The Google Pixel Watch 4 has officially taken the spotlight as Google’s latest wearable innovation, bringing with it substantial hardware and software improvements over its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 3. At first glance, both models may appear similar in terms of design and size, but a closer look reveals notable refinements that make the Pixel Watch 4 a clear step forward in performance, display, and functionality.
Design, Build Quality, and Durability Enhancements
The body and build of the Pixel Watch 4 remains consistent with the Pixel Watch 3, featuring dimensions of 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm (1.77 x 1.77 x 0.48 in), making both watches sleek and compact for daily use. However, there is a slight difference in weight distribution. The Pixel Watch 4 comes in two weight variants, either 31 g or 37 g depending on configuration, while the Pixel Watch 3 maintains a standard 37 g build. Both watches use a glass front with Gorilla Glass 5 protection and an aluminum frame, combining durability with a lightweight feel.
The Pixel Watch 4 includes IP68 certification, ensuring dust-tight protection and water resistance, giving it more rugged reliability compared to the Pixel Watch 3. Both models also feature eSIM technology, allowing standalone cellular connectivity without being tethered to a smartphone, a crucial feature for fitness and lifestyle users who value independence from their devices during workouts or outdoor activities.
Sharper, Brighter, and More Durable: Pixel Watch 4 Display vs Pixel Watch 3
When examining the display, the Pixel Watch 4 makes a significant leap. It features a 1.4-inch LTPO AMOLED display with an impressive 3000 nits of peak brightness, compared to the 2000 nits of the Pixel Watch 3. This improvement makes outdoor visibility much clearer under direct sunlight. Both models share the same resolution at 456 x 456 pixels, but the Pixel Watch 4 achieves a higher pixel density of approximately 461 ppi, surpassing the Pixel Watch 3’s 320 ppi density.
This results in sharper text, clearer icons, and an overall smoother visual experience. Protection remains the same with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring scratch and impact resistance.
Platform and Performance: Wear OS 6 with Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Advantage
On the platform side, the Pixel Watch 4 introduces Wear OS 6, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset built on a 4 nm process. This processor integrates a quad-core setup with four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.7 GHz, paired with an Adreno A702 GPU.
This combination delivers enhanced efficiency, faster response times, and improved app performance compared to the Pixel Watch 3, which runs on Wear OS 5 and is powered by the Qualcomm SW5100. While the Pixel Watch 3 offered up to three major Android upgrades, the Pixel Watch 4 launches with a stronger foundation and is expected to enjoy extended support and optimizations from Google, ensuring a smoother long-term experience.
Memory, Storage, and Sound Performance
In terms of memory and storage, both watches remain identical, featuring 32GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM. This capacity allows for offline music storage, app downloads, and responsive multitasking without significant lag. For sound, both models include a loudspeaker, which is useful for calls, notifications, and even voice assistant responses without relying on connected Bluetooth devices.
Connectivity and Communication: Advanced Wireless Features and SOS Support
Moving to connectivity and communication, the Pixel Watch 4 gains an edge with Wi-Fi 802.11 6.0 compared to the Pixel Watch 3’s Wi-Fi 802.11 5.3. This upgrade translates to faster data transfer speeds, improved stability, and more reliable connections, particularly in environments with multiple devices. Bluetooth support remains strong in both models with A2DP, ensuring high-quality audio streaming.
Both watches also feature robust positioning systems, including GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO, but the Pixel Watch 4 improves accuracy with L1 + L5 GPS and E1 + E5a GALILEO bands, enhancing navigation precision for runners, cyclists, and outdoor adventurers.
Additionally, both watches include NFC for contactless payments, but the Pixel Watch 4 adds Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, opening up new possibilities for device tracking, digital car keys, and seamless ecosystem integration. LTE models of the Pixel Watch 4 also support satellite SOS services, giving users peace of mind in emergency situations, something not present in the Pixel Watch 3.
