Google Pixel Watch 4: Big Battery Boost, New Features & All the Latest Rumors

Introduction: Pixel Watch 4 Hype and What to Expect

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated smartwatches of 2025. As Google’s fourth-generation wearable, it is expected to refine the Pixel Watch formula with subtle design tweaks, improved battery life, and the latest software innovations. While Google hasn’t officially confirmed the Pixel Watch 4 yet, a flurry of leaks and rumors have painted a detailed picture of what this smartwatch might offer. From design and build rumors to display upgrades, processor choices, battery improvements, health and fitness features, and Wear OS 6 software, we’ve gathered everything known so far. We’ll also cover price estimates, release date rumors, and how the Pixel Watch 4’s expected upgrades compare to the Pixel Watch 3.

Which rumors are credible and which features are wishful thinking? In this comprehensive roundup, we’ll break down all the information – clearly noting what’s confirmed, what’s likely, and what’s still speculation – so you know exactly what to expect from the upcoming Pixel Watch 4. Let’s dive into the details of Google’s next-gen smartwatch and see how it could upstage its predecessor.

Design and Build: Familiar Look with Subtle Tweaks

At first glance, the Pixel Watch 4 is rumored to look very similar to the Pixel Watch 3, maintaining Google’s signature circular watch face and minimalist aesthetic techadvisor.com. Leaked renders from reliable sources (OnLeaks via 91mobiles) suggest you’d be “forgiven for mistaking it for the Pixel Watch 3 at first glance” techadvisor.com. The overall design language – a round dial with curved glass and a rotating crown on the right – appears unchanged. However, there are a few subtle yet notable tweaks:

• Thicker Case: The Pixel Watch 4 might be a bit chunkier than its predecessor. Renders indicate a thickness of about 14.3 mm, up from roughly 12.3 mm on the Pixel Watch 3 theverge.com. This extra ~2 mm of depth could be to accommodate a larger battery or new internal components. As one report noted, “there are several reasons why a smartwatch can get thicker, but it tends to mean a bigger battery or extra components” theverge.com. Google appears to be “doubling down on battery” with this design change theverge.com – more on battery life later.
• New Side Buttons/Cutouts: Perhaps the most intriguing design change is the addition of two small cutouts or buttons on the left side of the watch, flanking the speaker slit androidcentral.com 9to5google.com. These tiny bumps (above and below the speaker) are a mystery. They could be new functional buttons – possibly to trigger certain apps or health features – or they might serve another purpose. Observers have speculated they might be electrodes for health sensors (like ECG readings) or simply a design element for structural support 9to5google.com. Google hasn’t confirmed their purpose, so for now these side buttons remain an unanswered question.
• No Charging Pins on Back: The underside of the Pixel Watch 4 in leaks shows no pogo-pin connectors for charging 9to5google.com theverge.com. Google had introduced visible charging pins on the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 (which required a proprietary charging cradle), but those appear to be gone this time. This strongly hints at a return to wireless charging – likely a Qi-based or contactless magnetic charging system similar to the original Pixel Watch’s method 9to5google.com. A lack of pins could also allow for convenient features like reverse wireless charging (topping up the watch from a phone’s battery share) and eliminates the wear-and-tear issue pins have over time theverge.com. In short, Pixel Watch 4 may charge just by resting on a dock or phone, rather than snapping onto pins.
• Materials and Build Quality: Google’s previous models used stainless steel (Pixel Watch 1) and then a lighter recycled aluminum case for Pixel Watch 2 and 3. The Pixel Watch 4 will likely stick with an aluminum build for weight and cost reasons, though we haven’t seen explicit confirmation. Durability enthusiasts are hoping for a sapphire crystal display for better scratch resistance (a common request on forums), but there’s no strong evidence that Google will introduce sapphire glass – it’s still speculative wishful thinking at this stage reddit.com. We may see continued use of tough Gorilla Glass DX or similar on the front. Additionally, the watch should remain 5 ATM water-resistant like its predecessors, suitable for swims and showers (again likely unchanged, as no leaks suggest otherwise).

In terms of aesthetics, the Pixel Watch 4 isn’t a radical redesign but rather an evolution, not revolution techadvisor.com. One source quipped that the design changes are so modest that the Pixel Watch 4 “offers no immediate changes” at first glance beyond possibly a slightly slimmer bezel on the display 9to5google.com. Indeed, the bezels might shrink ever so slightly compared to the Pixel Watch 3 techadvisor.com, which itself had reduced bezels and a brighter screen than the first two generations. If true, the Pixel Watch 4 could have a marginally larger visible display area or just a sleeker look, but don’t expect anything drastic like a square face or rotating bezels – Google is sticking to the formula that works.

New Sizes and Colors

Like last year, Google is expected to offer the Pixel Watch 4 in two case sizes: 41mm and 45mm diameter androidcentral.com techadvisor.com. The Pixel Watch 3 was the first in the lineup to introduce a larger 45mm option (the original Pixel Watch and Watch 2 only came in ~41mm). Maintaining two sizes should help the Watch 4 cater to those who want a bigger screen/battery and those who prefer a smaller watch on their wrist. According to leaks, both sizes will be available in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-only models and LTE-capable models, as before androidauthority.com. There’s no indication of an ultra/durable edition – “we’ve had no hint of a Pixel Watch Ultra (yet)” androidcentral.com – so it’s standard models in two sizes for now.

Google also seems to be refreshing the style with new color options for the case and bands. Multiple sources have leaked an identical list of colors, lending credibility to the info techradar.com. The Pixel Watch 4 will reportedly come in four case finishes (likely aluminum in different colors), paired with coordinating default bands in the box:

• Black case – with an Obsidian (black) Active band 9to5google.com
• Gold case – with a Lemon (yellow) Active band 9to5google.com
• Silver case – with an Iris (purple) band (likely Active band) 9to5google.com
• Silver case – with a Porcelain (beige) band 9to5google.com
• Moonstone (gray) case – with a Moonstone (gray) band 9to5google.com

Notably, “Moonstone” appears to be a new gray-colored case option for 2025, while an older color (Matte Hazel green from Pixel Watch 3) might be discontinued 9to5google.com techadvisor.com. The leaks suggest Google is doing a “full color refresh” of the watchbands as well 9to5google.com. Existing band styles (Active silicone bands, Two-Tone and Crafted Leather bands, Woven bands, Stretch bands, Metal Mesh, etc.) will get new color choices such as Jade green, Iris purple, Lemongrass yellow, Peony pink, Moonstone gray, and more 9to5google.com. For example, we may see an Active band in Iris and Lemongrass, a new two-tone Stretch Band mixing colors (e.g. Peony/Iris dual-color stretch band), and refreshed metal bands in Matte Black or Polished Silver 9to5google.com. These are largely cosmetic updates – “the materials are staying the same, but the colors… look like they’re going to be new for 2025” techradar.com. So, while the Pixel Watch 4 will look quite similar to the Watch 3 overall, buyers will have some fresh color combos to choose from, and one can hope the build is a bit more refined under the hood.

