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Google Pixel Watch 3 XL Leak Explained: Larger 45mm Model, Display and Band Changes

Android Headlines’ Pixel Watch 3 XL leak pointed to a larger 45mm case and new band system. Google later released that device as the 45mm Pixel Watch 3—with different official thickness and specifications.
Estimate5–6 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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Android Headlines published an OnLeaks leak on June 25, 2024 showing what appeared to be Google’s first larger Pixel Watch: a 45 mm case, a claimed 1.45-inch display and a redesigned band-attachment area. Google ultimately released that device as the 45 mm Pixel Watch 3, not “Pixel Watch 3 XL.”

What the Pixel Watch 3 XL leak actually showed

The exclusive report from Android Headlines, based on renders supplied by OnLeaks, depicted a larger circular Pixel Watch with the familiar domed-glass profile. The images and 360-degree video were renders, not factory photographs or an official Google product video.

  • A round case with the seamless, domed appearance used by the first two Pixel Watch generations.
  • The crown on the right side and a single button above it.
  • No obvious change to the overall case silhouette or control layout.
  • A visibly larger area where the band connects to the watch.
  • A light-colored band resembling Google’s earlier crafted-leather styling, although the render did not establish its material or official color name.

Renders could establish exterior proportions and visible controls, but they could not confirm the battery, sensors, materials, software, price or launch date.

Leaked size and display claims

Android Headlines reported a 45 × 45 × 13.89 mm body and a 1.45-inch display. Those were leak measurements, not final Google specifications.

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Spigen for Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm Band with Case (2024)
  • Everyday scratch defense with flexible and shock-absorbent layer
  • Matte finish with carbon fiber accents add a modern look
  • Raised bezels for bolstered screen protection
  • Adjustable wristband with secure metal clasp
  • Only compatible with the Pixel Watch 3 45mm (2024). Not compatible with Pixel Watch 3 41mm / Pixel Watch 2 / Pixel Watch. Fits 5.5 inch to 8.4 inch (140mm - 215mm) wrists.
Detail June 2024 leak Final 45 mm Pixel Watch 3
Case diameter 45 mm 45 mm
Display 1.45 inches claimed 320 ppi LTPO AMOLED Actua display; Google emphasized more than 40% more screen than Pixel Watch 2
Thickness 13.89 mm claimed 12.3 mm
Battery Not confirmed 420 mAh typical
Peak brightness Not established Up to 2,000 nits
Operating system Not confirmed Wear OS 5.0

The official specifications are listed by Google. The final specification page does not present the display using the leak’s exact 1.45-inch diagonal figure.

Why a larger watch mattered

The first two Pixel Watch generations were offered in an approximately 41 mm format. The larger model addressed complaints that the watch looked or felt too small, particularly on larger wrists.

Everyday advantages

  • More room for complications, notifications and readable text.
  • Better visibility for maps, workout metrics and health screens.
  • A more substantial fit for larger wrists.
  • More internal volume for components and a larger battery.

The leak speculated that the extra space might allow a larger battery or additional sensors, but it did not establish either claim. Battery capacity, sensor hardware and endurance remained unknown until Google published final specifications.

The band-compatibility change

The report warned that the larger watch would use a different attachment system, making its bands incompatible with the standard Pixel Watch and older models. That concern was broadly correct.

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  • Compatible Models: Specifically designed for Google Pixel Watch 5 (45mm)/Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)/ Pixel Watch 4 45mm band. Not for Pixel Watch 2/3/4 (41mm) or any other watch models
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  • Multiple Colors: These Pixel Watch 4 45mm nylon bands are available in a range of popular colors. Personalize your Pixel Watch 3 to match your outfit and express your unique style, whether for casual, sporty, or formal occasions

Google’s support guidance now says 45 mm accessories are compatible only with the 45 mm Pixel Watch 3 and 45 mm Pixel Watch 4. In practical terms:

  • Do not assume Pixel Watch 2 bands fit the 45 mm Pixel Watch 3.
  • 41 mm Pixel Watch 3 bands are not interchangeable with the 45 mm model.
  • Existing owners may need a new band collection when moving to 45 mm.
  • Buy bands explicitly listed for the 45 mm Pixel Watch 3 or 4; “Pixel Watch compatible” alone is not specific enough.

The charger is different from the band system. Google lists the Pixel Watch 3 charging cable as compatible with both Pixel Watch 3 sizes and the Pixel Watch 2. See the company’s accessory guidance at Google Support.

What “XL” meant—and what Google called it

Before launch, observers considered names such as Pixel Watch 3 Pro. Android Headlines instead reported “Pixel Watch 3 XL,” and that label became the shorthand used for the leak.

