Google’s attempt at Wear OS watches has been pretty successful with the Pixel Watch and the Pixel Watch 2. With the resurrection of Wear OS and healthy competition, Google has launched the Pixel Watch 3 alongside the Pixel 9 series at the Made by Google event. It brings a few improvements over its predecessor, but is it worth shelling out the extra premium? Here’s our Pixel Watch 3 vs Pixel Watch 2 comparison to help you decide.
What You Will Learn
- The design similarities and differences between the Pixel Watch 3 and Watch 2.
- Enhanced display features of the Pixel Watch 3 and their advantages.
- New health features and sensors introduced with the Pixel Watch 3.
- Hardware specifications and battery life comparison between both models.
- Color variants and pricing differences for the Pixel Watch series.
Design Comparison: Pixel Watch 3 vs Pixel Watch 2
The overall dimensions of the Pixel Watch 3 are similar to those of the Pixel Watch 2. It retains the circular pebble-like design with rounded corners. The casing of the Watch 3 is built from aluminum, similar to the Watch 2. It features the same button and rotating crown on the right, along with a band mechanism and a sensor array at the bottom.
One of the major changes is that the Pixel Watch 3 comes in a 45mm variant with a 36 x 36 mm chassis. This provides a larger display while retaining the 20mm strap size of both the regular Pixel Watch 3 and 2. The 41mm version of the Pixel Watch 3 measures 32 x 32 mm, offering an option for those who prefer a larger watch face.
Overall, there aren’t any significant changes in design apart from the option to choose a bigger variant if 41mm seems too small, which is a great addition for users looking for more flexibility.
Display Enhancements in Pixel Watch 3
The display is where we see our first noticeable upgrade in the Pixel Watch 3. This model features a brighter display with slimmer bezels, reducing the bezel size from 5.5mm to 4.5mm compared to the Watch 2. As a result, there’s a slight improvement in resolution without changing the overall display size.
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 boasts a 408 x 408 pixel display, while the 45mm variant comes with a 456 x 456 pixel resolution. Both models utilize OLED technology and can achieve a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, which is double that of the Pixel Watch 2, enhancing visibility in bright environments.
Health Features and Sensors: What's New?
While the Pixel Watch 3 does not introduce new sensors, it enhances fitness tracking through updates to the Fitbit features. Users can now access new metrics, such as Personal Best, Cardio Load, and Advanced Running Metrics. Additionally, a Morning Brief feature provides a Readiness Score to help users gauge their fitness levels.
Notably, the Pixel Watch 3 series introduces Ultra-wideband technology, allowing for precise location tracking of the watch and other devices. This feature is part of the Google Find My Device network, which enhances the overall utility of the device in everyday scenarios.
Hardware and Battery Performance
Both the Pixel Watch 3 and Watch 2 utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100 processor, which is a quad-core SoC featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.7 GHz. This ensures that both watches perform adequately, with the Pixel Watch 3 expected to deliver similar performance levels as its predecessor.
The battery capacity on the Watch 3 has been slightly increased to a 310 mAh cell, compared to the 306 mAh in the Pixel Watch 2. However, the 45mm variant offers a larger 420 mAh battery, which is anticipated to provide better longevity. Google claims both versions will deliver 24 hours of battery life, making them reliable options for daily use.
Color Variants and Pricing Overview
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 is available in four color combinations: Silver chassis with a Rose Quartz Band, Black with Obsidian, Gold with Hazel, and Silver with Porcelain. The 45mm variant also offers a selection of colors including Hazel/Hazel, Black/Obsidian, and Silver/Porcelain.
In contrast, the Pixel Watch 2 was launched in four variants: Silver/Bay, Black/Obsidian, Gold/Hazel, and Silver/Porcelain. The pricing for both watches remains consistent, with the Pixel Watch 3 costing $349 for the 41mm Wi-Fi-only variant, matching the launch price of the Pixel Watch 2.
For those considering an upgrade, the improvements in the Pixel Watch 3 may not justify the expense. If you're already satisfied with the Pixel Watch 2, it might be wise to hold off on upgrading.
If you want to buy a Pixel Watch, the Watch 2 will probably be discounted, and we recommend getting it instead. If you want the 45mm version that costs $399, we suggest you skip the Pixel Watch and get the Galaxy Watch 7 or other best Wear OS watches that are less expensive and a tad bit more feature-rich.
What are your thoughts on Pixel Watch 3 pricing? Let us know in the comments!
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