Pixel Watch 3 prices leak with confirmation of colours and bands

Image: Chris Martin / Foundry

The next version of the smartwatch from Google will have a tough nut to crack.

2022’s original Pixel Watch was solid but suffered from poor battery life, something that was addressed on the Pixel Watch 2 a year later. However, despite it now being the best smartwatch for most people, there’s still room for improvement.

In addition, the recently unveiled Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra set a new standard for Android smartwatches. While previously Google didn’t have to worry about the Apple Watch Ultra, which only works with iPhones, the Galaxy Watch Ultra could be a catch-all for many users of Pixel phones.

So, what should you expect when the Google reveals its next wearable later this year? Here’s all the news and rumours so far about the Pixel Watch 3. 

When will the Google Pixel Watch 3 be released?

Although October seemed like a safe bet for the Pixel Watch 3 launch, going by previous years, it looks like Google might be shaking things up in 2024.

Much to the surprise of the tech press, the firm has sent out invites to a Made by Google event on 13 August where it will “showcase the best of Google AI, Android software and the Pixel portfolio of devices.”

How to watch the Google Pixel 9 launch live

A teaser video titled ‘AI… meet IX at Made by Google’ for the event also popped up and briefly shows the outline of two phones, presumably the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro going by the use of the Roman numerals for 9. Still, Google could unveil the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold at the same time.

The event could also feasibly be for other hardware such as the Pixel Fold 2, Pixel Tablet 2, and Pixel Buds Pro 2 plus we expect to hear more on things like Android 15 (see new Android 15 features and which phones will get it) and Google Gemini.

Why Google has moved the launch event earlier in the calendar is unclear. It could be an attempt to avoid the amount of leaks seen in the past or something else. Either way, we’re keen to see what Google has in store.

Previous Pixel Watch release dates:

• Google Pixel Watch – October 2022
• Google Pixel Watch 2 – October 2023

How much will the Google Pixel Watch 3 cost?

Nothing has been revealed regarding pricing so far. But the launch price of previous models gives you an idea of what to expect:

• Google Pixel Watch (Wi-Fi only) – £339/$349.99
• Google Pixel Watch (Wi-Fi only + 4G LTE) – £379/$399.99
• Google Pixel Watch 2 (Wi-Fi only) – £349/$349
• Google Pixel Watch 2 (Wi-Fi only + 4G LTE) – £399/$399

After small price rises in the UK between the first and second generations, this may be repeated on the Pixel Watch 3, potentially taking the 4G model over the £400 mark. However, it remains to be seen whether the same will be true of the US, which has kept near-identical pricing so far.

Of course, a 45mm model is almost certain to cost more than the Pixel Watch 2, which is only available in 41mm.

According to an exclusive by Android Headlines, the Pixel Watch 3 will cost $349 for the cheapest 41mm model then $449 for the LTE version which is a jump of $50.

For the larger 45mm edition, the watch will cost $399 for the Wi-Fi model and $499 for the LTE model.

What specs and features will the Google Pixel Watch 3 have?

The Pixel Watch 3 still isn’t expected to launch for a while, so there’s little in the way of concrete leaks and rumours. However, there are a few key details that it’s worth knowing about.

Design

The Pixel 3 has been revealed in 5K renders and a 360-degree video by 91mobiles and OnLeaks. The design remains largely unchanged from the Pixel Watch 2, featuring a circular bezel-less display with a rotating crown and running on Wear OS.

According to OnLeaks, key differences include a slight increase in thickness, likely due to a larger 307mAh battery compared to the Pixel Watch 2’s 304mAh battery. The Pixel Watch 3’s dimensions might be 40.79 x 40.73 x 14mm, compared to the 41 x 41 x 12.3mm of its predecessor.

Notably, the Pixel Watch 3 is rumoured to be available in two sizes, potentially introducing a larger Pixel Watch 3 Pro or XL model.

Android Authority reports that the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 will be offered in silver, black and gold case finishes with different coloured bands. The 45mm model might have its case in hazel, black and silver.

According to Android Headlines, the Pixel Watch 3 will offer extensive customisation options with ten different band styles and multiple color choices. The available band styles are:

1. Active Band
2. Active Sport Band
3. Woven Band
4. Stretch Band
5. Metal Mesh Band
6. Metal Links Band
7. Metal Slim Band
8. Two-tone Leather Band
9. Crafted Leather Band
10. Performance Loop Band (delayed until the end of October)

While all these bands except the new Performance Loop Band were available for the Pixel Watch 2, the larger Pixel Watch 3 model might have fewer options, missing out on the Stretch Band, Metal Mesh, Metal Slim and Two-Tone Leather options. Each band style is said to come in multiple colours, with some options exclusive to the 41mm model.

Additionally, according to the same report, the Pixel Watch 3 will be available in different case colours:

• Both sizes might come in Matte Black Aluminium with an Obsidian band and Polished Silver Aluminum with a Porcelain band.
• The 45mm model might also have a Matte Hazel Aluminium case with a Hazel band.
• The 41mm model might offer a Champagne Gold Aluminium case with a Hazel band and a Polished Silver Aluminum case with a Rose Quartz Band.

