The Pixel Watch series has always stood out with its cool round design and futuristic curved glass. However, Google still hasn’t tackled a big issue: repairability. Just like previous models, the latest Pixel Watch isn’t repair-friendly. If you crack the screen or have a battery problem, you won’t be able to fix it—you’ll have to replace the whole watch. Google confirms that any hardware issue (out of warranty) or an accident makes the Pixel Watch 3 irreparable. It’s not made for repair, you will need to replace it completely.
Google Pixel Watch 3 Can’t be Repaired If Your Screen Cracks
The design contributes to this problem. While the round shape and curved glass look great, they also make the watch more vulnerable to damage, especially the screen, which is the part most likely to get messed up from drops or bumps.
In a statement to Android Authority, Google confirmed that their smartwatch policy remains unchanged: if your Pixel Watch 3 breaks, you’ll need to replace it because it’s not repairable.
For those concerned about accidental damage, Google suggests the Pixel Watch 3’s Preferred Care program. It allows for a replacement for a $49 service fee. However, this program is only available in certain regions, so users in unsupported areas could face high replacement costs, even outside of warranty. This approach contrasts sharply with Google’s recent sustainability efforts. We can mention the self-repair program for Pixel smartphones. It also leads to a lot of electronic waste, as damaged Pixel Watches become unusable even if some parts are still working perfectly. That’s a big controversial twist in the company’s recent eco-friendly policies.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 with 41mm size costs $349 for the Wi-Fi-only model. The LTE variant will set you back by $449. The larger 45mm models asks $399 for the Wi-Fi version, whereas the LTE variant costs $499. That’s a considerable price for a device that is beyond repair if any accident happens. Hopefully, Google will change its mind in future models.
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Pixel Watch 3 Specs Summary
- Display: 3D curved always-on AMOLED display, 320 ppi, DCI-P3 color gamut, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, up to 2000 nits brightness
- Processor: Qualcomm SW5100 chipset, Cortex M33 co-processor
- Operating System: Wear OS 5.0
- Storage/RAM: 32 GB eMMC storage, 2GB RAM
- Sensors: Compass, Altimeter, Red and infrared sensors for oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring, Multipurpose electrical sensors compatible with ECG app, Multi-path optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient light sensor, Electrical sensor to measure skin conductance (cEDA) for body response tracking, Skin temperature sensor, Barometer, Magnetometer
- Daily Readiness Score, Sleep Profile, Sleep Score, Cardio Load, target load, Loss of Pulse Detection, and 40+ workout modes
- Interactions: Side button, Haptic crown, Premium haptics
- Built-in mic and speaker
- 5 ATM and IP68 water resistant
- Housing: 100% recycled aluminum; Active Band: Fluoroelastomer with soft-touch coating
- Weight: 41mm – 31 g (without band); 45mm – 37 g (without band)
- 4G LTE (optional), Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz/5GHz), GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, NFC, Ultra-Wideband chip
- 41mm – 307 mAh battery, 24 24-hour battery life with always-on display, Up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode, USB-C Fast Charging, Charges 80% in 35 minutes
- 45mm – 420 mAh battery, 24 24-hour battery life with an always-on display, Up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode, USB-C Fast Charging, Charges 80% in 50 minutes
Conclusion: Be Careful, or Consider Another Model
Protective cases can help keep your Pixel Watch 3 safe, but they also add bulk and might spoil the watch’s sleek design. It’s a trade-off that some users might not want to make. Even though the Pixel Watch 3 has great features like better fitness tracking, a Loss of Pulse Detection tool, and brighter displays, you should think carefully before buying due to its repairability issues. So if you plan to buy one, be advised to enter the Preferred Care program. If it’s not available in your country, then you should consider other options.
