Table of Contents 1. A Stronger Pixel Phone 2. Improved Audio From the Pixel Buds 3. Longer Battery Life for … Everything 4. Snappier Software and AI 5. Better Repairability 6. One More Thing: Let’s Get Weird

Google’s big hardware showcase, Made By Google, is set for Aug. 20. Thanks to teasers from Google and leaks from internet sleuths, we already know plenty about what Google has in store.

With four new Pixel phones, a new Pixel watch, and new Pixel earphones on deck, there’s a lot to look forward to. After using the Pixel 9 series devices, the Pixel Watch 3, and the Pixel Buds for a year, we have a few things we’d like Google to change or update. Here’s what we’re hoping to see at the Made by Google event this year.

1. A Stronger Pixel Phone

Phone manufacturers like Google spend a great deal of time designing and building beautifully crafted devices—only for them to be hidden behind a hideous plastic case. I’d like Google to build a Pixel that can survive the trials and tribulations of daily life without an extra layer of protection. That means a tougher frame, better impact resistance, and materials that can take a hit without showing wear or shattering.

The current IP68 rating that most flagship smartphones have is fine for protection against dust and water, but it doesn’t help when the phone hits the sidewalk. I want to see real-world durability that’s obvious beyond lab tests. Give me a more rugged device (like the Sonim XP or Samsung XCover7 Pro), even if it adds a few grams of weight.

Corning and other glass makers have done a great job with Gorilla Glass, but it’s time for a generationally tougher material so we can use our phones without a case and without worry.

2. Improved Audio From the Pixel Buds

The Pixel Buds A are good, but they’ve been around more than four years now, and the competition has surpassed them in audio and performance. Apple, Bose, and Sony all make earbuds that block out more ambient sound than Google’s budget buds, but we’re confident that Google has the software talent to catch up here.

I want the rumored Pixel Buds 2a to make a subway train, airplane cabin, or noisy café better fade into the background so I can enjoy my music. Since good active noise cancellation (ANC) relies on algorithms, Google could use its advanced AI capabilities to filter out the chuff and offer the most personalized ANC on the market. We’d also like to see more Gemini features baked into the buds.

3. Longer Battery Life for … Everything

The Pixel Watch is still young compared with the Apple Watch and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch line. Google’s platform and hardware could use more time to mature here. Even so, I’d like to see stronger battery life, ideally reaching a second day (or more) without having to resort to low-power mode. The display is already sharp and bright, but thinner bezels would make it look more modern. If Google can match or beat its rivals’ fast-charging speeds, that would help users who forget to plug in overnight. But getting through two days would be a good place to start.

Then there are the phones. Google’s Pixel 9 series ranks well below the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 families when it comes to battery life. Google needs to make some serious efficiency improvements to push battery life closer to the competition. I can only hope that the expected Tensor G5 chip, which reports suggest may shift away from Samsung Exynos processors, will deliver those efficiencies.

4. Snappier Software and AI

Google has been developing AI features for its phones, and I expect that trend to continue. AI can help with photo editing, summarizing long articles, and even translating conversations in real time. But these features only work if they are fast and reliable.

I’d like to see AI tools that feel more native to the device and that don’t require multiple seconds to process before you see results. If the new Pixel phones can apply edits or offer useful search information instantly (or nearly so), it would give Google an even bigger edge over competitors who are still offloading this work to the cloud. One way to do this would be to perform more AI calculations on-device. As with battery life, a more capable and efficient processor could be the linchpin here. Will the Tensor G5 have what it takes? We hope so.

5. Better Repairability

(Credit: Eric Zeman)

If you break your Pixel Watch screen, Google says the whole device must be replaced. That’s a serious waste of resources. If you drop your Pixel phone, there are opportunities to have it repaired, but you’re on the hook for the cost unless you have Google Preferred Care or other insurance.

If Google is to be serious about competing with Apple and Samsung, which have more mature processes for device repairs, it should commit to the repairability of every Pixel-branded device. That includes parts availability, clear repair guides, and reasonable pricing for repairs that take place via official avenues.

6. One More Thing: Let’s Get Weird

Sometimes Google surprises us with something experimental. Project Soli’s gesture controls, while short-lived, showed the company was willing to try unusual ideas. I’d like to see a return to that spirit. Whether it’s new ways to interact with our devices, smarter accessories, or unexpected form factors, a little risk-taking can make an event memorable.

