I’ve been trying out the new larger Pixel Watch 3 and it’s great, with just one caveat.

The Pixel Watch 3 is a smartphone that Google is planning to release at least Some This is some of the feedback that users have expressed about the previous generation Pixel Watch. Many Pixel Watch fans were clamoring for a larger model. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has a case size of 44mm and the Apple Watch Series 9 has a case size of 45mm, so why can’t the Pixel Watch series also offer a larger model?

For the first time, the Pixel Watch series is available in two models: the traditional 41mm size and a new larger 45mm. At a recent Google press event, I had the chance to go hands-on with the Pixel Watch 3, including the 45mm size. What did I think? Let me tell you more.

Pixel Watch 3: First impressions

I know the wish list that Pixel Watch fans had for the Pixel Watch 3. In addition to a larger screen, users were hoping for better battery life, better fitness tracking features, a better display, etc. I’ll address each of these and discuss whether Google has improved them, but first let’s talk about the new 45mm Pixel Watch.

New larger 45mm Pixel Watch 3

Personally, I have small wrists, so if I had to choose between a 41mm and a 45mm case size, I would choose the former. The 41mm case size is more than enough for me.

Pixel Watch 3 41mm case size
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Despite its compact size, the 41mm offered a surprisingly easy-to-read display without straining the eyes. I quickly scrolled through a number of icons and swiped through a few apps, and the screen was very easy to see no matter what I did. This may have something to do with Google shrinking the bezels; the Pixel Watch 3 represents a 10 percent reduction between generations (16 percent on the 45mm size).

Even though I was standing in a bright room with sunlight streaming in, the smartwatch’s screen was incredibly clear, thanks to it being twice as bright (up to 2,000 nits) as the Pixel Watch 2. And while some users will have been hoping for a more powerful panel, the Pixel Watch 3 still has the same Gorilla Glass 5 screen as its predecessor.

Pixel Watch 3 41mm case size
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

At 45mm, the Pixel Watch 3 is too big for my taste, but it still looks great.

Pixel Watch 3 45mm case size
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Interestingly, in the case of Mashable’s Alex Perry, the 45mm was a perfect fit for his round wrist (though, as we’ll explain later, a stretchier band would have suited him better).

Pixel Watch 3 45mm case size
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Pixel Watch 3 Battery Life

We asked a Google representative if the Pixel Watch 3 has better battery life. As it turns out, many Pixel Watch users would like to see better power efficiency. Unfortunately, the Pixel Watch 3’s runtime remains the same as its predecessor: 24 hours with the always-on display and up to 36 hours in battery saver mode.

Pixel Watch 3 45mm
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

If it’s any consolation, May The Pixel Watch 3’s dynamic refresh rate gives you the opportunity to squeeze a little more battery life out of it by adjusting it between 1Hz and 60Hz depending on the task. This feature has two benefits:

1. Scrolling and swiping through apps is buttery smooth, and since the Pixel Watch 2 had a 30Hz refresh rate, this is a welcome upgrade for a more seamless and snappy experience.

2. Dynamic refresh rates typically benefit battery life because they reduce energy consumption by not always refreshing at the same maximum refresh rate. May We suspect the Pixel Watch 3 is slightly better than the Pixel Watch 2 in terms of power efficiency (or maybe that’s just wishful thinking), but we’ll need to review it to know for sure.

But ultimately, I don’t think we can expect a huge generational jump in the Pixel Watch 3’s runtime.

New Workout and Health Tracking Features

The Pixel Watch 3 doesn’t have any spectacular hardware additions or new sensors, but Google is Many Useful improvements to the software.

Running with Pixel Watch 3
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Here are some of the details a Google representative shared with us:

• Enhanced Running Features Design and execute a customized running routine to help you beat your personal best and hone your technique. Include timed warm-ups and cool-downs and set specific goals for pace, heart rate, time and distance.

• Run a saved running routine Real-time guidance with audio and haptic alerts lets you know if you slow down or go over your heart rate goal.

• Receive alerts Perfect for your next sprint or cooling down during training.

• Updated Media Controls Adjust the volume or skip songs without interrupting your workout.

• AI-Driven Form Tracking Advanced motion sensors provide insight into cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation and more.

• New Running Dashboard The Fitbit app shows your weekly mileage, personal records, detailed training analysis, and other metrics.

But my favorite feature is Fitbit’s Morning Brief feature.

Pixel Watch 3 Morning Recap
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Every morning, Morning Brief gives you a summary of your health and fitness metrics, including your sleep status, readiness score (how prepared your body is for exercise), weekly fitness progress, and a daily digest of your heart rate variability, respiration rate, blood oxygen level, and more.

Weather on Pixel Watch 3
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It also gives you weather info so you can plan what you’re going to wear before you even get out of bed, which is a must-have feature for me.

Be careful with this band

The Pixel Watch 3 comes with different band and case combinations depending on the case size.

Pixel Watch 3 (41mm):

• Matte black aluminum case with obsidian band

• Shiny silver aluminum case with porcelain band

• Champagne gold aluminum case with hazel band

• Polished silver aluminum case with rose quartz band

Pixel Watch 3 (45mm):

• Matte black aluminum case with obsidian band

• Shiny silver aluminum case with porcelain band

• Matte Hazel Aluminum Case with Hazel Band

You can buy a stretch band for the Pixel Watch 3, but we recommend buying another band (Active Band, Leather Band, etc.). but Stretch bands. I know they lose their elasticity over time. They were also too big for me and didn’t tighten up.

However, if you have thicker wrists, a stretch band might be best for you: My colleague found the sweat-resistant Active Band, which allows for a custom fit, to fit a little too tightly.

The Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349.99 and is available from the Google Store.