Pixel Watch 3 (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
DesignThe core design of each Pixel Watches is similar. They’re glossy, round smartwatches with a domed glass face, 100% recycled aluminum casing, and a twistable crown plus an motion button on the appropriate aspect. Just like the Apple Watch, it is onerous to considerably enhance the Pixel Watch 2’s already engaging and minimalist aesthetics. The Pixel Watch 3 would not attempt to, however it does now provide the alternative of two dimension choices as a substitute of 1, and it shrinks the bezel (the black edge across the display screen) by 16%, which leads to 10% extra display screen on the 41mm model and 40% extra display screen on the 45mm model in contrast with the Pixel Watch 2.Each generations of the Pixel Watch allow you to select between polished silver, matte black, or champagne gold finishes. The Pixel Watch 3 provides one other choice to the combo: matte hazel, which appears extra grayish than greenish. The watch face’s glass curves to cowl the perimeters, so solely accents of aluminum on the perimeters and the crown are seen while you’re carrying it.Winner: Pixel 3
Fingers-on the Pixel Watch 3
DisplayThe Pixel Watch 3’s bezels are smaller, and subsequently, its screens are larger, however that does not imply they’re sharper. Each the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 use AMOLED shows that present 320 pixels per inch. Google would not supply actual decision numbers for the screens, however with the identical dot pitch, they’re equally sharp. The Pixel Watch 3 has a better decision (the identical quantity of pixels per inch, over a bit extra space).
Left to proper: Pixel Watch 3, 41mm and 45mm sizes (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Google has entered the brightness battle Apple and Samsung have already been combating by doubling the height gentle output of the Pixel Watch 3 to 2,000 nits. That is extraordinarily shiny, however the 1,000-nit Pixel Watch 2 is not precisely dim. Each watches cowl the DCI-P3 coloration house.Winner: Pixel Watch 3ProcessorThis is fairly stunning: Each generations of Pixel smartwatches have the identical {hardware} specs. The Pixel Watch 2 and the Pixel Watch 3 every use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Put on 5100 processor with a Cortex M33 co-processor and have 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. This implies the brand new Pixel Watch in all probability will not be any sooner or have any distinctive hardware-driven AI options.Winner: Tie
Pixel Watch 3 (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Health FeaturesBoth Pixel Watches have the identical fitness-tracking gear. They’ve a number of sensors, together with pink and infrared SpO2, multi-path optical coronary heart charge, pores and skin temperature, and pores and skin conductance (cEDA) physique response. Each additionally pack the entire normal movement and navigation sensors, akin to an accelerometer, altimeter, barometer, compass, gyroscope, and magnetometer. Each watches even have in depth Fitbit integration for monitoring numerous well being metrics (and a $9.99 per thirty days/$79.99 per 12 months Premium subscription to entry all of these metrics).That does not imply Google is not selling some new health options on the Pixel Watch 3, and that is the place it will get difficult. In response to Google, the Pixel Watch 3 can analyze your stride as you run, and Fitbit can supply AI options for future runs. Nonetheless, it is not but clear whether or not these options might be unique to the Pixel Watch 3 or if they are going to be added to the Pixel Watch 2 through software program updates.Winner: TieConnectivityBoth watches have Bluetooth and dual-band 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and can be found with 4G LTE mobile connectivity. The Pixel Watch 3 upgrades its Bluetooth from 5.0 to five.3, which ought to permit for extra secure connections together with your smartphone and headphones. It additionally helps Extremely-Wideband wi-fi for precisely finding or being situated by suitable gadgets just like the Pixel 9 Professional. Winner: Pixel Watch 3
Pixel Watch 2 (Credit score: Will Greenwald)
Battery LifeBattery specs appear to be the identical for each watches, which suggests an estimated battery lifetime of as much as 24 hours with the always-on show. The Pixel Watch 2 lasted 33 hours in our assessments, however even with a much bigger, brighter show, the Pixel Watch 3 nonetheless may have the ability to eke out longer-than-advertised time between prices as properly. The Pixel Watch 3 can detect while you’re sleeping and routinely flip off the always-on show to save lots of battery life, which might additional enhance the numbers. Google additionally says the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 prices 20% sooner than the earlier model, which is a minor improve, however it nonetheless counts.Winner: Pixel Watch 3PriceThe Pixel Watch 3 begins at $349.99 for the 41mm Wi-Fi-only mannequin, the identical value because the Pixel Watch 2 when it launched. The 45mm model begins at $399.99. Including mobile connectivity to both Pixel Watch 3 is an extra $100 (plus the price of a mobile knowledge subscription). Google has dropped the worth of the Pixel Watch 2. It now prices $249.99, or $299.99 for a mannequin with mobile connectivity. Winner: Pixel Watch 2
Pixel Watch 3 (Credit score: Eric Zeman)
Which Watch to Get?The Pixel Watch 3 is a promising smartwatch based mostly on specs, however it is not all that completely different from the Pixel Watch 2. Its barely bigger and brighter show is the most important improve, whereas Bluetooth 5.3 and Extremely-Wideband are additionally worthwhile adjustments. In order for you the biggest Pixel Watch attainable and/or you will have a UWB telephone, the Pixel Watch 3 is value contemplating. That stated, the Pixel Watch 2 is straightforward to advocate to anybody wanting to save cash. And should you already personal a Pixel Watch 2, you in all probability needn’t improve, until, in fact, you need a bigger 45mm mannequin. We plan to place the Pixel Watch 3 to the take a look at with a view to provide you with our official suggestion, so make sure to examine again quickly. Till then, learn up on our protection of the Pixel 9 sequence, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, the Pixel Buds Professional 2, and Google’s newest Gemini AI options.
