In the time since I reviewed the Pixel Watch 3, it has largely met my expectations, featuring peaks (Gemini) and valleys (poor updates).
We are just a week away from the Pixel Watch 4’s unveiling at the Made by Google event. Meanwhile, as we anticipate the official announcement, let’s reflect on the Pixel Watch 3, which generally met my expectations but was not completely flawless.
I began my evaluation of the Watch 3 last August, and by September, I deemed it my preferred Android smartwatch. It is an improvement over the Watch 2 in crucial areas and offered several enjoyable running software tools.
Nonetheless, Google’s inconsistent software approach and competition from strong rivals eventually dampened my enthusiasm for the Pixel Watch 3. Thankfully, Gemini has reignited my interest.
Maximizing older technology
I am uncertain if the Pixel Watch 4 will retain last year’s processor or incorporate a new Snapdragon chipset. Regardless, it is remarkable how the Cortex-A53 cores (developed in 2012, prior to the existence of “Android Wear”) can efficiently power the Pixel Watch 3, allowing me to experience no lag or significant crashes.
When I tested Wear OS 6 on a Watch 3 at Google I/O, I was taken aback by the smooth performance of the unfinished software. Although Google’s streamlined strategy may limit its Pixel phones, it functions quite effectively for smartwatches.
Gemini may demand more resources, but it operates just as seamlessly on my Pixel Watch 3 as it did during my Watch 8 Classic Gemini evaluation. It responds to inquiries swiftly, comprehends follow-up questions, and interacts effortlessly via Extensions with other applications like Calendar.
Future iterations should ideally include offline commands, enhanced voice recognition, improved battery performance, or quicker Wi-Fi bandwidth. Until then, it is adeptly meeting the new requirements and providing a superior AI experience compared to what Apple Watches can offer.
I swapped style for battery life and don’t quite regret it
Google’s Watch 3 45mm was overdue for release. In contrast to the 1.2-inch display of the Watch 2, my 1.43-inch display provides significantly more visual information. With Gemini now being a key feature, every pixel is valuable for text.
Even better, it features increased battery capacity, surpassing Google’s 24-hour estimate with AOD. During my initial review period, I was achieving two days with sleep tracking and the occasional GPS workout. Currently, it’s closer to 36 hours, with time to spare, as I rarely utilize it for sleep tracking.
Naturally, I would appreciate greater battery longevity. Since the launch of the 3-to-5-day OnePlus Watch 3, it’s increasingly challenging to accept how Google and Samsung struggle to surpass the 1-to-2-day threshold. However, it is a solid watch, and the lighter OnePlus Watch 3 43mm lasts only two days.
I would love for Google to revive Fitbit watches and integrate its valuable health and fitness features into a longer-lasting device, but I digress. For now, the Watch 3 does its utmost without being overly cumbersome.
The larger Watch 3’s issue is that its bezelless design appears less appealing. The smaller variant appears more natural, as the rounded edges occupy more space, but this Watch 3 resembles a substantial, dark slab.
My cousin referred to it as a “creepy water drop,” while my fiancée compared it to a “naked chicken breast without any seasoning” during my smartwatch aesthetics evaluation. While they didn’t find it unattractive compared to my bulkier fitness watches, the edgeless design may not resonate with everyone.
If the Pixel Watch 4 becomes bulkier to accommodate a larger battery, as some rumors suggest, this design peculiarity will only be heightened.
Of course, many individuals also dislike the new aesthetic of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic or the Galaxy Watch 8. Android watches typically strive to balance aesthetics, performance, and battery life, and don’t excel in every category.
Wishing for Google to resolve its update challenges
The prolonged phase of update dysfunction was certainly my lowest point with the Watch 3. I am uncertain whether the Pixel Watch team is too ambitious with updates or simply needs a beta program.
Let’s briefly recap the past year’s Google Wear OS updates:
– Early September 2024: The Pixel Watch 3 debuts with Wear OS 5
– Late September: Google introduces and then retracts Wear OS 5 on the Watch 1 and 2
– Mid-November: Wear OS 5 is re-released
– March 2025: Google rolls out Wear OS 5.1, pledging four quarterly updates annually
– Late March: Many Watch 3 users have yet to receive 5.1, and those who do experience significant bugs
– Early April: Google issues its first patch
– Late April: Google releases its second patch, reintroducing 5