One last design aspect to watch is repairability. A controversy with Pixel Watch 3 was that its design was essentially unrepairable – even replacing the battery wasn’t feasible, and Google’s service policy was to replace the whole unit if something went wrong androidcentral.com. Google has acknowledged this criticism: a company representative stated they are “thinking about” ways to make the Pixel Watch design more repairable going forward androidcentral.com. At a Climate Week panel in late 2023, a Google sustainability lead also discussed intentions to improve the repairability of future Pixel Watches techadvisor.com. However, it’s unclear if the Pixel Watch 4 will implement any such changes. The leaked renders don’t obviously show a more repair-friendly build (no visible screws or changes to the sealed construction) androidcentral.com. If Google has reworked the internals for easier battery swaps or screen repairs, they have kept it under wraps. For now, consider this a hopeful possibility rather than a confirmed feature.

Confirmed vs Rumored: Design-wise, most details are rumored/leaked but not officially confirmed by Google. The consistency across sources (Android Central, The Verge, TechRadar, 91mobiles leaks) makes us confident that the overall design will indeed be similar to Pixel Watch 3 with the noted differences (thicker body, no pins, two side cutouts) theverge.com theverge.com. The sizes (41mm/45mm) are very likely confirmed by internal info androidauthority.com. Color and band leaks come from reputable tipsters and have been corroborated, so they are strong rumors techradar.com techradar.com. Until Google’s official reveal, treat the exact appearance and materials as near-confirmed rumors. There’s no indication of any major design overhaul beyond what’s described, so expect a familiar-looking Pixel Watch with some thoughtful refinements.

Display: Bright AMOLED with Slimmer Bezels (Evolutionary Upgrades)

The Pixel Watch line is known for its vibrant round displays, and the Watch 4 should continue that trend. The Pixel Watch 3 featured a bright OLED display (reportedly up to 2,000 nits), which was a boost in brightness over previous models theverge.com. It also offered an Always-On mode and sharp resolution to make watch faces and notifications look great. So how will the Pixel Watch 4’s display differ? Here’s what we know and suspect:

• Similar Sizes, Possibly Better Screen-to-Body Ratio: With the Watch 4 coming in 41mm and 45mm case sizes again, we expect the display diameters to mirror the Watch 3’s two variants. The larger 45mm Pixel Watch 3 had a bigger screen (around 1.4 inches) compared to the 41mm model (~1.2 inches) theverge.com. Leaks say the Pixel Watch 4’s bezels are “shrinking down ever so slightly” techadvisor.com. So, we might get a tad more usable screen area within the same diameter. In renders, the black border around the screen does look a bit thinner than before 9to5google.com, though it’s not a dramatic change. Any bezel reduction is welcome, as earlier Pixel Watches had fairly thick borders. If the rumors hold true, the Watch 4 will be an incremental improvement in screen-to-body ratio – essentially a refinement to make the display feel a little more edge-to-edge.
• Brightness and Quality: There haven’t been specific leaks about the Pixel Watch 4’s peak brightness or resolution. However, given Pixel Watch 3 already hit ~2000 nits (making it very legible outdoors) theverge.com, it’s likely Google will match or slightly exceed that. The Pixel Watch 4 will almost certainly use an AMOLED display again for its deep blacks and energy efficiency with Always-On Display (AOD). We expect high resolution and pixel density similar to Watch 3, so text and watch faces remain crisp on that small screen. If any improvement is rumored, it might be minor software tweaks: for example, Wear OS 6 is bringing an updated UI that better uses round displays (more on that in the software section). The visual experience – rich colors, responsive touch, etc. – should remain top-notch.
• Always-On and Adaptive Display: All Pixel Watches so far support an optional Always-On Display mode. No indication that will change – in fact, Wear OS 6’s enhancements include bringing more useful info to the AOD mode (like simplified media controls) techadvisor.com. The Watch 4 will likely carry over the adaptive brightness feature and possibly improve how it manages AOD to save power (maybe leveraging that 10% OS battery gain).
• Durability of Display: We touched on this earlier – some are hoping for sapphire crystal glass on the Watch 4, but no credible source confirms it. The Pixel Watch 3 used Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5 (or similar) with a domed shape. Pixel Watch 4’s leaked images still show a domed glass front. If Google doesn’t go sapphire, they might at least use the latest hardened glass and possibly an anti-fingerprint/oil coating. The slight reduction in bezel might mean the display is a bit more exposed at the edges, but likely they’ve tested it for durability.

Overall, expect the Pixel Watch 4’s display to be an evolutionary step: similar size and tech, with minor improvements like thinner bezels and continued high brightness. In other words, if you loved the Pixel Watch 3’s screen for its vivid quality, the Watch 4 should be just as good if not a hair better. If you were hoping for a radical change like a larger display in the same body or a completely bezel-less look, those don’t seem to be in the cards – it’s more about polish than a big leap.

Confirmed vs Rumored: Specific display specs (resolution, brightness) for Pixel Watch 4 haven’t leaked in detail – so they remain rumored expectations based on past trends. The shrinking bezels are a rumor from the OnLeaks render analysis techadvisor.com, which is plausible but not officially confirmed. Google did confirm that Wear OS 6’s new UI will make better use of round screens (with fluid layouts extending closer to the edge) androidcentral.com, and that will debut on Pixel Watch 4 – indirectly confirming that whatever the screen, the software will optimize its appearance. So, until the launch, consider the display improvements likely but not certain, aside from the near-guarantee that it remains an OLED round panel in two sizes.

Processor and Performance: Same Chipset or Surprise Upgrade?

One of the biggest questions for any new smartwatch is what’s under the hood. The Pixel Watch 4 has sparked debate here: will Google finally upgrade the processor, or stick with the tried-and-true chip from last year? Early rumors suggest Google may not deliver the processor upgrade some are hoping for. Here’s what we know:

• Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 – Again: According to an exclusive leak from Android Authority, the Pixel Watch 4 will use the same Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor that powered the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. This would mark the third year in a row with the W5 Gen 1. On the surface, that sounds disappointing for those expecting a jump in speed or efficiency. However, the leak’s author (a well-sourced reporter) noted, “the Pixel Watch 4 isn’t expected to get an SoC upgrade, but that’s probably the best play right now” androidauthority.com. The rationale is that Qualcomm’s next-gen wearable chip (likely Snapdragon W5+ Gen2 or a new platform code-named “SW6100”) isn’t ready for launch yet androidauthority.com. Rather than switch to a different older chip, or adopt Samsung’s Exynos (which only Samsung itself has used in recent watches), Google appears to be sticking with the 4nm Snapdragon W5 Gen1 to avoid risks androidauthority.com. The W5 may be a year-old platform, but it’s “pretty quick” and provides as good battery life as achievable right now on Wear OS, according to Android Authority’s analysis androidauthority.com. Pixel Watch 3 performed smoothly with this chip, and Google has optimized it well over the past two generations androidauthority.com.
• No Tensor Wearable Chip… Yet: There has been speculation about Google developing a custom Tensor chip for wearables, similar to the Tensor SoCs in Pixel phones. In fact, a leaked internal document hinted that the Pixel Watch 5 (2026 model) could use a custom Google wearable chip androidcentral.com. That chip might pair a Cortex-A78 core with Cortex-A55 cores (somewhat akin to Samsung’s Exynos W series) androidcentral.com. However, that’s slated for the Pixel Watch 5, not the 4, and even then it’s not confirmed. So for the Pixel Watch 4, a Tensor chip is very unlikely. It seems Google will wait for its in-house silicon until next year. As Tech Advisor notes, “this chipset may well power the Pixel Watch 5, not the 4” techadvisor.com.
• What About Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2? Qualcomm has been working on a successor to the W5 Gen1, rumored as “SW6100” or W5 Gen2, possibly built on a new architecture (there’s talk of RISC-V cores in a future chip). But timing is key: at CES 2023 Qualcomm hinted at a next-gen “feature-focused, AI-driven” Snapdragon Wear platform coming in 2025 androidcentral.com. Qualcomm’s VP of wearables even said the goal is a chip that enables “a week’s worth of battery life” on Wear OS devices eventually androidcentral.com. If that chip were ready mid-2025, we’d love to see it in Pixel Watch 4 – but leaks say it’s not quite ready for prime time androidauthority.com. Google and Qualcomm’s partnership on RISC-V based wearables is ongoing androidcentral.com, and it could bear fruit in late 2025 or 2026. All signs point to Pixel Watch 4 missing that boat and using the known W5 Gen1.
• Performance Expectations: Even if the chipset stays the same, Pixel Watch 4 could still see minor performance gains through software tuning. The W5 Gen1 in Pixel Watch 3 already delivered a smooth experience, and it can handle everything from fitness tracking to Google Assistant. With Wear OS 6, Google is focusing on AI enhancements (like the new “Gemini” assistant) which may leverage on-device processing. It’s possible Google could bump the RAM or storage on Pixel Watch 4, though no rumor has mentioned it (Pixel Watch 3 had 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, which is already generous for Wear OS). Since Pixel Watch 3 was “one of the best smartwatches for Android” even with the reused chip androidauthority.com, repeating the formula may not hurt. Android Authority pointed out that Pixel Watch 3, despite same SoC as Watch 2, earned high praise and “Google delivered again with the fourth generation, even if the upgrades feel incremental” androidauthority.com. We can likely expect snappy performance, quick app launches, and smooth animations on the Pixel Watch 4 – just not a huge leap beyond the Watch 3, as hardware is largely unchanged.

In summary, don’t expect a brand-new processor in Pixel Watch 4. The credible leaks suggest confirmed internally that it’s Snapdragon W5 Gen1 again androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. That means performance should be comparable to the Pixel Watch 3. Any improvements will come from software (Wear OS 6 optimizations) rather than raw silicon power. This is a bit of a letdown for spec enthusiasts, but as one expert noted, the W5 Gen1 “really isn’t a bad platform” and few chips out there can significantly outperform it without trade-offs androidauthority.com.

Confirmed vs Rumored: The information about the processor comes from a highly reliable Android Authority leak citing a source inside Google androidauthority.com, and was echoed by 9to5Google and others 9to5google.com 9to5google.com. While Google hasn’t confirmed it publicly (and won’t until launch), this is as close to confirmed rumor as it gets. On the other hand, any hope of a Snapdragon Gen2 or Tensor in Watch 4 is pure speculation at this point and widely considered unlikely techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. So, bank on the same chip and “incremental” performance upgrades, rather than any shocking change in horsepower.

Battery Life and Charging: Bigger Battery, Faster (Wireless) Charging

Battery life has been a pain point and a focal improvement area for Pixel Watches since the first model. Google appears to be addressing it yet again in the Pixel Watch 4. In fact, battery upgrades are one of the most concrete leaked improvements we have on this device. Here’s what’s changing:

• Larger Battery Capacities: Both sizes of the Pixel Watch 4 are getting a bump in battery capacity compared to the Pixel Watch 3. According to a source inside Google (reported by Android Authority and 9to5Google), the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 will have a 327 mAh battery, up from 307 mAh in the Watch 3 (around +7%) 9to5google.com. The 45mm Pixel Watch 4 is said to pack a 459 mAh battery, up from 420 mAh last year (around +9%) 9to5google.com. This is a meaningful increase, especially for the smaller model which had barely grown its battery since the 2022 original (294 mAh in gen1 to 306/307 mAh in gen2/3) 9to5google.com. As 9to5Google put it, “it’s nice to see a real upgrade in the pipeline” for battery size 9to5google.com. These larger batteries, combined with any efficiency gains, should yield longer usage between charges – hopefully pushing the watch beyond the typical “24 hours” of use that Pixel Watch 3 managed with careful use techadvisor.com. We might see each model get a few extra hours or finally comfortably last a full day (and then some) with features like always-on display off. It’s still not aiming for multi-day endurance, but it’s progress.
• Thicker Design = Battery Focus: Remember that the Pixel Watch 4’s case is thicker by ~2mm. Multiple analysts have pointed out that “a battery change seems to rule as the lead option” for why the chassis grew 9to5google.com. In other words, Google likely made the watch a bit chunkier specifically to fit those bigger battery cells. This implies battery life was a priority in the design. The Verge noted that “ever since the original Pixel Watch, improving battery life has been a major focus of subsequent iterations”, and the Watch 4 leaks indicate that’s the case again theverge.com. The fact that Google is willing to tolerate a thicker watch suggests they really want to squeeze more battery life, even if just a modest increase, to address one of the Pixel Watch’s weakest areas.
• Faster Charging Speeds: In addition to larger capacity, leaks mention faster charging for the Pixel Watch 4 9to5google.com. Exact figures weren’t provided, but we can expect the new charger (likely wireless) to juice up the watch quicker than before. The Pixel Watch 3 already improved charging (it could go ~0 to 100% in ~80 minutes). A faster charging Pixel Watch 4 might cut that down further, meaning you can top-up more quickly before heading out. Since charging pins are gone and a wireless charging method is returning 9to5google.com, Google may have implemented a higher wattage Qi charging coil or proprietary solution that still delivers speed without pins. The Verge speculated that removing the pins hints Google “found a way to enable faster charging without them” theverge.com. We might also see support for reverse wireless charging – e.g., placing the watch on the back of a Pixel phone to get an emergency boost – which wasn’t feasible with the pin-based charger. That said, we don’t know if it will support generic Qi pads or require a specific Google charging puck; only that it’s contactless now.
• Battery Life Expectations: With ~7–9% more battery capacity and the upcoming Wear OS 6 optimizations (estimated 10% better efficiency) androidcentral.com techadvisor.com, the Pixel Watch 4 could extend its battery life moderately. The Pixel Watch 3 was rated for “24 hours” but often needed nightly charging especially with Always-On Display or heavy GPS use. Pixel Watch 4 might push toward 26-30 hours under similar conditions – perhaps enough to last a full day and through the next morning. It’s still expected that daily charging will be the norm (unlike Fitbit or Garmin trackers that last days). But every extra hour helps – for instance, it might last a full day with AOD enabled now, thanks to that efficiency. Google itself has promised ~10% longer battery life in Wear OS 6 just from software tweaks techadvisor.com. If you combine that with ~8% larger battery, roughly we could see up to 15-20% longer run time in best cases. This is all an estimate; real-world results will vary based on usage (GPS workouts, sleep tracking overnight, etc.).

It’s worth noting that rival brands have been ahead in battery – e.g., Samsung and Apple offer “Ultra” models that go multiple days, and Fitbit’s simpler watches (also owned by Google) last nearly a week. Google seems to be incrementally improving rather than leaping to multi-day battery. A Qualcomm executive did mention the “eventual goal is a week’s worth of battery life” on Wear OS devices androidcentral.com, but even he admitted that’s a long-term aim, not something delivered yet. For Pixel Watch 4, it’s about closing the gap a bit: “Wear OS 6 will be 10% more efficient, but the Pixel Watch 4 would need a much more massive boost to become on par with rival brands” on endurance androidcentral.com. That massive boost may have to wait for future chips. For now, we’ll likely get one full day plus a safety margin, which is an improvement many users will appreciate even if it’s not groundbreaking.

