Google Pixel Watch 3 with UWB and Bluetooth LE audio is here
After the Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, as well as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is now official. Although it retains the same design, it brings drastic changes to the lineup. From a distance, you could even easily mistake it for a Pixel Watch 2. But there are now two sizes – 41 mm and 45 mm. Inside is the same Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset for wearables. In addition, there are the usual sensors such as heart rate monitor, ECG, SpO2, skin thermometer and GPS. The UWB chip is new.
This means that the Google Pixel Watch 3 is the first Android smartwatch with UWB connectivity. This makes it easier to unlock your smartphone or find the device if it is registered in the Find My network. The watch can of course also unlock your car if the vehicle has this function.
Both the 41mm and 45mm variants now feature displays with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. That’s a significant improvement over last year’s Pixel Watch 2, which had 1,000 nits. Perhaps more noticeable are the screen bezels, which are now a full millimeter thinner. The 41mm variant still has a 1.2-inch display, while the 45mm version increases the size to 1.4 inches.
The 41mm option also retains the predecessor’s 310mAh battery, while the 45mm version has a 420mAh cell. Interestingly, Google promises 24 hours without a charger with the Always-On Display feature turned on, which is exactly the same runtime as last year’s Pixel Watch 2. Charging is also 20% faster on the Google Pixel Watch 3.
If you listen to music or podcasts on your Google smartwatch during your morning jog, you’ll be happy to know that the Google Pixel Watch 3 now supports Bluetooth LE Audio. This is a low-power Bluetooth audio protocol that uses less power to stream songs. It’s also the first Android smartwatch to offer such functionality. Google is also touting a few other features like improved run tracking, controlling your Pixel phone’s camera, accessing your Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell right from your watch, and navigating with Google Maps in offline mode.
Some new health tracking features are also available, including a readiness score that assesses your recovery level and gives you an idea of whether you’re ready for your next workout or need more rest.
Google Pixel Watch 3 pricing
The available colors for both Google Pixel Watch 3 variants are matte black aluminum with an obsidian strap and polished silver aluminum with a porcelain strap. The 41mm model also has the champagne gold aluminum finish with a hazelnut strap. The 45mm model comes in matte hazelnut aluminum instead with the same hazelnut strap.
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi costs $349. The same configuration for the 45mm model is $399. LTE connectivity adds $100 to the price. In the UK, it’s £349/£399 plus £100 extra for the LTE modem, while in Europe it’s €399/€449 plus €100 extra for the cellular version. Shipping to all markets starts on September 10.
