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The Pixel Watch 4 is the second-best Android watch, however it’s the greatest Gemini watch, and it is turning into top-of-the-line health smartwatches. Google has been constructing to this stage for years, and greater than die-hard Pixel followers needs to be paying consideration.
The Pixel Watch 4 has powerful competitors. Samsung and OnePlus, Google’s Put on OS companions, have specific strengths for software program longevity (Samsung), battery life (OnePlus), ruggedness, and traditional model (each), the place the Pixel Watch 4 generally falls brief.
Google Pixel Watch 4: Pricing and specs
The Pixel Watch 4 launched October 9, 2025, for $349 (41mm) or $399 (45mm), with a $100 surcharge for 4G LTE and satellite tv for pc SOS. Mobile fashions embody 500MB of Google Fi messaging, navigation, and music streaming per thirty days for 2 years; add it to an eligible 4G service for calling.
The Pixel Watch 4 45mm provides you a bigger show and an estimated further 10 hours of battery life per cost, whereas weighing 12–15g extra with the included small or giant Lively band connected. The 41mm mannequin is best suited to smaller wrists, whereas each match bigger wrists.
|
Specs |
Google Pixel Watch 4 |
|---|---|
|
OS |
Put on OS 6 |
|
CPU |
Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, Cortex M55 co-processor |
|
Show |
1.33- or 1.49-inch Actua 360 AMOLED LTPO show, 320ppi 3,000 nits, 1-60Hz refresh fee |
|
RAM / Storage |
2GB + 32GB |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz, NFC, UWB, LTE (elective), dual-frequency GPS, Galileo, Glonass, (ROW) Beidou, QZSS, Navic, Satellite tv for pc SOS, |
|
Sensors |
Compass, altimeter, barometer, magnetometer, 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient gentle, multi-path optical coronary heart fee sensor, cEDA, SpO2, ECG, far discipline pores and skin temperature sensor |
|
Battery |
41mm: 325mAh, 30 hours with AOD, 48 hours with Battery Saver 45mm: 455mAh, 40 hours with AOD, 72 hours with Battery Saver |
|
Charging |
41mm: quarter-hour to 50%, 25 minutes to 80%, 45 minutes to 100% 45mm: quarter-hour to 50%, half-hour to 80%, 60 minutes to 100% |
|
Supplies |
Recycled aluminum |
|
Safety |
Customized Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 5ATM, IP68 |
|
Band |
Lively (fluoroelastomer) |
|
Dimensions |
41 x 41 x 12.3mm / 45 x 45 x 12.3mm |
|
Weight (w/out band) |
41mm: 31g 45mm: 36.7g |
|
Colours |
Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold (41mm), Satin Moonstone (45mm) |
Google Pixel Watch 4 design and show
- Rounded 3,000-nit, 60Hz show stretches proper as much as curved edge
- Design is now user-repairable, although not particularly rugged
Each Pixel Watch 4 fashions measure the identical measurement and weight as their Pixel Watch 3 predecessors, with the identical band mechanism for outdated straps to hold over. The complimentary fluoroelastomer Lively band is comfy sufficient, however I want different Pixel Watch bands, like Sport for exercise breathability or Stretch for sleep monitoring.
The 41mm mannequin is pleasantly gentle (~55g with band), on par with sportier watches, whereas the 45mm mannequin (~67g) is considerably comfier than my Galaxy Watch 8 Basic or different steel-heavy flagship smartwatches. The crown stays as nice to make use of as ever, whereas the aspect button is extra annoying to press.
Regardless that the general really feel hasn’t modified, the Pixel Watch 4 design feels just like the sequence’ last type: the look Google at all times needed to drag off.
Older fashions’ rounded edges contrasted oddly with the flat, bezel-less high, giving them a unadorned, synthetic look that not everybody preferred. The domed Actua 360 show is a extra pure design development, whereas additionally stretching the touchscreen to the sting, eradicating the wasted border area I hated on the Watch 2.
You will want time to regulate to the domed show, which adorns the Put on OS 6 impact of magnifying centered content material. It is actually useful for making notifications and Tiles extra readable, however you do not often see warping like this on a show, and the dome provides slight resistance to left-right swipes.
I can not predict whether or not you will just like the show. My coworkers who’ve seen it for themselves both assume it is the “greatest trying show” on any smartwatch or it is a bizarre distraction. However you will not know till you get your arms on it.
In my case, it is grown on me, with the show’s vivid brightness and clean scrolling enhancing the expertise. Specifically, Google’s 1.49-inch 45mm mannequin appears to be like extra pure than earlier than, and I admire how Put on OS reflows content material to leverage that further area.
One other vital improve is how Google made the Watch 4 absolutely repairable. I have never tried it myself, however understanding I can take away the bands, unscrew two screws with an affordable bit to loosen the actual glass seal, and entry the parts in 20 minutes is thrilling.
Most smartwatches’ parts are fused with warmth and glue; an knowledgeable can disassemble and resolder them, however with no assure they’re going to nonetheless work or keep waterproofing. Google’s 100-page restore handbook ensures you are not depending on the guarantee if one thing goes fallacious.