If Google delivers tougher hardware, stronger battery life, and competitive noise cancellation at this year’s Made By Google event, it will be more than just another Pixel launch. It will be a sign that Google is aiming to be a market leader with a cohesive strategy for every Pixel device.

Live Post-Event Coverage With PCMag and CNET

After the event, CNET’s Bridget Carey, PCMag’s Iyaz Akhtar, and their fellow editors will break down everything unveiled by Google. Watch the live broadcast on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 9:30 a.m. PT / 12:30 p.m. ET in the video below.

With everything from app support to smartphone notifications to heart rate monitoring , the best smartwatches do much more than tell time. If you’re assessing your options, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve been reviewing smartwatches since the days of the original Pebble more than a decade ago, and we test options from brands big and small with a variety of prices and features to help you find a model that fits your budget and needs. The Apple Watch Series 10 is the best smartwatch for iPhone users thanks to its sleek design, unbeatable selection of third-party apps, and accurate fitness tracking performance. If you’re looking for something less expensive or have an Android phone, we have you covered with our list of the best smartwatches below. Read on for our top picks and buying advice to find the right watch for you.

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission

Table of Contents Apple Watch Series 10 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Fitbit Ace LTE Garmin Vivoactive 5 Best budget Android smartwatch Best Affordable Apple Watch Apple Watch Ultra 2 Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch (Black) Google Pixel Watch 3 OnePlus Watch 3 Pick a Watch That Works With Your Phone Which Platform Offers the Best Smartwatch Apps? How Are Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers Different? Which Smartwatches Have Cellular and Are They Worth the Money? How Long Do Smartwatches Last? How Much Should You Spend on a Smartwatch? What’s the Best Android Watch? What’s the Best-Looking Smartwatch?

This is a top Wear OS pick if battery life is a primary concern. Like other Wear OS devices, you need an Android phone to use the OnePlus Watch 3. If you have a OnePlus phone, you can use the watch to take pictures or hit play on a YouTube video on your phone, but it otherwise functions the same on any handset running Android 9.0 or later. The OnePlus Watch 3 has no LTE option, but it has all the apps you’d expect from a Wear OS smartwatch, and it doubles as a capable fitness and sleep tracker.

The third-generation OnePlus Watch features a classy design, standout battery life, and useful safety and wellness features, including AI-powered health insights, fall detection, and wrist temperature sensing. In our testing, it lasted an impressive 98 hours on a charge with its always-on AMOLED display enabled, outperforming its Wear OS and watchOS peers. The OnePlus Watch 3 achieves its impressive battery life by employing two different operating systems to save power. It uses Wear OS 5 to run third-party apps and other battery-intensive tasks alongside a proprietary real-time operating system (RTOS) for low-power operations like sending notifications or running background tasks.

The Pixel Watch is a top smartwatch if you have a Pixel phone or you want a watch that leverages the latest Fitbit health features. Its best features work on Android phones of any brand, but it offers some cool exclusives when paired with Pixel handsets, such as camera controls and phone call screening.

With a striking design and two size options, the Google Pixel Watch 3 supports key lifestyle features such as calling, texting, mobile payments, and smart home controls, and you can customize the watch with a wide range of third-party apps. For fitness and health tracking, we appreciate its Readiness Score, Cardio Load, and Target Load metrics that together paint a picture of your overall well-being and indicate whether you’re heading toward fitness progress or potential burnout.

If you’re looking for a smartwatch with support for cellular calling and third-party apps, this isn’t it. Instead, the Versa 4 is a strong option for anyone in search of a simple, attractive, budget-minded smartwatch for monitoring their health and fitness. For activation and setup, it requires a smartphone running at least Android 11 or iOS 16.4 or higher. Keep in mind that you will need a Google account to log into the Fitbit app . Legacy Fitbit users will need to migrate their account over to Google’s platform to log in, a fairly painless process we detail in our Versa 4 review.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is an excellent fitness-focused smartwatch. With 40 exercise modes, it covers everything from kayaking and golf to strength training, skiing, and yoga. We appreciate its attractive yet comfortable design, responsive touch screen, and long battery life. In testing, it lasted four days between charges with the always-on display enabled and the screen brightness set to max. In addition to its robust fitness and health capabilities, it has a small but useful selection of lifestyle features, including Amazon Alexa, Google Maps, and Google Pay. On the downside, the Versa 4 doesn’t support third-party app downloads, with the exception of watch faces.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is best for endurance athletes, ocean enthusiasts, and anyone else who spends a lot of time in the great outdoors. With a WR100 water-resistance rating, the Ultra 2 is the only Apple Watch suitable for high-speed water sports and recreational diving. It works for recreational dives at depths of up to 40 meters and can function as a dive computer with the Oceanic+ app. It’s pricey, though, and people with smaller wrists might not like its bulky design.

