The Pixel Watch 3 is my first ever smartwatch — and so far it’s just a glorified Fitbit

I’ve been a fan of Google’s Pixel phones for years, and I was excited when the company announced the Pixel Watch last year. As someone who’s never owned a smartwatch before, I was curious to see what all the hype was about. So, when the Pixel Watch 3 was released, I finally took the plunge.

After using the Pixel Watch 3 for a few weeks, I have to say that it’s been a mixed bag. While it’s certainly a stylish and capable device, it hasn’t quite lived up to my expectations.

The Good

First, let’s start with the good. The Pixel Watch 3 is one of the most comfortable smartwatches I’ve ever worn. Its circular design fits snugly on my wrist, and the watch band is soft and flexible. Plus, the stainless steel body is elegant and premium, while the Gorilla Glass display is tough and scratch-resistant.

The Pixel Watch 3 also has an impressive display, with vibrant colors, crisp details, and great brightness. It’s easily readable even in direct sunlight, and it’s a joy to use for everything from browsing notifications to interacting with apps.

The battery life is decent, too. With a few days of average use, the battery easily lasts me well past one full day, and I often even have enough charge left for the next morning. I wouldn’t recommend relying on it for extensive GPS tracking or continuous heart rate monitoring, though.

Of course, being a Pixel product, the integration with other Google services is seamless. From Google Assistant voice commands to syncing with my Pixel phone and Fitbit account, everything just works smoothly. The seamless transition between devices adds a whole new level of convenience.

Lastly, Google’s new Wear OS 4 is an excellent update, bringing improved performance and even more useful features, like a better user interface, improved health tracking, and the ability to access more apps.

The Bad

However, the Pixel Watch 3 isn’t perfect. I’ve found several shortcomings that keep it from being the truly essential device I hoped for.

One of my biggest issues is the lack of third-party app support. Unlike Apple Watch, which boasts a massive app library, the Pixel Watch 3 has a rather limited selection. Most of the apps available are just Google’s own offerings, and third-party app support still leaves much to be desired. The limited selection severely restricts functionality.

While the integration with Fitbit works fine, there’s not much benefit beyond simply syncing the fitness data. It doesn’t integrate seamlessly, and features like sleep tracking feel clunky compared to using a dedicated Fitbit device.

The crown, which functions as the “home button”, is slightly too sensitive. It constantly bumps into my hand, and there are times when it even triggers unwanted actions just from the pressure of my wrist.

Despite these flaws, the Pixel Watch 3 isn’t completely useless. However, it fails to deliver a unique and valuable user experience that justifies the hefty price tag. When compared to other wearables, the lack of compelling features makes the purchase seem overpriced.

Verdict

So, is the Pixel Watch 3 a worthy upgrade? In short, it’s a step in the right direction for Google’s wearable ambitions. While its shortcomings make it far from the ultimate smartwatch, its elegance and refined aesthetics could sway some customers. For tech-savvy users or those who value minimalist aesthetics, it might be a suitable purchase, but the lack of compelling features leaves it as just another device, overshadowed by its limitations.

It’s undoubtedly a step forward, especially with Google’s growing commitment to wearable technology. The Pixel Watch 3 does an excellent job at providing basic smartwatch functionality, and for those seeking a stylish device for notifications and fitness tracking, it may suffice. But for those expecting more, the Pixel Watch 3 is simply not there yet.

For me, the Pixel Watch 3 feels like a glorified Fitbit, providing essential fitness tracking features while missing out on the innovative and genuinely helpful capabilities of its rivals. It’s a solid watch, but not a standout, and the Pixel Watch 3 won’t replace my smartphone or traditional watch.

Overall, I can’t help but feel disappointed with the Pixel Watch 3. I had high hopes for Google’s second attempt, but the shortcomings outweigh its positive aspects, making it a tough recommendation. It may be worth exploring other alternatives unless you’re strictly seeking a fashionable accessory with minimal functionalities.