Google’s signature bezel-less design and lacking sapphire glass have at all times made it extra susceptible to scratches and cracks than different health watches. I nonetheless would not advocate it to mountain climbers, however it’s simpler to advocate for on a regular basis athletes because of its repairability.
Google Pixel Watch 4 {hardware}, battery, and charging
- Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 provides satellite tv for pc however solely minor effectivity enhance
- Battery life continues to creep upwards to two-day vary
- Charging is considerably quicker with new Dock
I anticipated the Watch 4’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 to ship a generational efficiency enhance, the fruits of Google and Qualcomm’s RISC-V partnership. As an alternative, Qualcomm used the identical 4nm course of and quad Cortex-A53, although it is 20% extra environment friendly.
You will not discover any lag navigating by way of menus or notifications, whereas something that requires web — like Gemini instructions or looking the Play Retailer — has minimal loading. With out your cellphone available to relay issues, although, my Watch 4 LTE may be gradual at some duties, like pulling up Google Maps instructions.
I think the Gen 2 shall be a stopgap chip, with the Pixel Watch 5 enhancing on-device Gemini smarts and general pace. However hypotheticals apart, Watch 4 efficiency is quick sufficient for now.
Solely Watch 4 LTE patrons will get the best W5 Gen 2 perk: satellite tv for pc SOS that connects to Skylo’s NB-NTN for emergencies in mobile lifeless zones. In case your cellphone has satellite tv for pc, it would really feel superfluous, however for the reason that Watch 4 will most likely outlast your cellphone battery, it may simply repay while you desperately want it.
Google additionally gave the Watch 4 a brand new coprocessor that is “25% quicker at half the ability,” tailor-made for on-device AI and background duties. Then you have got a extra environment friendly connection between cellphone and watch by way of Bluetooth 6, on high of a ten% software program effectivity enhance from Put on OS 6.
The mixed impact on battery life is delicate, however important. You will not discover a distinction for power-hungry duties like cellphone calls or app use. However my Watch 4 45mm will get by way of an eight-hour workday of HR monitoring, notifications, and AOD — or an evening of HR, SpO2, stress, respiratory, pores and skin temp, and different stats — and solely use about 15% battery, when an older Pixel Watch may need misplaced 33% in that span.
Even higher, the Watch 4’s Fast Cost Dock is absurdly quick. You would possibly resent switching to a brand new proprietary charger, however belief me, it is well worth the change.
Yesterday, I completed a run at 30% energy; I set a 15-minute timer, popped the Watch 4 on the Dock, took a bathe, and got here out to seek out it at 80% because the timer went off.
I now not have to fret about scheduled charging occasions or my watch unexpectedly dying, as long as I cost it in handy moments after I would not put on it anyway.
Fast charging on smartwatches has develop into extra frequent, however I admire how Google’s Dock makes it simple to verify time remaining. You do want a tough, strong floor for the Dock to sit down, or else it is simple for the Watch 4 to develop into misaligned.
Google Pixel Watch 4: Well being and health
- GPS accuracy has considerably improved, whereas HR accuracy is constant sufficient for many athletes
- Sleep monitoring is stricter than on most watches, with loads of well being insights
- Fitbit Private Well being Coach beta will rework the Watch 4 expertise
If you happen to’re contemplating shopping for the Pixel Watch 4 for health, my in-depth Pixel Watch 4 health information has a number of HR and GPS accuracy exams. The brand new dual-band GPS is each reliably correct in powerful situations and surprisingly battery-efficient, solely utilizing about 8–10% Watch 4 capability per hour. HR accuracy stays unchanged from the Watch 3, offering fairly shut readings to a chest strap in regular situations however barely underestimating HR throughout more durable exercises.
I additionally detailed my wishlist of lacking health instruments on different watches: I am ready for Google to allow us to construct offline GPX routes in Maps, add on-watch monitoring of indoor train reps for the fitness center or at house, and add particular options like operating energy, cardio/ anaerobic Coaching Load cut up, and post-workout restoration time.
On the health-tracking entrance, the one new {hardware} is the pores and skin temperature sensor, designed to detect sicknesses in case your physique strays out of its common vary. In any other case, you are getting Google’s common suite of Fitbit sensors. In the course of the day, it will warn you of any coronary heart rhythm points or Lack of Pulse in emergencies, however most of its insights come at night time.
Google’s stats for my RHR, SpO2, HRV, respiratory fee, and others all appear to align with what different watches register for me; the one distinction from different watches is that Google is extra susceptible to guage my gentle, stressed sleep as being “Awake,” even after I do not recall ever waking up.
It is difficult to evaluation the Pixel Watch 4’s well being and health expertise at present, nonetheless. Why? As a result of the Fitbit Private Well being Coach preview essentially adjustments the dialog. The complete model will not launch till 2026, however critiquing the present lame-duck Fitbit app for issues the brand new model will resolve feels foolish.