Advanced Health and Fitness Tracking with Smarter Sensors
The sensors on both watches are extensive, covering accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate monitor, altimeter, compass, SpO2, skin temperature thermometer, and skin conductance. However, the Pixel Watch 4 expands functionality with added reliability, broader tracking algorithms, and the integration of UWB technology, making it not just a fitness tracker but a more advanced health companion.
These sensors allow for comprehensive wellness insights, sleep monitoring, activity tracking, and stress detection, aligning with Google’s focus on health-driven wearable technology.
Pixel Watch 4 Delivers Faster Charging and Longer Battery Endurance
Battery life and charging speeds are critical in smartwatches, and this is where the Pixel Watch 4 makes another leap forward. It is equipped with a Li-Ion 455 mAh battery compared to the Pixel Watch 3’s 420 mAh unit.
While the difference in capacity may appear modest, the Pixel Watch 4’s efficiency gains from the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset and LTPO AMOLED display technology result in longer-lasting endurance.
Charging speed is significantly improved as well—the Pixel Watch 4 can reach 50% in just 15 minutes, 80% in 30 minutes, and 100% in about 60 minutes. By contrast, the Pixel Watch 3 takes 28 minutes for 50%, 50 minutes for 80%, and over an hour for a full charge. This makes the Pixel Watch 4 much more convenient for users who want quick top-ups before workouts or during busy schedules.
Pricing and versions
Although the arrival of the latest generation suggests that Pixel Watch 3 prices may eventually drop, the smartwatch still holds its original launch price on Google’s official store for now.
The encouraging news is that the Pixel Watch 4 lineup comes in at the same pricing as last year’s models, with no added cost, no extra versions, and no confusing case size changes to consider.
- Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm, Wi-Fi): $349/£349
- Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm, Wi-Fi): $399/£399
- Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm, LTE): $449/£449
- Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm, LTE): $499/£499
FAQ’s
Does the Google Pixel Watch 4 look different from the Pixel Watch 3?
Not dramatically. Both watches retain a similar circular design and dimensions, but the Pixel Watch 4 is lighter in some configurations and comes with IP68 dust and water resistance, which adds durability.
Is the Pixel Watch 4 display better than the Pixel Watch 3?
Yes. The Pixel Watch 4 offers 3000 nits peak brightness compared to 2000 nits on the Pixel Watch 3, with a sharper pixel density at 461 ppi versus 320 ppi, making it much clearer outdoors and more visually refined overall.
What performance improvements come with the Pixel Watch 4?
The Pixel Watch 4 runs on the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with Wear OS 6, offering faster performance, better efficiency, and longer software support compared to the Snapdragon SW5100 and Wear OS 5 found on the Pixel Watch 3.
Does the Pixel Watch 4 support satellite SOS?
Yes, LTE models of the Pixel Watch 4 include satellite SOS functionality, which can be critical in emergencies. This feature is not available on the Pixel Watch 3.
How does battery life compare between the two models?
The Pixel Watch 4 has a slightly larger 455 mAh battery and benefits from efficiency improvements, providing better endurance. More importantly, it charges much faster than the Pixel Watch 3, reaching 50% in just 15 minutes versus 28 minutes.
Final Thought
The Google Pixel Watch 4 refines nearly every aspect of its predecessor, delivering improvements in display brightness and sharpness, processing power, connectivity, sensor capability, and charging speed.
While the Pixel Watch 3 remains a strong smartwatch with reliable performance and core features, the Pixel Watch 4 clearly pushes Google’s wearable ecosystem forward by offering a brighter display, enhanced durability with IP68 certification, advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and UWB, and faster charging that makes daily use more practical.
For users seeking the latest innovations, stronger performance, and future-proof technology, the Pixel Watch 4 is the superior choice. However, those who already own a Pixel Watch 3 and are satisfied with its functionality may not need to upgrade immediately, unless they specifically value the performance boost, SOS safety features, or enhanced display visibility.