[REVIEW] Google Pixel Watch 3 Is Almost Perfect. Almost.
There's so much to like about the Pixel Watch 3 but its price might deter you.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 19 Nov 2024, 03:12 PM
The Google Pixel Watch 3 represents a significant leap forward in Google's smartwatch journey
The watch blends aesthetics, performance, and functionality into a sleek package that fits seamlessly into the Pixel ecosystem.
The Pixel Watch 3 comes in two size options: 41mm and 45mm. I had the opportunity to test out the 41mm LTE variant.
While there's a lot to like about the watch, my experience was marred by a few teething issues.
Here's an expanded look at what the Pixel Watch 3 gets right, where it stumbles, and why it remains a worthy contender in the wearable market.
Design-wise, the Pixel Watch 3 is a visual delight, and the Wear OS 4 operating system provides a smooth and intuitive user experience
Its edge-to-edge AMOLED display boasts incredible brightness levels, up to 2,000 nits, ensuring perfect legibility in direct sunlight — which has continued to prove a challenge for many smartwatches.
The circular design, paired with a stainless steel body, exudes a premium vibe. It's compact, stylish, and equally comfortable during a workout or a night out. Google has clearly prioritised a design that stands out without being ostentatious.
Under the hood, the Wear OS 4 integrates seamlessly with Android phones, creating an ecosystem that's cohesive and convenient. Whether you're managing notifications, accessing Google Assistant, or controlling smart home devices, the Pixel Watch 3 delivers a polished experience.
Battery-wise, the Pixel Watch 3 can last up to 48 hours of use before requiring a charge.
Fitbit's fitness tracking, now further integrated, shines on the Pixel Watch 3
Features like continuous heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, and the new AI-driven fitness insights make this a robust tool for health enthusiasts.
The addition of more accurate GPS tracking and support for personalised workouts gives it an edge over competitors in the health space.
The only downside? Many of the Fitbit features are behind a hefty monthly paywall. This brings me to the cons of owning the Pixel Watch 3.
While there's much to celebrate, some drawbacks remain with the Pixel Watch 3 especially when it comes to pricing, battery life, and durability
With a starting price of RM1,849 for the WiFi model, the Pixel Watch 3 is pricier than other non-Pro versions out there in the market. With the additional cost of signing up for a Fitbit account for a detailed analysis of your fitness regime, the costs of owning the device stack up.
The Gorilla Glass 5 display, though visually stunning, lacks the scratch resistance of sapphire crystal used by rivals like Apple and Garmin. For a watch this beautiful, I feel extra durability would inspire more confidence in everyday use.
The proprietary strap system, while ensuring a snug fit, limits customisation options and ties users to Google-branded accessories. This can feel restrictive, especially for those who enjoy personalising their wearables.
Finally, while the Pixel Watch 3 makes strides in battery performance, it still falls short of some competitors that last several days on a single charge. For heavy users like me who rely on features like GPS and fitness tracking throughout the day, battery longevity could still be a concern.
Despite its shortcomings, the Pixel Watch 3 truly shines as part of Google's ecosystem — it's a testament to Google's ability to craft a compelling smartwatch
Its design and features elevate it as a standout wearable, especially for those invested in the Google ecosystem.
While there's room for improvement — particularly in durability, battery life, and strap customisation — its refined user experience, robust fitness tracking, and ecosystem integration make it one of the most exciting smartwatches of the year.
For those looking for a balance of fashion and function, the Pixel Watch 3 delivers in spades.
