The biggest hardware (and visual) change for the Pixel Watch 4 sees Google move the charging contacts from the back to the left side with a new, non-wireless charger.

When the first renders emerged, people noticed the lack of charging contacts alongside the health sensors. People hoped this meant the return of wireless charging, like on the original Pixel Watch.

That is not the case, with the latest retail/official-looking renders leak (via Android Headlines) revealing a new side-mounted charger for the Pixel Watch 4. It still makes use of charging contacts that are now to the left and right of the speaker grill. Charging is said to be 25% faster on the Pixel Watch 4 series.

The charger is a narrow pill with an indent that has two circular pins and matches the curvature of the Pixel Watch 4. This side placement means it is easier to use the wearable as a bed-side clock with a new charging display that looks to leverage Material 3 Expressive. You get the hour and minutes in separate containers, with your alarm and notification dot underneath. There’s a ring for charge status with percentage at the very top, while everything is themed blue.

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The big question is whether this interface is now always-on, so you don’t have to tap to see the time, like when you’re in bed. The current interface, which was updated last year, turns off after a few seconds.

Pin-based charging generates less heat than wireless, but means you have to use Google’s cable rather than any pad (or your phone with reverse wireless charging). People have wanted a more universal approach to charging, with the Pixel Watch 4 not delivering that. Meanwhile, this change most likely impacts people who put cases/bumpers on their Pixel Watch as flat, direct contact is needed.

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