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The next version of Google’s smartwatch will have a tough nut to crack.
The original 2022 Pixel Watch was solid, but had poor battery life, something that was addressed a year later on the Pixel Watch 2. Despite now being the best smartwatch for most people, there’s still room for improvement.
Additionally, the recently unveiled Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra set a whole new standard for Android smartwatches. While Google previously didn’t have to worry about the Apple Watch Ultra, which only works with iPhones, the Galaxy Watch Ultra could be a solution for many Pixel phone users.
So, what should you expect when Google unveils its next wearable later this year? Here are all the news and rumors so far about the Pixel Watch 3.
When will the Google Pixel Watch 3 be released?
While October seemed like a safe bet for the launch of the Pixel Watch 3, it looks like Google will shake things up in 2024.
Much to the surprise of the tech press, the company sent out invitations to a Made by Google event at August 13 where it will “showcase the best of Google AI, Android software and the Pixel portfolio of devices.”
A teaser video titled ‘AI… meets IX at Made by Google’ also appeared for the event and briefly shows the outline of two phones, believed to be the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, using the Roman numerals for 9. Google could very well unveil the Pixel Watch 3 at the same time.
The event could also potentially be for other hardware like the Pixel Fold 2, Pixel Tablet 2, new Pixelbuds and we expect to hear more about things like Android 15 and Google Gemini.
It is unclear why Google moved the launch event earlier on the calendar. It could be an attempt to avoid the number of leaks from the past, or something else. Either way, we’re curious to see what Google has in store.
Previous Pixel Watch release dates:
How much will the Google Pixel Watch 3 cost?
Nothing has been announced about the price so far. But the launch price of previous models gives you an idea of what to expect:
- Google Pixel Watch (Wi-Fi only) – £339/$349.99
- Google Pixel Watch (WiFi + 4G LTE only) – £379/$399.99
- Google Pixel Watch 2 (Wi-Fi only) – £349 / $349
- Google Pixel Watch 2 (WiFi + 4G LTE only) – £399/$399
After small price increases in the UK between the first and second generations, this could be repeated on the Pixel Watch 3, potentially pushing the 4G model past the £400 mark. However, it remains to be seen whether the same will apply to the US, which has maintained almost identical prices so far.
Of course, a 45mm model will almost certainly cost more than the Pixel Watch 2, which is only available in 41mm.
What specifications and features does the Google Pixel Watch 3 have?
The Pixel Watch 3 isn’t expected to hit the market for a while, so there are few concrete leaks and rumors. However, there are a few important details worth knowing.
Design
The Pixel 3 has been unveiled in 5K renders and a 360-degree video by 91mobiles and OnLeaks. The design remains largely unchanged from the Pixel Watch 2, with a round, bezel-less screen with a rotating crown and running Wear OS.
According to OnLeaks, the main differences include a slight increase in thickness, likely due to a larger 307mAh battery compared to the Pixel Watch 2’s 304mAh battery. The Pixel Watch 3’s dimensions are said to be 40.79 x 40.73 x 14 mm, compared to the 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm of its predecessor.
The Pixel Watch 3 is rumored to be available in two sizes, potentially introducing a larger Pixel Watch 3 Pro or XL model.
Android Authority reports that the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 will be offered in silver, black, and gold case finishes with different colored bands. The 45mm model may have a hazelnut, black and silver case.
A second measure
As mentioned above, one of the most interesting rumors to emerge so far comes from 9to5Google, which reported in January 2024 that the Pixel Watch 3 would come in two sizes.
You can only get a Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 in the 41mm size, but a larger alternative would be welcome for those with larger wrists or difficulty reading smaller screens.
In March 2024, 9to5Google again claimed that the Pixel Watch 3 will also be available in a larger 45mm variant. Sources close to the site also suggest that the smaller version will remain at the current 41mm.
The article goes on to say that the design of the two sizes will otherwise be identical.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
It is very likely that these rumors will indeed turn out to be true. The FCC certification shows (via MySmartPrice) that the Pixel Watch 3 will debut with model numbers GBDU9, GGE4J, GG3HH, and GRY0E.
The different model numbers likely belong to 41mm and 45mm variants with multiple connectivity options. The database confirms that model numbers GBDU9 and GRY0E will debut with LTE and UWB connectivity.
It seems logical for Google to introduce a larger option, especially since both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch offer a choice of sizes.
In addition to a larger screen, this would of course make room for a larger battery, which would be a welcome addition to the Pixel Watch 3.
Display
One of the biggest complaints about the original Pixel Watch, which carried over to the Pixel Watch 2, was the size of the bezels.
According to Android Authority, the Pixel Watch 3 fixes this by reducing the bezel size from 5.5mm to 4.5mm, which makes a noticeable improvement. While the bezels remain relatively large compared to competitors like the Apple Watch Series 9, this reduction seems like a significant improvement.
The screen will likely be 32x32mm on the smaller model (down from 30x30mm), while the larger one will have a screen size of 36x36mm. Resolutions are 408×408 and 456×456 respectively.
Billy Ekblom
Billy Ekblom
Billy Ekblom
Additionally, the Pixel Watch 3 may have a much brighter screen. Both models of the new watch should feature a 2,000-nit display, a significant increase over the Pixel Watch 2’s 1,000-nit display.
This improvement should significantly improve visibility in direct sunlight, making the new watches easier to use outdoors.
New special chipset
The Pixel Watch 2 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5. According to Android Authority, “the basic specs of the watch remain the same as the Pixel Watch 2: both are based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 platform with a custom co-processor.”
However, an announcement from the chipmaker from October 2023 seems to indicate that we will see a new processor in the Pixel Watch 3. Possibly this could mean that the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 will get the more advanced chipset, while the 41mm model might get last year’s Snapdragon W5.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
In a statement, Qualcomm said it is “building on their long-standing partnership with Google by bringing a RISC-V-based wearables solution for use with Wear OS by Google.” While several smartwatches run Wear OS these days, it would make sense for Google’s own smartwatch to take precedence with the new chipset.
Qualcomm further says that this move will “help pave the way for more products within the ecosystem to take advantage of low-power, high-performance custom CPUs.” If this happens on the Pixel Watch 3, we could get better performance And better battery life.
Bigger battery
91mobiles spotted the Pixel Watch 3 on the Dekra and Safety Korea websites with the model number G1QME, which is believed to be related to the Pixel Watch 3.
According to these listings, the Pixel Watch 3 will pack a 307mAh battery. This is a small upgrade over the 304 mAh battery on the Pixel Watch 2 and the first Pixel Watch, which had a 294 mAh battery.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
However, Android Authority claims that “the smaller Pixel Watch 3 will have an unchanged 310mAh battery, while the larger 45mm model will pack a 420mAh cell that should last a lot longer.”
Touch sensitive cabinet controls
Perhaps the strangest rumor we’ve seen yet comes from Lifewire, which reported on a patented new technology that measures touches on the case itself to execute commands.
The patent for gesture recognition on the watch bezel using tension gauges (catchy title) looks like you can squeeze the frame, rub parts of it or tap to activate functions. However, it should protect against accidental taps to prevent features from being activated accidentally.
However, if the technology works as shown in the diagram below, it could eliminate the need for physical buttons on the Pixel Watch 3.
It can also provide the ability for quick access to various commands without having to scroll through menus or between screens.
UWB support
Additionally, Android Authority claims that the Pixel Watch 3 will include UWB (ultrawideband) support for accurate device locating and possible use as a car key, depending on automaker support.
That’s all we know for now about the upcoming Pixel Watch 3. We’ll update this article if we learn anything new. In the meantime, check out our list of the best smartwatches you can buy right now.
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