Google Pixel Watch 4 announced — release date, price and new life-saving tech

Close-up of the Google Pixel Watch 4
(Image credit: Toms Guide)

The Google Pixel Watch 4 has arrived. Debuting at the August 2025 Made by Google event today (August 20), nearly every aspect of the smartwatch has been overhauled — or at least, tweaked. The list includes bigger batteries, brighter displays, and a new lifesaving tool.

Despite these changes, the Pixel Watch 4 is essentially the exact size and weight as its predecessor, and wears similarly on the wrist. A new domed glass display makes interacting with the touchscreen a slightly more fluid and enjoyable experience, though. Read my colleague Mike Prospero’s full Pixel Watch 4 hands-on for more handling insights.

So, when can you get your hands on the new Google Pixel Watch 4? What are the biggest upgrades, and how much is it going to cost you? Read on.

Pixel Watch 4: Price and release date

Close-up of a large selection Google Pixel Watch 4 models in different sizes and with different straps

(Image credit: Toms Guide)

The Pixel Watch 4 has the same starting price as the Pixel Watch 3, $349. That’s also how much the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 costs

Despite a mid-August announcement, the Pixel Watch 4 doesn’t go on sale until October 9. Like the Pixel Watch 3, the new Pixel Watches will be available in 41mm and 45mm with or without LTE.

U.S. customers who opt for the LTE version can enjoy two years of free connectivity if they buy the watch through Google or Best Buy.

  • 41mm (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi): $349
  • 45mm (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi): $399
  • 41mm (LTE): $449
  • 45mm (LTE: $499

Pixel Watch 4: Key upgrades

While the Pixel Watch 4 looks an awful lot like the Pixel Watch 3, there are plenty of upgrades that set it apart from its predecessor. I’ve listed the seven most notable ones below.

Pixel Watch 4 upgrade #1: Bigger and brighter displays

Close-up of the Google Pixel Watch 4

(Image credit: Toms Guide)

The new domed display isn’t just nicer to interact with; there’s also 10% more screen real estate compared to the Pixel Watch 3 for both sizes. This upgrade was made possible by a 16% reduction in the bezel size.

The Pixel Watch 4 screen also maxes out at 3,000 nits, the same as the Galaxy Watch 8 and 50% brighter than the Pixel Watch 3. This should make it extremely easy to read, even in very bright sunlight.

Pixel Watch 4 upgrade #2: (Potentially) better battery life

Google says that the Pixel Watch 4 should offer 25% better battery life than its predecessor, with the 41mm model rated to last 30 hours per charge and the 45mm model rated for 40 hours per charge. Both of these are with the always-on display enabled.

These improvements come about from slightly bigger batteries and more efficient processing. The latest dual-chip design uses 50% less power compared to the Pixel Watch 3 and is 25% faster.

For reference, the Pixel Watch 3 is rated 24 hours per charge for both sizes. In my testing, the smaller watch met that rating, but the larger model far exceeded it, cruising for roughly 48 hours per charge without issue.

If the Pixel Watch 4 in 45mm performs similarly, it may last for up to 60 hours per charge.

Pixel Watch 4 upgrade #3: Side-charging

Close-up shot of the Google Pixel Watch 4 in black shown charging on its side

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The Pixel Watch 4 has a new charger. Instead of charging via the rear of the watch, it now sports charging contacts on the side of the device. When set down in the new charger, the Pixel Watch 4 acts as a mini tabletop clock, or at least, that’s the idea.

Charge times have also been improved. According to Google, you’ll be able to get a 50% charge in 15 minutes, an 80% charge in 25 minutes, and a 100% charge in just 45 minutes.

Pixel Watch 4 upgrade #4: Satellite SOS

Close-up of the Google Pixel Watch 4

(Image credit: Toms Guide)

Sorry, Apple, it looks like Google beat you to the punch on this much-rumored safety feature. Similar to the satellite SOS feature on last year’s Google Pixel 9, Pixel Watch 4 owners will be able to call for help from the device (no phone required) from off-the-grid.

There are, however, some notable limitations. To access the feature, you must first try calling 911; if that fails, you’ll be presented with the option to attempt a satellite SOS message. Successfully sending one requires a clear view of the satellite’s position in the sky.

In addition to connecting you with emergency services, the feature will also automatically send a message to your emergency contacts (this can be disabled). The satellite SOS feature is only available in the contiguous U.S., and only the LTE version of the Pixel Watch 4 can access it. However, LTE service is not required — you just need the internal hardware of that model.

Pixel Watch 4 upgrade #5: Greater Gemini integration

Close-up of the Google Pixel Watch 4

(Image credit: Toms Guide)

Like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, the new Pixel Watch 4 ships with Google’s Gemini AI voice assistant built in. Gemini onboard brings about new context-driven “Smart Replies.” There’s also a new “raise to talk” gesture — which involves little more than lifting your wrist toward your face — to awaken Gemini. This means no more saying, “Hey, Google.”

Pixel Watch 4 upgrade #6: Improved fitness and health tracking

The Pixel Watch 4 sports a similar sensor array to its predecessor but does offer an upgraded skin temperature sensor, which should contribute to improved sleep insights. Google says the latest watch is 18% more accurate at detecting sleep cycles than before.

Google also upgraded the GPS to a dual-band affair, which should make for more reliable and precise data when exercising amongst tall buildings or trees. Plus, thanks to Gemini, the Pixel Watch 4 is programmed to learn your favorite exercise types. Once it does, the watch should be able to autodetect when you're working out and begin tracking with no user input required.

Google has also overhauled the onboard fitness app (Fitbit app) and is launching a new AI-powered personal health coach for Fitbit Premium subscribers.

Close-up of the health sensor array on the rear of the Google Pixel Watch 4

(Image credit: Toms Guide)

Pixel Watch 4 upgrade #7: Repairable design

Last, but most certainly not least, the Pixel Watch 4 is Google’s first smartwatch designed to be repaired. More specifically, both the screen and the battery can be replaced by Google or a certified technician (sorry, DIYers).

Google Pixel Watch 4: Outlook

Close-up of the Google Pixel Watch 4

(Image credit: Toms Guide)

The Google Pixel Watch 4 appears to be a comprehensively upgraded version of last year’s Pixel Watch 3… for exactly the same cost. Individually, none of the improvements — minus satellite SOS — are necessarily earthshattering, but combined, they could add up to the best Android smartwatch of 2025.

Stay tuned for a full review of the Google Pixel Watch 4, along with detailed comparison against the competition, walk tests, feature highlights, and more.

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Dan Bracaglia
Senior Writer, Fitness & Wearables

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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