• Battery Saver and Charging Behavior: Expect Google to retain features like Battery Saver mode, which can stretch the watch to maybe 2 days by disabling most smart features. With a bigger battery, Battery Saver could be even more effective in emergencies. Also, if wireless charging is implemented, perhaps third-party accessories or Pixel Stand docks might charge the watch (this is speculative, but lack of pins opens possibilities). We should also watch if Google includes any new battery health management features (like intelligent charging that pauses at 80% overnight to extend battery lifespan – no rumors on this, but Apple does it and Google could follow).

Confirmed vs Rumored: The battery capacity info is a strong leak, essentially confirmed by multiple sources (Android Authority, 9to5Google) referencing an internal Google source 9to5google.com androidauthority.com. So we consider the +7%/+9% battery increases all but confirmed. Faster charging is mentioned by the same leak but without detail, so it’s very likely but specifics remain rumor-level 9to5google.com. The switch back to wireless charging (no pins) is directly evidenced by leaked images 9to5google.com and widely reported, making it highly likely true. Official confirmation will come at launch, but there’s a strong consensus here. As for actual battery life claims (hours of use), those are not confirmed yet – we have to see if Google states “X hours” for Watch 4. Based on evidence, though, it’s fair to say Pixel Watch 4 will last a bit longer than Pixel Watch 3 and charge faster, but it’s not confirmed to break the one-day barrier by far. We will mark battery life improvement as rumored/expected and charging method as essentially confirmed by leaks.

Health and Fitness Features: Fitbit-Powered Tracking and Possible New Sensors

One of the Pixel Watch’s main selling points is its integration of Fitbit’s health tracking expertise, given Google’s ownership of Fitbit. The Pixel Watch 4 is expected to double down on these health and fitness features, though the hardware sensors might remain similar to the last generation. Here’s what to anticipate:

• Carryover of Advanced Sensors (Heart, ECG, SpO₂, Skin Temp, Stress): The Pixel Watch 2 and 3 introduced a comprehensive sensor array, and the Pixel Watch 4 will likely include all of these again. That means you can expect:
  • A PPG heart rate sensor (multi-path) for continuous heart rate monitoring with Fitbit’s algorithms for high accuracy. Pixel Watches have been praised for very good heart tracking.
  • ECG (Electrocardiogram) capability via an electrical sensor – previously, touching the crown on Pixel Watch allowed taking a spot ECG to detect AFib. The Pixel Watch 4 should retain ECG, possibly with improved app interface or faster readings.
  • SpO₂ sensor (blood oxygen) – the original Pixel Watch had a dormant SpO₂ sensor that was later enabled via updates nextpit.com. By now, Pixel Watch 3 actively uses SpO₂ during sleep tracking to measure oxygen saturation. The Pixel Watch 4 will certainly have this for sleep apnea indications and altitude acclimation.
  • Skin Temperature sensor – Pixel Watch 2 added a dedicated skin temperature sensor to track nightly variations support.google.com store.google.com. This is used to inform wellness trends (fever, menstrual cycle indications, etc.). Expect Watch 4 to include this sensor again, and perhaps surface the data more in Fitbit’s app (Fitbit shows a nightly skin temp deviation graph).
  • EDA sensor for stress (cEDA) – Pixel Watch 2 also included a continuous Electrodermal Activity sensor to detect stress responses (sweat gland activity) similar to Fitbit Sense store.google.com. This enables features like “Body Response” alerts when your body shows signs of stress. Pixel Watch 4 should have this as well, continuing Google’s emphasis on holistic wellness tracking (heart, sleep, stress, etc.).

Leaked images of the Pixel Watch 4’s underside show a similar looking sensor array as the Watch 3, which hints that “we’ll see similar Fitbit-based health data as the last two generations”* androidcentral.com. No obvious new sensor is visible there (the layout of LEDs and electrodes looks unchanged). So the hardware for health might be status quo.

• Improved Accuracy and Metrics: Even if the sensors are the same, Google can improve health tracking via software. The Pixel Watch 3 was already quite advanced, but Pixel Watch 4 could refine things like: more accurate heart rate during high-intensity workouts, better sleep stage tracking with the new skin temp data, etc. There’s talk that Google might introduce new running or workout metrics – for example, enhanced running dynamics, or more detailed indoor exercise tracking techadvisor.com. Dual-band GPS has been speculated as a possibility techadvisor.com: if Pixel Watch 4 supports dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5), it could greatly improve accuracy for runners/hikers in challenging environments. This isn’t confirmed, but it’s a logical upgrade if Google is serious about fitness (the hardware would need a different GPS chip or antenna tuning – no leak has confirmed dual-band, so it remains a hopeful rumor).
• New Health Features (Speculative): Some intriguing possibilities have emerged from patents and rumors, though not confirmed for Pixel Watch 4 specifically:
  • Blood pressure or arterial health monitoring: Tech Advisor mentions the Pixel Watch 4 “could feature advanced health sensors for monitoring arterial stiffness or blood pressure” techadvisor.com. This likely stems from Fitbit’s research – Fitbit has been exploring pulse transit time to estimate blood pressure trends. No smartwatch (outside Samsung which offers a cuff-calibrated BP feature in limited regions) has truly cracked cuffless blood pressure yet. It would be a headline feature if Google included it, but we have no concrete leak that Pixel Watch 4 will do blood pressure. It’s more of a possibility given patents. Perhaps Google could introduce a feature to measure arterial stiffness index or alerts for cardiovascular changes using existing sensors (e.g. using the ECG or PPG in creative ways). For now, consider BP monitoring very speculative.
  • ‘Fit Score’ and wear detection: Another idea derived from Fitbit patents is a “Fit Score” – basically the watch could use sensors to detect if it’s worn correctly (snug enough) to get good readings androidcentral.com. Android Central noted a patent about a “Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)” that gauges if the watch’s sensor contact is ideal, warning you if readings might be off androidcentral.com. If Google implemented this, it would enhance accuracy by prompting users to adjust the strap for better readings. It’s not clear if this will debut in Pixel Watch 4, but it’s a possibility given Google’s focus on sensor accuracy.
  • New workout features and coaching: With Fitbit integration, we might see Pixel Watch 4 deliver more on-wrist guidance. For example, Fitbit’s Daily Readiness Score, recovery metrics, or guided breathing/stress reduction sessions could be highlighted. An Android Central wishlist suggests offering “proper downloadable courses on the Pixel Watch for runners, hikers, and cyclists” to compete with Garmin androidcentral.com. There’s no leak confirming this, but with Google’s software prowess, the Pixel Watch 4’s Fitbit app might gain new coaching features or deeper integration with Google Fit and Fitbits.
• Software and AI in Health: A confirmed angle is that Pixel Watch 4 will ship with Wear OS 6, which may include new health and fitness software improvements. Google could leverage its AI (perhaps via the new “Gemini” assistant or on-device machine learning) to give smarter health insights. For example, context-aware health suggestions, more natural voice coaching (like asking the assistant about your daily activity and getting a summary). Also, since Pixel Watch ties into Fitbit Premium, Google might introduce new premium wellness features when Watch 4 launches.

