The Pixel Watch 3 in the test: Bigger is better

This year, Google has not only updated its Pixel smartphones (here are my tests of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL), but has also presented a new edition of the Pixel Watch. The new edition is a good fit for this fall, because in contrast to the jump from Pixel Watch 1 to 2, the jump from Pixel Watch 2 to 3 is much smaller. The biggest difference here, however, is the new feature that the Pixel Watch 3 is now also available as a 45 mm version, which some users will certainly like better on their wrist than the 41 mm version, which is sometimes a bit too small.

Google itself says that the active display area on the Pixel Watch 3 is more than 10% larger than on the Pixel Watch 2. If you take the 45 mm model for comparison, it is said to be 40% larger. The built-in Actua display is said to offer a peak brightness of 2,000 cd/m², with the AOD it then works at just 1 cd/m². The refresh rate adjusts dynamically from 1 to 60 Hz. Both sizes are available with an aluminum case in Mae Black and an Obsidian strap, as well as with an aluminum case in Polished Silver and a Porcelain strap. The 45 mm model is also available with an aluminum case in Matte Hazel and a Hazel strap. The 41 mm model is also available in the versions with an aluminum case in Champagne Gold with a Hazel strap and an aluminum case in Polished Silver with a Rose Quartz strap. When it comes to accessories, you can choose between an Active sports bracelet, a chain bracelet or a leather bracelet – each in different colors.

The Pixel Watch 3 is available for 399 euros (41 mm) or 449 euros (45 mm) in the Wi-Fi version. For LTE you have to pay another 100 euros more. In other words: 499 euros for the 41 mm model or 549 euros for the 45 mm one.

So much for the now generally known key data. Google provided me with the 41 mm model this year. A little later, however, I was able to take a look at the 45 mm version because I wanted to compare it directly in size with the previous Pixel Watch 2. Also: fat boy, fat arms – the larger model also looks less lost on my arms than the standard version.

Right from the start, I was happy to see that the current straps that I bought for the Pixel Watch 2 can also be easily attached to the new model. This might make the purchase decision easier for some people. Big BUT: Unfortunately, all of this only applies to the 41 mm version of the watch; the strap connection on the 45 mm watch is slightly wider. But otherwise, the basic design of the watch has not changed compared to the previous model. The slightly narrower edges are hardly noticeable, but still look quite bulky compared to the competition. Those who have already gotten used to it will of course still have nothing to complain about. It doesn’t bother me at all.

In contrast, I quickly noticed the much brighter display, which also makes the colors of the watch faces stand out even more. I also never had a single problem reading the display in strong sunlight. This is a little different with the Pixel Watch 2. I had heard from one or two testers that small and large scratches were quickly found on the display glass, which Google says is actually very well protected. Despite my fairly active working life, I have fortunately been spared this so far.

The Qualcomm SoC Wear 5+ Gen 1 works inside the Pixel Watch 3. It not only seems to be very energy efficient (I’ll come back to that in a moment), but also ensures a pleasantly fast performance when operating the watch. As before, you swipe from left to right (or vice versa) through the tiles, use the crown to scroll through the app list and options, and press the home button to return to the home screen. Nothing has changed here compared to the previous models.

The fitness and measurement data heart of the Pixel Watch 3 is once again the Fitbit app, which you should have installed on your smartphone. In contrast to the Pixel Watch 2, a few new measurement data are now collected here. Among other things, the so-called cardio load value. This value helps users to better understand and optimize their cardiovascular load during training. The value is determined based on physical exertion during your training, taking into account additional data such as your age and heart rate.

Google has also optimized the Pixel Watch 3 to offer even more options, especially for runners. You can now have the app create daily running workouts for you. When you set up the app, you tell it whether you are an experienced runner or a complete beginner. During your running workout, the watch will then show you which phase of training you are currently in. You don’t need to take a smartphone with you, everything runs directly on the watch – including the GPS. It’s a miracle that the watch didn’t alert emergency services several times during my test workouts: I overlooked the fact that Fitbit had also recorded a pulse rate of 135 BPM for me, which is considered a warning value if it is exceeded. Given my stature and especially my fitness level, this was always reached relatively quickly, and the watch warned me accordingly often. But you can adjust this later.

With normal use of the watch, the battery of the 41 mm model lasts me a day and a half. The always-on display was activated, but I only tracked the 8 km bike ride to work during one workout. The 45 mm version lasts just under two days with the same use. For my running training, I only had the 41 mm version, but by late evening the watch version had already been drained to 10 to 15% remaining charge. With the 45 mm watch, another night without charging would certainly have been possible – but pointless.

But I would like to finish with that for now. With the Pixel Watch 3, Google has once again delivered a very good smartwatch this year, which is now at least available in a larger version. If you didn’t like the look of the old models, you won’t like the Pixel Watch 3 either. It doesn’t help that the frame on the display is slightly narrower and the battery lasts a little longer than on the Pixel Watch 2. Runners are certainly well served with the new Fitbit functions, the running workouts generated by the app do indeed seem well thought out and adapted to the “abilities” of the respective user.

However, we are not necessarily interested in the 45 mm version of the Pixel Watch 3, but are just considering switching from the Pixel Watch 2, so we would recommend waiting at least another year, assuming Google introduces a new model of the watch in 2025. In my opinion, the differences are not significant enough to justify the small upgrade. My highlight is definitely the option of being able to use a larger Pixel Watch instead of always having only one version to choose from that is actually too small for my wrists. The slightly longer battery life and brighter display are a welcome addition.

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