Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: As Good As It Gets

Forget incremental upgrades. The Pixel Watch 4 isn’t just better; it’s a revelation. Google finally nailed it. This isn’t the polite applause of the past; it’s a standing ovation. I’m hooked. Call it a near-perfect blend of brains and beauty. Nitpicks? Sure, I can conjure two. A battery that stretches just a little further into the night, and the satisfying convenience of wireless charging. But these are whispers compared to the resounding success of the Pixel Watch 4. Google, you’ve outdone yourselves.

So, the Pixel Watch 4 is here. But is itreallyworth your cash? Forget the bells and whistles wishlist for now; let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. This isn’t about extras; it’s about the core experience. Prepare for an opinion – and if yours differs? That’s the beauty of choice. Let’s find out if the Pixel Watch 4 deserves a spot on your wrist, or just stays in the box.

Google Pixel Watch 4

Rating

star

Starting at $349.99

Forget everything you thought you knew about Pixel Watches. The Pixel Watch 4 isn’t just an incremental update; it’s a revelation. Google has finally cracked the code, delivering a smartwatch that’s as intuitive as it is beautiful. The design, subtly refined, feels instantly familiar yet undeniably fresh.

But the real magic lies within. Wear OS 6, infused with the vibrant Material 3 Expressive, makes navigating the watch a joyous experience. And the battery life? Finally, a Pixel Watch that can keep up with your day.

But it’s the little things that truly elevate the Pixel Watch 4. The Gemini "Raise to Talk" feature is a game-changer. Imagine, a simple flick of the wrist, and you’re getting real-time answers – directions, store hours, anything your heart desires – all without taking your eyes off the road. It’s pure genius.

Yes, the price tag might sting a little. But trust me, if you’re already in the Pixel ecosystem, this is the smartwatch you’ve been waiting for. The Pixel Watch 4 isn’t just a gadget; it’s an extension of your digital self, seamlessly integrated into your life.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Charging is considerably faster
The Actua 360 domed display is really nice
Material 3 Expressive makes the UI more enjoyable
Incredibly bright display
The best battery life yet
Gemini with Raise to Talk is super intuitive and convenient
Improved haptics with richer, clearer sound from the speaker

Cons

No wireless charging
Smart replies requires a Pixel 8 Pro or later
Starting price could be lower

Disclaimer

Google slipped the Pixel Watch 4 onto our wrists a few weeks ago, and we’ve been putting it through its paces ever since. Consider this our initial verdict, delivered raw and unfiltered – Google hasn’t peeked at this review, so what you’re about to read is all us.

What makes this watch special?

The Google Pixel Watch 4 isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a liberation. The improved battery life alone feels like freedom – I’m consistently squeezing an extra half-day out of the 45mm LTE model. Forget battery anxiety; this watch is in it for the long haul. And when it finally does need a jolt, prepare for warp speed. That 25% faster charging isn’t just a number; it’s a game-changer. Imagine: zero to 50% in under 30 minutes, a full charge in about an hour. Credit the ingenious new magnetic charging dock and its streamlined contact points – fueling your wrist with unprecedented speed and efficiency. This is power, redefined.

The Pixel Watch 4 isn’t just a smartwatch; it’s your wrist-worn portal to the future, especially when it comes to AI. Forget fumbling with buttons Gemini’s "Raise to Talk" feature, once unleashed from the settings menu, transforms your questions into commands. A flick of the wrist, a brief pause, and then, speak your mind. It’s seamless, liberating, and perfect for those moments when your hands are otherwise occupied. Beyond its brains, the Pixel Watch 4 is also surprisingly comfortable. Its subtly slimmer profile makes it feel like an extension of you. While no tech is ever trulyperfect, Google’s latest wearable feels remarkably refined and represents the current pinnacle of Android-compatible smartwatches. Honestly, there’s little more you could realistically ask for.

Features

Gemini Raise to Talk
Wear OS 6
More accurate sleep tracking
Smart water submersion and ejection
Up to 40 hours of battery life
Custom speaker and haptics
Improved activity detection
New watch faces

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Table of Contents

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Specs
Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Hardware and Design
Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Display
Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Performance
Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Battery Life and Charging
Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Software
Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Health and Wellness
Should you buy the Google Pixel Watch 4?

