Google Pixel Watch 4 — 5 reasons to buy (and 2 reasons to skip)

(Image credit: Toms Guide)

The Google Pixel Watch 4 has officially been announced, but is it worth the upgrade? While you have until October 9 to decide — that’s when the new smartwatch hits stores — there are reasons to both snag the latest Google smartwatch and reasons to let it pass you by.

With a starting cost of $349, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is the same price as the latest Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and $50 less than the Apple Watch Series 10. Like last year’s model, it’s available in your choice of 41mm or 45mm.

Boasting enhancements both outside and internally, the Pixel Watch 4 is well positioned to nab the title of best smartwatch for Android in 2025. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth the upgrade if you have, say, the Pixel Watch 3.

With that in mind, as a full-time smartwatch reviewer, these are the five biggest reasons I’d buy the Pixel Watch 4 and two key reasons why I’d skip it.

Buy: Satellite SOS messaging

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is the first and only smartwatch with satellite SOS messaging to connect you to emergency services, even when you’re off the grid/out of cell range. Best of all, you don’t need a smartphone with you to use it.

When a satellite SOS is triggered, the user will be connected via messaging to someone who can help. The feature also notifies your emergency contacts.

For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in general, I could see this being a major selling point of the Pixel Watch 4, and from my conversations with Google engineers, prior Pixel Watch models will not be getting SOS messaging due to hardware limitations.

It’s worth noting that this new potentially life-saving safety tool is only available for users in the contiguous U.S., and you’ll need to spring for the pricier LTE version of the watch to unlock it. That boosts the cost of the $349 41mm Pixel Watch 4 to $449.

That said, you don’t actually need to have LTE service on the watch, though Google does offer two years free if you buy the device through them directly or Best Buy.

Buy: Better battery performance

Close-up shot of the Google Pixel Watch 4 in black shown charging on its side — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Not only do the latest Pixel Watch 4 devices sport larger capacity batteries than their predecessors, but an updated processor brings about 50% more efficient power consumption with 25% greater speed, according to Google's claims.

Google says that combo translates to 25% better battery performance for the latest smartwatch line. While the Pixel Watch 3 was rated to last for just 24 hours per charge, Google says that the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 should last for 30 hours per charge, while the larger model should go for 40 hours.

Buy: Faster charging

Not only has battery performance improved, but the Pixel Watch 4 charges faster than any previous model. Google says you can get 15 hours of battery life — or a 50% charge on the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 — in just 15 minutes of charging. A full charge takes just 45 minutes.

By comparison, the Pixel Watch 3 took roughly 25 minutes to reach 50% and an hour to hit 100% charge.

Buy: Better screen

A new domed glass screen and slimmer bezel result in a 10% larger screen on the Pixel Watch 4 compared to the 3. The display is also 50% brighter, maxing out at 3,000 nits — the same as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 — compared to 2,000 nits for the Pixel Watch 2.

This should make the new Pixel Watch easier to read at a glance, particularly in direct sunlight.

Buy: Enhanced GPS tracking

The Pixel Watch 4 is Google’s first smartwatch with dual-band GPS. What does that mean? More bands = more reliable/precise tracking.

This is especially true when recording a workout in dense cities with buildings obstructing the sky. The same is true for folks who enjoy exercising amongst the trees.

Skip: Similar fitness features to the Pixel Watch 3

Close-up of the health sensor array on the rear of the Google Pixel Watch 4 — (Image credit: Toms Guide)

While the Pixel Watch 4 has an updated body temperature sensor for improved sleep tracking data — namely, more precise sleep stage analysis — the fitness tracking features are essentially a match with the Pixel Watch 3.

Google has added support for some new activities, though, including basketball, American football, and everyone's favorite pastime, pickleball.

Skip: Same basic design as previous Pixel Watches

Those hoping for a major design overhaul for the Pixel Watch series, similar to what Samsung did with this year's Galaxy Watch line, will be disappointed. The Google Pixel Watch 4 looks pretty much exactly the same as every other Pixel Watch before it.

In fact, the 41mm and 45mm models have the same dimensions and weight as last year’s models. Sure, the bezel has shrunk down over four generations, but the physical controls remain the same, as does the overall design ethos.

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Dan Bracaglia is the Tom’s Guide editorial lead for all things smartwatches, fitness trackers and outdoor gear. With 15 years of experience as a consumer technology journalist testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is deeply passionate about helping readers save money and make informed purchasing decisions. In the past year alone, Dan has assessed major product releases from the likes of Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, Polar and many others.

An avid outdoor adventurer, Dan is based in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where he takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings every chance he gets. A lover of kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding and exploring, he also makes every effort to combine his day job with his passions. When not assessing the sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy of the latest tach gadgets, you can find him photographing Seattle’s vibrant underground music community.

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