Assessing the Pixel Watch 3 after a year: Does it maintain its crown as the superior option?
Google's Pixel Watch 3 Outshines Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in Battery Life
Google's third-generation smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3, has made a mark in the competitive smartwatch market with its robust health tracking capabilities and impressive battery life.
The Pixel Watch 3, equipped with Fitbit integration, offers comprehensive health tracking features. This integration makes it the first smartwatch to feature a closer relationship with the Fitbit platform. However, the device comes with a 420 mAh battery, which, while not the largest among its competitors, delivers an impressive battery life of 52 hours and 30 minutes in real-world usage tests.
In comparison, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, with its smaller screen due to a shift to a cushion-like design, falls slightly behind. While the exact hours for the Watch 8 Classic are not provided, it is noted to come "close" to the Pixel Watch 3's battery life. For context, the older Galaxy Watch 7 lasted about 43 hours in similar tests, indicating an improvement in the Watch 8 Classic but still trailing the Pixel Watch 3.
The Pixel Watch 3's battery life sets it apart, making it a strong contender for users prioritizing longer usage between charges. However, it should be noted that the charging speed of the Pixel Watch 3 is not class-leading, with about 50% charge achieved in 30 minutes and 80% in 45 minutes.
Rumours suggest that the Pixel Watch 4 will switch to wireless charging, potentially addressing this concern.
The Pixel Watch 3's battery life outperforms that of its direct competitors, the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Galaxy Watch 7. Despite this, the device uses pogo pins for charging, which can be frustrating to use with the pogo pin dock.
The Pixel Watch 3 received high praise in a review, being considered one of the best smartwatches on the market. Daily readiness score and Hero Cardio Load features on the Pixel Watch 3 are now free for all users, but other Fitbit Premium features like a digital running coach, Peloton integration, and a large library of workout videos require a subscription.
As for the Pixel Watch 4, rumours suggest it will be thicker to increase battery size, potentially improving its charging speed and overall performance.
[1] Battery life comparison: Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, Source [2] Charging speed of Pixel Watch 3, Source [3] Battery life test results for Pixel Watch 3, Source
- Amidst the array of smart-home devices and gadgets, the Pixel Watch 3 stands out for its exceptional battery life, outshining the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and attracting tech enthusiasts who prioritize longer usage without recharging.
- In the realm of wearables, the Pixel Watch 3, equipped with Fitbit integration, is set to receive an upgrade in the Pixel Watch 4, potentially addressing the concerns of charging speed and battery capacity, further cementing its position as a leader in the smartwatch technology market.