Specs

Display

Body

| | | | — | — | | Material | 100% recycled aluminum | | Colors | Matte Black aluminum case, Polished Silver aluminum case, Champagne Gold aluminum case (41mm) / Matte Black aluminum case, Polished Silver aluminum case, Satin Moonstone aluminum case (45mm) | | Dimensions | 41mm diameter by 12.3mm height (41mm) / 45mm diameter by 12.3mm height (45mm) | | Weight | 31 g without band (41mm) / 36.7 g without band (45mm) | | Band Size | Small – 130 – 174mm around, Large – 165 – 210mm around (41mm) / Small – 150 – 185mm around, Large – 165 – 215mm around (45mm) |

Connectivity

| | | | — | — | | Types | 4G LTE, UMTS, Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, Ultra-Wideband, Satellite SOS Communications, GPS, Galileo, Glonass |

Battery

Platform

| | | | — | — | | OS | Wear OS 6 | | Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, Cortex-M55 co-processor |

Memory

| | | | — | — | | Storage | 32GB eMMC flash | | RAM | 2GB |

Sensors

| | | | — | — | | Types | Compass, Altimeter, Red and Infrared sensors for oxygen saturation monitoring, Multipurpose electrical sensor for ECG, Multi-path optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient Light sensor, Electrical sensor for body response tracking, Far-field skin temperature sensor, Barometer, Magnetometer |

Interaction

| | | | — | — | | Types | Side button, Haptic crown, Gen 3 premium haptics |

Audio

| | | | — | — | | Types | Built-in speaker, Built-in microphone |

View Device Specs

Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Hardware and Design

The Pixel Watch 4: A Subtle Revolution

Squint, and you might mistake it for its predecessors. But spend more than a fleeting glance with the Pixel Watch 4, and Google’s delicate design dance begins to reveal itself. The devil, as they say, is in the details, and these details are decidedly divine. First up: those magnetic charging pins. Nestled discreetly on the side, they initially sparked skepticism, but…

I initially greeted Google’s charging pin relocation with a theatrical eye roll, convinced it would butcher the watch’s design. Boy, was I wrong. The moment it graced my wrist, my outrage evaporated. The pins? Barely perceptible. Instead of a design flaw, they practically vanish, leaving the sleek aesthetic untouched. And here’s the kicker: the side placement allows for a bedside-clock orientation while charging. The watch now faces you, displaying the time with effortless elegance. Granted, my current setup lacks the necessary nightstand to fully capitalize on this feature, but trust me, the potential is there. It transformed from a design blunder to a pleasant surprise.

Beyond the surface, the Actua 360 display whispers a subtle curve. It’s not a dramatic dome, but a delicate swell that catches the light, an unexpected wink. This nuanced curvature harmonizes beautifully with Google’s Material 3 Expressive, bending and shaping the interface elements to create a truly immersive visual experience. The glass subtly cascading over the screen’s edge sells the illusion flawlessly.

Familiar territory, yet subtly evolved. The haptic crown greets your fingers with the same reassuring click, flanked by the action button, a loyal sentinel just above. A glance to the left reveals the sleek glint of new charging pins alongside the speaker grill. Flip it over, and the sensor hub, shielded by fortified glass, nestles against your skin. And the bands? They still embrace the watch with the same satisfying click, a comforting constant in a world of change.

The first-ever serviceable Pixel Watch

The best tech is invisible until you need it. Google’s quietly flipped a switch with the Pixel Watch 4, making it their first wearable designed with repairs in mind. Think of it as an insurance policy you hope to never cash in. While my time with the watch was thankfully trouble-free, knowing Google’s prioritizing repairability is a welcome change. It means that if disaster strikes and your screen cracks or a component fails, fixing it should be a whole lot smoother. Consider it peace of mind, ticking away on your wrist.