The Ultra 2 is the most rugged and battery-rich Apple Watch, offering exclusive outdoor adventuring features that can help you stay safe when you veer off the beaten path. That includes a bright orange customizable Action button, a nubby Digital Crown you can operate with gloved hands, and a durable titanium case. It also boasts a diving-friendly EN13319 certification, a built-in 86dB emergency siren that is audible from up to 600 feet away, and a dual-frequency GPS for tracking your location in cities and the woods. The Ultra 2 comes with cellular support and offers excellent call quality thanks to a dual-speaker system and three-microphone array. It’s powered by Apple’s S9 SiC chip, which enables features like on-device Siri processing, precise directional device tracking with compatible iPhones, and double-tap gestures .

The Apple Watch SE is a solid option for its target audience of first-time smartwatch buyers, children/teens, and older adults. It even supports Apple’s Family Setup feature, which enables you to manage the watch for a family member who doesn’t have an iPhone. In all, the Apple Watch SE is an excellent budget-friendly pick. Just keep in mind this model lacks an always-on display option as well as blood oxygen saturation, ECG, and wrist temperature sensors.

The Watch SE is the least expensive and smallest smartwatch in Apple’s lineup. The second-generation model isn’t a massive update to the original, but Apple has lowered the price by $30, upgraded the processor, added a new motion sensor for Crash Detection, and changed to a more environmentally friendly back cover. Safety features include Emergency SOS, fall detection, and irregular heart rate and rhythm notifications. Cellular SE models also support international emergency calling, so you can reach emergency services in more than 120 countries and regions without your phone while traveling. On the health front, we especially like the automatic 20-second handwashing timer.

If you want to save money and still get loads of smart features and health tracking capabilities, the Galaxy Watch FE is the best budget-friendly WearOS smartwatch. It’s compatible with phones running Android with at least 2GB of RAM. It’s only available in one small 40mm size, with just Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, or added LTE connectivity for $50 extra.

The Galaxy Watch FE is the budget choice in Samsung’s smartwatch lineup, but it makes few sacrifices for its reasonable price. It gives you access to all the standard Google apps like Assistant, Maps, Messages, and the Play Store. On the wellness front, the Galaxy Watch FE can automatically or manually track a wide range of workouts and measure heart rate, pace, and VO2 Max, as well as advanced outdoor running metrics like asymmetry and vertical oscillation. It even offers a few advanced health features, including overnight snore tracking and the ability to measure your body composition. It’s surprisingly durable for the price, with an IP68 weather-resistance rating , a 5ATM waterproof rating, and MIL-STD-810H certification.

If you’re looking for a reasonably affordable smartwatch with exceptional battery life and a focus on fitness, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 is an Editors’ Choice winner. It pairs with smartphones running at least iOS 15 or Android 7.0 via the Garmin Connect app, so compatibility shouldn’t be an issue.

In the crowded fitness smartwatch market, Garmin’s Venu Sq 2 stands out for its practicality. It features a large AMOLED color touch screen with a squarish design that offers better text legibility compared with round models. Battery life is also a strong suit: In testing, the Venu Sq 2 ran for up to nine days between charges with light use. The second-generation Sq is a fitness-first wearable with a robust suite of workout- and health-tracking tools, but it also offers some useful lifestyle features, including calendar and weather apps, vibrating alarms, smartphone notifications, and Garmin Pay mobile payment support.

The Ace LTE is worth the splurge for parents who want to give themselves peace of mind while keeping their child engaged. Keep in mind that it requires a monthly subscription, and it doesn’t have a camera or track sleep.

For parents, the watch has built-in location tracking through GPS and Google Maps, included as part of the monthly subscription that also unlocks LTE service. Kids can use the watch to send texts and make calls, but only to trusted contacts added by the parent through a Google Family Link account.

The Fitbit Ace LTE has fitness, gaming, and safety features tailored for kids ages 7 to 11. A built-in arcade forms a central part of the watch’s experience, and each game is meant to limit screen time and encourage activity between short rounds of play. The watch tracks floors climbed, light activity, moderate activity, and steps as the child goes about their day, and offers daily quests and a customizable avatar to encourage active play. Even simple features like the activity ring is a customizable animal that celebrates reaching the daily goal with a variety of animations.

