For the last month I’ve been using a Pixel Watch 3 45mm. It is an advanced smart watch with fitness tracking capabilities, that works with Android phones. Just like Apple Watch only works with iPhones.
Unboxing
Pixel Watch 3 vs Pixel Watch 2
The Pixel Watch 3 marks a significant evolution in Google’s smartwatch lineup, introducing several major hardware changes compared to the Pixel Watch 2.
Most notably, it now comes in two sizes – the familiar 41mm and a new larger 45mm option. The display sees dramatic improvements, with both models featuring Actua displays that are twice as bright as before, reaching 2,000 nits peak brightness.
This makes outdoor visibility significantly better than the Pixel Watch 2. The screens are also more expansive, with the 45mm model offering 40% more screen space and the 41mm version providing 10% more, all while reducing bezel size.
Battery life and performance have received considerable attention.
The new Battery Saver Mode extends usage up to 36 hours, while the 45mm model packs a 35% larger battery than its predecessor. The 41mm version charges 20% faster, saving up to 15 minutes on full charge times.
Running on the latest Wear OS 5, the watch features a more efficient variable refresh rate display that can scale from 60Hz down to 1Hz for the always-on display mode.
In terms of health and fitness capabilities, the Pixel Watch 3 introduces several ground breaking features.
Most significant is the new Loss of Pulse Detection – a first-of-its-kind emergency feature that can automatically contact emergency services if it detects a sudden stop in heart activity.
Loss of Pulse Detection is currently available in Austria, Denmark, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Additional countries will be added as regulatory clearance is obtained.
The watch also brings fitness tools including an improved Daily Readiness algorithm, Cardio Load tracking, and Target Load for personalized training guidance.
Runners will appreciate the new advanced form analysis features that track metrics like cadence, stride characteristics, and ground contact time, along with improved heart rate accuracy during runs.
The smart features have also evolved significantly. The addition of an Ultra-Wideband chip enables digital car key functionality with compatible vehicles. This feature is currently only available with compatible BMW and Mini vehicles.
The watch can now serve as a Google TV remote control, includes Pixel Recorder app integration, and features enhanced Call Assist with AI-powered call screening. These integrations make it a more capable companion to other Google devices.
Design-wise, the Pixel Watch 3 introduces new colour options, including an elegant Hazel with Champagne Gold finish, and offers an expanded selection of band options in various materials and styles.
All these improvements come together to create a more refined, capable, and versatile smartwatch that significantly outperforms its predecessor in nearly every aspect.
Pixel Watch vs Fitbit Smartwatch Pros and Cons
Prior to trying this new Pixel Watch 3 I’d been using a Fitbit Sense V1 fitness tracker with some smart functions. I originally got a Fitbit Sense when it launched in September 2020 and bought a replacement in September 2023 as the original wasn’t charging.
The Pixel Watch 3 and Fitbit Sense represent two different approaches to wearable technology, each with distinct advantages.
The Pixel Watch 3 functions as a full-fledged smartwatch running Wear OS, offering comprehensive features like Google Assistant, Google Wallet, detailed Google Maps navigation, and smart home control through Google Home.
The Fitbit Sense fitness tracking capabilities include built-in GPS for accurate pace and distance tracking, many exercise modes and automatic exercise recognition. Smart features, while not as extensive as full smartwatches, include basic app notifications and quick text replies (for Android users).
The Fitbit Sense compensates for lack of smarts with significantly longer battery life. I usually charged mine once a week compared to the Pixel Watch 3’s maximum of 36 hours with Battery Saver Mode.
The price points and target audiences for these devices reflect their different approaches.
The Pixel Watch 3 commands a premium price ($579 to $839) and is aimed at users who want a sophisticated smartwatch with some health tracking and lots of Google ecosystem functions.
The Fitbit Sense was designed for users who prioritize health and fitness tracking with extended battery life and don’t need extensive smartwatch features.
After Google bought Fitbit my hope was that they would develop in parallel full-featured smartwatches with advanced health capabilities like the Pixel Watch series which require charging every day and dedicated health and fitness trackers with basic smart features like the Fitbit Sense which only need charging once a week.
Unfortunately this is not the case. After being acquired by Google Fitbit Pay was shutdown, Fitbit accounts were pressured to be transferred to Google accounts, the Fitbit web dashboard handy for big screen stats viewing was shutdown, social features like Challenges Adventures and Trophies were removed and bizarrely Google Assistant wasn’t available on the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 (it was supported on the previous models).
My bet is that reasonably soon the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 will be quietly discontinued, leaving Fitbit fans no middle option. Just basic Fitbit fitness tracker bands or a premium Pixel watch.
The Pixel Watch is great for casual exercise but just like the Apple Watch the relatively short battery life means that any serious athlete that uses GPS activity tracking a lot should use a Garmin or other long battery life fitness watch instead.
