Google Pixel Watch 4 Smartwatch Review: Is It Google’s Best Wearable Yet?

If you’re looking for an Android smartwatch that finally brings together killer looks, serious smarts, and battery life that doesn’t quit halfway through your day, then the Google Pixel Watch 4 might just be the one you’ve been waiting for. Google just pulled back the curtain on the Pixel Watch 4 at their Made by Google event on August 20, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be their most impressive wearable yet. This isn’t just a minor refresh. we’re talking about meaningful upgrades to battery life, a brighter and more immersive display, deep integration with Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, and even a fresh take on charging. From what we’ve seen, it feels like Google has listened to feedback from earlier models, making this a strong contender for the best Android smartwatch out there.

The Pixel Watch 4 packs a punch with its new Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor, promising snappier performance and better efficiency. You’ll also find a much-improved battery that Google claims can last up to 40 hours with the always-on display on the larger model, and a faster, side-mounted charging system that’s pretty clever. Plus, the gorgeous new domed Actua 360 display gets a massive brightness boost, hitting an impressive 3,000 nits, which means you’ll actually be able to see it clearly even on the sunniest days. And for all you health buffs, Google has really amped up the health and fitness tracking, adding features like dual-band GPS and even satellite SOS messaging for emergencies. It’s available for preorder now and starts shipping on October 9, 2025, with prices kicking off at $349 for the 41mm Wi-Fi version. Seriously, if you’re in the market for a new wearable, you’ll want to keep this one on your radar.

If you’re already thinking about upgrading or just curious about the latest smartwatches, checking out some premium Android smartwatches could give you a good comparison.

First Impressions: Design and Display That Grab Your Attention

When you first lay eyes on the Pixel Watch 4, it’s clear Google isn’t straying too far from its signature aesthetic, but they’ve certainly polished it up in all the right places.

A Familiar Yet Refined Look

Google has stuck with the iconic circular design that many of us loved from previous Pixel Watches, but they’ve made some subtle yet impactful changes. The Pixel Watch 4 will come in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, giving you options depending on your wrist size and preference. What really stands out is the new domed Actua 360 display, which isn’t just a fancy name. it offers a 10% larger active area and noticeably thinner bezels – 16% smaller, to be precise. This design trick makes the screen melt into the curved edges of the watch, giving it a sleek, almost edgeless look that feels incredibly premium.

They’ve also introduced a more durable and serviceable design, which is a huge win for longevity. For the first time, you can actually get the battery and display replaced, addressing a common complaint about smartwatches being difficult to repair. The case itself is built with custom Corning Gorilla Glass and aerospace-grade aluminum, offering water resistance up to 50 meters. You’ll find it in four classic case colors: Black, Silver, Gold, and a new “Moonstone” finish. And if you love to customize, there are new Active Sports band colors like Iris, Lemongrass, Moonstone, Obsidian, and Porcelain, giving you plenty of ways to match your style.

Brilliance You Can See

One of the most exciting upgrades has to be the display’s brightness. The Pixel Watch 4 can now hit an incredible 3,000 nits peak brightness. To put that in perspective, the Pixel Watch 3 topped out at 2,000 nits. This massive jump means you’ll have no trouble reading your notifications or tracking your workout stats, even under harsh direct sunlight, keeping it competitive with rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Apple Watch Series 10. Plus, it boasts a variable refresh rate of 1-60Hz, which helps save battery life while still delivering a super smooth experience when you’re interacting with it. It’s genuinely a joy to look at.

When you’re thinking about adding to your wearable tech, exploring smartwatch accessories like extra bands or screen protectors is always a good idea.

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Powering Your Day and Longer!: Battery and Performance Boosts

Let’s be real, battery life has always been a hot topic with smartwatches, and Google has really stepped up their game with the Pixel Watch 4.

Finally, All-Day and More! Battery Life

This is where the Pixel Watch 4 truly shines as a significant upgrade. Google has finally given us the battery life we’ve been craving. The 41mm model now offers up to 30 hours of usage with the always-on display AOD enabled, and if you switch to Battery Saver mode, you can squeeze out an impressive 48 hours. For those who prefer the larger size, the 45mm Pixel Watch 4 boasts an even more robust battery, giving you up to 40 hours with AOD on, and an incredible 72 hours in Battery Saver mode. This is a massive leap compared to the Pixel Watch 3’s 24 hours with AOD, meaning you can comfortably wear it all day and night for sleep tracking without worrying about it dying on you. Google attributes this boost to larger battery capacities in both models and a more efficient processor.

Snappier Performance with the New Engine

Under the hood, the Pixel Watch 4 is rocking an upgraded Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform, paired with Google’s next-gen ML-powered co-processor. While the core CPU architecture might be similar to the W5 Gen 1, Google promises that the new co-processor is “25% faster at half the power”. What does that mean for you? A smoother, more responsive user experience, faster app launches, and more efficient handling of background tasks like notifications and health readings. It also means the watch can handle more complex AI tasks right on the device, contributing to a more personalized and proactive experience.

