Five years ago, reviewing an Android smartwatch was often a frustrating experience. Back then, if it wasn’t a Samsung watch, it was typically a letdown. The market was fragmented, battery life was poor, and consumer interest was lacking. Fast forward to today, and we have the Google Pixel Watch 4, priced at $349.99, which stands out as the most exciting flagship smartwatch launch of the season—a development I certainly didn’t foresee for 2025.
At first glance, the Pixel Watch 4 may appear identical to its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 3. However, a closer inspection reveals that it is a fundamentally transformed device. The fourth generation is now repairable, boasting a domed display and enhanced specifications, including larger batteries, a new speaker, improved haptics, and a faster processor. The introduction of Wear OS 6 brings a complete redesign with Material 3 Expressive, while the innovative Gemini feature is now easily accessible with a new raise-to-talk gesture.
The Pixel Watch 4 makes significant strides in health and fitness tracking. Enhanced sleep tracking, dual-frequency GPS, and improved automatic activity detection are just a few of the upgrades. Battery life has also seen a remarkable improvement, enabling longer usage and faster charging capabilities.
Scoring an impressive 8 out of 10 on the Verge, the Pixel Watch 4 excels in various areas. The all-around better battery performance and fast-charging capabilities stand out. The Material 3 Expressive design refresh provides a smart aesthetic, while better automatic activity tracking and the natural raise-to-talk feature enhance user experience. The new domed display adds a touch of elegance to the watch, further elevating its appeal.
The Pixel Watch 4 retains its 41mm and 45mm size options, maintaining its familiar look on the wrist. However, the domed Actua 360 display is a noticeable upgrade, particularly on the larger model. With bezels that are 16% thinner, users benefit from 10% more screen real estate. The curvature makes scrolling through menus a visually pleasing experience. The redesign in Material 3 Expressive allows for larger animations and buttons, making the interface more user-friendly.
This year, battery life is a standout feature. Coupled with new power-efficient processors and performance enhancements in Wear OS 6, the Pixel Watch 4 lasts significantly longer on a single charge. Users can expect around 36 to 42 hours of usage, especially with the always-on display enabled. The fast-charging feature is equally impressive, allowing the watch to charge from 14% to 97% in just 34 minutes.
Another exciting development is the watch's repairability. Users can now replace batteries and displays themselves, thanks to accessible screws. This move is welcomed, especially considering the previous fragility of Google’s wearables. With components available through iFixit, users can enjoy peace of mind knowing they can repair their devices when needed.
Gemini, the AI assistant on the wrist, presents a mixed bag. While it has seen improvements, including a more intuitive Raise-to-Talk gesture and a revamped Tile for shortcuts, it still has its quirks. Queries can sometimes lag, and differentiating between Gemini and Google Assistant remains unclear. Nevertheless, the integration is smoother compared to previous models.
The Pixel Watch 4 introduces improved automatic activity detection, capable of recognizing cardio activities over a 15-minute period. Users receive timely notifications and summaries post-activity. Additionally, the new dual-frequency GPS aims to enhance route accuracy in challenging environments, although it still has room for improvement compared to competitors.
The Emergency Satellite SOS feature, while limited to high-risk situations without cellular connectivity, adds a layer of safety for outdoor enthusiasts. Although I didn’t find myself needing it during my recent mountain treks, it serves as a valuable backup safety tool.
After years of Samsung dominating the Android wearable market, the Pixel Watch 4 has emerged as a formidable contender. With a solid blend of price, features, and design, it easily claims the title of the best Android smartwatch available today. While other brands may excel in specific areas, Google’s vision for the future of Android smartwatches is clear and compelling.
Using the Pixel Watch 4 entails agreeing to various terms and conditions. To pair it with an Android phone, users must accept that phone's service agreements. Additionally, utilizing features like Fitbit and Gemini requires further agreements, emphasizing the importance of understanding privacy policies and data usage. The final tally includes five mandatory agreements, alongside multiple optional permissions.
In summary, the Google Pixel Watch 4 represents a significant evolution in the Android smartwatch landscape, combining innovative features with an appealing design and improved functionality. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a tech lover, this smartwatch is poised to meet your needs.