The Pixel Watch 4 refines its predecessor’s excellent design, but its secret weapon is repairability. While diving into DIY repairs isn’t for the faint of heart (unless you’re channeling your inner iFixit guru), Google’s partnership with iFixit means genuine parts will be readily available. Prefer leaving it to the pros? Google Stores and mail-in service are also options. This commitment to serviceability transforms the Pixel Watch 4 from a beautiful gadget into a more sustainable choice for those who hold onto their tech.

Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Display

Let’s face it, a smartwatch’s screen is its soul. Sometimes you crave searing brightness, other times you just wish those tiny numbers wouldgrow. And then there’s the ever-present quest for pure, unadulterated readability. The Pixel Watch 4 doesn’t supersize its display this year – sticking to the familiar 41mm and 45mm – but Google’s been tinkering under the hood. The result? A brighter screen and a subtly refined design thatmightjust make those notifications a little easier on the eyes. Personally, I think it does. But hey, eyes are subjective, right?

Forget squinting. The Actua 360’s domed display is a revelation. Imagine: vital stats popping with crystal clarity, even with a mere sideways glance. No longer does off-angle viewing mean struggling to decipher information. Subtly curved, the screen bends light to your advantage, bringing even the tiniest details into sharp focus, regardless of your viewing angle. This design isn’t just a feature; it’s a paradigm shift in readability.

Forget squinting. The Pixel Watch 4 blasts past its predecessor with a dazzling 3,000 nit display, a serious leap from the Pixel Watch 3’s 2,000. While Oregon’s moody mix of sun, rain, and clouds (mostly clouds lately) hasn’t exactly unleashed the full force of that brilliance, let me tell you: on those rare, sun-drenched days, this screen sings. Direct sunlight? No problem. Every detail, every word, crisp and clear. It’s a visual upgrade that’s more than just numbers; it’s a genuinely better viewing experience. Last year’s model? This one leaves it in the shade.

Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Performance

Let’s be real, the Pixel Watch 4 isn’t a quantum leap over the 3. Yes, there’s a performance nudge, a subtle pep in its step, but it’s more of a brisk walk than a sprint. We’re talking incremental improvements, not revolutionary changes. If you’re rocking a Pixel Watch 3 and chasing a massive performance boost, you might be left wanting. It’s an upgrade, sure, but a necessary one? That depends on how sensitive you are to minor lags.

The Pixel Watch 4 experience? Noticeably slicker. Chalk it up to Wear OS 6 – Google’s persistent focus on performance seems to have finally paid off. Remember the promises of smoother operation and better battery life with Wear OS 4 and 5? Wear OS 6 feels like the culmination. Frankly, it’s so polished now, I wouldn’t complain if they called it a day.

The Pixel Watch 4 felt like a natural extension of my phone, a seamless bridge instead of a separate gadget. Throughout my time with it, performance was consistently fluid. Transitions between screens were effortless, a crucial element in crafting a truly immersive user experience. Credit the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, for effortlessly driving Wear OS 6. The result? A clean, intuitive experience that made interacting with the watch feel completely organic.

Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is my smartwatch hill to die on. In a world drowning in charging cables, the last thing I need is another device tethered to the wall every night. Thankfully, the Pixel Watch 4 delivers a significant power boost. I squeezed several days of use from it on a single charge, even with my erratic wear schedule that involves desk-bound stretches. Say goodbye to battery anxiety.

For a true test, I wore the Pixel Watch 4 non-stop those first few days, pushing it to its limits. The result? I didn’t reach for the charger until day three! And that was with the Always-On Display blazing at 75% brightness. Between brisk walks triggering automatic activity tracking, quick chats with Gemini, and juggling message replies, it endured it all. If you’re tired of smartwatches that die before sunset, this one is a contender. A quick note: this test was on the 45mm model. The smaller 41mm version, with its smaller battery, likely won’t last quite as long, according to Google’s own estimates.

Charging speeds that make you smile

The Pixel Watch 4’s charging speed is a revelation. Google promised a 25% improvement, boasting a 50% charge in roughly 30 minutes. Color me impressed – I resurrected a dead battery to 50% in just under that time. A full charge materialized in under an hour. This obliterates the Pixel Watch 3’s sluggish charging, and as someone perpetually battling a low battery, it’s a game-changer. No more pre-outting charging anxiety; a quick top-up is all it takes.