Innovative Charging: Side-Mounted and Faster

Google has really thought outside the box with the Pixel Watch 4’s charging system. Gone are the traditional magnetic pogo pins on the back. instead, the Pixel Watch 4 introduces a clever side-charging system. This new approach means the watch can charge while lying on its side, potentially making it a handy bedside clock. You’ll get a new Quick Charge Dock in the box, and it delivers 25% faster charging speeds. Google claims you can get to 50% battery in just 15 minutes, and a full charge in about an hour. Plus, the charger reportedly includes moisture detection, which is a nice little safety feature. 70mai dash cam 4k t800 review

If you’re constantly on the go, a portable power bank for smartwatches could be a lifesaver, or check out these wireless charging stands for your nightstand.

Smarter Than Ever: Wear OS 6 and Gemini AI Integration

The software experience is crucial for any smartwatch, and the Pixel Watch 4 truly excels with the latest Wear OS and Google’s powerful AI.

The Latest Software Experience

The Pixel Watch 4 ships with Wear OS 6, the newest iteration of Google’s smartwatch operating system. This update brings a fresh Material 3 Expressive redesign, which means a more visually appealing and intuitive interface with improved Tiles and dynamic color theming throughout the UI. You’ll also find new watch faces, with support for third-party watch face stores, giving you endless customization options. Beyond the visual enhancements, Wear OS 6 also focuses on better battery efficiency and ensures optimal performance across different screen sizes, which is particularly relevant with the Watch 4’s two size options. Google has also committed to providing three years of software updates through 2028, ensuring your watch stays current with the latest features and security.

Your Personal AI on Your Wrist

One of the standout features of the Pixel Watch 4 is its deep integration with Google’s Gemini AI assistant. Forget fumbling with buttons or “Hey Google” commands. the Watch 4 introduces a “Raise to Talk” feature. Simply raise your wrist and start speaking, and Gemini will be ready to assist. This makes interacting with your watch feel incredibly natural and efficient. Gemini isn’t just for answering quick questions. it can offer AI-generated responses in your voice, delve into deeper app connectivity, and even become your personal AI health coach. Imagine asking your watch to summarize your notifications, add something to your workout plan, or even text a family member with an AI-crafted response – all hands-free. Asus ExpertBook P3 Series: Your All-Around Copilot PC for SMBs – A Deep Dive

To make the most of your smartwatch’s capabilities, consider exploring Wear OS smartwatches and the vast ecosystem of apps available.

Your Health, Your Fitness: Advanced Tracking and Safety

Google has clearly prioritized health, fitness, and safety with the Pixel Watch 4, making it a comprehensive companion for a healthier lifestyle.

Comprehensive Health Monitoring

The Pixel Watch 4 is packed with a robust suite of health sensors, leveraging Fitbit’s expertise which Google owns to provide extensive and accurate tracking. You can expect all the standard features you’d want, including ECG electrocardiogram for heart health, SpO2 blood oxygen monitoring, continuous heart rate tracking, breathing rate, and HRV heart rate variability. It also carries over advanced features like skin temperature sensing for detecting changes in your wellbeing, and stress response tracking via a continuous electrodermal activity cEDA sensor.

What truly sets it apart are the advanced safety features. The Pixel Watch 4 builds on Google’s unique Loss of Pulse Detection and continues to offer fall and crash detection. Adding to this, it features Breathing Emergency Detection, which could be a significant, life-saving tool. All these health metrics are accessible through an integrated dashboard, giving you a clear overview of your well-being. A new Gen 3 sensor hub also promises even greater precision for your health and fitness metrics. Corsair ai workstation 300 review

Elevating Your Workouts

Whether you’re a casual exerciser or a dedicated athlete, the Pixel Watch 4 has something for you. It supports over 40 exercise types, and the automatic activity detection has been tightened up for better accuracy. Google has introduced new AI-backed workout tools, including one rumored to focus on strength training, offering personalized exercise and recovery tips. For runners, the Pixel Watch 4 will provide daily running recommendations powered by Google’s in-house AI, delivered in real-time and based on metrics like cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time. There’s also a new workout builder that lets you create custom interval training sessions with warm-up and cool-down phases. Plus, for Fitbit Premium users, there’s a new personal AI health coach backed by Gemini smarts, offering proactive fitness and sleep coaching tailored to your goals.

Staying Connected and Safe

Beyond health and fitness, the Pixel Watch 4 enhances your safety and connectivity. It features a dual-band GPS antenna, a welcome upgrade for more accurate tracking of outdoor workouts, especially in dense urban areas or challenging environments. This puts it on par with competitors like the Galaxy Watch 8. For emergencies, the Pixel Watch 4 now supports standalone Satellite SOS messaging, allowing you to connect to emergency services even when cellular and Wi-Fi aren’t available. Initially, this feature will be available for LTE models in the contiguous United States. Previous rumors for the Pixel Watch 3 also hinted at Ultra-Wideband UWB support, which could enable features like unlocking your car or more precise device finding.

