Google Pixel Watch 3 vs Pixel Watch 2: What's changed?
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Intro
Google entered the smartwatch game back in 2022 with the original Pixel Wach. It was an interesting looking device—sleek and lightweight but it felt a bit beta at the time. Then, a year later, the second iteration came along, ironing out some kinks and bugs. Well, third's time is the charm, as they say, and now we have the Google Pixel Watch 3.
This model has matured, and now you can get it in two sizes, 41 and 45 mm, and there are some improvements here and there. How does it compare to the previous model? Do we have enough changes to justify an upgrade? Today, we're going to answer these questions.
This is our Pixel Watch 3 versus Pixel Watch 2 comparison. Here we go.
This is our Pixel Watch 3 versus Pixel Watch 2 comparison. Here we go.
Pixel Watch 3 vs Pixel Watch 2: differences
- Twice as bright a screen on the Pixel Watch 3 (2,000 nits vs 1,000 nits on the previous model)
- Larger battery on the 45 mm version (420 mAh vs. 306 mAh)
- Larger 1.4-inch display on the 45 mm version (versus 1.2-inch on the Pixel Watch 2)
- Dynamic refresh rate—1Hz to 60Hz
- Wear OS 5
- 16% smaller bezels (4.5 mm versus 5.5 mm on the Pixel Watch 2)
Pixel Watch 3 vs Pixel Watch 2: things that have stayed the same
- Same chipset—Snapdragon W5100
- Same RAM and Storage—2GB RAM, 32GB storage
- Same Gorilla Glass 5 display protection
- Battery is the same on the 41 mm models
- Same IP68/5ATM water and dust resistance
- Same hardware sensors
Table of Contents:
- Design and Sizes
- Bands
- Software
- Battery and Charging
- Models and Prices
- Voice Calls and Haptics
- Specs
- Summary
Also read:
- Google Pixel Watch 3 vs Apple Watch Series 10: Expected differences
Design & Sizes
Which one is which again?
Google has decided to start offering a larger model, and it makes sense as 41 mm might be too small for some people and look a bit weird. That being said, it's largely the same watch, with the only difference being the display and the battery.
Speaking of displays, the screen of the Pixel Watch 3 is one of the few upgrades the watch has received over its predecessor. The peak brightness is now 2,000 nits, twice as bright as the 1,000-nit display on the Pixel Watch 2.
The new Pixel Watch 3 can also switch to 1Hz mode when you don't need a smooth and fast refresh rate in order to save battery. In all other situations, it tops at 60Hz.
The resolution remains the same on the 41 mm model, 450 × 450 pixels, resulting in around 320 PPI pixel density, and Google made sure to aim for the same pixel density for the bigger 45 mm version, so there is no difference in how crisp and detailed the screen looks between the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3.
Lastly, let's touch on the available colors really quickly. The Pixel Watch 2 is available in Polished Silver, Matte Black, and Champagne Gold. There's a slight deviation in the colorways between the two new Pixel Watch 3 models. The smaller, 41 mm model, comes in Matte Black, Polished Silver, and Champagne Gold, while the 45 mm model swaps the Champagne Gold for Matte Hazel.
So, in other words, if you want to stand out in and differentiate your new Pixel Watch 3 from the old model, your only option is the 45 mm Matte Hazel variant, as it's slightly different than the Champagne Gold Pixel Watch 2.
Bands
Some backward compatibility right there
The bands situation is literally the same as last year. The Pixel Watch 3 uses the same proprietary mechanism for attaching the bands, and the new model comes equipped with the same fluoroelastomer Active bands in different colors.
The bands from the 41 mm Pixel Watch 2 should be compatible and interchangeable with the bands made for the 41 mm Pixel Watch 3. We're not sure about the larger 45 mm variant, we'll get back to you with more details soon.
There are two sizes included in the retail package - a Small band that fits wrists with a 150-185 mm circumference and a Large one that fits wrists with a 165-215 mm circumference.
Don't fret, though, there are more than enough third-party Pixel Watch bands to let you customize your watch and express yourself.
The bands from the 41 mm Pixel Watch 2 should be compatible and interchangeable with the bands made for the 41 mm Pixel Watch 3. We're not sure about the larger 45 mm variant, we'll get back to you with more details soon.
There are two sizes included in the retail package - a Small band that fits wrists with a 150-185 mm circumference and a Large one that fits wrists with a 165-215 mm circumference.
Don't fret, though, there are more than enough third-party Pixel Watch bands to let you customize your watch and express yourself.
Software & Features
New software tricks, old hardware clothes
The new Google Pixel Watch 3 runs on Wear OS 5 out of the box, and it comes with some new software tricks. The watch can automatically detect if you're asleep or not with the new Auto Bedtime Mode, and put the device into low-energy mode, thus conserving battery.
The integration with other Pixel devices has been expanded. You can use the Pixel Watch 3 as a remote for Google TV. You can also use the watch to record short memos and messages via the Recorder app. The Pixel Watch 3 can also serve as a proxy monitor for your Nest doorbell, so you can see who's at the door directly on your wrist.
These are neat little features, but there are even more changes when it comes to health and fitness. Google spent a lot of time focusing on running, and there are new metrics and tech onboard the Pixel Watch 3.
Google has improved the algorithms that track your heart rate during running sessions to remove artifacts from swinging your arm, sweat dripping between the sensor and your skin, etc. There's now machine learning involved in tracking and analyzing various running parameters, such as the cadence of your steps, the length and height of your stride, and your ground contact time.
