While the stars of this summer’s Made by Google event are undoubtedly the Pixel 10 series, including thePixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, andPixel 10 Pro Fold, Google also introduced its new smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 4.
The Pixel Watch 4 closely resembles its predecessor, thePixel Watch 3, with its circular domed watch face, but offers several upgrades that make it appealing for those with older Pixel Watches or newcomers to the Pixel ecosystem with the Pixel 10 series.
First, the Pixel Watch 4’s Actua 360 display has 16 percent smaller bezels, providing 10 percent more screen space compared to the Pixel Watch 3. Secondly, the screen is also 50 percent brighter, with 3,000 nits of brightness – a significant upgrade from the Pixel Watch 3’s 2,000 nits peak brightness – making the Pixel Watch 4 easier to see in any lighting condition.
Google’s Pixel Watch 4 comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm, starting at $350 USD ($479 CAD) and $400 USD ($549 CAD), respectively, the same as last year. You can choose from three case colors – matte black, polished silver, and satin moonstone – and select either Wi-Fi or LTE. Pre-orders for the Pixel Watch 4 are now available, with an official release date of October 9.
Pixel Watch 4
The Pixel Watch 4 has received a battery upgrade
It’s also the most repairable Pixel Watch yet
Both the 41mm and 45mm Pixel Watch 4 models have received larger batteries this year. The 41mm Pixel Watch 4’s battery has increased to 325mAh, up from 307mAh in the 41mm Pixel Watch 3. Meanwhile, the 45mm Pixel Watch 4’s battery is now 455mAh, a 10 percent boost from the 420mAh battery in the 45mm Pixel Watch 3.
Google claims the battery can last up to 40 hours on the 45mm Pixel Watch 4 and up to 30 hours on the 41mm model. Additionally, the charging time has also improved, with Google stating that it’s 25 percent faster than previous generations, and able to go from zero to 50 percent in just 15 minutes.
Google also made the Pixel Watch 4 its first smartwatch designed for serviceability, so the display and battery can be replaced if they get damaged. Previously, if a Pixel Watch was damaged, Google would just replace it. Now, with the Pixel Watch 4, screen and battery damage are serviceable, which will support Google’s sustainability goals.
When it comes to the band system for the Pixel Watch 4, Google is using the same connection system, which means its bands from previous generation Pixel watches should still work, such as its active, metal mesh, and woven bands.
Google’s new Pixel Watch 4 comes with Wear OS 6 right out of the box, featuring its updatedMaterial 3 Expressivedesign and Fitbit’s health and fitness tools, which Google acquired in 2021. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that it also includes manyGemini features, allowing users to interact with and receive AI assistance directly on their wrist without needing to pull out their phone. The Pixel Watch 4 starts at $350 USD ($479 CAD) and will be available on October 9.