The Pixel Watch 3’s battery became a frustrating game of chance. Too many times, after a few days off my wrist, I’d grab it only to be greeted by a pathetic 2% charge. A quick top-up was rarely an option, leaving me with a choice: leave it behind or brace myself for an evening blackout. Thankfully, I’m optimistic the Pixel Watch 4 will break free from this low-battery anxiety.

Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Software

The Pixel Watch 4’s software: a familiar face with subtle enhancements. It blends the dependable foundation of the Pixel Watch 3 with fresh tweaks. Wear OS 6 might not be a revolution compared to Wear OS 5, but its refined adjustments elevate the daily user experience, making every interaction a little more delightful.

The Pixel Watch 4’s interface isn’t just functional; it’s a visual playground. Google’s embraced squishy icons and buttons that fluidly adapt to the rounded display, a mesmerizing dance as you navigate. These aren’t your typical static UI elements; they pulse with a life of their own, a clear evolution from the previous OS’s rigid design. A subtle bounce animates certain elements, amplifying the overall allure. This captivating experience is powered by Material 3 Expressive, now breathing new life into Wear OS on the Pixel Watch 4.

Automatic water lock and water ejection

Beyond just looking good, the Pixel Watch 4 is getting seriously smart. Forget fiddling with settings after a swim – it now boasts auto water lock and, even better, auto water ejection. Picture this: the watchknowswhen it’s taken a dip and instantly seals the screen against accidental taps. Okay, it’s not quite tiny robotic doors clamping shut to create a waterproof vault (though how cool wouldthatbe?), but it’s a slick, seamless feature that elevates usability.

Imagine your smartwatch, fresh from a swim, magically expelling water like a tiny, futuristic fountain. That’s the automatic water ejection feature in action. After a dip, this clever function kicks in, using sonic vibrations to clear out any lingering H2O from the speaker cavities. Think of it as a post-swim shake for your wrist-wearable. While the exact submersion time required to trigger this aquatic expulsion remains a bit of a mystery, prolonged exposure seems to be the key. In my own, admittedly unscientific, testing I held my hand submerged for five minutes hoping to activate the ejection feature, but unfortunately, the watch didn’t kick in.

Google’s Pixel Watch isn’talwaysproactive about water expulsion – it seems designed to wait for a proper dunking. But don’t worry, you’re still in control. Feeling damp? Manually kick out the H2O yourself! First, break free from water lock by holding that crown. Then, dive into Settings > Display > Water Lock. There, you’ll find the "water ejection" command. A tap unleashes a sonic cleanse, banishing any lingering droplets. Problem solved.

The Pixel Watch does something delightful after a swim. Instead of a dry, technical explanation, you’re treated to a charming animation: Water droplets dance across the screen, playfully ejected leftward with eachplinkof trickling water. Google’s kept mum on the mechanics, but the sound isn’t just whimsical. I suspect the audio is key, vibrations forcing water from the speaker grills after a dip. It’s a feature I might not use often, but its sheer inventiveness is utterly captivating.

Gemini Raise to Talk

Forget buttons. Forget tapping. The Pixel Watch 4 introduces a game-changer I predict I’ll be usingconstantly: Raise to Talk for Gemini. Remember fumbling with the Pixel Watch 3, awkwardly pressing buttons to summon Gemini? Those days are GONE. Now, simply lift your wrist. A subtle, almost futuristic, blue glow pulses from the bottom of the screen – your signal that Gemini is all ears. No "Hey Google" necessary. Just speak. Ask. Command. The future is on your wrist, and it’s gloriously intuitive.

Racing against the clock, the watch’s true value hit me. I was behind the wheel, stores closing in minutes, and my memory failing me. A flick of the wrist, a simple question whispered to Gemini, and boom instant closing times. No fumbling, no dangerous glances away from the road. It was seamless. Beyond frantic errands, imagine this: lost in a new city? Just ask Gemini to guide you. A quick tap to choose your route – car, train, whatever – and you’re on your way. It’s not just convenient; it’s like having a co-pilot strapped to your wrist.

