A Deeper Look at the Google Pixel Watch 3: Specifications and Features

The Google Pixel Watch 3, the latest iteration in Google's smartwatch lineup, builds upon the foundation of its predecessors with key improvements in display, battery life, and health-tracking features. Launched in the fall of 2024, the watch aims to provide a seamless blend of Google's software ecosystem with advanced fitness capabilities powered by Fitbit.

Key Innovations and Design

One of the most significant changes in the Pixel Watch 3 is the introduction of a second, larger size. The watch is now available in both a 41mm and a new 45mm case, addressing a common request from users who preferred a bigger display. This larger size offers a substantial increase in screen real estate, with the 45mm model providing 40% more display area than the previous generation. Both models feature a custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and a brighter Actua display with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, making it easily readable even in direct sunlight.

The design maintains the distinctive circular, domed aesthetic of the Pixel Watch series, with a rotating haptic crown and a side button for navigation. The case is made from 100% recycled aluminum, and it is rated for 5 ATM water resistance and IP68 dust and water protection, ensuring durability for a variety of activities.

Performance and Battery

The Pixel Watch 3 is powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, which is paired with a Cortex-M33 co-processor. This combination is designed to deliver a smooth and responsive experience while optimizing power consumption. The watch comes with 2GB of SDRAM and 32GB of eMMC storage.

Battery life sees a notable improvement, especially with the new larger model. While both sizes are rated for up to 24 hours of use with the always-on display active, the 45mm model's larger 420 mAh battery offers an average of 48 hours in some tests, and both can be extended to up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode. Charging is also faster, with the 41mm model reaching 100% in about 60 minutes and the 45mm model in about 80 minutes.

Health and Fitness

As with its predecessors, the Pixel Watch 3 is deeply integrated with Fitbit's health and fitness tracking platform. It features a comprehensive suite of sensors for monitoring a wide range of health metrics, including a multi-path optical heart rate sensor, SpO2 (blood oxygen) sensor, ECG app compatibility, and a skin temperature sensor. A standout new feature is "Loss of Pulse Detection," which can automatically contact emergency services if it detects that the heart has stopped beating.

The watch also introduces new running-focused features, such as "Cardio Load" and "Target Load," which provide insights into your heart's exertion and help you balance training with recovery. For runners, the watch offers a Workout Builder for creating custom runs, real-time guidance, and advanced motion sensing to analyze running form.

Connectivity and Software

The Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5, which offers a host of new features and deeper integration with Google's ecosystem. It includes Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support for seamless interactions, such as unlocking your Pixel phone or even your car with a swipe of your wrist. It also supports Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, and has GPS, Galileo, and Glonass for accurate location tracking. The watch's software allows for call screening with Google AI, controlling Google TV, and using the Pixel's camera as a remote shutter.

Specifications Summary

Feature41mm Model45mm Model
Dimensions41 x 41 x 12.3 mm45 x 45 x 12.3 mm
Weight (without band)31 g37 g
Case Material100% recycled aluminum100% recycled aluminum
DisplayCustom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO, up to 2000 nits peak brightnessCustom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO, up to 2000 nits peak brightness
ProcessorSnapdragon W5 Gen 1 + Cortex-M33 co-processorSnapdragon W5 Gen 1 + Cortex-M33 co-processor
OSWear OS 5.0Wear OS 5.0
Memory/Storage2 GB SDRAM / 32 GB eMMC2 GB SDRAM / 32 GB eMMC
Battery307 mAh, up to 24 hours420 mAh, up to 24 hours
ChargingAbout 60 minutes to 100%About 80 minutes to 100%
Connectivity4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, UWB, GPS4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, UWB, GPS
SensorsOptical HR, SpO2, ECG, cEDA, skin temperature, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, barometerOptical HR, SpO2, ECG, cEDA, skin temperature, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, barometer
Durability5 ATM water resistance, IP685 ATM water resistance, IP68

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