The new Recovery metrics should also help with tracking your overall fitness, recovery, and progress. There are several sub-metrics in this category, such as Readiness score, Cardio Load, and Target Load. These use AI to assess your recovery after a workout, based on various metrics such as heart rate variability, VO2Max, resting heart rate, sleep, etc.
These new fitness tools will pop up every morning via another new feature called Morning Brief, and they will proactively motivate you to stay healthy and keep exercising.
What does all that mean for the Pixel Watch 2. Well, as both watches use almost identical hardware, and based on the rumors that Google is already testing Wear OS 5.1 on the Pixel Watch 2, it seems that most of the new features will drip down to the previous generation anyway.
These are neat little features, but there are even more changes when it comes to health and fitness. Google spent a lot of time focusing on running, and there are new metrics and tech onboard the Pixel Watch 3.
Google has improved the algorithms that track your heart rate during running sessions to remove artifacts from swinging your arm, sweat dripping between the sensor and your skin, etc. There's now machine learning involved in tracking and analyzing various running parameters, such as the cadence of your steps, the length and height of your stride, and your ground contact time.
The new Recovery metrics should also help with tracking your overall fitness, recovery, and progress. There are several sub-metrics in this category, such as Readiness score, Cardio Load, and Target Load. These use AI to assess your recovery after a workout, based on various metrics such as heart rate variability, VO2Max, resting heart rate, sleep, etc.
What does all that mean for the Pixel Watch 2. Well, as both watches use almost identical hardware, and based on the rumors that Google is already testing Wear OS 5.1 on the Pixel Watch 2, it seems that most of the new features will drip down to the previous generation anyway.
Battery and Charging
Get the bigger one!
The Pixel Watch 2 struggled to last for the advertised 24 hours in our tests, and we still have to run some tests on the Pixel Watch 3, but with the bigger battery, the optimized power efficient Actua displays, and an offloaded dual chip computer architecture, the Pixel Watch 3 should be able to stretch its legs for 24 hours. Both the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Watch 2 have a battery saving mode, called Battery Saver, which in theory could get you to 36 hours on a single charge but we need to test this on the new Pixel Watch 3 models to confirm.
As far as charging is concerned, the Pixel Watch 2 offered a 50% charge in 30 minutes and an 80% charge in just 45 minutes. The new Pixel Watch 3 mimics these numbers, so no big changes here.
Models and Prices
There are two options for each of the models. You can get the small 41 mm Pixel Watch 3 in both Wi-Fi and LTE options, and the same goes for the larger 45 mm model. The Pixel Watch 2 comes in just one size, and this model is also available in both Wi-Fi and LTE versions. Below, you'll find the pricing for each model and version.
Pixel Watch 3 prices:
Pixel Watch 2 prices:
- Pixel Watch 3 41mm Wi-Fi starts at $349
- Pixel Watch 3 41mm LTE starts at $449
- Pixel Watch 3 45mm Wi-Fi starts at $399
- Pixel Watch 3 45mm LTE starts at $499
Pixel Watch 2 prices:
- Pixel Watch 2 41mm Wi-Fi starts at $349
- Pixel Watch 2 41mm LTE starts at $399
Voice Calls and Haptics
Specs
Here's a quick specs table for the number nerds out there:
Specs | Pixel Watch 2 | Pixel Watch 3 |
---|---|---|
Models (Size, Weight, Prices) | 41mm in Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular versions | 41mm, 45mm models, both in Wi-Fi and Cellular versions |
Processor, RAM, Storage | Snapdragon W5100, 2GB RAM, 32GB Storage | Snapdragon W5100, 2GB RAM, 32GB Storage |
Software | Wear OS 4 | Wear OS 5 |
Battery and Charging | 24-hour battery life 36-hour battery life with Battery Saver Wireless charging, 50% in 30 mins | 24-hour battery life 36-hour battery life with Battery Saver Wireless charging, 50% in 28 minutes |
Sensors | Compass Altimeter Red and infrared SpO2 sensors for Electrical sensors (ECG) Multi-path optical HR sensor 3-axis accelerometer Gyroscope Ambient light sensor Electrical skin conductance (cEDA) sensor Skin temperature sensor Barometer Magnetometer | Compass Altimeter Red and infrared SpO2 sensors for Electrical sensors (ECG) Multi-path optical HR sensor 3-axis accelerometer Gyroscope Ambient light sensor Electrical skin conductance (cEDA) sensor Skin temperature sensor Barometer Magnetometer |
New features | Workout tracking Sleep tracking Health tracking Notifications | Auto Bedtime Recorder App Readiness score Cardio Load Target Load Morning Brief UWB unlock other devices |
Summary
The Pixel Watch 3 represents Google maturing in the smartwatch game. The third iteration polishes the experience and offers a bigger size with a bigger battery and display. Should you upgrade and get the Pixel Watch 3 if you already own the previous generation? Probably not.
The hardware differences aren't that big, and most of the software tricks will most likely come to the Pixel Watch 2 at some point.
If you're wondering which Pixel Watch to buy as your first Pixel smartwatch, then the Pixel Watch 3 is the better choice. It has a brighter screen, two sizes, smaller bezels, and the latest software, plus great integration with other Pixel devices and a competitive price.
The hardware differences aren't that big, and most of the software tricks will most likely come to the Pixel Watch 2 at some point.
If you're wondering which Pixel Watch to buy as your first Pixel smartwatch, then the Pixel Watch 3 is the better choice. It has a brighter screen, two sizes, smaller bezels, and the latest software, plus great integration with other Pixel devices and a competitive price.
Things that are NOT allowed: