00:00Should you buy the new Google Pixel Watch 3?
00:04Hi, I'm Dan from Tom's Guide, and I've been wearing the Pixel Watch 3 for 10 days now,
00:08and I'm here to tell you whether or not you should spend your money on it.
00:12The Pixel Watch 3 is Google's latest flagship smartwatch,
00:16and for the first time, it's available in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm.
00:22The 41mm model is the same size as 2023's Pixel Watch 2,
00:28but the 45mm model is entirely new for the series.
00:32The device also boasts an upgraded screen that's twice as bright and twice as responsive as its predecessors,
00:38along with a thinner bezel.
00:40Power management tools have been expanded.
00:43So has integration with other Google products, like Nest Home Security cameras.
00:48The Pixel Watch 3 also inherits some of Fitbit's best wellness tools,
00:53as well as a first-of-its-kind loss-of-pulse detection safety feature.
00:58While the overall design of the device is remarkably similar to its predecessor,
01:02at least from a glance, the totality of the device's upgrades are pretty darn impressive.
01:08The 41mm model starts at $349, the same price as the Pixel Watch 2,
01:14while the 45mm model starts at $399.
01:18Add $100 to either for LTE connectivity.
01:21The first reason to buy the Pixel Watch 3 is for its advanced training tools for runners.
01:26Google tweaked its algorithms to provide even more accurate insights for runners,
01:31including better precision when it comes to heart rate data.
01:34You also get new running form metrics like ground contact time, stride length, step cadence, and vertical ratio,
01:43plus all the standard workout specs you'd expect,
01:47like calories burned, total distance covered, pace, and elevation gain.
01:52You additionally get access to Fitbit's Cardio Load Insights,
01:56a measure of how hard your heart is working during an exercise.
02:00This feature requires a Fitbit Premium account to access on any other device.
02:05Additionally, Pixel Watch owners can create custom running routines with different intervals and goals
02:11using Google's Build-to-Run feature.
02:14For example, I like to alternate between walking and running,
02:17so I created a custom routine that incorporates both.
02:20When it's time to switch, the Pixel Watch 3 lets you know via either an audio cue or haptic feedback on your wrist.
02:27You can also set up the watch to alert you when you're falling behind pace on a run,
02:31a feature I'd love to see offered to cyclists as well.
02:35A Fitbit Premium membership unlocks even more features for runners,
02:39Google AI daily running plans, and exclusive workout content from Fitbit's trainers.
02:44It costs $10 a month or $80 for the year.
02:47Another reason to consider the Pixel Watch 3, specifically in 45mm,
02:51is for its excellent battery life and sleek design.
02:55In my testing, the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 lasted for roughly 24 hours in between charges,
03:01which is what Google advertises.
03:03This was without using any of the power-saving features.
03:06But the 45mm model is good for closer to 48 hours in between charges,
03:11similar to the far chunkier and pricier Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.
03:16Outside of these two models, there isn't a full-featured Wear OS smartwatch with nearly as impressive longevity.
03:23The Galaxy Watch 7, for what it's worth, also lasts for around 24 hours for charm, like the smaller Pixel Watch 3.
03:31My final reason for considering the Google Pixel Watch 3
03:34is for its excellent integration with other Google products and tech.
03:38If you own a compatible Nest Cam for home security,
03:41the Pixel Watch 3 can be used to check in on your feed in real-time from the wrist.
03:46You can even communicate with someone on the other end.
03:49Also, if you've lost your Google TV remote to the couch cushion abyss,
03:53the Pixel Watch 3 can additionally function as a TV remote in a pinch.
03:57Plus, it can be used to control your Pixel phone camera from afar.
04:01Before we get into negatives, let me know in the comments below
04:04whether these positives are enough to get you to buy the Pixel Watch 3.
04:08And check out our other videos on the latest Pixel products,
04:11as well as my colleague Kate's video on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.
04:15Now, it's not all sunshine and roses.
04:17There are definitely some reasons to give this year's Pixel Watch model a skip.
04:22First up, I think you'd be totally justified in skipping the Pixel Watch 3.
04:26If you want an Android-compatible smartwatch
04:28with the brightest screen possible for daylight viewing.
04:31While Google doubled the refresh rate from 30Hz to 60Hz
04:35and the screen brightness from 1,000 nits to 2,000 nits on the latest Pixel Watch 3,
04:39the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra tops out at a whopping 3,000 nits,
04:43the same as the Apple Watch Ultra.
04:46So, if you're someone who likes to check your workout stats while on the move,
04:50long-distance runners come to mind,
04:52then the Galaxy Watch Ultra may be a better choice for you.
04:55Another reason to skip the Pixel Watch 3, and I'm sorry Google,
04:58is if you like instantaneous metrics and health insights.
05:02While the latest Samsung Galaxy Watches provide a wealth of information
05:06after wearing the devices for just 24 hours,
05:09Google makes you wait a week or more for access to some of its most insightful metrics,
05:14including several that are new.
05:17Your daily readiness score, for example,
05:19doesn't appear until after you've worn the watch to bed for seven consecutive nights.
05:23Samsung offers an energy score which, like the readiness score,
05:27is a number ranging from 1 to 100 after just a single night.
05:31Google's target load metric takes even more dedication to access.
05:35You need to wear the Pixel Watch for 14 consecutive nights
05:38before this helpful training tool,
05:40intended to help you maximize your workouts without overtraining or risking injury,
05:44kicks in.
05:46My final reason for skipping the Pixel Watch 3 is its price.
05:50Starting at $349 for the smaller model without LTE,
05:54the latest Pixel Watch is a full $50 pricier than its Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 equivalent,
06:00which offers a very similar set of features and specs.
06:03Ultimately for me, the Pixel Watch 3 in 41mm
06:07doesn't quite move the needle enough to warrant the upgrade.
06:10While I appreciate the screen improvements,
06:12and I really like the daily readiness score,
06:14I'm less of a fan of the new running metrics,
06:16I'm not much of a runner,
06:17and if they had been tuned to say cyclist instead,
06:20maybe my opinion would be different.
06:22On the other hand, the Pixel Watch 3 in 45mm has more to offer.
06:26You get 40% greater screen real estate compared to the Pixel Watch 2,
06:30but more importantly, substantially better battery life.
06:34A full 48 hours according to my testing.
06:37Still, I'd want to see access to the device's new loss of pulse detection feature
06:41turned on for US customers
06:43before I'd consider plunking down $399 for this larger model.
06:48Until that happens, I plan to keep on happily rocking my Pixel Watch 2.
06:52So what do you think?
06:54Are you going to buy or skip the Pixel Watch 3?
06:56Let me know in the comments below.
06:58And if you've enjoyed this video, go ahead and give me a follow on Twitter.
07:01I'm at Dan Bracaglia, all one word,
07:03and read my articles on tomsguide.com.
07:06For everything else, give us a follow at Tom's Guide.
07:09Once again, I'm Dan, and I'll catch you in the next video.
07:13♪
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