Google Pixel 3 Watch Review - The Best Smartwatch for Android, Tested

Google officially announced the Google Pixel Watch 3 on August 13, 2024. In this Pixel Watch 3 review, we’ll explore why this smartwatch is gaining attention with its 45mm AMOLED display, accurate Pixel Watch 3 fitness tracking, and improved Pixel Watch 3 battery life and fast charging features.

Whether you’re focused on health monitoring, all-day comfort, or seamless integration with your Android phone, this review will provide a comprehensive look at the design, performance, and key features of the Pixel Watch 3, helping you decide if it’s the right smartwatch for your wrist.

You can also read the article about Pixel Watch 3 below:

Google Pixel Watch 4 vs Pixel Watch 3

Quick Verdict - Google Pixel Watch 3 Review

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a major upgrade in the Pixel Watch lineup, addressing issues like small screens, low brightness, and thick bezels from the previous generation. The new 45mm display with 2000-nit Actua AMOLED delivers crisp visuals, making notifications and fitness data easy to read. Its accurate optical heart rate sensor provides reliable tracking for running, workouts, and daily health monitoring. Wear OS 5 runs smoothly and integrates seamlessly with the Pixel ecosystem, offering effortless multi-device connectivity and interaction.

Key Highlights

• Industry-leading heart rate tracking accuracy
• Improved battery life with fast charging to reduce downtime
• New 45mm large screen with bright, clear display
• Smooth Wear OS 5 experience, supports UWB device interaction
• Comprehensive fitness and health tools for workouts and daily activity

Drawbacks

• Durability is limited, still uses Gorilla Glass
• Lacks Gemini AI, relies on traditional Google Assistant
• Some advanced health metrics require Fitbit Premium subscription
• Short software support period- only 3 years
• Single-frequency GPS, basic non-running activity tracking

Ideal For

• Pixel phone users seeking deep Google ecosystem integration
• Those who prioritize a large, bright screen and daily health monitoring
• Fitness enthusiasts who need accurate running data and essential workout tools

Overall Score- 4.3 / 5.0- Balanced design, battery, health tracking, and smart features make it a reliable choice for most Android users looking for daily wear and fitness monitoring.

Google Pixel Watch 3 Design - Refined Minimalism, Better Fit, More Premium Feel

The Google Pixel Watch 4 brings the most mature and balanced design in the series. Compared with the Pixel Watch 3, it offers cleaner proportions, better ergonomics, and improved daily comfort- while keeping Google’s signature minimalist, pebble-like aesthetic.

Key Highlights

• Two sizes for different users - 41mm for a compact, fashion-forward look; 45mm for a fuller watch presence and better usability.
• More refined styling - Smoother curves and updated color options give the Pixel Watch 4 a more premium, modern feel.
• Exceptional comfort - The redesigned case sits more naturally on the wrist, making it comfortable for workouts, office wear, and sleep.
• Improved crown interaction - The enhanced haptic crown offers smoother, more precise control than the Pixel Watch 3.

Upgrade Your Pixel Watch Comfort & Style

To enhance the comfort and versatility of your Pixel Watch 3, the Bandletic Google Pixel 3 Watch Straps offer an ideal upgrade - especially the Cross Magnetic Sport Band, featuring skin-friendly silicone, dual-locking magnetic security, and a dynamic athletic look. If you want more options, explore the full Bandletic collection for other models, including Bandletic Google Pixel Watch 1 Straps, Google Pixel Watch 2 Straps, and Google Pixel Watch 4 Straps.

Rating - 4.5 / 5.0

Reason- Retains Pixel’s signature minimalist aesthetic, with full upgrades in size, wearable comfort, and crown controls. Only the slightly wide bezel leaves room for improvement.

Google Pixel Watch 3 Display - Bright, Vivid, and Immersive AMOLED Screen

Google Pixel Watch 3 features a larger, brighter, and more vivid AMOLED display, delivering an outstanding Wear OS visual experience. The 45mm model increases screen area by 40% and peaks at 2000 nits brightness, making it clear even in direct sunlight. Dynamic refresh rates from 1Hz to 60Hz ensure smooth animations and optimized battery life, while Gorilla Glass 5 provides reliable daily protection.

Key Highlights:

• Larger Screen for 45mm - Better readability for notifications, fitness tracking, and navigation.
• High Brightness & Adaptive Display - Peak 2000 nits, minimum 1 nit, ideal for daylight and night use.
• AMOLED Vivid Colors - Sharp, vibrant display for watch faces and apps.
• Smooth Refresh Rate - 1–60Hz dynamic refresh for fluid UI and energy efficiency.
• Durable Protection - Gorilla Glass 5 resists scratches, daily wear safe.

Rating - 4.6 / 5.0 

Reason - Large, bright, and fluid AMOLED screen enhances usability and outdoor visibility; Gorilla Glass 5 protects daily use, though not as scratch-resistant as sapphire glass.

Google Pixel Watch 3 Fitness & Health Tracking - Accurate, Comprehensive, and Smart

The Google Pixel Watch 3 significantly upgrades its fitness and health capabilities compared to previous generations. It combines precise heart rate monitoring, advanced running analysis, and holistic health tracking into a single wearable, making it ideal for Android users who want reliable workout tracking and actionable health insights.