A second, larger size

As said above, one of the most interesting rumours that have appeared so far comes from 9to5Google, which reported in January 2024 that the Pixel Watch 3 would come in two sizes.

You can only get a Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 in a 41mm size, but a larger alternative would be welcome for those with bigger wrists or difficulty reading smaller displays.

In March 2024, 9to5Google again claimed that the Pixel Watch 3 will also be available in a larger 45mm variant. Sources close to the site also suggest that the smaller version will stay at the current 41mm.

The article goes on to say that the design of the two sizes will be otherwise identical.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Chris Martin / Foundry

Chris Martin / Foundry

It is very likely that these rumours will indeed turn out to be true. The FCC certification reveals (via MySmartPrice) that the Pixel Watch 3 will debut with model numbers GBDU9, GGE4J, GG3HH and GRY0E.

The different model numbers are likely to belong to 41mm and 45mm variants with multiple connectivity options. The database confirms that model numbers GBDU9 and GRY0E will debut with LTE and UWB connectivity.

The 45mm seems certain to happen as leaks continue to expose it, including this screenshot from a promo video posted by Android Headlines.

Android Headlines

Android Headlines

Android Headlines

It seems logical for Google to introduce a larger option, particularly as both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch offer a choice of sizes.

As well as a larger screen, this would naturally make room for a bigger battery, which would be another welcome addition to the Pixel Watch 3.

Display

One of the major complaints about the original Pixel Watch, which carried over to the Pixel Watch 2, was the size of its bezels.

According to Android Authority, the Pixel Watch 3 addresses this by reducing the bezel size from 5.5 mm to 4.5 mm, offering a noticeable improvement. While the bezels remain relatively large compared to competitors like the Apple Watch Series 9, this reduction seems like a significant enhancement.

The display will supposedly be 32x32mm on the smaller model (up from 30x30mm), while the bigger one has a 36×36 mm display size. Resolutions are 408×408 and 456×456, respectively.

Billy Ekblom

Billy Ekblom

Billy Ekblom

Additionally, the Pixel Watch 3 might feature a much brighter display. Both models of the new watch should boast a 2,000-nit display, a substantial increase from the 1,000-nit display of the Pixel Watch 2.

This enhancement should greatly improve visibility in direct sunlight, making the new watches more user-friendly outdoors.

New dedicated chipset

The Pixel Watch 2 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5. According to Android Authority, “the basic watch specs remain the same as the Pixel Watch 2: both are based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 platform with a custom co-processor.”

However, an October 2023 announcement from the chipmaker seems to suggest that we’ll see a new processor in the Pixel Watch 3. Potentially, that could mean the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 will get the more advanced chipset, while the 41mm model might get the Snapdragon W5 from last year.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Chris Martin / Foundry

Chris Martin / Foundry

In a statement, Qualcomm said that it would be “building on their long-standing collaboration with Google by bringing a RISC-V based wearables solution for use with Wear OS by Google”. While several smartwatches run on Wear OS these days, it would make sense for Google’s own smartwatch to get priority with the new chipset.

Qualcomm goes on to say that the move will “help pave the way for more products within the ecosystem to take advantage of custom CPUs that are low power and high performance”. If this materialises on the Pixel Watch 3, we could be getting improved performance and better battery life.

Bigger battery & faster charging

91mobiles has spotted the Pixel Watch 3 on Dekra and Safety Korea websites with the model number G1QME, which is believed to be associated with the Pixel Watch 3.

According to these listings, the Pixel Watch 3 will pack a 307mAh battery. This is a slight upgrade from the 304mAh battery on the Pixel Watch 2 and the first Pixel Watch, which featured a 294mAh battery.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Chris Martin / Foundry

Chris Martin / Foundry

Android Authority claims, however, that “the smaller Pixel Watch 3 will have an unchanged 310mAh battery, while the larger 45mm model will contain a 420mAh cell that should last a fair bit longer.”

Reports including Android Headlines, linked above, suggest that the Pixel Watch 3 will also charge 20% faster.

Touch-sensitive case controls

Perhaps the strangest rumour we’ve seen so far comes from Lifewire, which reported on a patented new technology that measures touches on the casing itself to execute commands.

The Gesture Recognition on Watch Bezel Using Strain Gauges patent (catchy title) looks like it could allow squeezing the frame, rubbing sections of it or tapping to trigger functions. It would have to safeguard against accidental taps, though, to avoid accidentally triggering functions.

However, if the technology works as shown in the diagram below, it could eliminate the need for physical buttons on the Pixel Watch 3.

It may also open up the possibility of quick access to various commands without needing to scroll through menus or between screens.

UWB support

Additionally, Android Authority claims that the Pixel Watch 3 will include UWB (ultra wideband) support for precise device finding and potential use as a car key, contingent on car manufacturers’ support.

That’s all we know at this point about the upcoming Pixel Watch 3. We’ll update this article when we learn anything new. In the meantime, check out our list of the best smartwatches you can buy right now.

You may also be interested in similar articles for the Apple Watch X (the rumoured name of the Series 9 successor) and what the recently unveiled Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra have to offer.

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