This year in August, Google came out with several products, including four Pixel phones, the Google Pixel Watch 3 41mm, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2. What especially grabbed our interest was the first opportunity to test the Google Pixel Watch 3 41mm in India. We received the Pixel Watch 2, but we couldn’t handle it to test. The Google Pixel Watch 3 41mm is available for Rs 38,999 and does not have any cellular capabilities.
What’s new this year is that the Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. We got the 41mm version and have been using it for the past few weeks.
Google has not communicated the actual screen size but the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 seems to be packing a 1.2-inch LTPO AMOLED display that seems bright and very sharp. From the company’s standpoint, the Watch 3 provided 40% more screen area compared to the prior model because of the thinner bezel — a fact with which we concur after using the Watch 3. The new appearance and layout that is presented offer a more interesting interface to the users and is more enjoyable to interact with. The fourth is increased display area and reduced frame widths and therefore is the Pixel Watch 3’s most remarkable feature.
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 is 31 grams excluding the strap and probably weighs around 35 grams with the strap. The above design makes it comfortable to wear for some time, be it doing some exercise or even sleeping on it. Because of this, and its very small size, the device does not become bothersome and can be worn at all times of the day and night so one can monitor personal health and fitness. This is especially good for various activities because its appearance does not pose as a large and weighty watch at the wrist.
Google mentions the Pixel Watch 3’s casing is built from 100% recycled aluminum and the strap comes with a soft touch finish. Most users can strap it on directly from the package and they come in different colors and designs. The watch comes equipped with a dial button for controlling the screen and there’s an additional concealed button above the traditional crown. Our only issue with it is that 41mm might appear a little too compact to some people which is why the next size up 45mm should suit the bigger-wristed individuals better.
For the Pixel 3 UI update as well as for Fitbit devices.
As early as the Pixel Watch 3, Google’s Fitbit acquisition is evident and is a major plus for the company. It can be noted that the watch now has the full set of Fitbit features which improves its watch predominantly submits as a health and fitness tool. But it will also require the Pixel Watch app to connect the device and personalize it through features such as faces, and themes among others.
Fitbit also offers premium features worth exploring if you own any of the Pixel Watch models. The Pixel Watch 3’s built-in sensors deliver solid performance, with accurate step tracking and effective sleep monitoring. It runs on WearOS 5, which gives it a Pixel-like user interface that’s smooth and responsive. Google has promised three more WearOS updates for the Watch 3, ensuring long-term support and maintaining its smooth performance over time.
One great aspect of the Fitbit app is how seamlessly it integrates with Google’s Pixel ecosystem, offering the benefits of a well-connected platform. The activity is on the Pixel Watch 3, which cross-utilizes a specialty smartwatch with a tendency towards fitness. That is why it can be expected to become interesting to comprehend how Google is going to adapt AI to this environment and make it even more valuable to the users of the smartwatches.
Compact, Bright, but Limited
The 1.2-inch Actua display is bright, with a 320 ppi LTPO panel that offers a wide range of colors. However, the screen size on the 41mm variant feels somewhat restricted. We also found the notification pop-ups on the Watch 3 to be less than ideal, and typing on the screen in white made it challenging to get a feel for the interface.
The brightness of the Pixel Watch 3 makes it easy to use in sunlight, and the deep blacks of the AMOLED display enhance visibility. While the rounded screen looks appealing on the wrist, it feels a bit small. Google may want to consider offering a different size for the Pixel Watch 4 to address this issue.
The Pixel Watch 3 has launched in India as a Wi-Fi model, with Google opting not to introduce the LTE version, likely due to the higher costs associated with cellular connectivity. Interestingly, the Watch 3 includes a loudspeaker and supports NFC for payments, though this feature isn’t available in India.
Running on Qualcomm SW5100 processor the newly released smartwatch comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage that would be more than enough to accommodate all sorts of applications and content. On balance, the Watch 3 provides excellent performance which calls for little criticism.