The Galaxy Watch 8 series is exclusive to Android phones. Some of its features only work with Samsung handsets, including the Running Coach, irregular heart rhythm notifications, phone separation alerts, gesture controls, and snoring detection.

If you want the best Wear OS smartwatch for fitness and sleep tracking, go with the Galaxy Watch 8. It offers Galaxy AI wellness assessments and has a large, bright screen. It comes in small (40mm) or large (44mm) sizes in silver or graphite with two connectivity options (with or without LTE), accommodating a wide range of buyers.

The Galaxy Watch 8 brings AI coaching for running workouts and sleep, antioxidant testing, and vascular load measurements for arterial health to Samsung’s popular smartwatch line. Its Galaxy AI-powered coaching works well, and Google’s Gemini AI assistant is built in to respond to your voice commands. It has a thinner frame than its predecessor and offers a minor bump in battery life. Otherwise, it carries forward everything from past models, including advanced glycation end products (AGEs) index tracking (an indicator of metabolic health), FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, and body composition measurements similar to a smart scale . It’s also durable with an IP68 resistance rating, MIL-STD-810H certification, and 5ATM of water resistance.

If you’re looking for a feature-rich smartwatch to stay connected, monitor your health, and track your fitness, the Series 10 is our Editors’ Choice winner for iPhone users.

The Apple Watch Series 10 offers a broad suite of lifestyle, fitness, health, and safety tools, plus the best selection of third-party apps for any smartwatch. It features a larger screen and slimmer design than its predecessor, and a new lightweight titanium case option. This model also supports water depth and temperature sensing, music playback, and sleep apnea detection. With these upgrades, the Apple Watch Series 10 remains the best iPhone-compatible smartwatch for most buyers.

Pick a Watch That Works With Your Phone

Naturally, the first thing you should consider before you buy a smartwatch is compatibility. We include these details in our reviews of each product.

All Apple Watch models run watchOS, Apple’s smartwatch operating system, and work only with iOS devices. Apple’s latest wearables—the Series 10, the Ultra 2, and the Watch SE— require an iPhone XS or later with iOS 18 or later and do not work with Android handsets.

The Galaxy Watch 8, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra run Wear OS 6 with Samsung’s One UI 8 interface. They require a smartphone running Android 12 or later. Although you can pair the Watch 8 with non-Samsung Android phones, some features work only with Samsung handsets, including the AI coaching features, irregular heart rhythm notifications, phone separation alerts, gesture controls, and the Camera Controller app.

Google’s Pixel Watch 3 runs Wear OS 5 and works with most phones running Android 10.0 or newer via the Google Pixel Watch app, which requires a Google Account to log in. It’s not exclusive to Pixel phones and should pair just fine with devices from any other Android phone maker, including Samsung. That said, some Pixel Watch features are only available when paired with a Pixel phone, like Ask to Hold for calls, automatic call screening, and the camera controller.

Most of the other smartwatches on this list are compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones.

Which Platform Offers the Best Smartwatch Apps?

What separates a smartwatch from a dumb watch? Lots of things, but as smartphones have taught us, apps might be the most important.

Most of the watches we like feature full-fledged app stores that bring everything from Spotify, Yelp, and Strava to your wrist. Much like smartphones, app availability is a good way to determine which product to get, so make sure to check out the app selection for each watch before you make a final decision.

If you’re looking for apps, Apple is your best bet. The App Store lets you browse and download third-party watchOS apps directly on the watch, including popular favorites like AllTrails, Calm, Pandora, Peloton, Shazam, Spotify, Starbucks, and Strava.

The Apple Watch still has the largest number of high-quality apps and big-name developers, but Google’s Wear OS platform is catching up.

Samsung’s latest smartwatches feature popular Google apps like Maps and the Play Store, alongside Samsung’s Buds Controller, Pay, and more. The Pixel Watch features all the Google standbys, including Assistant, Gmail, Home, Maps, the Play Store, and Wallet.

Other popular apps available for download via the Google Play Store on Wear OS smartwatches include Amazon Music, Calm, Deezer, Easy Voice Recorder, KakaoTalk, Samsung Internet Browser, SmartThings, Spotify, Stocard, Todoist, and WhatsApp.

