# Google Pixel Watch 3 Review: A Robust Rival in the 2024 Smartwatch Arena
The Google Pixel Watch 3 has carved out a notable presence in the smartwatch sector, establishing itself as a leading candidate for the top smartwatch of 2024. With significant enhancements compared to its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 2, this latest version tackles several of the issues reported by users, especially those related to the display. But will it be sufficient to unseat the current champion, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7? Let’s delve into the Pixel Watch 3’s benefits and drawbacks.
## **Android Central Verdict**
Android Central has awarded the Pixel Watch 3 a commendable **4 out of 5 stars**, concluding that it is an attractive, swift, and feature-laden smartwatch. Despite a few limitations, especially concerning durability and GPS precision, it shines in aspects like display performance, battery longevity, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem.
### **Pros:**
– **Enhanced, smoother, and larger display** compared to earlier versions.
– **Battery life surpasses expectations**, frequently lasting beyond Google’s 24-hour prediction.
– **Wear OS 5** boosts the watch’s synergy with Google and Pixel technology, allowing for improved connectivity with devices like Google Home, Pixel smartphones, and Nest cameras.
– **Fitness functionalities** such as Workout Builder, Cardio Load, and Morning Brief are advantageous for fitness enthusiasts.
– **Reliable health and sleep monitoring**, equipped with advanced sensors for heart rate, SpO2, and body response.
### **Cons:**
– **Durability issues**, lacking sapphire glass or MIL-STD-810H compliance.
– **GPS reliability is variable**, particularly for workouts that are not running-centric.
– **Battery performance trails behind some rivals**, with other Wear OS devices lasting an additional day.
– **Software updates**: One less Wear OS update compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch range.
## **Price and Availability**
The Google Pixel Watch 3 debuted on **September 10, 2024**, offering two size options: 41mm and 45mm. The pricing structure is as follows:
– **41mm**: $349 / £349 / €399 / CA$479 / AU$579 (Wi-Fi) and $449 / £449 / €499 / CA$599 / AU$749 (LTE).
– **45mm**: $399 / £399 / €449 / CA$549 / AU$669 (Wi-Fi) and $499 / £499 / €549 / CA$669 / AU$839 (LTE).
The Pixel Watch 3 is accessible in 32 countries, although some areas only offer the Wi-Fi variant. The LTE version includes two years of subsidized data, although speeds are restricted after 500MB.
## **Design and Display**
The Pixel Watch 3 is available in two sizes: **41mm** and **45mm**, featuring 1.27-inch and 1.43-inch AMOLED displays, respectively. The larger screen benefits from a resolution enhancement (456×456 vs. 384×384) and a fluid 60Hz refresh rate, creating a more responsive user experience.
Most users prefer the **45mm model**, as it provides additional display space without appearing overly bulky. The **rounded edge design** not only adds to its aesthetics but also increases comfort during extended wear. The watch is lightweight, with the 45mm version weighing a mere 69g with the larger strap.
The **display brightness** has been increased to **2,000 nits**, ensuring visibility even under direct sunlight. The refresh rate is adaptable, reducing to as low as 1Hz for always-on display (AOD) mode, which aids in battery conservation.
Nevertheless, the **absence of sapphire glass** and **MIL-STD-810H certification** suggests that the Pixel Watch 3 isn’t as durable as some rivals, like the Galaxy Watch 7. Users are recommended to acquire a screen protector to guard against scratches.
## **Battery Life and Charging**
Google asserts that the Pixel Watch 3 can last **up to 24 hours with AOD** and **up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode**. However, actual user experiences indicate that the watch frequently surpasses these estimates, with many reporting **up to 48 hours** of usage with typical activities, including GPS sessions and sleep tracking.
Charging speeds have seen minor improvements, with the 45mm variant taking **80 minutes to reach a full charge**. A newly introduced feature alerts your phone when the watch is completely charged, helping to prevent overcharging.
## **Hardware and Health Sensors**
The Pixel Watch 3 operates on the **Snapdragon W5 Gen 1** chip, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. While this chipset is the same as that found in the Pixel Watch 2, the overall performance remains responsive, with no discernible lag during everyday use.
