Pixel Watch 4 vs Pixel Watch 3 — Which Google Smartwatch Should You Buy?

With the launch of the Google Pixel Watch 4, is there any point in considering 2024's Pixel Watch 3, particularly if you can find one on sale? That depends.

I reviewed the Pixel Watch 3 and will be reviewing the latest model as soon as units are available. With that in mind, this comparison is somewhat speculative and subject to change based on testing.

Still, according to the hard specs, our team's collective experience handling the Pixel Watch 4 so far, and my exclusive conversation with Google on the latest Pixel Watch safety tech, I already have a strong sense of what the device offers and how it stacks up against its predecessor.

Below, I've compared the new Pixel Watch 4 versus last year's Pixel Watch 3 across eight categories, including price, design, durability, display, health and fitness features, safety features, AI features, and battery life.

In a hurry, and just want the TLDR? Jump to the end where I've summarized the Pixel Watch 4 vs Pixel Watch 3 results.

Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Specs

But first, how do these two Google Pixel Watches compare on paper? Both come in 41mm and 45mm and share the same launch price.

Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Price

Like the Pixel Watch 3 before it, the Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349 for the smaller 41mm model without an LTE antenna and increases to $449 for LTE. The 45mm Pixel Watch 4 without LTE is $399, while the LTE variant is $499.

The Pixel Watch 4 is still in the preorder stage, with units not expected to ship until mid-October. The Pixel Watch 3, meanwhile, can be picked up right now for well under retail. For example, here's the Pixel Watch 3 in 41mm for $249, reduced from $349 via Walmart.

Moreover, having covered numerous smartwatch holiday sales in the past, I'd be willing to bet deals on the Pixel Watch 3 will get even sweeter as winter approaches.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 3

Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3 Design

Design-wise, not too much has changed from the prior generation Pixel Watch to the current one. The new models share the same dimensions and weight as their predecessors, along with the same button configuration.

The newer model now charges on its side — so that you can use it as a tiny bedside alarm clock — but still uses electronic contacts rather than wireless charging, much to my disappointment. The screen is a tiny bit larger and slightly domed on the newer model, but the update is hardly life-changing.

Ultimately, on the wrist, both generations of Pixel Watch should offer the same overall look and feel.

Winner: draw

Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Durability

The Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 3 are both rated for 50 meters of water resistance, and also IP68-rated against dust and moisture. Each also boasts aluminum cases.

Even though I've yet to test the latest model, the Pixel Watch 3 case has held up brilliantly to knocks and drops, and I expect the same from the Pixel Watch 4.

Winner: Draw

Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Display

In addition to the updated domed glass touchscreen on the Pixel Watch 4, the latest model also boasts 10% more screen real estate (as noted above). This alone probably isn't worth choosing it over its predecessor, but if you're someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, the Pixel Watch 4's higher-output screen might seal the deal.

50% brighter than before, the Pixel Watch 4 display maxes out at 3,000 nits, the same max brightness as the also-new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and 1,000 nits brighter than the Apple Watch Series 10. This should make it easier than ever to read in direct sunlight or when on the move while working out.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 4

Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Health and fitness features

The health and fitness features on the Pixel Watch 4 are very similar to the Pixel Watch 3. Except for an upgraded body temperature sensor, the holistic tech is a match. Google says the new sensor should result in 18% more accurate sleep stage tracking, but not much else.

On the fitness side, the Pixel Watch 4 sports a fancier dual-band GPS antenna compared to a single-band antenna on the Pixel Watch 3. This upgrade could make the newest model more reliable and precise when tracking in tricky situations with obstructed skies.

That said, the Pixel Watch 3 has never let me down when it comes to tracking accuracy, besting the competition, including the latest Galaxy Watch 8 (which also has dual-band GPS).

Beyond the tech, both watches support impressively large selections of trackable activities and feature comprehensive insights into sleep quality. You also get useful workout training and recovery tools, and access to a daily 'Readiness' score borrowed from Fitbit Premium.