How Are Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers Different?

Unless you want a gadget on both of your wrists (not the best look), you should pick a smartwatch that also works as a fitness tracker. Most smartwatches are capable of tracking basic activity, like steps, but you need to pay close attention to additional features.

Most of the smartwatches on our list feature GPS connectivity, which means they can record your runs without the help of a companion device. Most modern smartwatches also have an optical heart rate sensor that can take continuous and on-demand heart rate measurements.

Fitbit Versa devices are fairly affordable and track plenty of fitness and sleep metrics. However, they have fewer third-party apps, so there are some trade-offs. Look closely and choose a watch that tracks the activities and health metrics you want to monitor. Some smartwatches offer advanced health-tracking features, including the ability to take an ECG and measure your SpO2 level.

Which Smartwatches Have Cellular and Are They Worth the Money?

A cellular connection allows you to make calls, send texts, stream music, download apps, and do anything else that requires an internet connection—all without your phone. The cellular Apple Watch Series 10 carries a $100 premium over the base model (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi only). Then, you also have to pay for a separate data plan—most carriers charge an additional $10 per month per smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch FE, Galaxy Watch 8, and Google Pixel Watch 3 are also available with cellular connectivity.

Whether this convenience is worth it for you depends on how you plan to use your watch. If you want to stream music while you exercise and leave your phone at home or in the locker room, a cellular connection can certainly come in handy. If you always have your phone on you, however, you can probably save money and skip it.

How Long Do Smartwatches Last?

You don’t want a smartwatch with good battery life, right? Good, because you’re not going to get it. Features like an always-on display and GPS tracking are nice, but they drain battery life quickly. Watches with full-color, smartphone-like displays, like the Apple Watch and Wear OS watches, generally only last about a day on a charge.

There are a few exceptions, including the OnePlus Watch 3 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which offer multi-day battery life. In general, you get much better battery life with a Fitbit or Garmin watch. They typically last around six days on a single charge.

How Much Should You Spend on a Smartwatch?

Smartwatches can be very expensive, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of money to get a good one. Yes, the $1,000+ Apple Watch Hermès is sure to draw a lot of attention, but for that price, you could buy five Fitbits. If you’re a first-time smartwatch buyer, consider the less-expensive route first in case you wind up not wearing it all that much.

What’s the Best Android Watch?

All of the models on this list work with Android phones except for the Apple Watch. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is our current favorite thanks to its in-depth AI coaching and robust wellness features. The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is the best affordable Android smartwatch thanks to its streamlined design, excellent health and safety features, useful calling and texting capabilities, and overall value for the money.

What’s the Best-Looking Smartwatch?

Let’s not forget: You’re also going to wear this thing. And unlike your Timex, it’s probably not going to remain in style for years. Smartwatch design is rapidly changing, so hold out until you find something you actually want to wear. And keep in mind that smartwatches are still gadgets. The coming year is sure to bring new iterations of pretty much every watch on this list, not to mention completely new ones.

The battle for wrist real estate is quickly heating up. That’s good news for consumers because this pace of innovation is likely to result in more capable—and more stylish—devices. I wouldn’t be surprised if this list reads completely differently the next time you see it. But if you’re looking for the best smartwatch available today, the options here are the finest we’ve tested.

For more, check out our roundups of the best Android watches and the best Samsung watches.

> Tech

We’re still an hour away from this year’s Made by Google event, but thanks to a steady stream of Pixel leaks, we already know what’s on deck. You can tune into the Made by Google livestream for the official unveiling of the Google Pixel Watch 4, but after previewing the new smartwatch at a recent event, we can also share a detailed first look at the new wearable.

We can also share some good news: The Pixel Watch 4 won’t arrive with a price increase. The 41mm version starts at $349, and the 45mm version starts at $399.

Google’s sleek smartwatch line is back, and this year’s model brings a suite of upgrades designed to smooth over some of the rough edges from last year’s Pixel Watch 3. The Watch 4 promises longer battery life, noticeably faster charging, improved health and fitness features, and a fresh set of eye-catching color options to go with its minimalist design. It’s a solid alternative to the recently released Galaxy Watch 8, with its love-it-or-hate-it “squircle” design.

None None

On paper, the Pixel Watch 4 looks like a clear step up from the Watch 3 — but it’s not a total reinvention. Much of the functionality remains the same, meaning last year’s model is still perfectly serviceable if you’re not itching to upgrade. That said, if you’re debating whether the Watch 4 is worth the leap, here’s a breakdown of what’s changed, and what hasn’t changed, with Google’s latest flagship smartwatch and fitness tracker.

