Black-Owned Illumen Capital Raises $32.75M to Reduce Bias in Venture Capital
November 26, 2024
LeapFrog Investments Closes $1Billion Fund To Invest in Africa and Asia
November 27, 2024
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner. So, if you’re considering a smartwatch upgrade or searching for the perfect gift for a loved one, especially if they’re into fitness or tech, the Google Pixel Watch 3 might be just what you need. We’ve had some hands-on time with the newest model of Google’s smartwatch, and here’s our take on whether it’s worth your money this holiday season.
Design and Display
Let’s start with the design. The Pixel Watch 3 sticks to Google’s signature circular aesthetic but now comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. This is a welcome change, especially for those craving a larger watch face. The AMOLED display is a stunner, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks that make everything pop. At 2000 nits of brightness, it remains perfectly legible even under harsh sunlight, ideal for those morning runs or outdoor adventures.
Related Post: Pixel 8 Pro Review: A Great Gift for the Holidays
The bezels are thinner this time, giving the watch a sleek, premium look. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 ensures durability, keeping it scratch- and dust-resistant. While the design tweaks are subtle, they elevate the overall experience. Whether you’re pairing it with your gym gear or office attire, the Pixel Watch 3 looks and feels like a cool accessory.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the Pixel Watch 3 is powered by the same Qualcomm SW100 chipset as its predecessor. While that may sound underwhelming compared to some competitors, the energy-efficient Wear OS 5 makes up for it. Battery life has seen a significant boost, a long-awaited improvement.
Related Post:5 Must-have Travel Gadgets for Millennials
The smaller 41mm model lasts about a day and a half on a single charge, while the larger 45mm version, with its 420mAh battery, pushes close to two days with moderate use. That’s impressive for a Google smartwatch. However, if you’re big on GPS tracking or use fitness features extensively, you’ll still need to top it up daily.
Features and Software: A Fitness Lover’s Dream
The Pixel Watch 3 truly shines in its features. Seamlessly integrated into Google’s ecosystem, it’s a perfect companion for Android users, especially those with Pixel phones. Wear OS 5 brings a host of upgrades, including a more responsive Google Assistant, improved notifications, and offline Google Maps, perfect for adventures where signal strength might fail.
Fitness enthusiasts, especially runners, are in for a treat. The watch offers advanced running metrics like cadence, stride length, and ground contact time. These are accessible through the updated Fitbit app, which now includes structured workout plans and personalized training load analysis. The new Cardio Load metric adds another layer for tracking performance, making this an excellent choice for those serious about fitness.
Related Post: 3 Ways To Turn Your Passion For Fitness Into A Career
Heart rate monitoring has also been enhanced, delivering more accurate data during workouts. Add in the brighter, more responsive display, and it’s easy to see why this watch is geared toward active individuals.
Drawbacks
No product is perfect, and the Pixel Watch 3 is no exception. While Wear OS 5 improves performance, the chipset feels dated compared to newer offerings from Apple and Samsung. It’s a missed opportunity for Google to leap ahead in hardware innovation.
Another sticking point is the price. Starting at $349, it’s in the same league as premium options like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch Series 9, both of which offer more advanced internals. Additionally, repairability is still limited, so replacing components might get expensive in the long run.
Final Verdict
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a solid upgrade in many ways. It delivers where it counts: design, battery life, and fitness features, making it a compelling choice for Android users. If you’re already invested in Google’s ecosystem or looking for a smartwatch that balances style and functionality, this one’s a no-brainer.
Related Post: 5 Best Tech Devices for Business
That said, if cutting-edge hardware is a priority, you might want to explore other options in the same price range. For everyone else, especially fitness enthusiasts and Pixel phone owners, the Pixel Watch 3 strikes a sweet spot and makes for a thoughtful, practical holiday gift.
So, are you ready to add this to your wishlist or wrap it up for someone special?
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is available directly from the Google Store (black Friday specials are already on), major retailers like Best Buy, and online platforms like Amazon. It’s also offered through select carriers, with financing options available to make gifting or upgrading more convenient. Be sure to check out holiday deals and Black Friday discounts to snag this premium smartwatch at a great price!
