Compare the Google Pixel Watch 4 to the Pixel Watch 3: Are they now in top-tier smartwatch class?
The much-anticipated Google Pixel Watch 4 is set to launch in August 2025, promising an upgrade to the popular Pixel Watch 3 with several confirmed and rumoured improvements across design, software, health features, and hardware.
**Design and Hardware**
The Pixel Watch 4 will retain the two size options of its predecessor, with a 41mm ("Meridian") and a 45mm ("Canari") model. However, the new models are expected to have a slightly thicker watch module and slimmer bezels, giving a refreshed appearance. The display sizes remain similar, with the smaller model featuring a 1.2-inch screen and the larger model boasting a 1.4-inch display. The Pixel Watch 4's screen will be brighter for better visibility, and a new chipset is anticipated, potentially improving energy efficiency and performance.
Reports suggest enhanced repairability, making the Pixel Watch 4 easier and cheaper to fix compared to its predecessor. The battery capacity is rumoured to increase, contributing to about 10% better battery life, a notable improvement given the Pixel Watch 3's relatively short battery duration.
**Software and User Interface**
The Pixel Watch 4 will debut with Wear OS 6, introducing the Material 3 Expressive design language. This brings more fluid scrolling, dynamic buttons, notification cards that adapt to display space, and a refreshed, user-friendly UI. It will support third-party watch faces via the new Watch Face Push API, allowing easier installation and syncing of watch faces without going through the Play Store.
The Google Assistant on the Pixel Watch 3 will be replaced by Gemini, a more advanced assistant that understands natural language better and offers deeper integration with Google services, including the ability to summarize recent emails or messages. The new OS version also includes UI improvements like tiles fitting more buttons and info, and manual and dynamic theming based on watch face colours.
**Health and Fitness Features**
The Pixel Watch 4 maintains comprehensive health tracking via the Fitbit ecosystem, supporting metrics such as heart rate, steps, distance, calories, sleep stages, stress events, ECG, blood oxygen (SpO₂), and skin temperature variations, as on the Pixel Watch 3. New fitness features are expected to include enhanced strength training tools, such as a workout builder, real-time guidance, advanced post-workout analysis, and form insights tailored for weightlifting and bodybuilding—capabilities beyond what the Pixel Watch 3 offers.
There is speculation about the introduction of fall detection to complement existing Emergency SOS features, although this has not been officially confirmed. Blood oxygen detection, skin temperature readings, and cEDA analysis available on the Pixel Watch 3 will carry over to the Pixel Watch 4.
**Other Notes**
The Pixel Watch 4 might offer a longer software support window than the Pixel Watch 3, meaning it could receive updates and feature improvements for a longer period. Expected to keep the strong integration with Fitbit’s health dashboard, stress management scores, sleep scores, and community challenges, providing a polished health experience. Price rumours suggest Google might maintain or freeze the Pixel Watch 4's launch price compared to the Pixel Watch 3, making it a competitive upgrade.
In summary, compared to the Pixel Watch 3, the Pixel Watch 4 is confirmed to have a brighter display, potentially a more efficient new chipset, longer battery life, Wear OS 6 with Material 3 Expressive design, advanced assistant Gemini, enhanced third-party watch face support, and stronger fitness features including strength training tools. There may also be new safety functions like fall detection and improved repairability. Further details about the Pixel Watch 4's pricing, availability, and charging system are yet to be confirmed.
The Pixel Watch 4 is believed to boast an improved technology infrastructure, as it is rumored to feature a new chipset, enhancing energy efficiency and performance. Additionally, with the introduction of Wear OS 6 and Material 3 Expressive design, the user interface on the Pixel Watch 4 is anticipated to be more dynamic and user-friendly.