New: Bigger display, longer life, faster charging

The Pixel Watch 4 is also getting a bump in display tech. Google says the new screen is roughly 10 percent larger than the Watch 3, with a nearly edge-to-edge design that makes the updated Wear OS 6 and Material 3 Expression UI look and feel more animated and lively. On top of that, brightness has been cranked up considerably, topping out at a dazzling 3,000 nits compared to the Pixel Watch 3’s 2,000. That means better visibility outdoors and sharper contrast when you’re checking notifications on the fly.

Battery life has also seen some fine-tuning. On the 45mm model, the Pixel Watch 4 promises up to 40 hours of runtime, while the smaller 41mm version manages about 30 hours. Kick in Battery Saver mode and you’re looking at 72 hours on the 45mm and 48 hours on the 41mm. Charging is faster too: Google claims the Watch 4 can jump from 0 to 50 percent in just 15 minutes, a nice improvement over the Watch 3, which took 24 minutes to hit the same mark.

Finally, if you’re a fan of the Google Gemini AI chatbot, a Google press release says the Pixel Watch 4 is “our best watch for experiencing Gemini.” Of course, Google would say that.

Not new: Fitness and health features

When it comes to health and fitness, the Pixel Watch 4 sticks to the same playbook as its predecessor. You’re still getting the deep Fitbit integration that tracks heart rate, sleep, SpO2, stress, and workouts, plus Google’s AI-powered Running Insights for performance feedback. ECG readings, irregular heart rhythm notifications, fall detection, and emergency SOS are also carried over unchanged.

The Pixel Watch 4 hasn’t introduced any groundbreaking new health sensors or fitness features this year — it’s largely refining the same Fitbit-driven ecosystem that debuted on the Pixel Watch 3. However, Google has added improved GPS tracking for more precise route mapping and distance measurement, particularly useful for runners, cyclists, and hikers.

New: Colors

The Pixel Watch 4 is getting a fresh coat of paint when it comes to design. Google is offering the same two case sizes (41mm and 45mm), and both now come in four finishes: Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, and the all-new Rose Quartz.

Band options have also expanded, but you’ll still find staples like metal links, woven, leather, and stretch bands. Google is also adding new shades across the board to better complement the updated cases. It’s not a radical redesign, but the new colorways give buyers more flexibility to mix and match and lean into either sporty or luxury aesthetics.

Pixel Watch 4: Release date, pricing, and pre-order

As of this writing, the Pixel Watch 4 is not yet available for pre-order, but we expect it to be available shortly. A Google spokesperson told us the Pixel Watch 4 won’t ship and appear on store shelves until Oct. 9, however.

While not the best smartwatch around, the Google Pixel Watch 2 has been a reliable companion on my wrist since its launch in October 2023.

I use it to keep up with important notifications, track workouts, and quickly control smart home devices.

I had no intention of upgrading to the Pixel Watch 4 this year, but its practical upgrades have convinced me to make the switch.

Google Pixel Watch 4 CPU Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 RAM 2GB The newest Pixel Watch sports an eye-catching new look, up to 40 hours of battery life, and 6 months of Fitbit Premium for free. Storage 32GB Battery 455 mAh Cellular connectivity 4G LTE Bluetooth V6 Software Wear OS 6 Weight 36.7 g (without band) IP Rating IP68 Always on display Yes Sensors Compass, Altimeter, Red and infrared sensors, Multipurpose electrical sensors, Multi-path optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, Ambient light sensor, Far field skin temperature, Barometer, Magnetometer Display glass Corning Gorilla Glass 5

A bigger and brighter screen

Smaller bezels all around

As much as I like the Pixel Watch 2, its 41mm size always felt too small for my larger wrist. Google fixed that with the Pixel Watch 3 by introducing a 44mm option, though it wasn’t a big enough reason to upgrade.

The Pixel Watch 4 comes in the same 41mm and 44mm case sizes. This time, the display is bigger, though. You get 10% more screen real estate and 15% slimmer bezels.

That might not seem like a big deal, but it will help give the Pixel Watch 4 a modern look, especially when compared to the sleek Apple Watch Series 10.

Google uses a Gorilla Glass-made Actua 360 domed display to achieve the edgeless look.