Google did not use either name for the retail product. Its August 13, 2024 announcement introduced the 45 mm Pixel Watch 3 alongside a 41 mm version. Availability began September 10, 2024. The leak name was directionally useful for identifying the larger device, but it was not the final branding.

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What Google ultimately released

The final 45 mm Pixel Watch 3 preserved the recognizable Pixel Watch design while adding a larger format and display refinements. Google’s announced U.S. launch prices were $399.99 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and $499.99 for LTE, with prices tied to that 2024 launch and market.

  • Case: 45 mm diameter and 12.3 mm height.
  • Weight: 37 g without the band.
  • Battery: 420 mAh typical; Google rated it for up to 24 hours with always-on display or up to 36 hours in Battery Saver mode.
  • Display: 320 ppi LTPO AMOLED Actua, 1–60 Hz responsive refresh and up to 2,000 nits peak brightness.
  • Platform: Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 with Cortex-M33, 2 GB SDRAM, 32 GB eMMC and Wear OS 5.0.
  • Durability: 5 ATM and IP68 ratings.
  • Phone requirement: Most Android phones running Android 10 or newer, plus a Google Account and the Pixel Watch app.
  • Fit: 45 mm small bands for approximately 150–185 mm wrists and large bands for approximately 165–215 mm wrists.

Google’s announcement is archived at blog.google, and the complete specifications are on the Google Store.

45 mm versus 41 mm: which size makes sense?

Pixel Watch 3 45 mm Pixel Watch 3 41 mm
Weight without band 37 g 31 g
Typical battery 420 mAh 307 mAh
Approximate wrist range 150–215 mm, depending on band 130–210 mm
Best suited to Readers who prioritize screen area, map and workout readability, or a larger wrist presence Smaller wrists, lighter wear and owners invested in 41 mm accessories

The 45 mm battery is larger, but Google gives both sizes an up-to-24-hour always-on-display estimate. Capacity alone is therefore not proof of multi-day normal use.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi or LTE?

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi costs less at launch and generally relies on the phone being nearby, unless the watch can use Wi-Fi. LTE permits calls, texts, music, Google Pay, Google Assistant and emergency functions away from the phone when activated with a compatible carrier.

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Spigen for Google Pixel Watch 3/2/1 41mm Band with Case (2024/2023/2022)
  • Everyday scratch defense with flexible and shock-absorbent layer
  • Matte finish with carbon fiber accents add a modern look
  • Raised bezels for bolstered screen protection
  • Adjustable wristband with secure metal clasp
  • Only compatible with the Pixel Watch 3 41mm (2024) / Pixel Watch 2 (2023) / Pixel Watch (2022). Not compatible with Pixel Watch 3 45mm. Fits 5.5 inch to 8.5 inch (140mm - 215mm) wrists.

Google says the phone and watch must use the same carrier for the LTE number-sharing setup described in its product information. Carrier eligibility and recurring charges vary by country and plan; see Google’s product page.

What the leak got right—and wrong

Directionally correct

  • A larger 45 mm Pixel Watch was coming.
  • The circular, domed design and crown-and-button arrangement would remain familiar.
  • The larger model would need its own band ecosystem.

Not final

  • “Pixel Watch 3 XL” was not the retail name.
  • The reported 13.89 mm thickness became an official 12.3 mm specification.
  • The 1.45-inch diagonal remained a leaked measurement rather than a published headline specification.
  • Battery capacity, sensors, materials, launch pricing and availability were not confirmed by the leak.

Buying and accessory advice

Choose the 45 mm Pixel Watch 3 if your previous Pixel Watch felt too small, you value readable workout and navigation information, or your wrist is near the 150–215 mm range. Choose 41 mm if you have a smaller wrist, prefer a less prominent watch, or already own many 41 mm-compatible bands.

When shopping for accessories, use Google’s official band category or verify the exact case size in a third-party listing. Band water resistance also varies by material, so a compatible connector does not automatically mean the band is suitable for swimming.

The Bottom Line

The “Pixel Watch 3 XL” leak was substantially right about Google’s move to a larger 45 mm watch and a separate band system, but the final product was sold as the 45 mm Pixel Watch 3. Its official body is thinner than the leak claimed, and the larger battery, brighter display and two-size lineup were confirmed only after Google’s announcement.

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Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Spigen for Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm Band with Case (2024)
Spigen for Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm Band with Case (2024)
Everyday scratch defense with flexible and shock-absorbent layer; Matte finish with carbon fiber accents add a modern look
$22.99
SaleBestseller No. 4
Spigen for Google Pixel Watch 3/2/1 41mm Band with Case (2024/2023/2022)
Spigen for Google Pixel Watch 3/2/1 41mm Band with Case (2024/2023/2022)
Everyday scratch defense with flexible and shock-absorbent layer; Matte finish with carbon fiber accents add a modern look
$21.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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