Google Pixel Watch 4 review: The Gemini smartwatch
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The Pixel Watch 4 is the second-best Android watch, nevertheless it’s the finest Gemini watch, and it is changing 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 robust competitors. Samsung and OnePlus, Google’s Put on OS companions, have explicit strengths for software program longevity (Samsung), battery life (OnePlus), ruggedness, and basic type (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 embrace 500MB of Google Fi messaging, navigation, and music streaming monthly for 2 years; add it to an eligible 4G provider for calling.
The Pixel Watch 4 45mm offers you a bigger show and an estimated additional 10 hours of battery life per cost, whereas weighing 12–15g extra with the included small or giant Energetic 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 price |
|
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 mild, multi-path optical coronary heart price sensor, cEDA, SpO2, ECG, far subject 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 |
Energetic (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 dimension and weight as their Pixel Watch 3 predecessors, with the identical band mechanism for outdated straps to hold over. The complimentary fluoroelastomer Energetic band is comfy sufficient, however I choose different Pixel Watch bands, like Sport for exercise breathability or Stretch for sleep monitoring.
The 41mm mannequin is pleasantly mild (~55g with band), on par with sportier watches, whereas the 45mm mannequin (~67g) is considerably comfier than my Galaxy Watch 8 Traditional or different steel-heavy flagship smartwatches. The crown stays as nice to make use of as ever, whereas the facet button is extra annoying to press.
Although the general really feel hasn’t modified, the Pixel Watch 4 design feels just like the collection’ ultimate 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 house 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 definitely useful for making notifications and Tiles extra readable, however you do not normally see warping like this on a show, and the dome provides slight resistance to left-right swipes.
I am unable to predict whether or not you will just like the show. My coworkers who’ve seen it for themselves both suppose it is the “finest wanting 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 bettering the expertise. Particularly, Google’s 1.49-inch 45mm mannequin appears extra pure than earlier than, and I respect how Put on OS reflows content material to leverage that additional house.
One other necessary improve is how Google made the Watch 4 absolutely repairable. I have never tried it myself, however realizing I can take away the bands, unscrew two screws with an inexpensive 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 professional can disassemble and resolder them, however with no assure they will nonetheless work or keep waterproofing. Google’s 100-page restore guide ensures you are not depending on the guarantee if one thing goes mistaken.
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, nevertheless 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 increase
- 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 increase, the end result of Google and Qualcomm’s RISC-V partnership. As a substitute, 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 via 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 could be gradual at some duties, like pulling up Google Maps instructions.
I believe the Gen 2 will probably be a stopgap chip, with the Pixel Watch 5 enhancing on-device Gemini smarts and general velocity. However hypotheticals apart, Watch 4 efficiency is quick sufficient for now.
Solely Watch 4 LTE consumers will get the good 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’d really feel superfluous, however for the reason that Watch 4 will most likely outlast your cellphone battery, it may simply repay if you desperately want it.
Google additionally gave the Watch 4 a brand new coprocessor that is “25% quicker at half the facility,” tailor-made for on-device AI and background duties. Then you may have a extra environment friendly connection between cellphone and watch by way of Bluetooth 6, on high of a ten% software program effectivity increase from Put on OS 6.
The mixed impact on battery life is delicate, however vital. You will not discover a distinction for power-hungry duties like cellphone calls or app use. However my Watch 4 45mm will get via an eight-hour workday of HR monitoring, notifications, and AOD — or an evening of HR, SpO2, stress, respiration, 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 may resent switching to a brand new proprietary charger, however belief me, it is definitely worth the swap.
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 not have to fret about scheduled charging instances 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 turn into extra frequent, however I respect how Google’s Dock makes it straightforward 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 turn 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 remodel the Watch 4 expertise
For those who’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 assessments. The brand new dual-band GPS is each reliably correct in robust circumstances and surprisingly battery-efficient, solely utilizing about 8–10% Watch 4 capability per hour. HR accuracy stays unchanged from the Watch 3, offering moderately shut readings to a chest strap in regular circumstances however barely underestimating HR throughout tougher 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 gymnasium or at dwelling, and add particular options like working 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 diseases in case your physique strays out of its standard vary. In any other case, you are getting Google’s standard suite of Fitbit sensors. Throughout 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, respiration price, and others all appear to align with what different watches register for me; the one distinction from different watches is that Google is extra inclined to guage my mild, stressed sleep as being “Awake,” even after I do not recall ever waking up.
It is difficult to overview the Pixel Watch 4’s well being and health expertise at this time, nevertheless. Why? As a result of the Fitbit Private Well being Coach preview basically modifications 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 overview, I famous that Google wanted longer-term plans for a number of sports activities as a substitute of day by day working solutions 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 stories in submenus, the Fitbit preview highlights related traits, good or dangerous, 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 modify at this time’s exercise as a result of I am working late (on this overview). I am unable to 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 basically ties Fitbit and Gemini collectively on the Pixel Watch 4. In a couple of months, AI-made coaching objectives 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 among 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, nevertheless it’s nonetheless value praising as top-of-the-line 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 data and shortcuts than earlier than. I choose Samsung’s multi-info Tiles, which allow you to scroll to seek out extra data and mix associated apps into one Tile, however Google’s answer is the subsequent smartest thing.
Google gave the Pixel Watch 4 new watch faces that match additional issues or clock components into the additional house. Even cooler, Put on OS 6 modifications the UI’s colour theme based mostly on which watch face you choose. Plus, Google introduced again third-party watch faces help 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 contemporary 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 criticism 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 not have to say “Hey Google” or maintain down the Aspect button; you simply increase the Pixel Watch 4 to your mouth and begin speaking.
There’s not a lot to say besides that I love this various and not wish to return to the outdated methods. It is handy and principally seamless, although anybody who gesticulates as they discuss might cope with false positives. You may change its Settings to make it roughly delicate.
Competitors
Galaxy Watch 8 is the Watch 4’s most critical rival. Each value $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.
If you would like 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, nevertheless it’s nonetheless effectively in need of 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 with out a subscription and weeks of battery life, on the expense of app smarts.
Google Pixel Watch 4: Do you have to 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 choose a flat show and basic bezeled design
- You are not prepared to pay for Fitbit Premium ultimately
Until Google ever launches a Pixel Watch “Extremely” or “Traditional,” I do not suppose 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 yr for Google to complete sharpening its Gemini and Fitbit teaching experiences, however from a {hardware} perspective, the Pixel Watch 4 seems like a superb jumping-on level. If this package deal does not tempt you, I do not suppose future Pixel Watches will, both.
The brand new Pixel Watch 4 sports activities a hanging curved show, however equally necessary are the brand new Snapdragon chip, on-device Gemini responses, dual-frequency GPS, blazing charging speeds, and improved battery effectivity.