Finally, the newer model automatically uses Gemini to get a sense of your favorite workout types. Once calibrated, Google says that it will be smart enough to automatically start tracking without any user input. Sadly, this likely helpful bit of AI tech won't be coming to the Pixel Watch 3.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 4

Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Safety features

Pixel Watches are known for their safety features, and both the third and fourth generations offer standbys like fall and car crash detection to automatically get you help when you might need it most.

Last year, Google added a first-of-its-kind Loss of Pulse Detection feature to the line, which can similarly contact medical responders in the event of a cardiac emergency. Again, this feature comes standard on both of the latest Pixel Watches.

However, only the Pixel Watch 4 offers Google's newest satellite SOS messaging feature; due to hardware limitations, older models won't be inheriting it.

SOS satellite messaging, which is available in the U.S. only, allows you to potentially connect to emergency services when out of cell range or without a smartphone via, you guessed it, satellite. It has limitations, like the need for a clear view of the sky. It's also only available on the pricier LTE versions of the Pixel Watch 4.

As an avid outdoor adventurer, this is a must-have for me. However, if you don't find yourself off the grid very often, it might be less meaningful to you.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 4

Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3: AI features

Those running the latest Wear OS software on their Pixel Watch 3 have access to the same Gemini AI voice assistant that ships built-in to the Pixel Watch 4 (and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8).

From my testing, Gemini is by far the most useful voice-activated on-wrist assistant I've encountered, with the ability to accurately and helpfully relay contextual information from your calendar, messages, emails, etc., when called upon, like a champ.

However, one nifty aspect of Gemini onboard you'll only find on the Pixel Watch 4 is Google's newest gesture control: 'Raise to Talk.' Rather than having to say 'Hey, Google' or, heaven forbid, press a button, you can now simply raise your wrist toward your face to unlock Gemini. I've yet to try it, but I'm cautiously optimistic about its usefulness.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 4

Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Battery life

Both Pixel Watch 4 sizes sport slightly larger capacity batteries than their predecessor. That, coupled with a 50% more efficient processor (that's also 25% faster), should translate to the newer model having a notable battery life advantage. (Google says battery life is 25% improved.)

While Google rated the battery on the Pixel Watch 3 at 24 hours per charge, the Pixel Watch 4 in 41mm is rated 30 hours per charge, and the 45mm model is rated 40 hours per charge. These ratings are with the always-on display in smartwatch mode (no GPS tracking).

Of course, in my testing, the larger Pixel Watch 3 actually lasted for roughly 48 hours per charge, double its rating, while the smaller model lasted just 24 hours.

This is to say, in real-world use, I would not be at all surprised if the bigger Pixel Watch 4 pushes well beyond the 48-hour mark. (Stay tuned for testing.)

The newer Pixel Watch 4 also recharges a little bit faster. In just 15 minutes, you can reach a 50% charge, and in 45 minutes, a full 100% charge. The Pixel Watch, meanwhile, takes 25 minutes to get to 50% and an hour to get to 100%.

Winner: (likely) Pixel Watch 4

Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3: and the winner is...

This shouldn't come as a huge surprise, but the Pixel Watch 4 is, across the board, a better smartwatch than the Pixel Watch 3. This is thanks to a brighter screen, (potentially) longer-lasting battery, the addition of emergency satellite messaging, a new gesture control to unlock Gemini, several small improvements to location and wellness tracking, and faster charging.

Still, the Pixel Watch 3 is no slouch and offers a similar design and durability, all the same fitness and holistic tools, respectable battery life (especially the 45mm model), access to Gemini onboard, and lots of safety features (though no SOS messaging). So, if you're looking to save some cash but still want one of the best smartwatches for Android available today, the Pixel Watch 3 remains a solid option.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the Pixel Watch 4, including my forthcoming complete review, head-to-head testing against other best smartwatch models, feature deep-dives, and more.

Overall winner: Google Pixel Watch 4

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