If you read my initial impressions back in October, you know I was cautiously optimistic about the Pixel Watch 4. It was beautiful, fast, and finally came in two proper sizes (41mm and 45mm) right out of the gate. But I held off on a full “buy” recommendation until I saw how the battery settled down and what Google had in store for software updates.
Well, the December Feature Drop just hit our wrists this week, and it changes the conversation completely.
After two months of daily wear, and a fresh software update that unlocks its full potential, I’m ready to call it: The Pixel Watch 4 is the smartwatch we’ve been asking for since 2022.
The Specs: A Quick Refresh
- Price: $349 (Wi-Fi) / $449 (LTE)
- Chipset: Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 (Customized for Google)
- Display: Actua 360 Domed OLED (3,000 nits peak brightness)
- Battery: Up to 40 hours (45mm model) with Always-On Display
- OS: Wear OS 6.1 (as of the Dec 9th update)
The “Double Pinch” is a Game Changer
Let’s talk about the update that just landed. Google finally enabled the Double Pinch and Wrist Turn gestures on the Watch 4.
If you’ve ever tried to dismiss a notification while carrying groceries, you know the struggle. Now, you just tap your index finger and thumb together twice to answer calls, pause music, or snap a photo. It feels magical, and honestly, it’s a little more responsive than the implementation I’ve seen on Galaxy watches.
Battery Life: The 40-Hour Promise
The biggest anxiety with previous Pixel Watches was the “will it survive the night?” game. I am happy to report that the 45mm Pixel Watch 4 is a beast. Thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip and Wear OS 6 optimizations, I am consistently hitting 40 hours with the Always-On Display enabled.
I take it off the charger at 7 AM, track a 5K run with GPS, use it for notifications all day, sleep track with it, and I still have about 25% battery left the next morning. The 41mm model is slightly less robust, getting about 30 hours, but that is still a “safe” full day and night.
Repairability: The Hidden Feature
We need to talk about the coolest feature that nobody sees: The user-replaceable battery. Unlike the glued-shut pucks of the past, the back of the Pixel Watch 4 is designed to be opened by professionals (or brave DIYers). This means in two years, when the lithium-ion chemistry degrades, you don’t have to throw the watch in the trash. You can swap the battery. This is a massive win for sustainability and longevity.
Gemini is Actually Useful
“Gemini on your wrist” sounded like a gimmick at the keynote, but the Raise to Talk feature is surprisingly natural. You don’t need to say “Hey Google.” You just lift your wrist and ask, “Start a 15-minute timer for pasta” or “How far is the next rest stop?”
The new Tensor co-processor handles the voice processing on-device, so it’s nearly instant. It makes the older Assistant feel sluggish by comparison.
The Verdict: Buy or Wait?
The Pixel Watch 4 isn’t just a pretty face anymore; it’s a workhorse.
- Buy it if: You own a Pixel phone and want the best integration, or if you skipped the Pixel Watch 3. The jump in screen brightness (3,000 nits!) and battery life is noticeable.
- Skip it if: You have a perfectly good Pixel Watch 3. The features are better here, but unless you need the 40-hour battery or the new gestures immediately, your current watch is likely fine for another year.
Final Score: 9/10 – The “Android Apple Watch” has finally arrived.