The smartwatch landscape has exploded since the original Apple Watch, with Apple holding a significant market share. However, a vibrant ecosystem of non-Apple smartwatches offers compelling alternatives. As a dedicated Apple Watch user for the past decade, I recently spent several weeks with the Google Pixel Watch 3, and my experience has been surprisingly positive.
Weather on Pixel Watch 3.Checking the weather on the Pixel Watch 3. Image: Christine Romero-Chan / MaagX
The Elegance of a Round Smartwatch
Apple has consistently employed a rounded square design for its Apple Watch lineup, including the rugged Apple Watch Ultra. While rumors of significant redesigns have circulated, Apple remains committed to this form factor. Although functional, the square design can appear overtly tech-focused on the wrist, lacking the elegance of a traditional timepiece.
Android smartwatches often take a different approach. Popular models from Samsung and Google embrace a circular design, echoing the classic watch aesthetic. This circular format feels less overtly technical and, in my view, more aesthetically pleasing.
Initially, I was uncertain about the practicality of a circular display for notifications, messages, and apps. However, in practice, the circular bezel has not presented any significant issues. While some content might experience minor clipping, the overall elegance of the design outweighs this minor compromise. My time with the Pixel Watch 3 has solidified my preference for its smooth, round design over the squared-off Apple Watch Ultra.
Fresh and Fun Watch Faces
Active watch face in Rosebush color scheme on Pixel Watch 3.The Active watch face in Rosebush color scheme. Image: Christine Romero-Chan / MaagX
Since acquiring the Apple Watch Ultra, the Ultra Modular watch face has become my go-to choice. Previously, I favored the standard Modular face. These faces prioritize functionality, providing essential information at a glance, but they lack a certain visual flair.
On the Pixel Watch 3, I’ve settled on the Active watch face with the Rosebush color theme, a delightful blend of pink and green. This visually appealing and distinctive face offers ample space for frequently accessed applications.
Changing watch faces on Pixel Watch 3.Exploring different watch faces on the Pixel Watch 3. Image: Christine Romero-Chan / MaagX
The sheer variety of watch faces and color schemes available on the Pixel Watch 3 is impressive. Apple Watch faces offer limited color customization, often restricted to single or multi-color options, lacking the dual-tone combinations found on the Pixel Watch 3.
The Pixel Watch 3 boasts a diverse range of watch faces featuring playful fonts, vibrant dual-tone color palettes, gradients, and more. This fresh and fun approach to customization offers a wealth of options to match outfits and occasions. While I plan to explore more watch face combinations in the future, the Active Rosebush face is currently my favorite.
The Impressive Wear OS 5 Experience
Sleep on Pixel Watch 3.Tracking sleep data on the Pixel Watch 3. Image: Christine Romero-Chan / MaagX
As a long-time watchOS user, the Pixel Watch 3 provided my first encounter with Wear OS. I’m genuinely impressed.
Powered by the Snapdragon W5 chip, the Pixel Watch 3 delivers a fast, snappy, and responsive user experience. Apps launch instantly, a stark contrast to occasional delays experienced on my Apple Watch Ultra, particularly when initiating workouts via the Action button shortcut.
The Pixel Watch 3 also excels in automatic workout detection. During a recent visit to Disneyland, the watch promptly recognized my brisk walk back to the car, a feature that my Apple Watch Ultra failed to activate.
The clean aesthetics and intuitive navigation of Wear OS on the Pixel Watch 3 are further highlights. Swiping left and right to access tiles/widgets, down for Quick Settings, and up for notifications feels incredibly natural. I appreciate the ease of access to settings, a feature I wish watchOS would emulate.
A Compelling Non-Apple Smartwatch Option
Notifications on Pixel Watch 3.Viewing notifications on the Pixel Watch 3. Image: Christine Romero-Chan / MaagX
After a decade of exclusive Apple Watch use, the Pixel Watch 3 has opened my eyes to the compelling alternatives available. The round design, reminiscent of traditional timepieces, combined with the diverse and colorful watch faces, offers a refreshing change. The unique dual-tone color combinations are particularly appealing.
Wear OS 5 has proven surprisingly intuitive, offering simpler navigation and a cleaner interface compared to watchOS. Performance is consistently smooth and responsive, and the battery life rivals my Apple Watch Ultra, consistently ending the day with around 50% remaining.
While I remain an Apple Watch user, the Pixel Watch 3 has demonstrated the quality and appeal of non-Apple smartwatches. If my primary phone were the Pixel 9 Pro instead of the iPhone 16 Pro, I would gladly switch to the Pixel Watch 3. It’s that good.
