Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm): Bigger, brighter, and better
Google Pixel Watch 3. Picture: Google.
One of my favourite smartwatches last year was the Pixel Watch 2, but it had two minor drawbacks: the size and the battery life. The Google Pixel Watch 3 brings significant updates, especially in the 45mm variant. After a few weeks of testing the larger 45mm model, I’ve been impressed with the display, software, and fitness tracking.
One of the most notable upgrades in the Pixel Watch 3 is the display, particularly on the 45mm version. The 45mm model’s screen is 40% larger than the Pixel Watch 2, providing much more real estate for interactions and visuals. Wear OS tiles, notifications, and watch faces now show more information, making everything less cramped.
In the smaller 41mm variant, the bezels have been slimmed down by 16%, resulting in a 10% increase in display size without increasing the overall dimensions. The larger 45mm makes navigating the watch smoother and more comfortable, and I vastly prefer how it feels and looks on my 180mm wrist.
The Pixel Watch 3 features a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, double that of the Pixel Watch 2. Whether outside in direct sunlight or just needing a glance at your notifications, the screen remains crisp and clear, comparable to other top smartwatches. Google has also brought over the Actua display branding from Pixel phones, ensuring better colour accuracy and vibrancy.
Despite these improvements, the design remains essentially the same. The signature dome-shaped body is still intact, although it uses Gorilla Glass instead of the more durable sapphire crystal used by competitors. There’s also a new matte finish option for the 45mm variant in Hazel and Black, which offers a cleaner, more subtle look compared to the previous polished finishes.
The Pixel Watch 3 introduces several software upgrades that enhance usability. One of the most noticeable is the new app grid launcher, which simplifies navigation and makes it easier to access your apps. I prefer the grid view, so it’s a welcome update to the UI. You can switch back to the classic list view if you prefer, but the grid format feels more intuitive, especially with the larger display.
The Pixel Recorder app is now available on the watch for quick voice memos. These recordings can be synced to your phone for transcription or storage. However, the microphone struggles to pick up audio clearly if the watch isn’t close to your face, so this feature works best in quiet environments.
Another new feature is the upgraded Google Home app, which includes a Google TV remote and live camera feeds from Nest cameras. You can even do things like pan or zoom using a double-tap or digital crown.
The Pixel camera app also got a boost, with a larger and faster viewfinder and the ability to control photo and video modes.
One of the most convenient new additions is Watch Unlock, which uses ultra-wideband technology to unlock your Pixel phone simply by having your watch nearby. This feature is currently exclusive to Pro model Pixel devices.
I love that the Pixel Watch 3 supports contactless payments via Google Pay, a feature I use all the time, which is not a given on all smartwatches.
Fitbit continues to power the fitness experience, and some fantastic new additions exist. The morning briefing feature gives you a rundown of your sleep data and makes suggestions based on your recovery, offering a holistic start to your day.
Bedtime mode has also been improved — if you fall asleep while wearing the watch, it automatically triggers and tracks your sleep without manually activating it.
The biggest improvements come with running workouts. Google has introduced a new Workout Builder, which allows users to customise warm-ups, cool-downs, and intervals and even set goals based on time, distance, or calories burned. You can also set pace and heart rate zones with audio cues to keep you on track. During runs, you’ll receive real-time feedback like split times and even motivational nudges if you fall behind your target pace.
After each run, the watch provides a post-run analysis filled with stats, including stride length, step cadence, and vertical oscillation. Fitbit now personalises these metrics after ten runs, allowing you to track improvements over time. This data-rich experience makes the Pixel Watch 3 feel more like a personalised training tool, perfect for fitness enthusiasts who love diving into the details.
There are also AI-powered daily run recommendations, which provide custom runs tailored to help you hit your target load and personalise your recent runs.
With your purchase of the Pixel 3, you will get a 6-month trial of Fitbit Premium. However, unless you cancel, you will be charged €10.49 a month. The Fitbit Premium subscription still offers exclusive content and features, but they are no longer essential for basic tracking and monitoring on the Pixel Watch 3.
The Pixel Watch 3 can now automatically call emergency services if it detects a loss of pulse. It will provide on-screen prompts before it makes the call to ensure it’s not a false positive. You also get several vital features, including ECG readings, fall detection, irregular heart rhythm notifications, and tracking sleeping skin temperature.
The 45mm variant I’ve been testing features a bigger display and a larger battery, offering significantly better longevity. In my testing, it could last a day and a half on a single charge with the always-on display enabled. The 41mm version isn’t as good based on the spec sheet, which suggests you’ll only get a day. The real leap forward is with the 45mm model, where the larger battery makes it a more reliable companion for sleep tracking and daily wear.
While the internal chipset remains the same as the Pixel Watch 2, Wear OS 5 brings some power efficiency optimisations, contributing to better overall performance. Although it doesn’t quite reach the week-long battery life of dedicated fitness trackers like Fitbit, it’s now competitive with other flagship smartwatches.
Charge speeds have also been boosted, with a full charge taking up to 80 minutes on the 45mm and 60 minutes on the 41mm.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 in its new 45mm variant feels like a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. The larger display, improved brightness, and new fitness features make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to balance style, functionality, and fitness tracking in one device.
While the 41mm model is still a solid option, the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is better unless you prefer the smaller size and don’t mind charging it daily.
Google Pixel Watch 3 from €399 for the 41mm and from €449 for the 45mm. Google
