The first Google Pixel Watch had some technical issues, but the second generation improved greatly. It mostly fixed the problems of the first model and became a much better smartwatch.
This year, we expect the release of the Google Pixel Watch 3. Although an official announcement is likely still weeks away, there are a few things we can discuss already. Here’s what we know so far.
Google Pixel Watch 3: release date
The Pixel Watch entered the smartwatch industry relatively late but has adhered to a consistent release schedule — until this year. The initial Google Pixel Watch debuted in October 2022, followed by the release of the Pixel Watch 2 a year later in October 2023. Both watches were launched alongside the latest Google Pixel flagship phones.
In a surprising move, Google announced that its next Made by Google event will be held on August 13. The event is expected to feature the unveiling of the Google Pixel Watch 3 and the introduction of the Google Pixel 9 series. If reports are accurate, the Pixel 9 series is rumored to include the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL this year.
In other words, the Google Pixel Watch 3 will likely arrive in stores in August or September this year.
Google Pixel Watch 3: possible price
The first pricing rumors for the Google Pixel Watch 3 have surfaced, indicating potential price hikes.
According to the French website Dealabs, the expected prices for the two versions of the Pixel Watch 3 in Europe are as follows:
- Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, Wi-Fi): 399 euros (~$436)
- Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, 4G): 499 euros (~$546)
- Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm, Wi-Fi): 449 euros (~$491)
- Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm, 4G): 549 euros (~$601)
The original Pixel Watch was priced at $349 for the Wi-Fi version and $399 for the LTE variant. Similarly, the Pixel Watch 2 was also priced at $349 for Wi-Fi and $399 for LTE connectivity.
Until we receive more pricing information, it’s best to avoid assuming that Google plans to increase the prices this much. However, it’s almost certain that the new 45mm version will be costlier than the first- and second-generation versions, which had smaller displays, like the upcoming 41mm version.
Google Pixel Watch 3: design
So far, the overall design of the Pixel Watch line has been simple. It’s a circular watch face, there’s a crown on the side, plus a proprietary watch strap. It’s a clean and understated design, and for some folks, it’s one of the Pixel Watch’s biggest strengths.
This may change with the Pixel Watch 3, however. One of the complaints that many have had about the current Pixel Watches is that they only come in one size, which is 41mm. There have been a few reports so far that the Google Pixel Watch 3 will come in a second size for the first time: 45mm.
Having multiple size options is a fairly common practice for smartwatches, with both Apple and Samsung offering two sizes with the Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch. The Pixel Watch 3 will likely retain the same circular watch face that we’ve seen the past couple of years since there are no reports of any design changes otherwise.
In June, we finally saw renderings (pictured above) of the Pixel Watch 3. As expected, it looks like Google is sticking with a similar design. However, instead of just a 41mm version, the Pixel Watch 3 will also come in 45mm — as previously rumored.
Referred to as the Pixel Watch 3 XL, it looks just like the regular Pixel Watch 3 — save for the larger size. We’re expecting a larger screen and battery to go along with the bigger case, and likely a higher price as well.
Google Pixel Watch 3: specs
The Pixel Watch 2 used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 chip and had 2GB RAM. These were big improvements over the first Pixel Watch, which used an Exynos chip.
There hasn’t been any word on what chipset the Pixel Watch 3 will utilize, but considering how much better the W5 was over the first model’s Exynos chip, we can’t imagine Google taking a step backward. As we get closer to the Google Pixel event in the fall, we should see more reports about what will be inside the Pixel Watch 3.
On the other hand, there are reports right now that the Pixel Watch 3 will have an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip inside. This is the chip used for location tracking and short-range communication that is very precise.
Adding a UWB chip could mean a couple of things. The Pixel Watch 2 can already unlock the Android phone it’s paired with, but UWB could allow this unlocking to happen faster and more accurately. UWB could also allow the Pixel Watch 3 to locate your lost Android phone, similar to what the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can do with their Precision Finding feature.
In July, further confirmation was that the next Pixel Watch will feature a UWB chip. We also heard it might support 5GHz Wi-Fi, leading to faster overall data performance. The original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 both only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
Google Pixel Watch 3: software and updates
What about software? The Pixel Watch 2 is currently running Wear OS 4, which isn’t much different from Wear OS 3.5 before it.
For the Pixel Watch 3, we should see Wear OS 5 later this year, as both Samsung and Google have been working on it. Wear OS 5 will be based on Android 14. Since the Pixel Watch 2 relied heavily on Fitbit integration for health and fitness tracking, we should expect the same with the Pixel Watch 3.
The Pixel Watch 2 is getting at least three years of software updates, which is decent. The Pixel Watch 3 should get similar support, if not a little bit better.
Google Pixel Watch 3: battery life
Reports have surfaced that the Pixel Watch 3 will have a boost in battery capacity. Unfortunately, it probably isn’t enough to make any significant difference compared to the previous two Pixel Watches.
A report from 91Mobiles shows Google’s battery certification for the Pixel Watch 3, and it indicates a 307mAh battery. For context, the Pixel Watch 2 had a 306mAh battery. It’s technically an improvement, but not by much.
This larger battery is a much more negligible difference than the boost going from the original Pixel Watch to the Pixel Watch 2. For reference, that jump was from 294mAh to 306mAh. The 1mAh jump from Pixel Watch 2 to 3 is barely anything.
As far as information regarding the charger or charging speed, there hasn’t been anything yet for the Pixel Watch 3. However, the Pixel Watch 2 can get around a 50% charge in 30 minutes, so we can guess that the Pixel Watch 3 will be similar.