In my Pixel Watch 3 evaluation, I famous that Google wanted longer-term plans for a number of sports activities as a substitute of each day operating recommendations and Cardio Load; now, you possibly can construct a weeks-long, personalised coaching plan throughout dozens of sports activities and over 1,000 train sorts, after about 5–10 minutes of AI Q&A, with extra allowance for relaxation days.
Likewise, whereas I discover the present Fitbit UI unintuitive, burying helpful traits and experiences in submenus, the Fitbit preview highlights related traits, good or unhealthy, with contextual “Perception” playing cards within the Right this moment tab.
I’ve already constructed a exercise plan, tailor-made for my upcoming marathon, and requested the Gemini-based coach to change at present’s exercise as a result of I am working late (on this evaluation). I can not decide its usefulness with out weeks of testing, however the customization, flexibility, and inspiration for cross-training exercises all intrigue me.
Whether or not the Fitbit Coach lives as much as Google’s guarantees or not, this replace essentially ties Fitbit and Gemini collectively on the Pixel Watch 4. In a number of months, AI-made coaching targets and LLM summaries of your well being traits will outline the Watch 4 expertise.
Google Pixel Watch 4: Software program and Gemini
- Gemini Elevate to Wake is one in every of my favourite options
- Put on OS 6 is a big, charming replace
- Replace longevity remains to be a query mark
Put on OS 6 has already come to older Pixel Watches, however it’s nonetheless price praising as one of many greatest components of utilizing the Pixel Watch 4.
The brand new Materials 3 Expressive UI matches the domed show, increasing or shrinking content material relying on its show placement; the sleek, dynamic scrolling animation is hypnotic, each for the app drawer and notification playing cards.
The brand new Tile format can match extra info and shortcuts than earlier than. I want Samsung’s multi-info Tiles, which allow you to scroll to seek out extra info and mix associated apps into one Tile, however Google’s resolution is the subsequent neatest thing.
Google gave the Pixel Watch 4 new watch faces that match further issues or clock components into the additional area. Even cooler, Put on OS 6 adjustments the UI’s shade theme primarily based on which watch face you choose. Plus, Google introduced again third-party watch faces assist for tens of 1000’s of choices, although you possibly can solely apply themes from Google faces.
Put on OS 6 was a much-needed breath of recent air that makes the Watch 4 extra enjoyable to make use of, and Google’s speedy updates for last-gen watches ought to repay over the subsequent 2–3 years. My solely grievance is that Google solely ensures two model updates, whereas Samsung affords three or 4.
Gemini on Put on OS is not unique to Pixel Watches, both; you get LLM-generated solutions and integration with Google apps on most Put on OS watches. However Google gave itself an unique twist: Elevate to Speak.
Because the identify implies, you now not must say “Hey Google” or maintain down the Aspect button; you simply elevate the Pixel Watch 4 to your mouth and begin speaking.
There’s not a lot to say besides that I love this different and now not wish to return to the outdated methods. It is handy and principally seamless, although anybody who gesticulates as they discuss might take care of false positives. You may change its Settings to make it kind of delicate.
Competitors
Galaxy Watch 8 is the Watch 4’s most critical rival. Each price $349, launched with Put on OS 6, final 1.5–2 days per cost, and sport two comparably-sized, 3,000-nit shows. Samsung’s design is skinnier and extra rugged with sapphire glass, however with slower charging and no crown. Samsung Well being has distinctive information like antioxidant index, with no subscription (for now), however no Gemini-based teaching.
In order for you Put on OS and longer battery life, the OnePlus Watch 3 can hit 3–6 days per cost, plus equally speedy charging. You get a barely dimmer show, however with sapphire glass and eye-friendly DC dimming. The OHealth app has improved, however it’s nonetheless nicely wanting what Fitbit affords.
In any other case, the Pixel Watch 4 is competing in opposition to different health watches. You may take into account a Garmin watch to get personalised teaching and not using a subscription and weeks of battery life, on the expense of app smarts.
Google Pixel Watch 4: Must you purchase it?
You should purchase the Google Pixel Watch 4 if…
- You are a fan of Google’s aesthetic (each the droplet show and Materials UI)
- You are able to improve your Pixel Look ahead to higher battery, charging, health monitoring, and Gemini
You should not purchase the Google Pixel Watch 4 if…
- You’d want a flat show and traditional bezeled design
- You are not keen to pay for Fitbit Premium finally
Until Google ever launches a Pixel Watch “Extremely” or “Basic,” I do not assume we’ll see a dramatic design change anytime quickly. Future fashions may need quicker efficiency, new Gemini methods, and additional battery optimization, however this needs to be the template shifting ahead.
You may at all times wait one other 12 months for Google to complete sprucing its Gemini and Fitbit teaching experiences, however from a {hardware} perspective, the Pixel Watch 4 seems like a superb jumping-on level. If this bundle would not tempt you, I do not assume future Pixel Watches will, both.
The brand new Pixel Watch 4 sports activities a placing curved show, however equally vital are the brand new Snapdragon chip, on-device Gemini responses, dual-frequency GPS, blazing charging speeds, and improved battery effectivity.
