Google Pixel Watch 3: What we know

We’ve officially made it to August, which means we don’t have long to wait for the annual Pixel hardware event. Though Made by Google typically occurs in October, Google announced back in June that the event will be on August 13 this year, so we only have a few weeks until we hear official details on Pixel products. Leaks abound at the moment, so we’ve been able to learn a lot ahead of time.

Google released the second version of its long-awaited Google Pixel Watch a year after the first. The Google Pixel Watch 2 was a significant improvement over the first iteration, offering faster performance, better health and fitness tracking, and a lighter design. Given developments in the smartwatch and health-tracking industry as a whole, we expect the Pixel Watch 3 to be even better.

Google Pixel Watch 3 design rumors

What we think we know

As we near the launch date, rumors and leaks are picking up.

The first rumor comes from a source at 9to5Google, predicting there will be two sizes of the Pixel Watch 3. The exact sizes are still unknown, but leaked images suggest they will be 41mm and 45mm and will simply be named the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 3 XL. Two size options certainly make sense, given the competition. The Apple Watch is available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm), as is the Samsung Galaxy Watch (40mm and 44mm). Most of Garmin’s smartwatches are available in multiple sizes, including the closest comparison to the Pixel Watch, the Venu 3 (41mm and 45mm). Given that, it seems likely we will see the Pixel Watch 3 at the same 41mm size as the original, as well as a larger version around the 45mm mark.

New leaks from Android Headlines revealed the prices of these two sizes as well. According to the leak, the small model will reportedly be $349 for the Wi-Fi-only version, which is the same as last year’s model, and $449 for the LTE model. The larger version will reportedly be priced at $399 for the Wi-Fi model and $499 for the LTE model.

Those prices are a bit attention grabbing as they are higher than Pixel Watch competitors. The new Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, for example, starts at $299 for the 40mm Wi-Fi-only variant. However, Pixel Watches have typically been higher than other Android smartwatches, so it isn’t unexpected.

The second rumor concerns a Google patent, as reported by Wareable. It’s important to remember that patents are not necessarily reliable in terms of near-term hardware. Google could be filing the patent for something else entirely down the line, and patents aren’t always implemented, either. With that in mind, Google filed a patent for a smartwatch that relies on gestures with no physical buttons.

If this is indeed for the Pixel Watch 3, the gesture-based design would simplify the look of the watch, reduce the complexity of manufacturing, and make it easier to waterproof. All of those are benefits for consumers, though gesture-only controls are not without their flaws, either.

91mobiles / OnLeaks

Most recently, 91mobiles and OnLeaks shared leaked renderings of the new Pixel Watch 3, which reveals a very familiar design. In fact, all that appears to have changed is some added depth. The leak only shows a 41mm size with a 1.2-inch display, which is the same as the current Pixel Watch 2.

91mobiles / OnLeaks

The measurements listed in the leak are 40.79 x 40.73 x 14 mm, compared to the Pixel Watch 2’s 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm dimensions. That thicker size may be to accommodate a new 307mAh battery, which is just barely up from the 304mAh battery found in the Pixel Watch 2.

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Leaks shared by Android Headlines also suggest that the Pixel Watch 3 will use Google’s Actua display technology, which offers 2,000 nits of peak brightness or double the brightness of the Pixel Watch 2. It should also offer 20% faster charging than the older version, though it looks like the battery life will remain the same at a promised 24 hours, unfortunately.

Pixel Watch 3 features

More tools for runners and smart home users

Android Headlines

Android Headlines shared leaked promotional materials for the new watches, which give away some features we can expect. To start, it looks like Google is expanding its smart home connectivity and allowing you to see your Nest Doorbells and Cameras on your wrist. That way, if you aren’t able to pick up your phone, you can still see what’s going on at your door.

Google is also leaning into some Garmin-like features, making the smartwatches better for those focused on their fitness. These features include a new Morning Brief for delivering a summary of your key health and fitness metrics first thing each morning. Google will also be adding a new Cardio Load feature to give you a better picture of your fitness and recovery. Plus, runners will be able to build custom runs, access saved workouts, and get audio and haptic cues for guided runs. Finally, it looks like the watch will be able to provide insights on cadence, stride, and vertical oscillation for those looking to work on their running form.

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What we hope to see from the Google Pixel Watch 3

Our dreams for the new watch

While we liked the Pixel Watch 2, there are some things that we would hope to see in the upcoming Pixel Watch 3. First and foremost, Google needs to address battery life. The Pixel Watch 2’s battery life improved from the first version, but it still lagged behind the competition. Most users expect longer than 24 hours of life from their smartwatch, so we hope that Google is able to deliver that in the Pixel Watch 3. That could likely mean a chunkier design, but for many, it is worth it. Unfortunately, the leaked information we’ve seen for the smaller Pixel Watch 3 suggests battery life will remain the same.

In the same vein, we are paying close attention to the charging method. The first version was wireless, while the second used pogo pins, meaning you needed a different charger for each version. While we loved the wireless charging capabilities and would be happy to see it return, we’d mostly love consistency moving forward. Before Fitbit was purchased by Google, almost every fitness tracker had its own specific charger. We sincerely hope Google doesn’t take a page from that book.

While the Pixel Watch 2 is one of the best-looking smartwatches available, the small display caused by the thicker bezel is not our favorite. There’s real estate there; it just seems that Google didn’t take full advantage of it. It would be nice to see Google squeezing more out of the existing display size, making it easier to see things with a quick glance. A larger size, in general, would also be excellent, providing two options for those with different wrist sizes and preferences.

When will the Google Pixel Watch 3 be released?

October is a magical month

Both the original Pixel Watch and the Pixel Watch 2 were announced at Google’s annual fall event at the beginning of October. However, Google has moved up the date of the event this year, so we will hear more on August 13. It is likely that the watches will be available for purchase shortly after the event.