Based on my experience with the Pixel Watch 3 paired with a Pixel 9 Pro XL, I can confidently say this watch represent a great option for Android powered phone users. Here’s a more personal look at my time with the device:
The design is sleek, and the 45mm version I tested felt solid yet lightweight on the wrist. The Actua AMOLED LTPO display is stunning—sharp, vibrant, and capable of dimming down to just 1 nit for nighttime use. The always-on display is particularly impressive, utilizing a refresh rate that can drop to just 1 Hz, making it both practical and power-efficient.
This alone, to me, is the most relevant trait for this watch. It is good looking. Nothing else to say.. then it is a question of personal taste so… it’s up to you to evaluate it
Basically you can find everything you expect from a flagship included the possibility to answer to call and messages and to interact with the watch via voice control.
In Italy you can do it standalone (no need to have a phone) with the 4G version but only if your main operator is Vodafone.. I don’t know if that is the case in other countries but it could easyly be a deal-breaker.
Fitbit’s integration shines with features like the Morning Brief, delivering daily insights on sleep, readiness, cardio goals, and even the weather. The standout addition for me was the Pulse Loss Detection feature. While thankfully I never had to use it, the peace of mind it offers by being able to detect and respond to sudden cardiac arrest is remarkable.
The Ultra-Wideband chip adds extra functionality, such as unlocking Pixel phones with a swipe or even acting as a digital car key (limited to BMW and MINI for now).
Battery life was another highlight. While I didn’t quite hit the elusive two full days, the watch comfortably lasted through a weekend getaway without needing a charge. Recharging to 50% in just 30 minutes is handy, but a full charge still takes 90 minutes—manageable but not ideal.
The one major drawback? Compatibility. It’s completely locked into the Android ecosystem, leaving iOS users out in the cold. Without an Android device, the watch is essentially a stylish paperweight.
For me that was a deal-breaker as I did not like the experience with the Pixel phone and I returned to my “old” Apple friend.
For Android users, especially Pixel owners, this watch is definetely one I will consider (probably the one I will get). In my opinion, it’s finally on par with the Apple Watch, offering a flagship experience tailored to Google’s ecosystem.
