, the same collection of sensors such as HR monitor , ECG readings, SpO2, skin thermometer and GPS. The new addition is the UWB chip.
This means the Pixel Watch 3 is the first Android smartwatch to offer UWB connectivity, making it easier to unlock your phone or find the gadget if you lose it using Google’s Find My Device feature. The watch will also be able to unlock your car if it has the feature, of course.
The screen gets a slight upgrade. Both the 41 mm and 45mm variants now boast displays capable of 2,000 nits peak brightness, which is a considerable step up from last year’s 1,000-nit Pixel Watch 2.
Pixel Watch 3
Perhaps more noticeable are the screen bezels, which are now a full millimeter thinner. The 41mm variant still has a 1.2-inch screen, while the 45mm version bumps the size to 1.4″.
The 41mm option retains the same battery as its predecessor – 310 mAh – whereas the 45mm has a 420 mAh cell. Interestingly, Google promises 24 hours away from the charger with the always-on display feature turned on, which is exactly the same runtime as last year’s Pixel Watch 2. Still, we believe the 45mm may be capable of more.
Pixel Watch 3
Charging is supposedly improved, as the new watch can now charge 20% faster.
In case you listen to music or podcasts on your watch while on your morning run, you will be happy to learn that the Pixel Watch 3 now supports Bluetooth LE Audio. This is a low-energy Bluetooth audio protocol that uses less power to stream songs. It’s also the first Android smartwatch to offer such functionality.
Google markets a few other features such as improved running tracking, controlling your Pixel phone’s camera, access your Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell directly from your watch and navigate using Google Maps in offline mode.
New fitness and health-tracking features
Some new health tracking features are also at hand, including a readiness score, which assesses your recovery level and gives you a gauge whether you are ready for your next workout or you need more rest.
Various Pixel Watch 3 bands available
The available colors for both variants are Matte Black Aluminum with an Obsidian strap and Polished Silver Aluminum with a Porcelain strap. The 41mm also has the Champagne Gold Aluminum paint job with a Hazel band, while the 45mm gets the Matte Hazel Aluminum option with the same Hazel band.
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi will go for $349, while the same configuration for the 45mm model will set you back $399. LTE connectivity adds $100 to the standard price.
In UK the prices £349/399 with a £100 extra for the LTE modem, while those in continental Europe are looking at €399/€449 and €100 extra for the cellular version. Shipping in all markets starts September 10.