For those serious about their training, considering fitness trackers with GPS or a heart rate monitor watch can significantly enhance your data.

Price, Availability, and What Else You Get

Now that you know all about its fantastic features, let’s talk about getting your hands on one. Razer wolverine v3 pro 8k pc wireless esports controller review

Breaking Down the Costs

Google has decided to keep the pricing for the Pixel Watch 4 consistent with its predecessor, which is excellent news considering all the upgrades. Here’s the breakdown:

• 41mm Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Starting at $349.
• 41mm LTE: $449.
• 45mm Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Starting at $399.
• 45mm LTE: $499.

Interestingly, leaked information suggested that the LTE variants might actually be slightly cheaper than the Pixel Watch 3’s LTE prices, though the base models remain the same.

When Can You Get It?

The Google Pixel Watch 4 was officially announced on August 20, 2025. Preorders are already live, so if you’re eager, you can secure yours now. The official shipping date and availability in stores is set for October 9, 2025. So, while the announcement is out, there’s a little waiting period before it lands on your wrist.

Added Value: Free Subscriptions

To sweeten the deal, Google is including some attractive promotional offers with the purchase of a Pixel Watch 4. You’ll get six months of Fitbit Premium and one month of YouTube Premium included. Fitbit Premium unlocks deeper health insights, instructor-led workouts, guided meditation, and more, which beautifully complements the Watch 4’s advanced health tracking. YouTube Premium gives you an ad-free YouTube experience, offline downloads, and access to YouTube Podcast Premium. These are great perks that add significant value to your new smartwatch experience.

For those considering an upgrade, browsing Android smartwatches on Amazon can help you see how the Pixel Watch 4 stacks up against the competition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest improvements in the Pixel Watch 4 compared to the Pixel Watch 3?

The Pixel Watch 4 brings several significant upgrades over its predecessor. Key improvements include significantly longer battery life up to 40 hours with AOD on the 45mm model compared to 24 hours on the Pixel Watch 3, a brighter display with 3,000 nits peak brightness up from 2,000 nits, a faster Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with a dedicated AI co-processor, a new side-mounted, 25% faster charging system, and deeper integration with Gemini AI, including a “Raise to Talk” feature and an AI health coach. It also features dual-band GPS and satellite SOS messaging for enhanced safety.

Will the Pixel Watch 4 work with my existing Pixel Watch bands?

Yes, Google has maintained the same proprietary band connection system, so your existing Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 bands should be fully compatible with the Pixel Watch 4. This is great news if you’ve already invested in a collection of bands and want to keep customizing your look.

Is the Pixel Watch 4 more durable than previous models?

Absolutely. Google has designed the Pixel Watch 4 with improved durability and, for the first time, “serviceability in mind.” It features custom Corning Gorilla Glass and aerospace-grade aluminum housing, making it robust. Crucially, the battery and display are now replaceable, which can extend the lifespan of the device significantly.

What new health and fitness features does the Pixel Watch 4 offer?

The Pixel Watch 4 enhances its comprehensive health suite with a new Gen 3 sensor hub for greater precision in readings. It includes new AI-backed workout tools, personalized strength training tips, and daily running recommendations based on advanced metrics like stride length and ground contact time. It also features a new Breathing Emergency Detection tool and the already unique Loss of Pulse Detection, alongside standard ECG, SpO2, skin temperature, and stress tracking. Garmin descent s1 buoy review

How does the new side-charging system work?

The Pixel Watch 4 moves away from the magnetic pogo pins on the back and introduces a new side-mounted charging system. This allows the watch to charge while resting on its side on the new Quick Charge Dock. This design can be quite convenient, potentially letting you use it as a bedside clock while it powers up, and it also contributes to the watch’s 25% faster charging speeds.

What is Wear OS 6 and how does it improve the experience?

Wear OS 6 is the latest version of Google’s smartwatch operating system, debuting on the Pixel Watch 4. It brings a refined user interface with a Material 3 Expressive redesign, improved “Tiles” for quick information access, and dynamic color theming. Beyond aesthetics, it offers better battery efficiency, optimized performance for different screen sizes, and introduces new system-level features like an enhanced grid-based app launcher.

Can I use the Pixel Watch 4 for emergency calls without my phone?

Yes, if you purchase the LTE variant of the Pixel Watch 4, it supports standalone Satellite SOS messaging. This means you can connect to emergency services and share your GPS location even when you don’t have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, which is a powerful safety feature, particularly in remote areas. This feature is initially available for LTE models in the contiguous United States.

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