Pixel Watch 3: A Six-Month Review
Build and Durability
The Pixel Watch 3 boasts an appealing design, especially the 45mm version. However, its durability is a concern, with the Hazel frame prone to scratches. The proprietary band connector limits third-party options, and official bands are expensive. While the Gorilla Glass 5 display holds up reasonably well, it's not the most robust on the market. For related information, check out this review of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which discusses build quality and performance.
Fitness Tracking
While suitable for various activities, the Pixel Watch 3's fitness tracking is basic. The Fitbit app, while visually appealing, lacks in-depth features found in other wearables. Although body response notifications and sleep tracking are useful, the overall fitness experience isn't a key selling point. Fitbit Premium offers some advanced features, but the free version is sufficient for casual users. For those seeking more comprehensive fitness tracking, consider exploring options discussed in this article on extending Android battery life, as many fitness trackers impact battery performance.
Software Experience
The Pixel Watch 3 offers a clean Wear OS experience with seamless Google services integration. Watch Unlock is a convenient feature, and performance is smooth. However, the absence of Gemini integration is a notable omission. The upcoming integration of Gemini, as hinted at in articles about Gemini AI, promises to significantly enhance the Wear OS experience.
Battery Life and Charging
The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 offers impressive battery life, easily lasting 24 hours and sometimes even 48+ hours with light use. Charging is reasonably fast, but the lack of wireless charging is disappointing.
Overall
The Pixel Watch 3, particularly the 45mm version, is a good Wear OS smartwatch, especially for Pixel phone users. However, competitors like the OnePlus Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 series offer more comprehensive features and better value.