Google Pixel Watch 4 Review Highlights Design, Health Features and Gemini Assistant
Key Points
- Domed glass and domed display with 3000‑nit peak brightness
- Available in 45‑mm and 41‑mm case sizes
- Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset ensures smooth performance
- Battery lasts a day and a half; 15‑minute fast charge exceeds 50 % capacity
- Comprehensive health suite: sleep, heart rate, blood‑oxygen, skin temperature, ECG, fall detection
- Dual‑band GPS and passive activity detection with optional real‑time bike streaming
- Gemini AI replaces Google Assistant, offering raise‑to‑talk activation
- Repairable design allows battery and display replacement
- Price starts at $349 for the smaller model
- Included band considered dull; separate strap purchases required
The Google Pixel Watch 4 impresses with its domed glass design, bright 3000‑nit display, and Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset. Health tracking is accurate, offering sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, ECG, and fall detection. The new Gemini AI powers a more conversational assistant, with raise‑to‑talk activation. Battery life reaches a day and a half under typical use, and fast charging restores over 50 percent in 15 minutes. While the included band is considered dull and charging accessories are limited, the watch stands out as a repairable, feature‑rich option for Android users at $349.
Design and Display
The Pixel Watch 4 maintains Google’s signature domed glass aesthetic, now paired with a domed display that curves around the edges for improved glanceability. Users can choose between a 45‑mm case and a smaller 41‑mm version, both featuring reduced bezels that maximize screen real estate. The display reaches a peak brightness of 3000 nits, making it easy to read in direct sunlight. The included Active Band is described as dull, and Google does not offer strap options at checkout, requiring separate purchases for alternative bands.
Performance and Battery
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset, the watch delivers smooth operation despite occasional initial stutters during app updates. Battery life typically lasts a day and a half, extending closer to two days when the always‑on display is disabled. Fast charging is a notable strength: a 15‑minute charge can push the battery past the 50‑percent mark from near empty. The new charging dock, however, lacks a USB‑C port and is considered less robust than competing solutions.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Health monitoring features are comprehensive. The watch provides accurate sleep tracking, heart‑rate monitoring, blood‑oxygen measurement, skin‑temperature sensing, ECG, and fall detection. It also supports loss‑of‑pulse detection and automatic water‑lock for swimmers. Activity tracking includes passive detection for common workouts and a manual mode for real‑time data. Dual‑band GPS maps routes accurately, and a new real‑time bike‑streaming feature streams metrics to a paired phone. The Fitbit app integrates Daily Readiness scores based on sleep data.
Gemini Assistant and Interaction
The Pixel Watch 4 replaces Google Assistant with the Gemini AI, offering more helpful responses and task handling directly from the wrist. Users can activate Gemini by pressing the top button, saying “Hey Google,” or simply raising the watch to their face, which triggers a short listening window. The raise‑to‑talk feature, while not flawless, reduces reliance on hot‑words. Gemini requires an internet connection on the paired smartphone, and offline functionality remains limited.
Overall Assessment
Overall, the Pixel Watch 4 delivers a blend of premium design, robust health tracking, and an enhanced AI assistant at a price of $349 for the smaller model and $399 for the larger version. Its repairability—allowing battery and display swaps—adds long‑term value. Critics note the uninspired default strap and limited charging accessory ecosystem, but the watch’s performance, display quality, and health features make it a compelling choice for Android users seeking a feature‑rich smartwatch.