Bigger is apparently better at Google’s design labs. Leaks have recently surfaced showcasing the supposed design of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google’s upcoming big-screen flagship phone aiming to compete with the likes of Pro Max and Ultra devices offered by other manufacturers. This trend of going big seems to be extending to wearables as well, with similar treatment expected for the upcoming Pixel Watch 3 smartwatch.
Android Headlines has shared leaked product renders of what they’re calling the “Pixel Watch 3 XL.” As the name suggests, this variant boasts a larger 1.45-inch display, a significant upgrade from the standard Pixel Watch 3’s 1.2-inch OLED screen. The rumors also suggest that the Pixel Watch 3 XL will be roughly 12% thicker than its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 2. This increase in chassis depth is believed to accommodate a larger battery, but the exact capacity remains under wraps.
A bigger battery should translate into even better battery life, which is already a major strength of the Pixel Watch. In his review of the Pixel Watch 2, Digital Trends’ Andy Boxall praised the watch’s ability to last a full day on a single charge, making it suitable for everyday use. There’s no word yet on whether Google plans to improve charging speeds for the Pixel Watch 3 series. However, considering the Pixel Watch 2’s already efficient charging capabilities, it might not be a major concern for users.
Based on leaked dimensions and comparisons with the Pixel Watch 3, speculations suggest that the Pixel Watch 3 XL might feature a slimmer bezel design. The thicker bezels on the Pixel Watch 2 were a point of criticism for many reviewers, and it seems Google is listening to user feedback and addressing this aesthetic concern in the Pixel Watch 3.
Another interesting area of speculation is the purpose behind the increased depth in both variants of the Pixel Watch 3. While a larger battery is a likely explanation, some rumors hint at potential upgrades to the biosensor assembly, possibly incorporating new health tracking features. The smartwatch industry is abuzz with the potential for features like blood glucose monitoring and blood pressure analysis, and rumors suggest Google might be exploring similar advancements. However, concrete details are scarce, and while companies like Samsung and Apple have made significant research strides in these areas, it’s too early to say for sure if Google will be able to deliver on these speculations.
Software has been a major selling point for the Pixel Watch so far, and with the promising Wear OS enhancements announced at Google I/O 2024, this strength is likely to continue. However, software prowess alone might not be enough to convince buyers shelling out upwards of $350 for a smartwatch in a competitive market. To truly differentiate itself, Google might need to focus on offering more in-depth wellness analyses and a wider range of sensors in the Pixel Watch 3 series.
Fall is when we’ll finally know if Google has any such surprises planned for the Pixel Watch 3 and its XL variant. With a bigger display, a potentially larger battery, and maybe even slimmer bezels, the Pixel Watch 3 XL is shaping up to be an exciting iteration. But whether Google has any groundbreaking health tracking features or an improved sensor array up its sleeve remains to be see.
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