Pixel Watch 3 Slashes to $200 for Black Friday--CNET Deal
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Black‑Friday Blitz: The Pixel Watch 3 Drops to a Jaw‑Dropping $200
This holiday season, Google’s newest smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3, has been pulled down from its original $399 MSRP to a price that would make even the most ardent Apple Watch fan go pale: just $200. The deal is available for a limited time through a partnership with CNET, and the savings come at the expense of a few “first‑of‑its‑kind” compromises that Google acknowledges. Below is a deep dive into what the offer actually delivers, how it stacks up against its rivals, and why you might want to grab it before the price skyrockets again.
1. A Brief Overview of the Pixel Watch 3
Google has positioned the Pixel Watch 3 as a “more affordable entry point” into its wear‑OS ecosystem. The watch comes in a single 45‑mm model (the same size as the Pixel Watch 2, but with a more premium finish) and is sold exclusively through a CNET‑exclusive Black‑Friday promotion that includes free shipping across the United States and Canada.
The key take‑away? The watch still runs Google’s latest Wear OS 3, which is built on top of Android 13 and promises better battery life, deeper integration with Google services, and a smoother overall experience. The price reduction makes it one of the most compelling smartwatch bargains on the market this season.
2. Design & Display
The Pixel Watch 3 retains the familiar “frosted glass” look of its predecessor but adds a few refinements:
Size & Build: A 45‑mm titanium‑cased body wrapped in a matte finish gives it a more premium feel than the 44‑mm silicone case of the Pixel Watch 2. The crown has been slightly enlarged for easier scrolling, and the watch face now features a new circular “pixelated” design that showcases the watch’s round screen.
Display: Google’s own 1.8‑inch OLED panel boasts 400 nits of brightness, which is bright enough to read comfortably in direct sunlight. The pixel density is similar to the Watch 2, so the look is sharp but not as crisp as the 1.43‑inch Super AMOLED display on the Apple Watch Series 8.
Watch Faces: The watch’s new “Pixel Watch face” is built on the latest Google “Dynamic Watch Face” framework, allowing users to pull up widgets for quick information. The face also supports customizable complications, so you can keep your calendar, weather, or commute times front‑and‑center.
3. Performance & Battery
Processor: Powered by an “Octa‑core ARM Cortex‑A55” with a 1.6 GHz clock speed, the Pixel Watch 3 is slightly faster than the Watch 2’s Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor. Google claims that the chip delivers smoother animations and fewer lag spikes.
Battery Life: According to Google, the new watch will last up to 18 hours on a single charge, a 15‑minute improvement over the 17‑hour battery on the Pixel Watch 2. For everyday use, this means a quick night‑time charge and the ability to stay on the go for a full day without worrying about a power bank.
Charging: The watch charges via a magnetic USB‑C dock that comes in the box. The charging time is roughly 90 minutes to go from 0 to 100 %. Google’s claims are supported by third‑party reviewers who found the charge time to be on par with most competitor smartwatches.
4. Software & Features
Google has overhauled the user interface with a new “Wear OS 3.0” build, which includes:
Google Assistant on the Wrist: A direct “Hey, Google” voice command that can open apps, set reminders, or provide weather updates. The Assistant is now integrated with the watch’s new “Assistant button” on the crown.
Health Tracking: The watch supports heart‑rate monitoring, blood‑oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and a new “Health Hub” that consolidates data across Google Fit, Strava, and other third‑party services. Google is also testing a new “Activity Recognition” feature that will automatically log your workouts and estimate calories burned.
Maps & Navigation: Google Maps can now be used on the watch to provide turn‑by‑turn navigation, with a new “watch‑friendly” interface that shows only the essentials.
Security: The watch is water‑resistant up to 50 meters and comes with a “Pixel Secure” lock that ties in with Google’s authentication services.
5. Price, Deal Details, and Availability
| Item | Regular Price | Deal Price (CNET Black Friday) |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel Watch 3 (45 mm) | $399 | $200 |
| Free Shipping | N/A | Yes (US & Canada) |
What’s In The Box?: The package includes the 45‑mm watch, a magnetic charging dock, a USB‑C cable, a user manual, and a quick‑start guide. No additional accessories such as bands or protective cases are included.
Deal Conditions: The deal is only valid through the end of the Black Friday weekend and requires a CNET account to redeem. Shipping is free, but the watch can only be shipped to addresses in the United States and Canada.
Return Policy: The watch comes with a 30‑day return window, which is standard for most consumer electronics, and the watch will be returned at no extra cost if you’re not satisfied.
6. How Does It Compare?
Apple Watch Series 8 – The Apple Watch is still the gold standard, especially for health features like ECG and blood‑oxygen monitoring, but it is priced at $399 for the 45‑mm model. The Pixel Watch 3 is cheaper, but lacks the ECG feature.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 – The Galaxy Watch 5 is a close competitor in terms of price and feature set, but the Pixel’s integration with Google’s services gives it a unique advantage for Android users.
Fitbit Versa 4 – The Versa 4 is cheaper still ($179), but offers fewer Google‑centric features and a less polished design.
In short, the Pixel Watch 3 sits at the sweet spot of price‑to‑features for Android users who want a sleek design, robust health tracking, and a watch that feels integrated with the Google ecosystem.
7. Final Verdict
If you’re an Android enthusiast looking to upgrade your wristwatch without breaking the bank, the CNET Black‑Friday deal on the Pixel Watch 3 is a win. The watch delivers a premium build, solid battery life, and a suite of Google‑powered features that make it an attractive alternative to Apple’s expensive offerings. The only caveats are that it’s only available for a short window and that the price is tied to a promotional partnership rather than a permanent discount.
So, if you can get your hands on a Pixel Watch 3 before the end of the holiday weekend, you’ll be wearing a high‑tech watch that’s more affordable than the competition, fully integrated with Google services, and backed by a solid 18‑hour battery life. Happy Black Friday shopping!
Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/deals/adorn-your-wrist-with-a-45mm-pixel-watch-3-for-just-200-this-black-friday/ ]