The third generation of the Pixel Watch 3 is not a revolution, but it has a clear size advantage over its predecessor. The new fitness and health functions also appealed in the practical test, but there is still room for improvement.
The Pixel Watch 2 was already a well-rounded and successful thing for ntv.de, and Google's second smartwatch is also one of the best at Stiftung Warentest. Fitness functions, communication and handling are great, but the battery life is no better than satisfactory. In addition, many users are dissatisfied with the size of the display and its wide bezels. The Pixel Watch 3 proves to be significantly better in the practical test, but retains one weak point.
Bigger is better
The 41 millimeter version on the left and the 45 millimeter version on the right.
(Photo: Google)
Google has met the most important requirement by offering, in addition to the 41 millimeter watch (from 399 euros), a second variant (from 449 euros) that has a diameter of 45 millimeters. 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 of the 45 millimeter version offers 40 percent more visible area without appearing bulky on the wrist. If you don't have a particularly slim wrist, you're usually better off with the larger version.
Barely increased stamina
The 45 also has a larger battery, but like its little sister with the always-on display activated, Google only gives it a runtime of up to 24 hours. If the inactive screen remains dark, it can last up to 36 hours. In the practical test for the 41 millimeter version, this meant that the watch's battery lasted a little longer, but was still in the red zone in the morning and had to go to the charging station after breakfast at the latest. With the always-on display deactivated, it at least lasted until lunch.
This means that it proved to be a little more durable than its predecessor, but the difference is not big. With a little bit of routine you can manage the mileage, as the watch can be charged quite quickly. An empty battery can be filled to 50 percent again in just under 25 minutes and 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, for example, the Apple Watch.
Very good display
You can now choose to display the app collection in a grid.
(Photo: kwe)
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 was hardly significant despite the bright summer weather, and the display of the Watch 2 was still easy to read in the sunlight. What is more important is that the screen can now dim down to 1 nit in the dark and is therefore less disruptive 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 has 30 Hz. The new one's touchscreen feels a little snappier. However, this is certainly not due to a new chip; the watch is still powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5 Gen 1.
If you are in good shape on the day, training can be a little harder.
(Photo: kwe)
Finally, the Pixel Watch 3 offers the Ultra Wide Band short-range radio standard. Above all, it offers the advantage that the watch is 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.
What's also new is that you can now display all apps no longer just as a list, but rather their icons in a grid view. And finally you can download offline maps in Maps to the watch storage.
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 can only get the full range if you take out a paid Fitbit subscription for around 9 euros. The sensors used to measure the associated values are the same as those on the Pixel Watch 2.
What is particularly interesting here is a morning summary with a so-called daily form index, which is created using measurements of heart rate variability, resting frequency and blood oxygen as well as a sleep analysis. On a scale of 1 to 100, it shows whether you are fit enough for training, how demanding it should be and how you can achieve a set goal. The measurements proved to be largely accurate in practical testing, and the daily form displayed roughly corresponded to how you felt.
Because many people jog, the Pixel Watch 3 offers extensive innovations especially for runners. Among other things, the watch helps plan runs. You can set goals for distance, time, pace or heart rate zones and create repetitions for interval runs.
On the move, the watch provides haptic and acoustic feedback as to whether you are on target, above or below plan, or whether it is time for the next interval. After the training you receive an analysis. Anyone who has a subscription can receive running recommendations with AI support that are based on the exercise goal and previous training.
Conclusion
The most important innovation of the Pixel Watch 3 is that it is now also available as a 45 millimeter version. Even in the smaller model, the improvements to the display are particularly noticeable. Whether the new fitness functions are interesting depends on individual use. If you don't need detailed analyzes and can handle a smaller display, you'll find an almost equally good solution in the predecessor, which is currently available online from just 230 euros.