Key Upgrades & Features

• Multi-Sport Detection- Automatically recognizes 40+ activities such as running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and strength training within minutes.
• Running Analytics- Measures stride, cadence, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time; real-time pace and heart rate guidance for optimized performance.
• Cardio Load & Recovery- Tracks cardiovascular load and recovery status to prevent overtraining and support smarter workout planning.
• GPS Tracking- Single-frequency GPS provides route, distance, and speed; suitable for city runs and general outdoor activities.
• Comprehensive Health Monitoring- Continuous heart rate, sleep tracking, stress measurement, SpO₂ monitoring, and an integrated health dashboard via Fitbit.
• Safety Features- Fall detection, emergency sharing, and pulse loss detection ensure user safety in critical situations.

Rating- 4.6 / 5.0

Reason- Outstanding combination of fitness tracking and health monitoring, reliable daily usability, with minor limitations in GPS and premium features.

Google Pixel Watch 3 Wear OS Experience - Smooth, Intuitive, Fully Integrated

The Google Pixel Watch 3 delivers one of the cleanest and most complete Wear OS 5 experiences on a smartwatch. Compared with Samsung custom UIs, Pixel Watch 3 provides intuitive navigation, seamless Google ecosystem integration, and fitness-focused features, making it ideal for Android users seeking smartwatch convenience with health tracking.

Key Upgrades & Features

• Fluid Navigation- The enhanced haptic crown allows smooth scrolling, quick app access, and return gestures; secondary button supports additional shortcuts.
• Notifications & Controls- Quick access notifications and control panels are responsive and unobtrusive, with future improvements possible via customizable layout stacking.
• Morning Briefing- Summarizes sleep, readiness, cardio load, and health alerts- helping users start the day informed.
• Google Ecosystem Integration- Full support for Google Wallet, Maps, Gmail, YouTube Music, Nest cameras, and more, ensuring seamless cross-device experience.
• Voice Input- Fast and accurate, arguably among the best on smartwatches.
• Customization- Native watch faces and widgets are flexible; users can personalize layout, color, and functionality.
• Fitbit Integration- Built-in health and fitness insights, enhanced with 6 months of Fitbit Premium for deeper analysis.
• Sleep & Bedtime Mode- Automatic sleep detection with seamless bedtime activation.

Rating- 4.5 / 5.0

Reason- Smooth and intuitive Wear OS experience with deep Google ecosystem integration, ideal for daily use and health-focused users; limited AI integration is the only drawback.

Pixel Watch 3 Battery Life & Charging - Longer Endurance, Fast Charging

The Google Pixel Watch 3 significantly improves battery life compared to its predecessor, especially the 45mm version. Even under heavy usage with Always-On Display (AOD) enabled, the 45mm model typically lasts 36–48 hours, while the 41mm version covers roughly a full day. Optimized software and a larger battery make it a strong contender for daily use, workouts, and sleep tracking, though extended high-intensity activity can still drain the battery faster.

Key Battery Highlights

Battery Performance:

• 45mm- 40–48 hours, easily supporting over a day and a half of regular use
• 41mm- Around 24 hours, requiring daily charging

Always-On Display Impact

• AOD slightly reduces battery life by 10–20%; disabling it extends endurance close to two days

Charging Efficiency:

• 41mm- Fully charged in ~60 minutes
• 45mm- Fully charged in ~70 minutes, 50% battery in ~25 minutes

Daily Use Experience

• Supports all-day wear, workout tracking, sleep monitoring, notifications, and more, with convenient fast charging

Upgrades & Improvements:

• Significant battery life increase over Pixel Watch 2
• Fast charging adds convenience for daily use
• 45mm model optimized for longer continuous wear

Rating- 4.5 / 5.0

Reason- Stable battery life and fast charging make Pixel Watch 3 practical for daily use. The 45mm model supports extended usage, though users seeking ultra-long battery life may need to consider alternative smartwatches.

Google Pixel Watch 3 Scorecard

Google Pixel 3 Watch Review - Conclusion & Recommendation

Overall, the Google Pixel Watch 3 delivers significant improvements, making it the most balanced smartwatch in the Pixel Watch lineup. With its large 45mm AMOLED display, accurate heart rate and fitness tracking, smooth Wear OS 5 experience, and optimized battery life with fast charging, it is a reliable choice for daily wear, workouts, and health monitoring.

Here’s a quick recommendation for different users:

• Pixel phone users- Enjoy seamless integration with the Google ecosystem, including notifications, Google Maps, Wallet, and more.
• Fitness enthusiasts and health-focused users- Accurate running metrics, multi-sport tracking, and holistic health insights make it ideal, especially when paired with Fitbit Premium.
• Users seeking a large, clear display- The 45mm model offers excellent readability and outdoor visibility, while the 41mm model is perfect for smaller wrists or those preferring a lightweight, comfortable fit.

While the Pixel Watch 3 has minor limitations in durability, GPS precision, and some advanced health features, its strengths in display quality, health and fitness tracking, system performance, and daily usability make it a solid choice for Android users.

Final Verdict- If you are looking for a smartwatch with accurate health tracking, long battery life, and a premium Wear OS experience, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is a top-tier option that balances style, performance, and functionality.