Importantly, Pixel Watch 4 will continue to benefit from the Fitbit ecosystem – meaning the watch will track a broad range of metrics (heart rate, steps, distance, calories, sleep stages, stress events, ECG readings, SPO₂, skin temp variations, etc.) and sync all that to the Fitbit app for analysis. You’ll get features like sleep score, stress management score, health trend dashboards, and the community/social challenges from Fitbit. That integration is a key selling point versus other Wear OS watches that rely on Google Fit (which is less comprehensive). With each generation, Google has tightened this integration, so expect a polished experience out of the box for health enthusiasts.

One notable new software feature in health could be the addition of Fall Detection or emergency alerts. Pixel Watch 3 introduced Emergency SOS and even a “Safety Check” (from Pixel phones) app. If not already present, Pixel Watch 4 might add automatic fall detection (if you take a hard fall, it can alert contacts or 911). Competing watches have it, and Google could enable it via accelerometer tuning. No specific rumor on this, but it’d be a logical inclusion if not already on Watch 3 by update.

Confirmed vs Rumored: The presence of core health sensors (heart rate, ECG, etc.) is essentially certain – Google would not remove any health features, only add more. So those are confirmed by precedent (no leak needed to assume Pixel Watch 4 will have at least what Watch 3 had). New sensor additions (like blood pressure) are rumors/speculation only – we have patents and hints, but no solid leak saying “Pixel Watch 4 has XYZ new sensor.” Thus, things like arterial stiffness monitoring or Fit Score are possible but not confirmed techadvisor.com androidcentral.com. The leak imagery indicating unchanged sensor layout suggests no major new hardware, which tempers expectations.

One semi-confirmed improvement is dual-band GPS support – this was mentioned as an expectation by some outlets (and Google could quietly include it without much fanfare). Until an official spec sheet, we’ll treat that as rumored.

In summary, Pixel Watch 4 will very likely continue Google’s path of a “smarter Fitbit on your wrist” theverge.com. It’s the software and integration where we anticipate growth, while the hardware sensors remain robust but familiar.

Wear OS 6 and Software: New Wear OS, “Gemini” Assistant, and More

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is slated to be the flagship device for Wear OS 6, debuting Google’s latest smartwatch software. This is a big deal because software can make as much difference as hardware on a smartwatch. We have some confirmed info and expectations about Wear OS 6 and other software features on the Pixel Watch 4:

• Launch Device for Wear OS 6: Google has confirmed that Wear OS 6 is coming in 2025 with a host of new features, and the Pixel Watch 4 will launch with Wear OS 6 out of the box androidcentral.com. In fact, Pixel Watch 4 will likely get a short period of exclusivity on some Wear OS 6 features before older watches are updated androidcentral.com. A beta build of Wear OS 6 was demonstrated at Google I/O 2025 on a Pixel Watch 3, giving us a clear preview of what Pixel Watch 4’s software will look like androidcentral.com. Key highlights of Wear OS 6 include:
  • Material You “Material 3 Expressive” UI: A refreshed interface with more fluid animations and a playful, expressive design. This includes scrollable content that dynamically resizes (e.g., cards that shrink towards the edges of the round screen), and buttons that expand when pressed for better feedback androidcentral.com. The UI will put more info closer to the edge of circular displays, making use of every bit of screen real estate androidcentral.com.
  • Dynamic Color Themes: Wear OS 6 will support dynamic theming – pulling a color palette from your watch face to theme the system UI (matching accent colors, etc.) androidcentral.com. You can also choose manual themes. For instance, the OS might extract a primary and two secondary colors from your chosen watch face and apply those to menus, tiles, and notifications androidcentral.com. This will make the watch feel more personalized and cohesive with Android 13/14’s Material You theming philosophy.
  • Return of Third-Party Watch Faces: In a win for customization, Google is re-introducing support for third-party watch faces via a new Watch Face Format and Watch Face Push API androidcentral.com. This means developers can create rich watch faces again (something that was limited in recent Wear OS versions). So Pixel Watch 4 owners should have a much wider array of watch faces to download and use, beyond the ones Google provides.
  • Enhanced Tiles and Widgets: Wear OS 6 is revamping Tiles (the glanceable pages for weather, calendar, etc.). They will be able to show more buttons and info per tile, reducing the need to open full apps androidcentral.com. The idea is quicker interactions – for example, a Weather tile might show multiple upcoming hours of forecast in one view, or a Contacts tile might list multiple quick-dial contacts with an “All Contacts” button right there androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. The screenshots from the beta show things like a new Gmail tile (“Your Mail”) showing recent emails on the watch androidcentral.com, and a revamped Weather tile with mini-cards for different times androidcentral.com. Expect Pixel Watch 4 to leverage these – you’ll be able to do more at a glance.
  • Battery Optimizations: Google claims Wear OS 6 brings about a 10% improvement in battery life across the board androidcentral.com techadvisor.com. This is through under-the-hood efficiencies. That pairs nicely with the Pixel Watch 4’s larger battery – combining for a notable battery gain, as discussed.
• Google Assistant “Gemini”: One of the most exciting software features rumored for Pixel Watch 4 is the next-generation Google Assistant, internally known as “Gemini.” Google has teased that Gemini will be coming to Wear OS in the coming months androidcentral.com. It could align with Wear OS 6 or even launch slightly after. Gemini is essentially Google’s AI upgrade, presumably incorporating more powerful natural language understanding (possibly powered by the same-named Gemini AI model Google is developing). On Pixel Watch 4, you’ll likely be able to activate Assistant (Gemini) with the usual “Hey Google” or a long button-press, but it will be far more capable. According to reports, “Gemini will be better at natural language recognition and have deeper integration with Google apps”, enabling commands like asking your watch to summarize your recent emails or messages and it will intelligently do so androidcentral.com. This hints at on-device AI that can handle complex requests, not just simple queries. In effect, your Pixel Watch 4 could act as a mini AI assistant on your wrist – reading summaries, composing messages with context, answering follow-ups more fluidly, etc. This is a confirmed direction Google is going (they announced Assistant with Bard / Gemini plans on multiple platforms), and the Pixel Watch 4 is poised to be among the first wearables with this new Assistant experience androidcentral.com.
• Exclusive Pixel Features: Pixel devices often have some exclusive software tricks. Pixel Watch 4 might continue that by integrating tightly with Pixel phones. For example, 9to5Google spotted that Google is preparing features like “lock your phone when you leave it behind” via the watch, and an improved Water Lock mode to prevent accidental touches when wet 9to5google.com. These could debut with Pixel Watch 4 or via updates to existing models. Also, with the rumor of no pins, Pixel Watch 4 might support Battery Share from Pixel phones as a seamless feature – e.g., just place it on a Pixel 10 phone to charge. If so, software will handle optimizing that. Pixel Watch 4 should also get any new watch faces Google designs (perhaps new Fitbit watch faces showing more health stats using the larger screen).
• Apps and Performance: By virtue of Wear OS 6 and the established Snapdragon W5 chip, the Pixel Watch 4 should run all current Wear OS apps smoothly. It will support the Play Store on-watch for downloading apps like Spotify, Strava, Google Maps, etc. We might see new apps like a fully standalone Google Calendar app (which was mentioned in Wear OS 4 updates) theverge.com. There’s also mention of better accessibility features in recent updates theverge.com, which likely carry into OS 6 – making the watch easier to use for everyone.
• Security and Updates: Pixel Watch 4 will likely come with a promise of multiple years of software updates (Pixel Watch 3 was getting steady updates and feature drops). Google has been updating Pixel Watches with Feature Drops (like enabling SpO₂, adding new watch faces, etc.). Buying a Pixel Watch 4 means you’ll be first in line for future Wear OS updates for at least a couple of cycles. Google did recently update older Pixel Watches to Wear OS 5.1 (March 2025) support.google.com, so they are keeping them current. Pixel Watch 4, launching with OS 6, will probably see OS 7 and OS 8 in the next years.

In summary, the software experience on Pixel Watch 4 is one of its strongest selling points. It’s confirmed to have the latest Wear OS 6 with all its visual and functional improvements techadvisor.com, plus the likely introduction of a more powerful Google Assistant (Gemini) that makes voice interactions and AI tasks on a watch more useful androidcentral.com. These are confirmed or very likely given Google’s announcements and patterns. The Pixel Watch 4 will be a showcase for what’s new in Wear OS, further integrating the watch into Google’s ecosystem (e.g., controlling smart home devices, handling notifications, etc., all with a bit more polish and smarts).

Confirmed vs Rumored: Wear OS 6 features are confirmed by Google (they publicly discussed them at I/O) androidcentral.com. The Pixel Watch 4 shipping with it is essentially confirmed by timing (summer 2025 launch fits). Gemini Assistant on Wear OS is confirmed as “coming soon” by Google androidcentral.com, but exactly whether it’s pre-loaded on Pixel Watch 4 at launch or arrives in an update “in the coming months” is slightly uncertain. It’s very likely it will be highlighted at launch if ready. Additional Pixel-exclusive features like phone locking or any new trick are rumored via leaks 9to5google.com – we’ll treat those as expected but not officially announced yet.

Price Estimates: Will Pixel Watch 4 Cost the Same?

Pricing for the Pixel Watch 4 hasn’t been leaked in exact numbers, but we can make an educated guess based on previous models and market trends. Google has so far priced its smartwatches in the premium range, and the Pixel Watch 4 is expected to follow suit. Key points:

• Pixel Watch 3 Pricing: The Pixel Watch 3 launched (August 2024) at $349.99 USD / £349 for the base 41mm Wi-Fi model techadvisor.com. The LTE version and the larger 45mm variant were more expensive. For example, the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 (Bluetooth) was around $399, and adding LTE typically adds about $50 on top of that tomsguide.com. So, the range for Pixel Watch 3 was roughly $350–$500 depending on size and LTE. Importantly, Google kept the starting price the same as the prior generation (Pixel Watch 2 was also $349 starting) androidpolice.com.
• Expected Similar Price Point: Most reports suggest the Pixel Watch 4 will be priced similarly to the Pixel Watch 3 techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. That means we’re likely looking at that $349 base price again for the entry model. Google may not want to exceed that psychological $349/£349 threshold for the base model, as it’s already competing with the Apple Watch (which starts around $329 for the SE or $399 for the Series 9). Unless there’s a major costly upgrade (which, given the similar design and same chip, there isn’t), Google will likely keep pricing steady to encourage existing Pixel Watch users to upgrade and new users to jump in.
• Possibility of a Small Hike: That said, minor price adjustments aren’t off the table. As Tech Advisor notes, “Google increasing the price isn’t out of the question” if there are enough upgrades or higher manufacturing costs techadvisor.com. For instance, if the bigger battery and new charging tech add cost, or inflationary pressures, they might bump it by $20-30. However, this is speculative. Given the incremental nature of the upgrades (same CPU, similar design), it would be a tough sell to charge a lot more. So the safe bet is Pixel Watch 4 starting around $349 for 41mm Wi-Fi, with the 45mm likely around $399, and each LTE option adding roughly $50.
• Multiple Models: Expect at least four SKU prices: 41mm Wi-Fi, 41mm LTE, 45mm Wi-Fi, 45mm LTE. Pixel Watch 3 had, for example, $349 (41mm Wi-Fi), $399 (45mm Wi-Fi), $449 (41mm LTE), $499 (45mm LTE) – these were approximate (we saw leaks in Euros too: €399 and €499 for small vs large LTE) 9to5google.com. Pixel Watch 4 could mirror those. Perhaps Google could do something like $349, $389, $429, $479 if they tweak slightly, but again, no strong rumor of a new pricing scheme.
• Value Considerations: Google sometimes bundles or discounts the watch if purchased with a phone. For instance, Pixel phone preorders have included discounted Pixel Watches in the past theverge.com (Pixel 8 Pro included a free Pixel Watch 2 in some promotions). If Pixel Watch 4 launches with Pixel 10, we might see bundle deals (e.g., buy a Pixel 10 Pro, get a Watch 4 at a reduced price or free). So the effective price for some could be lower. But standalone, it’s a premium watch and will be positioned as such.
• Competition: As a reference, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7/8 and Apple Watch Series 9 are all in a similar $300–$450 range depending on model. Google wouldn’t want to stray far outside that. And since Pixel Watch is now a known brand with good reviews, they don’t need to undercut drastically. Pixel Watch 3 was praised as “the smartwatch to beat” for Android lifewire.com at that price, so maintaining that formula makes sense.

Confirmed vs Rumored: There are no outright leaks of a price tag (which is normal – pricing usually leaks via retail listings closer to launch, if at all). So all pricing info is speculative based on history. However, multiple sources (Tech Advisor, Android Police, etc.) assume a “similar price to predecessor” which is a logical inference techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. We will treat the $349 base price as expected. If any major difference was coming (like a cheaper “Pixel Watch 4A” or a pricier variant with premium materials), that likely would have surfaced in rumors – and it hasn’t. So, anticipate roughly the same pricing structure until Google says otherwise. We’ll mark pricing as rumored expectation since nothing is confirmed, but with a high probability of being accurate.

Release Date and Launch Timing: When Will Pixel Watch 4 Arrive?

Google’s launch schedule for Pixel devices has seen some shifts, and the Pixel Watch line is no exception. Here’s what we know about the Pixel Watch 4 release date, announcement event, and availability:

• Likely Announcement in August 2025: Multiple sources point to a summer 2025 reveal for the Pixel Watch 4, likely in August techadvisor.com techradar.com. This is based on the precedent set by Pixel Watch 3, which debuted in August 2024 techradar.com. Tech Advisor notes that “Pixel Watch 3 debuted in August 2024, so it’s reasonable to expect the Pixel Watch 4 to follow a similar timeline” techadvisor.com. Indeed, rumor has it Google is planning a hardware event around August 20, 2025 for the Pixel 10 smartphone series, and Pixel Watch 4 would be launched alongside techadvisor.com. This aligns with what we’re hearing: Pixel Watch 4 is expected to launch “alongside the Pixel 10 series next month” (from the perspective of mid-July 2025) 9to5google.com. So a late August event makes sense.
  • It’s worth noting Google previously launched Pixel Watch 1 and 2 in October (with the Pixel 6 and 7). But Pixel Watch 3’s launch in late August 2024 signaled a schedule shift, possibly to give the watch its own spotlight or to sync with Samsung/Apple’s fall releases. It appears Google will stick with the August cadence for watches and phones this cycle.
• No Pixel Watch at Google I/O 2025: Google I/O (May 2025) came and went with no Pixel Watch 4 announcement (this was expected, as Pixel Watches typically launch with Pixel phones later). Tech Advisor confirms there was “no sign of the smartwatch at Google I/O” techadvisor.com. So, the next likely platform is the Pixel hardware launch event late summer.
• On Sale Date: If the announcement is late August, the Pixel Watch 4 will likely go on sale in early September 2025. Pixel devices often hit the market a week or two after unveiling. We might see pre-orders open at announcement time, with shipping in the first week or two of September. This could vary by region (North America, Europe, etc. should get it around the same time). Google will want it available before the holiday season and to compete with any Apple Watch announcements (usually in September). An August launch ensures it’s out around the same timeframe as competitor devices (Samsung often reveals Galaxy Watches in late July or August too).
• Historical Patterns: Summarizing past releases:
  • Pixel Watch (1st gen) – Announced October 6, 2022; released later that month.
  • Pixel Watch 2 – Announced October 4, 2023 (with Pixel 8); released mid-October 2023.
  • Pixel Watch 3 – Announced August 2024 (with Pixel 9 presumably); Google “moved on from that timing” of October launches, bumping it up techadvisor.com.
  • So, Pixel Watch 4 – likely August 2025. This one-year cycle keeps Pixel Watches annual.
• Why August? One reason might be to avoid the crowded October period (where Apple and others dominate headlines). By launching in August, Google gets a head start. Additionally, if Pixel 10 is ready by then, pairing it with the watch can create a cohesive ecosystem pitch. Some rumors even suggested the Pixel 10 might launch later than expected, but current consensus is August 20 (which is earlier than Google’s old schedule, ironically) techradar.com techradar.com.
• What about Pixel Watch 3 owners? The 12-month gap means Pixel Watch 3 (Aug 2024) owners who bought then will be just at a year if they consider upgrading. Google’s quick cycle indicates they want to keep momentum. Pixel Watch 3 was well-received, so Pixel Watch 4 will come out in what Google hopes is perfect timing to catch those looking for the next thing in about a year’s time.

In terms of announcement event, we expect a typical Google launch event live-stream. The Pixel Watch 4 will share stage time with Pixel 10 phones, and possibly other hardware (Pixel Buds or tablet updates, etc.). Last year there was also a Pixel Fold (but that might be on a different schedule). As per leaks, also watch for a rumored Pixel Buds 2A (mentioned in retail leaks) launching around the same time reddit.com.

Confirmed vs Rumored: The exact date (Aug 20, 2025) is a rumor at this point techadvisor.com, albeit from sources that have nailed dates before. Google hasn’t confirmed anything publicly about the Pixel Watch 4’s existence or date yet. However, the pattern and multiple insider reports strongly suggest an August 2025 announcement is likely. So we can say the release timing is very likely August (rumored), with availability shortly after – essentially in late Q3 2025. Until media invites go out, it’s not “confirmed,” but if you’re planning, late summer is when to expect it.

Pixel Watch 4 vs Pixel Watch 3: Key Differences and Upgrades

How much of an upgrade will the Pixel Watch 4 be over last year’s Pixel Watch 3? Based on all the information we’ve gathered, the changes appear to be iterative but meaningful in certain areas. Here’s a comparison of the major differences/upgrades from Pixel Watch 3 to Pixel Watch 4:

• Design: Largely similar design (round, minimal bezel) – no drastic redesign. However, Pixel Watch 4 is thicker (14.3mm vs ~12.3mm) for a bigger battery theverge.com, and it adds two small side buttons near the speaker that Pixel Watch 3 does not have theverge.com. These could introduce new functionality or controls that Watch 3 lacks (to be determined). Pixel Watch 3 had one size option (41mm) for most markets until the hazel 45mm was introduced; Pixel Watch 4 continues with two sizes (41 & 45mm) just like Watch 3 did in 2024 androidcentral.com. Build material remains aluminum on both (Watch 3 introduced aluminum case, dropping the stainless steel of gen1). Pixel Watch 4 comes in a new “Moonstone” gray color option and shuffles band color combos, whereas Pixel Watch 3 had a Hazel green option now dropped 9to5google.com techadvisor.com. Both have 5ATM water resistance; no change there. One notable improvement: Pixel Watch 4’s design eliminates charging pins, whereas Pixel Watch 3 had visible pins for charging. This gives Watch 4 a cleaner look underneath and potentially better water/dust sealing.
• Display: Both Pixel Watch 3 and 4 feature bright OLED displays with AOD. Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) had a 1.4” display with slimmed bezels compared to gen2. Pixel Watch 4 is rumored to have slightly thinner bezels than Watch 3 techadvisor.com, meaning a marginally larger visible screen in the same body. Pixel Watch 3’s 45mm model was very bright (2000 nits); Pixel Watch 4 should match or exceed that, but no direct spec yet. So, display quality should be similar, with the difference being Pixel Watch 4’s dynamic theming and UI will make it look fresher thanks to Wear OS 6 (whereas Watch 3 originally shipped with Wear OS 4).
• Processor: No change in chipset. Pixel Watch 3 used the Snapdragon W5 Gen1, and Pixel Watch 4 is expected to use the same processor androidauthority.com 9to5google.com. Thus, raw performance might be roughly the same. However, Pixel Watch 4 could feel snappier due to software optimizations in Wear OS 6. Pixel Watch 3 was already smooth, so both are comparable in speed. Neither has the next-gen chip yet. This is one area where Pixel Watch 4 does not dramatically outpace Pixel Watch 3 – they’re on par.
• Battery & Charging: Here Pixel Watch 4 steps ahead. The Pixel Watch 4 has ~7–9% larger batteries (327 mAh vs 307 mAh in small size; 459 mAh vs 420 mAh in large) 9to5google.com. That means longer battery life – Pixel Watch 3 was a “24-hour device,” Pixel Watch 4 might push closer to 30 hours under similar conditions (to be confirmed). Additionally, charging method is improved: Pixel Watch 3 uses a proprietary pogo-pin charger (magnetic dock with pins) and can’t charge wirelessly on standard pads, while Pixel Watch 4 is switching to wireless charging (no pins) 9to5google.com. This likely enables convenient options like reverse wireless charging from a phone and removes the worry of pin corrosion. Pixel Watch 4 also promises faster charging speeds than Watch 3 9to5google.com, so you’ll spend less time tethered to the charger. In short, battery endurance and charging convenience are notable upgrades on Watch 4.
• Health Sensors: Both watches have a robust health sensor suite (PPG heart rate, ECG, SpO₂, skin temp, EDA for stress in Watch 3). Pixel Watch 4 appears to have the same sensors as Watch 3 (no new sensor spotted) androidcentral.com. So, in terms of capabilities (heart tracking, ECG, etc.), they are equivalent. However, Pixel Watch 4 may introduce enhanced algorithms or features: for example, if dual-band GPS is included, Watch 4 would track outdoor workouts more accurately than Watch 3. Or if Google enables new health metrics (like those arterial stiffness insights or Fit Score) via software, Watch 4 might get them first. But as far as hardware: health tracking is similarly excellent on both, with Watch 4 refining rather than adding.
• Software (Wear OS): Pixel Watch 3 launched with Wear OS 4 and was later updated to Wear OS 5. Pixel Watch 4 will launch with Wear OS 6 from day one androidcentral.com. That gives it an immediate advantage in terms of features and polish: Material You expressive design, dynamic theming, more informative tiles, official support for third-party watch faces, etc. androidcentral.com. Pixel Watch 3 will likely get Wear OS 6 via an update eventually (Google tends to update recent models), but Pixel Watch 4 will enjoy it first and may have certain Pixel-exclusive tweaks. Also, the new Assistant (Gemini) is poised to be a headline feature for Pixel Watch 4 androidcentral.com, enabling voice commands that Pixel Watch 3’s current Assistant might not handle. So while many software features will trickle down, Pixel Watch 4 is the first in line for all new software capabilities. This means a better out-of-box experience and potentially some exclusives (even if temporary).
• Other Improvements: Pixel Watch 4 might address some user pain points from Watch 3. For example, repairability – if Google has quietly made Watch 4 slightly more modular internally, that would be an improvement, though leaks show no obvious changes yet androidcentral.com. Another area: Pixel Watch 3 had a revamped display and faster Wi-Fi downloads over Watch 2 androidcentral.com; Pixel Watch 4 could further improve connectivity (maybe Wi-Fi 6 support? not sure, no leaks). Pixel Watch 3 improved charging speed compared to Watch 2, and Watch 4 improves it even more. Essentially, Pixel Watch 4 is building on the foundations of Watch 3: “the Pixel Watch 3 is already a great improvement in its own right… It’s one of our favorite watches of the year so far” androidcentral.com, and Pixel Watch 4 aims to upstage it with better battery, latest software, and fine-tuning across the board.
• What’s Not Changing: The overall use experience remains similar. Both Pixel Watch 3 and 4 will run the same apps, use the same straps (Pixel Watch 4 is backward compatible with existing Pixel Watch bands, as the attachment mechanism hasn’t changed in leaks), and both integrate with Fitbit for health data. So if you have a Watch 3, the Watch 4 will feel familiar – just a bit more refined. It’s not a leap like some phone generations; it’s more of a polish and iteration.

In summary, Pixel Watch 4’s upgrades over Pixel Watch 3 include: slightly refined design (with extra buttons), improved battery life and charging (the most tangible upgrade) 9to5google.com 9to5google.com, the newest software (Wear OS 6 with features like dynamic theming and improved Assistant) androidcentral.com androidcentral.com, and new color options. Pixel Watch 3 vs 4 performance is about the same due to identical chip, and health tracking features are on par, albeit Watch 4 may get minor accuracy boosts and new metrics via software.

If you’re coming from a Pixel Watch 3, the Pixel Watch 4 might feel like an “S” year upgrade – not absolutely essential, but nice to have for the better battery/charging and slick new software. If you’re on a Pixel Watch 2 or original, the Watch 4 will be a substantial jump (because you get all the improvements of 3 plus 4). Google seems to be following a tick-tock pattern: Pixel Watch 3 was a bigger update (new size, brighter screen, etc.), and Pixel Watch 4 is more of a refinement year. As one outlet put it, “Even though the Pixel Watch 4 doesn’t appear to deliver any fundamental specification changes, there’s a good chance Google will deliver again… even if the upgrades feel a little more incremental.” androidauthority.com

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the Pixel Watch 4

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is shaping up to be a solid iterative upgrade that addresses many of the Pixel Watch 3’s pain points while building on its strengths. From everything we’ve learned, it appears Google’s recipe for the Watch 4 is: keep the loved design and features of Watch 3, stir in a bigger battery, faster charging, and the latest software (Wear OS 6 + Fitbit enhancements), and season with a few new design tweaks and colors. This might not be a revolutionary leap, but it’s likely enough to make the Pixel Watch 4 one of the best Android smartwatches of 2025.

What’s Confirmed vs Rumored? At this stage, many details are still officially unconfirmed (Google is tight-lipped until launch), but high-quality leaks give us confidence in several key aspects: two sizes (41mm & 45mm) androidcentral.com, Snapdragon W5 Gen1 chipset again androidauthority.com, larger battery capacities (327/459 mAh) 9to5google.com, wireless charging returning 9to5google.com, and Wear OS 6 on board androidcentral.com. Design renders show the new side buttons and thicker case clearly theverge.com. These are likely what we’ll see at launch. Other things like specific new health features or pricing remain educated guesses (with strong likelihood of matching Pixel Watch 3’s price).

Quotes from Experts: Tech journalists who have been following the Pixel Watch evolution offer tempered optimism. “The Pixel Watch 4 isn’t expected to get an SoC upgrade, but that’s probably the best play right now,” notes Android Authority, emphasizing that staying with the proven chip could be wise androidauthority.com. Android Central points out that a mere 10% OS efficiency gain isn’t enough alone – “the Pixel Watch 4 would need a much more massive boost [in battery] to become on par with rival brands” androidcentral.com – but the leaked thicker design and capacity bump show Google is aware and trying to maximize battery life. Meanwhile, The Verge highlighted Google’s continued focus on battery improvements, given how “dismal battery life was the most annoying thing about the original Pixel Watch” and each generation since has worked to rectify it theverge.com. All these insights suggest that the Pixel Watch 4’s improvements, while incremental, are targeted in the right areas.

Should you be excited? If you’re already in the Pixel ecosystem or want a smartwatch that marries Google’s software smarts with Fitbit’s health tracking, the Pixel Watch 4 looks very promising. It may not have a flashy new design or a brand-new CPU, but it refines an already well-regarded watch. The Pixel Watch 3 was called “third time’s the charm” by reviewers for fixing many quirks theverge.com. The Pixel Watch 4 seems poised to be the “fourth time’s the polish”, smoothing out remaining rough edges (battery life, charging, etc.) and adding that next-gen software experience.

Keep in mind, until Google officially unveils it, some details could change – but as of now, the Pixel Watch 4 is expected to launch in August 2025 alongside the Pixel 10 phones techadvisor.com, and hit stores shortly thereafter. Its success will depend on how much these rumored upgrades resonate with users. Will the battery boost and new features be enough to sway Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch users? Google is certainly aiming to make a stronger case.

One more thing to watch: Google’s commitment to long-term updates and possibly expanding availability. Pixel Watches have so far been available in limited regions; Pixel Watch 4 might launch in more countries if Google broadens distribution. And with Pixel Watch 4, Google continues to build its own ecosystem of wearables – setting the stage for even bigger changes (like a custom Tensor chip) in future generations.

For now, the Pixel Watch 4 looks like a safe and smart upgrade, not a risky overhaul. It’s the Pixel Watch refined – with better battery, better software, and a few new tricks that should make the best Android smartwatch even better. We’ll update this report as more official information comes out, so stay tuned for Google’s confirmation of these details. The countdown to Pixel Watch 4’s reveal is on, and all eyes are on Google to see if it can deliver the smartwatch knockout punch in 2025.

Sources: The information in this article is sourced from credible outlets and insiders, including Android Central androidcentral.com androidcentral.com, Android Authority androidauthority.com androidauthority.com, 9to5Google 9to5google.com 9to5google.com, The Verge theverge.com, TechRadar techradar.com techradar.com, Tech Advisor techadvisor.com techadvisor.com, and others as cited throughout the text. All rumored information has been clearly marked, and confirmed details have been noted where applicable.