Google launches brighter Pixel Watch 3 in two sizes and Pixel Buds Pro 2

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At its Pixel launch event, Google presented the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Buds 2 Pro alongside numerous smartphones. The third generation of the smartwatch is being launched in two case sizes, one with the familiar 41 millimeter diameter and one with a larger 45 millimeters. Narrower display edges and an OLED screen with a brightness of up to 2000 cd/m² are the other major innovations.

Also, new are the Pixel Buds 2 Pro, which have a redesigned housing with rotating stabilizers, as well as a new Google Tensor processor, which should ensure longer runtimes, among other things. Google also claims to have improved noise suppression.

Pixel Watch 3

Visually, the Pixel Watch 3 does not differ from its two predecessors, the design remains very fluid as usual: no hard edges disturb the aesthetics, the display glass and aluminum housing are strongly rounded at the edges, the crown sits prominently on the right side. The 45 millimeter diameter version also fits in seamlessly. The difference to the standard model is only noticeable in direct comparison.

However, the Pixel Watch 3 (45 mm) requires new wristbands, as the previous Pixel Watch wristbands are only compatible with the 41 mm version. Although the fastening mechanism remains identical, the larger diameter apparently requires different dimensions for the connecting elements. As before, the case is water-resistant up to 5 ATM and meets IP68 against water and dust ingress.

The watch already comes with Wear OS 5, like Samsung's Galaxy Watch 7. The new version brings changes to the watch faces, more energy-efficient tracking and supports new types of data when recording workouts, such as step length.

Brighter screen, same processor

The OLED display used is new: it is now significantly brighter, at 2000 cd/m² it is twice as bright as the screen in the Pixel Watch 2 (test) and should therefore be easier to read in bright sunlight. The display should also be more responsive, and Google promises a customizable refresh rate of one to 60 Hz.

According to Google, the display area of the small version has already increased by 10 percent, which could mean a diameter of around 1.25 (approx. 3.15 cm) instead of 1.2 inches (approx. 3 cm). With the same case diameter, the previously massive edges around the screen would therefore be smaller. For the 45 mm version, Google promises 40 percent more display area, which would be a rounded 1.4 inches (3.55 cm). Google does not provide any precise details apart from the pixel density, which remains the same at 320 dpi.

Google has not given the Pixel Watch 3 a new SoC; a Qualcomm SW5100 is still used. With 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory, the remaining specifications are also the same as its predecessor. At 307 mAh, the battery in the smaller version is the same size as in the predecessor, while the 45 mm model has a significantly larger 420 mAh battery. Nevertheless, Google promises identical runtimes of up to 24 hours with always-on display and 36 hours in energy-saving mode for both models.

The charging speed increases, with the smaller Pixel Watch 3 being fully charged after just 60 minutes and the larger model after 80 minutes. The puck with additional charging pins is still used, as with the Pixel Watch 2.

Wi-Fi 6 and UWB

Some changes have been made to the wireless modem, with Wi-Fi 6 (801.11ax) and communication via 5 GHz now supported according to the data sheet. Bluetooth 5.3 increases the chance that Bluetooth LE audio will be introduced and reduces the power consumption when connecting headphones directly to the watch. LTE is available as an option for both sizes.

UWB, aka ultra-wideband radio, has also been added. This will probably make it easier to find the watch in future using Google's device search function if you lose it. At least as long as the smartphone also supports UWB.

The Pixel Watch starts at 399 euros for the Pixel Watch 3 (41 mm) with Wi-Fi, the Pixel Watch 3 (45 mm) costs 449 euros. The mobile versions cost 100 euros more, which is twice as much as its predecessors. However, there is no clear explanation for this price increase.

Pixel Buds Pro 2

The Pixel Buds 2 Pro were also presented. Compared to its predecessor, the elements on the in-ears known as stabilizers are striking and are intended to ensure a better fit in the ear. They are moderately reminiscent of the horns on the original Pixel Buds, but are not as pronounced. The highlight, however, is that the stabilizers are rotatable and can therefore be better adapted to the respective ear.

Google also claims to have improved comfort in other ways and speaks of 27 percent smaller headphones. The individual buds are also significantly lighter at 4.7 grams instead of 6.2 grams. This is made possible by a new chip with Google branding, the Tensor A1. According to Google, its low energy consumption also increases the battery life without active noise-canceling (ANC) to 12 hours, with ANC it is still 8 hours on a single charge. The charging case is sufficient for three charges, and the data sheet promises a total runtime of 48 hours. The case can be charged via USB-C and wirelessly via Qi. The earphones can be located more precisely with the help of UWB, and the white charging case also rings when required.

Google advertises improvements to ANC with Silent Seal 2.0, which is now designed to filter out more noise, even in higher frequency ranges. As with the Pixel smartphone, background noise is filtered out during phone calls so that the other person can hear you better. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available in four colors, Hazel (dark grey), Peony (pink), Porcelain (white) and Wintergreen (mint) for 249 euros. (asp)