For the past few years, smartwatches had quietly disappeared from my daily routine. I alternated between a classic analog watch and the Xiaomi Band 6, using them mainly for step tracking and checking the time. I skipped the Apple Watch entirely daily charging, constant notifications, and a fitness-first mindset didn’t appeal to me. That changed after spending time with the Google Pixel Watch 4, a device that genuinely rekindled my interest in smartwatches.
Design and Display: Circular Done Right
I’ve always preferred circular watch designs, dating back to my fondness for the Moto 360. The Pixel Watch 4 continues that tradition with a curved domed Actua 360 display and noticeably thinner bezels compared to last year’s model. I tested the 41mm variant, though I would personally choose the 45mm version for its larger screen and potentially better battery life.
The display is a standout feature, offering up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, making it easily visible even in harsh daylight. Whether indoors or outdoors, the screen remains crisp, vibrant, and premium.
Battery Life and Fast Charging: A Winning Combination
Battery life is where the Pixel Watch 4 truly shines. Even with the smaller size, I consistently achieved more than a full day of use on lighter activity days. Google’s proprietary puck-style charger may not be ideal, but the fast charging speeds more than compensate.
Google claims 0–50% in 15 minutes and a full charge in 45 minutes. While real-world results were slightly slower, they were close enough to make quick top-ups incredibly convenient. Charging the watch during short breaks like making coffee was enough to get me through the day.
Fitness Tracking and Health Insights
I primarily used the Pixel Watch 4 for walking, pickleball, and gym workouts. While calorie tracking is reliable, sport-specific insights feel limited. Gym tracking relies on general workout modes rather than equipment-specific options. Running features are more robust, but poor air quality limited my ability to test them.
Sleep tracking encouraged me to wear the watch overnight a first for me. While the sleep and readiness scores are helpful, actionable insights mostly live inside the Fitbit app, not on the watch itself. With AI becoming more common in fitness apps, this is an area where Google could improve.
Software, Gestures, and Gemini Integration
Google’s new Material UI design feels clean and cohesive, especially alongside other Pixel devices. The weather app looks excellent, and gesture controls like pinch-to-dismiss notifications work reliably. Gemini voice support is useful for basic tasks, though it rarely feels essential.
Final Verdict
Despite minor shortcomings, the Google Pixel Watch 4 delivers where it matters most: design, display quality, battery life, and fast charging. It’s a meaningful upgrade over its predecessor and one of the best Android smartwatches available today especially for users who value convenience over constant notifications.
