Reflecting upon the Google Pixel Watch 3's first year of existence, a comparison of its successes and shortcomings as the Watch 4 looms on the horizon.
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The Pixel Watch 3, released in 2022, has been a popular choice among Android smartwatch enthusiasts, but the upcoming Pixel Watch 4 promises to take things to the next level. Let's delve into the key differences between these two devices.
The Pixel Watch 4 is set to feature the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor, paired with a Cortex M55 co-processor. This is an upgrade from the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor and Cortex M33 co-processor found in the Pixel Watch 3. The new processor offers about 25% faster processing at half the power consumption compared to its predecessor.
The addition of the Cortex M55 co-processor in the Pixel Watch 4 helps offload tasks such as AI queries, enhancing battery efficiency and overall performance. The Watch 4 also benefits from improved GPS accuracy, longer battery life—up to 40 hours on the 45 mm model—and faster charging.
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the processors:
| Feature | Pixel Watch 3 Processor | Pixel Watch 4 Processor | |------------------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Primary Chip | Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 | Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 | | Co-Processor | Cortex M33 | Cortex M55 | | Process Technology | Not explicitly specified (W5 Gen 1) | 4 nm process | | Performance Improvement | Baseline | ~25% faster, at half the power | | Battery Life Impact | Limited | Longer battery life (up to 40h) | | Additional Features | Basic AI, GPS | Efficient AI, improved GPS, satellite SOS support |
The Pixel Watch 3, tested starting in August 2022, has had its fair share of challenges. It features a 1.43-inch display, which shows more visual data compared to the 1.2-inch display of the Watch 2. However, it has experienced months of update dysfunction, with rollbacks, major bugs, and delayed updates.
Despite these issues, the Pixel Watch 3 remains one of the best Android smartwatches for fast performance, years of speedy (if buggy) updates, Fitbit health insights, and on-wrist Gemini commands. The tester would like better battery life for the Pixel Watch 3, but acknowledges that it does its best without being too heavy.
The Pixel Watch 4, with its improved processor and features, has the potential to capitalize on the goodwill generated by the Pixel Watch 3 and make an even stronger impression with Android and Pixel fans. Google needs to prove it can pull off a major update to older models like the Pixel Watch 3 without critical bugs and painful rollbacks, especially for Wear OS 6 on the Pixel Watch 4.
In terms of design, the larger Pixel Watch 3's bezel-less design has been described as less appealing, being described as a "creepy water drop" and a "naked chicken breast without any seasoning". The smaller version of the Pixel Watch 3, on the other hand, is considered more natural in its design due to its rounded edges.
As for the cost, the price of the Pixel Watch 3 feels more realistic now that the prices of Galaxy and OnePlus watches have increased since last year. The Pixel Watch 4's release date and price are yet to be announced, but it is expected to capitalize on the market trends and offer competitive pricing.
In conclusion, the Pixel Watch 4, with its upgraded processor and features, is set to offer significant improvements over the Pixel Watch 3. However, Google needs to ensure a smooth transition for users upgrading from the Pixel Watch 3 to avoid any major issues.
- The Pixel Watch 4, with its advanced Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor and Cortex M55 co-processor, promises to revolutionize the smartwatch experience, showcasing the latest technology in comparison to the previously release Pixel Watch 3.
- As the Pixel Watch 4 incorporates cutting-edge technology, enthusiasts of gadgets will undoubtedly be captivated by its improved capabilities in terms of battery efficiency, GPS accuracy, and overall performance.
