Google’s new product in practical testing: The Pixel Watch 3 finally shows its size

The third generation of the Pixel Watch 3 is not a revolution, but it has a clear size advantage over its predecessor. In the practical test, we also liked the new fitness and health functions, but there is still room for improvement.

The Pixel Watch 2 was already a well-rounded and successful product for ntv.de, and Google’s second smartwatch is also one of the best in Stiftung Warentest. Fitness functions, communication and handling are top-notch, only the battery life is no better than satisfactory. In addition, some users are dissatisfied with the size of the display and its wide bezel. The Pixel Watch 3 proves to be significantly better in practical tests, but retains one weak point.

Bigger is better

Google has fulfilled the most important requirement by offering a second version (from 449 euros) with a diameter of 45 millimeters in addition to the 41 millimeter watch (from 399 euros). ntv.de received the smaller model as a test device, but its display has grown by ten percent because Google has slightly reduced the still wide bezel around the panel.

That doesn’t seem like much, but it makes a visible difference, and many contents are much easier to read than on the Watch 2. The screen on the 45-millimeter version offers 40 percent more visible area without looking bulky on the wrist. If you don’t have a particularly slim wrist, you’ll usually be better off with the larger version.

Barely increases endurance

The 45 also has a larger battery, but like its little sister, Google only states that it lasts up to 24 hours with the always-on display activated. If the inactive screen remains dark, it lasts up to 36 hours. In the practical test, this meant that the battery of the 41-millimeter version lasted a little longer, but was still in the red zone in the morning and had to be put on the charger after breakfast at the latest. With the always-on display deactivated, it lasted until lunch.

This means that it lasts a little longer than its predecessor, but the difference is not that big. With a little practice, you can manage the mileage, because the watch charges pretty quickly. An empty battery is filled to 50 percent in just under 25 minutes, and it is full after about an hour. The Pixel Watch 3 is still charged on a charging dock with pins, which is effective but less elegant than the Apple Watch, for example.

Very good display

The screen of the Pixel Watch 3 can shine even brighter than its predecessor, according to Google even twice as bright. In the test, however, this hardly made a difference in the bright summer weather, and the display of the Watch 2 was also easy to read in sunlight. What is more important is that the screen can now be dimmed down to 1 at night in the dark, which means it is less of a nuisance in the cinema, for example.

With refresh rates of 1 to 60 Hertz (Hz), the display of the Pixel Watch 3 also showed a visibly smoother display in the practical test than its predecessor, which only reached 30 Hz. The touchscreen of the new one felt a little more jerky. However, this is certainly not due to a new chip, the watch is still powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1.

Finally, the Pixel Watch 3 offers the Ultra Wide Band radio standard. This offers the main advantage that the watch can be located more precisely if you search for it via Google’s Find My Device network. It can also be used as a car key in compatible vehicles.

Another new feature is that you can now display all apps not just as a list, but also their icons in a grid view. And you can finally download offline maps to the watch’s memory in Maps.

Fibit even fitter

Those were the technical changes. The other innovations are improved or more extensive fitness functions. Some are free, but as before, you only get the full range if you take out a paid Fitbit subscription for around 9 euros. The sensors used to measure the corresponding values ​​are the same as those on the Pixel Watch 2.

Particularly interesting here is a morning summary with a so-called daily form index, which is created using measurements of heart rate variability, resting heart rate and blood oxygen as well as a sleep analysis. It shows on a scale of 1 to 100 whether you are fit enough for training, how demanding it should be and how you will achieve a set goal. The measurements have proven to be largely accurate in practical tests, and the daily form displayed roughly corresponds to how you felt.

Because many people jog, the Pixel Watch 3 offers extensive innovations specifically for runners. Among other things, the watch helps you plan runs. You can set goals for distance, time, pace or heart rate zones and create repetitions for interval runs.

On the go, the watch gives you haptic and acoustic feedback on whether you are on schedule, above or below it, or whether it is time for the next interval. After training, you receive an analysis. If you have a subscription, you can get running recommendations with AI support that are based on your target intensity and previous training sessions.

Conclusion

The most important innovation of the Pixel Watch 3 is that it is now available as a 45-millimeter version. The advantages of the display are also particularly striking in the smaller model. Whether the new fitness functions are also interesting depends on individual use. If you don’t need detailed analyses and can cope with a smaller display, the predecessor is a quick and equally good solution, which is currently available online from just 230 euros.