Exclusive: Google Pixel Watch 3 will start at $349

For the first time ever, the Google Pixel Watch is coming in two sizes this year. There’s the same 41mm size that we’ve had for the past two generations, and this year a new 45mm model joins the lineup. Surprisingly, the starting price is remaining the same this year. Despite the Galaxy Watch 7 having jumped in price (it’s still cheaper than the Pixel Watch 3, however).

We can now share with you pricing for the Google Pixel Watch 3. The 41mm will be available in WiFi for $349, with the LTE model costing $449. The WiFi-only version will remain the same price this year; however, the LTE model did jump $50. This is likely done to make room for the 45mm model, which will be $399 for the WiFi model and $499 for the LTE model.

This puts Google on the same level as Apple in terms of the price gap between WiFi and LTE. The Apple Watch Series 9 41mm is $399 for WiFi versus $499 for the WiFi + Cellular model. Meanwhile, Samsung is still the cheapest, with the Galaxy Watch 7 40mm going for $299 for WiFi only and $349 for the LTE model.

Google is including much brighter displays and faster charging

As we mentioned earlier this week, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is gaining a much brighter display on both models. It uses the Actua Display, which will bring peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits. That’s up from the 1,000 nits of peak brightness from the Pixel Watch 2. Additionally, charging is going to be about 20% charger on the 41mm (you can’t really compare the 45mm model since it’s larger and doesn’t have a predecessor).

Google is also limiting the Android version that works with the Pixel Watch 3. Previously, you just needed an Android device running Android 9 and later. Now, Google is requiring Android 10 and later for the Pixel Watch 3. That’s not a big deal, since Android 10 did launch back in 2019, so it is already a five-year-old operating system.

Pixel Watch 3 will have no shortage of bands and colors available too. There will be a total of ten different band styles, including a new Performance Loop Band that won’t be available until October.