Google Pixel Watch 3 Review: Six Months Later – Is It Still Worth Buying in 2025
When Google launched the Pixel Watch 3, it created major buzz in the smartwatch world — especially with the introduction of the long-awaited 45mm variant. Now that it’s been six months since its official release, it’s the perfect time to step back and evaluate how the watch has held up over real-world daily use.
From software updates to hardware durability and fitness tracking performance, this comprehensive Pixel Watch 3 review will give you a clear picture of whether this smartwatch is still worth your money in 2025.
Pixel Watch 3: What’s New Since Launch
Google has been known for rolling out continuous improvements through software updates and “Feature Drops.” Surprisingly, however, the Pixel Watch 3 hasn’t seen an overwhelming number of additions in the past six months — but what has been added makes a real difference.
Key New Features
- Loss of Pulse Detection
In March 2025, Google finally rolled out the long-announced “loss of pulse detection” feature — a serious health monitoring tool. If the Pixel Watch 3 detects a potential cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or other medical emergencies, it prompts the user to confirm they’re okay. If there’s no response, the watch automatically calls emergency services and shares the user’s location. - Gmail and Google Wallet Enhancements
Gmail for Wear OS now supports emoji reactions and quick replies, while Google Wallet has expanded to include hotel keys, campus IDs, and corporate badges — bringing even more practicality to your wrist. - Contact Tile Shortcut
A new contact tile allows users to quickly call or text a specific person without navigating menus, adding a convenient shortcut for frequent communication.
Upcoming Features to Watch For
There’s growing anticipation around two potential future updates:
- Gemini Integration: Google’s AI assistant Gemini is expected to arrive on Wear OS soon, bringing advanced capabilities like summarizing texts and drafting messages.
- Find My Device for Wear OS: A new app was briefly spotted in Pixel Watch 3 ads, suggesting easier device tracking is on the way.
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Hardware and Design After Six Months
The Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) has proven durable in daily use — from workouts to sleep tracking. Despite some minor scuffs on the Gorilla Glass 5 display, the build quality remains solid.
Durability vs. Aesthetics
Many users have debated whether Google should switch to sapphire crystal for better scratch resistance. While sapphire is tougher against scratches, it’s more prone to cracking on impact and produces more glare. Given that the Pixel Watch lacks a protective bezel, the current Gorilla Glass 5 offers a balanced compromise between durability and usability.
Design Impressions
The Pixel Watch 3 has a minimalist, modern design that some find sleek and stylish, while others consider it slightly “softer.” However, the new 45mm version gives it a bolder wrist presence, making it more appealing to users with larger wrists.
Band Options and Compatibility
Google’s proprietary connector limits third-party band options, especially for the 45mm model. While the 41mm variant benefits from compatibility with previous Pixel Watch bands, 45mm users will find fewer alternatives.
Still, Google’s first-party bands are premium in quality:
- Active Sport Band – ideal for workouts
- Fine Woven Band – perfect for everyday use
- Performance Loop Band – comfortable but overpriced
Just keep in mind that buying multiple bands can get expensive quickly.
Pixel Watch 3 Fitness and Health Tracking
Fitness enthusiasts will find plenty to love about the Pixel Watch 3. Integrated with Fitbit, it tracks heart rate, calories, steps, cardio load, and sleep with impressive accuracy.
Workout Experience
Whether you’re running, cycling, or lifting, the Pixel Watch 3 provides detailed performance insights. The Cardio Load feature, for example, helps users optimize training intensity for recovery and performance balance.
For casual runners, Fitbit’s metrics are more than sufficient, and even advanced users will appreciate the watch’s workout variety and heart rate precision.
Body Response and Stress Management
One of the most underrated features is Body Response Notifications — alerts that trigger when your stress levels spike. Combined with Fitbit Relaxed, users can perform guided breathing exercises to calm down and reset focus.
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Fitbit Premium: Is It Worth It?
While Fitbit Premium offers advanced sleep analytics and personalized coaching, most users will find the free features sufficient. The extra $10/month may not justify the marginal improvements unless you’re a data-driven athlete.
Software and User Experience
Running on Wear OS 5, the Pixel Watch 3 delivers the cleanest, most seamless Wear OS experience yet.
Key Software Highlights
- Morning Briefing: Offers a quick overview of your daily health metrics like sleep quality and readiness score.
- Google Ecosystem Integration: Works seamlessly with Pixel phones and apps like Google Wallet, Maps, Gmail, YouTube Music, and even Google TV remote controls.
- Smart Features: Call screening, Pixel Recorder, Nest camera access, and more make this smartwatch deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem.
Customization and Interface
Google’s watch faces are beautifully crafted, allowing users to customize colors, widgets, and complications. The tiles interface is intuitive and lets you organize important data like weather, calendar, and fitness stats efficiently.
Voice-to-text input is also blazing fast and accurate, arguably the best on any smartwatch currently available.
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Battery Life and Charging Performance
Battery life is one of the Pixel Watch 3’s few weak points — though not a dealbreaker.
- Battery Duration: Around 24–30 hours with typical use.
- Charging Speed: Full charge in 60–70 minutes, or 50% in about 25 minutes.
- Charging Method: Magnetic pin-based (not wireless).
While wireless charging would’ve been more convenient, the current setup is serviceable. It’s smart to keep a spare charger in your bag or car for emergencies.
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Pixel Watch 3 vs. Pixel Watch 2
If you’re comparing both, here’s what stands out:
- Pixel Watch 3: Brighter screen (2000 nits vs. 1000 nits), thinner bezels, and the new 45mm size.
- Pixel Watch 2: Slightly cheaper and still offers nearly identical performance.
Unless you specifically want the larger display or newest features first, the Pixel Watch 2 remains a strong contender for value seekers.
Final Verdict: Is the Pixel Watch 3 Still Worth It?
Six months later, the Google Pixel Watch 3 remains one of the best Android smartwatches available. Its sleek design, health features, and deep Google integration make it a great everyday companion — despite minor drawbacks like battery life and limited band selection.
If you’re already invested in Google’s ecosystem, the Pixel Watch 3 offers the most seamless and intelligent smartwatch experience you can get today.
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FAQs About the Google Pixel Watch 3
1. Is the Pixel Watch 3 waterproof?
Yes, the Pixel Watch 3 is rated 5 ATM, meaning it’s safe for swimming and showering but not for deep-water diving.
2. How long does the battery last on average?
You can expect 24–30 hours of use per charge with moderate settings, or up to 48 hours if you disable the always-on display.
3. Does it support iPhone connectivity?
The Pixel Watch 3 is optimized for Android and works best within the Google ecosystem. It does not pair with iPhones.
4. Can I use the Pixel Watch 3 without a Fitbit Premium subscription?
Absolutely. Most key features — like heart rate, sleep tracking, and workout data — are available without paying for Fitbit Premium.
5. Should I upgrade from Pixel Watch 2 to Pixel Watch 3?
Only if you want the larger 45mm size or brighter screen. Otherwise, the Pixel Watch 2 offers nearly the same experience at a lower cost.
Google Pixel Watch 3 Review: the Conclusion
In summary, after six months of use, the Pixel Watch 3 stands out as a polished, well-rounded smartwatch that balances design, performance, and functionality. While battery life could be better, its health monitoring, Google integration, and Fitbit features make it a top-tier option for Android users in 2025.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself — do you value the latest features, or do you just need a solid smartwatch that works flawlessly with your Pixel phone? Either way, Google has built something special here.