The panel is also a newer one, capable of hitting a peak brightness of 3,000 nits — a 200% jump over the Pixel Watch 2! While not mentioned, I hope the brightness improvement trickles down to the Always-on display as well.

I would have loved Google to use a stronger sapphire crystal cover glass for added durability, as seen on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Apple Watch lineup. I guess there’s always a next time.

Dual-frequency GPS

More accurate location data

Source: Google

I rely heavily on the Pixel Watch 2 and its Fitbit integration to track my workouts. Running and hiking are my main activities, and the watch usually does a decent job of logging them.

The problem, though, is its GPS accuracy.

On a clear day, it records fairly precise routes. However, things go downhill fast when the weather turns cloudy or I’m hiking under dense forest cover. The tracking can drift, cut corners, or even lose signal altogether, making the workout data far less reliable.

With dual-frequency GPS (L5 GNSS) support, the Pixel Watch 4 should fare a lot better in this department. It won’t lose GPS signals quickly in challenging conditions and should provide more accurate route tracking.

Longer battery life with faster charging

A practical everyday improvement

While not impressive, I’m fairly satisfied with the battery life of the Pixel Watch 2.

Even after almost two years, it can last through a day of use, including around an hour of workout tracking. That’s with always-on display and “Hey Google” detection disabled, since turning them on kills the battery.

I do miss having both features, but the trade-off in runtime just isn’t worth it.

I’ve also tweaked my charging habits, topping up the watch for 10 to 15 minutes before I go to bed and then again in the morning while I get ready for work. That’s enough to ensure I never get any low battery warnings from the watch in daily life.

The Pixel Watch 4 takes things up a notch, with Google promising up to 30 hours of runtime for the 41mm model and 40 hours for the 45mm variant. That’s even longer than the Pixel Watch 3.

Since I plan to upgrade to the larger 45mm Pixel Watch 4, the jump in battery life from the Pixel Watch 2 should feel massive. The extra runtime will give me the headroom to finally use the watch with always-on display and “Hey, Google” enabled.

As a bonus, Google gave the charging speeds on the Pixel Watch 4 a substantial boost as well.

You can charge the watch from empty to 50% in just 15 minutes. For comparison, my Pixel Watch 2 takes around 30 minutes to hit the 50% mark from an almost empty state.

This is not just a spec improvement on paper; it will make a big difference in daily use, especially when traveling. A few minutes on the charger will get me several more hours of runtime.

The Pixel Watch 4 also comes with a redesigned side-mounted charging dock. A welcome change, since I was never a fan of the Pixel Watch 2’s charging puck. I’m already on my third replacement.

The exposed pins mean the charger can easily get damaged. Hopefully, the side-mounted charging dock takes care of this problem.

This change does mean that my existing Pixel Watch 2 chargers won’t work with the Pixel Watch 4. However, that’s a small price that I’m ready to pay for faster charging speeds and better reliability.

Better speaker

Hear Gemini loud and clear

To put it mildly, the Pixel Watch 2’s speaker is practically useless. When I pick up calls on it, I can barely make out what the other person is saying.

The microphone isn’t much better either. People almost always complain that my voice sounds muffled. This shortness has become a major issue since Google rolled out Gemini for Wear OS.

The responses are barely audible, especially if you are out on the street or in an area with a lot of background activity.

I put up with the Pixel Watch 2’s subpar speaker for so long because I did not use Assistant much. But with Gemini being far better at handling commands, the weak speaker has become a bottleneck.

Google says the Pixel Watch 4 fixes this with a custom speaker designed to deliver much clearer audio.

The improved speaker should go well with the Pixel Watch 4’s new raise-to-talk feature, making interactions with Gemini more natural and seamless.

I can’t wait to upgrade to the Pixel Watch 4

Early Pixel Watch 4 leaks failed to impress me, since they pointed to the watch using the same Snapdragon chipset as the Pixel Watch 2. And while that’s still true, there are a lot of other factors here.

As much as I would have loved a faster SoC for better performance, Google’s newest smartwatch packs plenty of other improvements that make it a worthy upgrade. And that’s without even factoring in its new emergency satellite connectivity — a feature that could literally be a lifesaver.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 makes its mark in the smartwatch market by combining enhanced functionality with a focus on affordability. With improvements in charging speed, health tracking, and media streaming, it aims to cater to a diverse audience. However, challenges such as limited accessory compatibility may affect its appeal for some users. Below is an in-depth look at what the Pixel Watch 4 brings to the table and the areas where it could improve.