Forget phone booths and secret earpieces. Suddenly, I’m channeling Dick Tracy, wrist-comming with Gemini HQ. Yes, it’s gloriously nerdy, but there’s a thrill to barking orders at my wrist and having a helpful AI whisper back strategic intel. Joking aside, this is Gemini at its most intuitive. Prepare to use it. A lot.

More new features that round out the experience

Wear OS 6 refines personalization with a suite of features. The highlight? Material 3 Expressive. Imagine your watch face’s colors bleeding into every corner of the UI, creating a seamless, unified aesthetic. Change your watch face, andpoof, the menus and system elements adapt, ensuring a consistently stylish experience. It’s a subtle detail with a big impact, elevating Wear OS 6 beyond mere functionality to a statement of personal style.

Pixel Watch 4 bursts onto the scene with Wear OS 6, flaunting eight dazzling new watch faces right out of the box. But the real intrigue lies within its AI-powered smart replies. Sadly, this futuristic feature demands a Pixel 8 Pro as its dance partner, leaving my Pixel 8 on the sidelines and me without the chance to put it to the test.

The Pixel Watch 4 isn’t just a smartwatch; it’s Wear OS realized potential. Boasting a sleek design and intuitive functionality, it’s equally pleasing to the eye and the practical user. Whether you’re a power user or prefer simplicity, the Pixel Watch 4 delivers a premium Wear OS experience that sets a new standard.

Google Pixel Watch 4 Review: Health and Wellness

Pixel Watch 4’s wellness upgrades aren’t a revolution, but a subtle evolution under the hood of Wear OS. Think of them as quiet tune-ups, making existing features hum with greater efficiency. Sleep tracking, for instance, boasts an 18% leap in accuracy, dissecting your slumber into distinct stages with newfound precision. Did I personally feel the 18% difference? Honestly, swapping it with the Pixel Watch 3 on my wrist at night, the change remained elusive. But this isn’t to say the improvement isn’t there, just a testament to how seamlessly Google has weaved these enhancements into the overall experience.

Forget manually logging workouts! The updated Fitbit on your Google Watch now automatically detects activities lasting 15 minutes or longer. Simply move as you normally do, and within an hour of finishing your tennis match, brisk walk, or dance-off, you’ll receive a notification on your watch and phone. A tap reveals a treasure trove of personalized stats, capturing your effort without you lifting a finger.

The Pixel Watch 4’s activity detection is like a fitness-tracking chameleon, adapting to your workouts the more you use it. The more you cycle, the quicker it recognizes your two-wheeled adventures. But the real magic happens when you fine-tune it. Turn a regular bike ride into a mountain biking session in the system, and watch the accuracy skyrocket. The more you tell it, the smarter it gets. From my experience, these upgraded features are a leap ahead of previous models. If you’re always on the move, prepare to be amazed by Google’s enhancements.

Should you buy the Google Pixel Watch 4?

The Pixel Watch 4 isn’t just good; it’s the smartwatch Google alwaysshouldhave made. I fell hard, fast. It’s the sum of countless subtle tweaks, a finely honed experience that elevates it above its predecessors. But, buyer beware: this love affair isn’t for everyone. Pixel devotees will find their perfect wrist companion, but those open to other ecosystems might be tempted by Samsung’s siren song. And then there’s the price. At $349.99, it’s not bank-breaking, but the specter of the perfectly adequate Pixel Watch 3 looms large, whispering sweet nothings of savings to the budget-conscious. Is the upgrade worth it? That’s the million-dollar (or, you know, $349.99) question.

The Pixel Watch 4 isn’t just good; it’s Google flexing its smartwatch muscle. Consider it seriously. It’s their strongest play yet, a clear sign they’re finally tuning in. For the money, you won’t be disappointed.

You should buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 if:

You own a Pixel Watch 2 or the original Pixel Watch
You’re looking for the newest features
You want better battery life and faster charging

You shouldn’t buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 if:

You’re not someone who wants or needs to have the latest tech
You use a Galaxy phone and want to stay within the Galaxy ecosystem
You don’t want to spend at least $350

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