Google Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2: Which smartwatch should you buy?
This year’s Made by Google event just wrapped up with the launch of the latest Pixel smartphones and the updated Pixel Watch 3, which now comes in twice the size, with a brighter screen, and offers more health and fitness equipment than ever before, including some on loan. from the best Fitbits.
Before it launched today, the Pixel Watch 2 was one of the best smartwatches you can buy, but can it keep up with the latest and greatest?
Whether you’re considering investing in Google’s latest smartwatch as a first-time Pixel Watch owner or considering an upgrade from last year’s model, here’s everything we know so far about the Pixel How does the Watch 3 compare to the Google Pixel Watch 2.
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2: Price, availability and size
The Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm; The Pixel Watch 2 only comes in 41mm. However, both generations start at $349 for Bluetooth-only models. The smaller Pixel Watch 3 with LTE connectivity is $449 while the Pixel Watch 2 with LTE is $50 cheaper at $399.
The larger Pixel Watch 3 is $399 for Bluetooth and $449 for LTE, the same as the 41mm LTE model.
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2: Comparative data
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Pixel Watch 3 | Pixel Watch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $349 | $349 |
| Size | 41 mm, 45 mm | 41 mm |
| Show | 320 ppi AMOLED, 2,000 nits | 320 ppi AMOLED, 1,000 nits |
| Color | Matte Black, Frosted Silver, Champagne Gold, Matte Hazel | Matte Black, Frosted Silver, Champagne Gold |
| Body weight | 1.1 ounces (41mm); 1.3 ounces (45mm) | 1.1 kilograms |
| Connection | 4G LTE (optional), Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 802.11n, NFC, UWB | 4G LTE (optional), Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11n, NFC |
| To agree | Android 10 or higher | Android 9 or newer |
| Storage/RAM | 32GB/2GB | 32GB/2GB |
| Water resistance | 50 meters, IP68 | 50 meters, IP68 |
| Battery life | 36 hours in battery backup mode | 24 hours with an always on display |
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2: battery life
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 2 sport the same 306 mAh battery while the Pixel Watch 3 XL has a 420 mAh battery. All three options promise 24 hours of battery life per charge when using normal performance settings, while the Pixel Watch 3 should last 36 hours on average. of Saver Saver. The new watch also charges up to 20% faster than its predecessor.
Although the Pixel Watch 3 has a display that is twice as bright as its predecessor, more than below, the battery life is not up to par, which I appreciate. The new model also has additional power management features that should help it stay powered longer than before. For example, by default, low power on the Pixel Watch 3 turns on when the charge drops to 15%.
The updated clock also detects when the user is asleep, turning off unnecessary features to save battery, such as dimming the screen and stopping notifications. It does this without sacrificing the ability to track sleep.
Finally, the Pixel Watch 3 ships running Wear OS 5.0 which according to Google, is a more efficient operating system than Wear OS 4.0, especially when using the watch to track fitness via GPS. Google says the battery should last 20% longer in these conditions.
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2: design and screen
The Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 at 41mm look almost identical. Both devices weigh 31 g and are over 12mm thick. However, the new model sees its bezel reduced in size by 16% giving you 10% of screen real estate.
The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is the same thickness as the smaller model but weighs 37 g. It also has a 40% larger screen than the Pixel Watch 2.
In terms of tactile controls, the Watch 3 retains its original digital print crown and single button. Both generations also boast 50 meters of water resistance and have IP68 ratings against dust, moisture and dirt.
While the Pixel Watch 2’s screen maxes out at 2,000 nits, the Pixel Watch 3 hits 3,000 nits, which should make it easy to view in bright sunlight. The new model also has a screen refresh rate twice that of its predecessor: 60hz vs. 30 hz, making it compatible with Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7.
In terms of style, the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 comes in Black, Silver and Gold. The 45mm is available in Black, Silver and Hazel. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 2 comes in Black, Silver and Champagne Gold.
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2: health and fitness features
For runners in particular, the Pixel Watch 3 has a number of useful new features and metrics to help you exercise. New stats for runners include ground contact time, stride length, vertical swing and vertical average. The Pixel Watch 3 can also help you track and improve your workout routine thanks to improved motion tracking technology.
The new Workout Builder app on the Pixel Watch 3 allows users to create, save and track regular exercise routines. There’s also a real-time guidance feature for runners that uses a combination of audio and haptic feedback to let you know when you’re behind your pace or when your warmup is over.
None of these features are available on the Pixel Watch 2… yet. But it seems that many, if not all of them will end up on the old device. However, the Pixel Watch 2 has a lot of useful fitness tracking metrics and can keep track of many of the most popular types of exercise (up to 40).
Pixel Watch 3 users also get Fitbit’s daily Readiness Score, a pre-paid metric that takes into account heart rate variability, resting heart rate and sleep quality. This metric is similar to Garmin’s Body Battery and Samsung’s Energy Score.
The app also gets Fitbit’s Target Load metric to help you avoid exercise and Cardio Load for heart health information. Also, these features may migrate to the Pixel Watch 2 but are not yet available.
Pixel Watch 2 and 3 both offer in-depth sleep tracking but only Pixel Watch 3 offers Morning Briefing with details on sleep quality, weather, weekly progress leading to fitness goals, weather and more.
Google says the heart rate tracking on the Pixel Watch 3 has been optimized for better accuracy, especially during intense cardio exercises like running. There is also a new, first-of-its-kind Loss of Pulse Detection feature that will initially only be available in selected EU countries, as well as the UK.
The Pixel Watch 3 does not require a Fitbit Premium subscription to access any of the above, however, signing up unlocks Google AI performance plans based on your recent activity and intentions . You also get access to a large selection of fitness training video content.
Basically, Fitbit Premium is $9.99/month or $79.99/year but you’ll get a free six-month demo when you register your new Pixel Watch.
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2: connection
The Pixel Watch 3 is Google’s first smartwatch with an Ultra-wideband (UWB) chip. This technology enables you to lock/unlock your Pixel phone with better reliability and from far distances compared to Pixel Watch 2, which relies on Bluetooth for this function.
UWB can be used to access other things as well. For example, owners of compatible BWW and Mini models can use their Pixel Watch 3 to unlock their cars.
The Pixel Watch 3 is also more compatible with other Google products compared to its predecessor. Perhaps the coolest new feature is the ability to see a live feed from your Nest security camera from your wrist and even chat with the person on the other end. You can also use it as a remote for your Google TV and control your Pixel phone’s camera app.
Other features available on the Pixel Watch 3 but not the 2 include access to offline maps, something I really appreciate as an avid hiker, as well as access to the Pixel Recorder app from the wrist you.
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2: processor and storage
Regardless of whether you choose the Pixel Watch 2 or the Pixel Watch 3, you get 32GB of storage and 2GB of RAM. Both devices also use the same Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100 processor paired with a Cortex M33 co-processor. So, the overall response should be exactly the same.
Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2: Should you upgrade?
As noted in our review of the Pixel Watch 2, the wearable was more like a “half-assed stone to capture the attention of the first generation,” rather than an entirely new smartwatch. With the Pixel Watch 3, the device feels like a proper third-generation product with enough improvements to warrant an upgrade from the original model.
For Pixel Watch 2 owners, upgrading to the Pixel Watch 3 might not make sense. The exceptions, of course, are people who desire a larger screen or serious runners who want the best training equipment.
However, people buying their first Google smartwatch should choose the latest model over the Pixel Watch 2. Pricing-wise, the 2 and 3 both start at $349.
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