Regrettably left you in suspense on this matter. I had to step away for several months. During that period, I used the Pixel Watch 3 to explore its features. I enjoyed it greatly, ultimately swapping my Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 for the 45mm Pixel Watch 3. It’s the largest smartwatch I’ve possessed, astonishing myself by opting for it over the more diminutive 41mm option. The larger display is truly delightful, providing around 40% more space for text, images, and, in my case, FlightRadar. It also fits my wrist more comfortably.

If you possess a Pixel Watch, either this iteration or one of the two prior, much of what follows may seem familiar, as it should. The Pixel Watch 3, upon its release a few months ago, introduced new metrics without the need for a subscription. Additionally, its battery life has slightly improved, although I still charge it every day and a half if monitoring sleep, which I no longer do thanks to using a smart ring. Nevertheless, the Pixel Watch 3 offers a pleasing experience for Android aficionados dissatisfied with other offerings. The expanded display enhances its appeal.

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Google Pixel Watch 3 Review: Design

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is officially in its Apple Watch era. I’m not suggesting this due to any novel features with this model or intending to incite conflict in the Android vs. Apple debate (I notice those remarks!). However, observe this third-generation Pixel Watch 3. It’s identical to the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, right down to the dome round display and the retractable digital crown. At least now, there is a selection for a larger size. But unless that suits your preference, upgrading isn’t urgent.

This situation is reminiscent of the Apple Watch as well. Each year, a new version emerges, typically maintaining the same square-rectangle design, sometimes smaller, sometimes more robust. Yet, the idea is to depend on a yearly new Apple Watch, recognizable from a distance as part of that system. The Pixel Watch shares this attribute: it’s firmly established as the accessory for those under the Google banner. It signifies a commitment to a particular style and the Fitbit service over Samsung Health or another external provider.

Google Pixel Watch 3 Review: Display and Battery

Since the design is largely a reprise of the Pixel Watch from past generations, the major highlight from this year’s Pixel Watch 3 debut is the availability of two sizes. The 41mm and 45mm sizes stand out with the thinnest bezels ever in the series. They have been updated with a new Actua display which is twice as bright, reaching up to 2,000 nits. This feature is beneficial for the flashlight mode, especially useful when moving through unlit areas at night or searching in darkness.

The larger Pixel Watch 3 comes with a 420mAh battery, unlike the 41mm version with a 307mAh battery. After a complete charge, Google promises up to 24 hours of battery life for the larger Pixel Watch 3 with the always-on display and 36 hours without. I noticed the difference in lifespan between the third-gen and second-gen Pixel Watches in my brief use. After nearly two days from the charger, I found the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 at 43%. That’s satisfactory, but unlike the OnePlus smartwatches—Which feature a segregated system that eases the load off the energy-consuming processor for essential functions—the Pixel Watch 3 still needs its proprietary charging cable on outings.

I tried to determine if the enlarged battery would last through a hike before the smartwatch powered down. I neglected to charge it the following morning and wasn’t aware it was low until I prepared for my workout late in the afternoon. The 45mm Pixel Watch stood at 13% as I departed and began tracking the session with Fitbit. Sadly, the device shut down about a mile and a half into my route. Luckily, I had the Samsung Galaxy Ring on, preserving the session data. Nonetheless, I was mildly frustrated when the device vibrated, signaling its shutdown.

Google Pixel Watch 3 Analysis: Attributes and Applications

Fitbit is beneficial, but I seldom utilize it because I adorn a smart ring. I’ve truly relished monitoring my routines with the health and wellness package and the Pixel Watch 2 this previous year. However, the Samsung Health kit is somewhat more flexible regarding data sharing. Fitbit recently began collaborating with Peloton exercises to add them towards the daily statistics.

Fortunately, this instance, there are wellness attributes for which you don’t have to shell out money. The Morning Brief is the newest noteworthy feature addition to the Fitbit domain. It provides a summary of how you might perceive the upcoming day and the energy levels you might possess, determined by your sleep quality. The watch offers a slight prompt, and subsequently, you can glance at the Fitbit application for more in-depth details. Furthermore, there’s Cardio Load, the core metric for this Morning Brief. It integrates your sleep patterns, your overall readiness score from the recorded activities, and your target load, indicating the level you aim to reach if you desire to perceive it. 

Wear OS 5 enhances with every recent feature integrated into the Pixel Watch. This occasion brings a built-in Chromecast remote at your disposal. It has its icon residing in the application launcher on the watch, or you can include it as a tile in the quick settings shade. It allows controlling playback on a nearby screen, adjusting volume, and content, just like on the Chromecast Remote application for your smartphone. I solely employ it to pause the TV in the family room to capture my daughter’s attention, and for that, I find its inclusion entirely worthwhile.

Google Home shortcuts have likewise advanced. Now, you can observe security camera previews from the watch rather than grabbing your phone to open the preview, only to notice no one you anticipated at your doorstep. At least this approach, you’ll learn sooner, though the function operates best if you’re at home and everything is connected to Wi-Fi.

Call Assist is the final small feature on the Pixel Watch 3. I haven’t encountered it naturally yet because nobody calls me anymore apart from spammers. Google clarifies it this way: You can respond to calls from your watch, but an automated voice informs the caller that you wish to converse with them but haven’t reached your phone yet. Often, the transition between the smartwatch and the phone when attempting to accept a call has led to ridiculousness. I usually hang up and attempt to call back, but that’s not always feasible. Hopefully, this will result in fewer missed calls from the watch. 

Google Pixel Watch 3 Evaluation: Conclusion

Google’s smartwatch platform has immensely enhanced over the latest generations, though owning the Pixel Watch 3 isn’t essential to experience it. Mostly, the Pixel Watch 3 embodies a suitable extension of what transpires within Google’s Android landscape. It serves as an ideal mini command hub for accessing smart home and media controls or reviewing notifications, but you don’t require it unless the time has arrived to replace the device on your wrist with something fresh.

I don’t believe you should hurry out to purchase the Pixel Watch 3 if you already possess one of the initial two generations. However, if that more expansive screen seems worth the additional information density it provides, you might ponder a trade-in like I did. Having the extra screen space for traversing notifications and monitoring wellness data is incredibly practical. After spending time with Samsung and OnePlus’s larger smartwatches this year, I’m not so hesitant about occupying wrist space with a more sizable display. The sole downside is needing to restart with my watchband collection since none fit the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 and its exclusive connectors.

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