Faster Charging with a Redesigned System

The Pixel Watch 4 introduces a notable upgrade in charging technology, featuring a redesigned pogo pin charger. This system allows the watch to charge up to 50% in just 15 minutes and 80% in 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for users with busy schedules who need quick recharges. This improvement ensures that the watch remains functional even during demanding days, reducing downtime significantly.

However, the side-mounted pogo pin design comes with potential drawbacks. The proprietary nature of the charger may limit compatibility with third-party charging accessories and custom watch cases. While the faster charging is a welcome enhancement, users who value flexibility in accessories might find this aspect restrictive. For those who prioritize convenience and speed, though, the new charging system is a clear advantage.

Connectivity Options: LTE and Wi-Fi Models

Google continues to offer versatile connectivity options with the Pixel Watch 4, available in both LTE and Wi-Fi models. The LTE versions, now more affordable, are priced at $399 for the 41 mm model and $449 for the 45 mm model. This price reduction makes untethered connectivity more accessible, allowing users to stay connected without relying on their smartphones.

The Wi-Fi models retain last year’s pricing, starting at $349 for the 41 mm version and $399 for the 45 mm version. These options provide flexibility, allowing users to choose a model that aligns with their budget and connectivity needs. Whether you prioritize standalone functionality or prefer a more budget-friendly option, the Pixel Watch 4 offers a model to suit your lifestyle.

Health Tracking Powered by Fitbit

Health tracking remains a core feature of the Pixel Watch 4, thanks to Google’s integration with Fitbit. Each purchase includes six months of Fitbit Premium, granting access to advanced health insights, personalized fitness recommendations, and detailed tracking metrics. This partnership underscores Google’s commitment to making the Pixel Watch 4 a reliable health companion.

The watch supports comprehensive monitoring, including heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, and workout performance metrics. These features cater to users seeking to improve their overall wellness or maintain an active lifestyle. By using Fitbit’s expertise, the Pixel Watch 4 positions itself as a valuable tool for health-conscious individuals.

Enhanced Media Streaming with YouTube Premium

The Pixel Watch 4 enhances its appeal by including a one-month subscription to YouTube Premium. This feature provides ad-free content, offline downloads, and background playback, enriching the media experience for users. While this addition may not transform the smartwatch experience, it adds value for those who frequently consume video content on the go.

For users who enjoy streaming music or videos during workouts or commutes, this inclusion complements the watch’s other features. It reflects Google’s effort to integrate entertainment into the Pixel Watch 4’s functionality, making it more than just a fitness tracker or communication device.

Pricing Strategy: Competitive and Accessible

Google’s pricing strategy for the Pixel Watch 4 demonstrates a clear intent to remain competitive in the smartwatch market. By maintaining last year’s prices for Wi-Fi models and reducing the cost of LTE models, Google positions the Pixel Watch 4 as an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. This approach ensures that the watch remains accessible without compromising on essential features.

The pricing places the Pixel Watch 4 in direct competition with other popular devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. By offering robust functionality at a reasonable price point, Google aims to capture a larger share of the market while appealing to a wide range of users.

Challenges with Accessory Compatibility

Despite its strengths, the Pixel Watch 4 faces notable challenges in accessory compatibility. The visible pogo pins, while functional, may not appeal to all users from an aesthetic standpoint. Additionally, the reliance on a proprietary charging design could limit the availability of third-party accessories, particularly in the early stages of the product’s lifecycle.

For users who value customization and flexibility in their smartwatch accessories, this could be a significant drawback. While the Pixel Watch 4 excels in many areas, its accessory ecosystem may feel restrictive compared to competitors that offer more universal compatibility. This is an important consideration for those who prioritize personalization in their devices.

A Balanced Smartwatch Experience

The Google Pixel Watch 4 strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of users. With faster charging, robust health tracking powered by Fitbit, and added media streaming perks, it delivers a well-rounded experience. Its competitive pricing further enhances its appeal, positioning it as a strong contender in the smartwatch market.

However, the limitations in accessory compatibility and the proprietary charging design may deter users who seek greater customization options. For those who prioritize convenience, health tracking, and value, the Pixel Watch 4 offers a refined smartwatch experience that meets modern demands without breaking the bank.

Stay informed about the latest in Google Pixel Watch 4 by exploring our other resources and articles.

Source & Image Credit: Demon’s Tech

Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals

Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy