So, this is it—the fourth iteration of the Pixel Watch. As a long-time Pixel phone enthusiast who has reviewed every phone since the first, and followed the Watch line since its highly anticipated debut, I always expect Google to step up its game when it comes to the hardware/software ecosystem. With the Pixel Watch 4, they have listened to the core complaints, doubled down on what works, and delivered a truly fantastic piece of wearable tech.
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is now officially released, starting at $349 for the 41mm Bluetooth version and $399 for the 45mm Bluetooth version. If you choose to go for the LTE model, the price increases accordingly, but for the majority of users, I think the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth option is the way to go.
So What’s The Same
When a company releases a new version of a product, there’s always a fear of having to repurchase accessories. Fortunately, if you own the Pixel Watch 3, you’re in luck. The general design is similar, and crucially, all of your Pixel Watch 3 bands are compatible with the new Pixel Watch 4. This is great news, especially if you’ve built up a collection over time.
The core DNA of the Pixel Watch remains intact:
- Fitbit Integration: Still deep, providing the personalized fitness aspects that Fitbit is known for.
- Tracking Features: You still get all the essentials, including GPS tracking, heart rate sensors, skin temperature, SpO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring, and sleep tracking.
- Safety Features: Critical features like loss of pulse detection and other safety functions are still baked in.
What’s The New
This is where the Pixel Watch 4 truly shines, addressing areas that needed serious attention in previous generations.
- The Display: The Watch 4 now features a new, larger, brighter dome display. The previous black bezels are significantly reduced, pushing the display right to the edge and maximizing your viewing space.
- Battery Life: The official rating is now “up to 40 hours of battery life”. This is a massive leap forward.
- Gemini Integration: Gemini AI is now more deeply integrated into the watch experience than the previous version.
- UI/Software: The new Material 3 Expressive UI is used, providing a more robust and interactive interface.
Where It Shines (The Good)
After using the Pixel Watch 4 for a week or so, the two biggest improvements transform the daily experience: the display and the battery life.
The Display is a Stunner
The new, large dome display is the biggest, most undeniable improvement. Everything is big, interactive, and easy to see at a glance. Thanks to the reduced bezel and the new UI, the watch face information is incredibly clear, making the device feel more premium and modern.
Battery Life is Finally There
Google’s claim of 40 hours is surpassed in real-world use. In my testing, I was able to get a little bit past two full days from a single charge. This means you can comfortably take it on a weekend trip or a quick getaway without needing to worry about the charger. This improvement over the previous model is easily one of the best reasons to upgrade.
Bands and Gemini
The decision to keep the band connector compatible with the Pixel Watch 3 was smart. Furthermore, Google has significantly improved the band selection available in the Google Store. I was particularly happy to see the metal mesh band—one of my favorite choices—return for this generation.
The new Gemini raise-to-talk feature is also a great quality-of-life improvement. Instead of having to press a button or say the “Hey, Gemini” wake word, you can simply raise your hand and start talking to ask a question or give a command, making the interaction far more frictionless and seamless.
What’s the Rub (The Bad)
In my full week or so of testing, I only found one major negative, but it’s an annoying one: the new charging stand.
- Backward Incompatibility: The new charger is not compatible with the old Pixel Watch 3 charging pucks. If you, like me, bought extra pucks for your car or office, they are now trash—a wasted investment.
- Design Limitation: The design of the new charger, specifically where the wire is placed, means it can only really sit on a flat surface. This is a massive downgrade from the old puck, which allowed for quick, easy top-ups in places like a car pocket. This limitation reduces the charger’s utility, even if it does technically charge faster.
Should You Get It?
The Pixel Watch 4 is an excellent extension and refinement of the Pixel ecosystem. It takes what was already a great watch (the Pixel Watch 3) and addresses its core shortcomings, namely the display and battery life. It has improved on so many things that it has replaced its predecessor as my favorite daily-use gadget.
- For New Android/Pixel Users: Highly recommended. If you’re looking for a top-tier smartwatch to complement your phone, this is a great choice to get.
- For Pixel Watch 3 Users: Maybe hold off. The Pixel Watch 3 is still fantastic, and unless you desperately need the extra battery life or the display upgrade, you might want to wait or look for savings on the PW3 instead. Unless, of course, if you craze the latest and greatest!
- On the LTE Version: Save your money. I used the LTE version on a previous model, and the number of times I was truly without my phone was rare. For the general consumer, the extra cost and the recurring carrier fees aren’t worth it, as your phone can pass calls through the Bluetooth connection 95% of the time.
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is another great device within the Pixel ecosystem, but we want to know your thoughts. Are you looking to upgrade? Staying with the PW3 if you have it, or passing on this for another smart watch? Let us know in the comments!
