Summary of "Pixel Watch 4 review: The best of Google."
Pixel Watch 4 Review Summary
Main Features:
- Design: Largely unchanged from prior generations, sleek and comfortable with a familiar aesthetic.
- Display: Introduces a unique convex (domed) "Actu 360" display that pushes bezels closer to edges, creating a subtle 3D effect that is visually impressive in person. The display is sharp and marginally brighter than Pixel Watch 3, especially outdoors.
- Sizes: Available in 41mm and 45mm; the 45mm model offers a significantly better experience due to larger screen real estate for notifications and apps.
- Software: Runs on Wear OS 6 with Material You design enhancements, offering modern, fun animations, improved quick settings, and dynamic color theming that matches watch face colors.
- AI Integration: Features a new "raise to talk" gesture to instantly activate Google’s Gemini assistant, providing seamless voice interaction without needing to pick up the phone.
- Processor: Uses a new Snapdragon chip with an additional Google-designed co-processor enabling satellite connectivity—a rare and valuable safety feature.
- Speaker: Improved but still modest; useful for voice assistant commands and smart home controls.
- Fitbit Integration: Continues simplified health tracking and running features from Pixel Watch 3, requiring Fitbit Premium for full functionality. Upcoming AI-powered Fitbit app enhancements are anticipated but not yet available.
- Battery Life: Improved endurance with 2 full days typical, up to 3 days with battery saver mode. Larger battery in 45mm model contributes to this.
- Charging: New magnetic charger with side-mounted pins, offering very fast charging (50% in 15 minutes, full charge under an hour). However, Google has again changed the charger design, frustrating users who want accessory consistency.
Pros:
- Stunning and unique convex display that enhances visual appeal.
- Larger 45mm model offers optimal usability.
- Wear OS 6 provides a polished, modern user interface with personalized theming.
- "Raise to talk" Gemini integration adds a seamless voice assistant experience.
- Satellite connectivity adds a valuable safety feature.
- Improved battery life and very fast charging reduce user anxiety.
- Fitbit integration continues to provide solid health and fitness tracking.
Cons:
- Design remains largely unchanged; durability concerns persist due to design choices.
- Limited performance boost despite new Snapdragon chip.
- Fitbit Premium subscription required for full health tracking features, which feels costly for a premium watch.
- Charging pins on the side disrupt the clean design aesthetic.
- Frequent charger changes across Pixel Watch generations frustrate accessory compatibility.
User Experience:
- The watch feels comfortable and visually appealing on the wrist.
- Display improvements are significant and best appreciated in person.
- Software is smooth, visually engaging, and highly personalized.
- Voice assistant integration via raise-to-talk is surprisingly useful and a standout feature.
- Battery life and charging speed are very practical for daily use.
Comparisons:
- Pixel Watch 4 is a notable upgrade over Pixel Watch 2 and first generation, especially with display, charging, and AI features.
- Not a significant upgrade over Pixel Watch 3; users of the previous model may not find it worth upgrading.
- Larger 45mm model is strongly recommended over 41mm for better usability.
Overall Verdict:
The Pixel Watch 4 is the best Pixel Watch yet, combining refined hardware and polished software into a genuinely enjoyable wearable experience. It is especially compelling for users with older Pixel Watches or competing devices that are aging. The new display, fast charging, improved battery life, and Gemini voice assistant integration make it a must-have upgrade for many. However, Pixel Watch 3 owners may want to hold off. The Pixel Watch 4 represents the culmination of Google’s wearable efforts so far and stands out as the strongest product in the Made by Google lineup.
Additional Views:
- The reviewer expresses frustration with Google's repeated charger redesigns.
- Fitbit’s AI fitness enhancements are anticipated but remain to be seen.
- The reviewer is personally impressed by the raise-to-talk feature and finds it a gamechanger.
- The 45mm size is preferred due to better screen space despite potential comfort trade-offs.
- The Pixel Watch 4 is seen as a bigger upgrade than other recent Google hardware launches.
Summary Question to Viewers:
Would you buy the Pixel Watch 4 now or wait for a price drop?
Category
Product Review
