Google’s next smartwatch is landing soon—get ready for the launch with this comprehensive guide
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is shaping up to be one of the best smartwatches to pair with your Android. While current leaks don’t suggest an overhaul of the look or functions of Google’s smartwatch series, plenty of improvements and new features are being touted.
With the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series recently arriving, and Apple reportedly preparing its 2025 update for release in September, the official details of Google’s next watch are highly anticipated.
And while the brand is naturally tight-lipped as it approaches its upcoming ‘Made by Google’ event, a steady stream of rumours has painted a clear picture of what we can expect from the next-generation device.
From a brighter display and boosted battery life to enhanced fitness tracking and improved repairability, here’s a comprehensive guide to everything we know about the Google Pixel Watch 4.
Pixel Watch 4 release date
It’s almost certain that Google will announce the Pixel Watch 4 on August 20, with the smartwatch expected to be unveiled alongside various other Pixel wares at the confirmed ‘Made by Google’ event.
Pre-orders are anticipated to begin shortly after the announcement, with devices shipping to customers around August 28. This timeline aligns with Google’s previous launch schedules, suggesting a late summer release for the new wearable.
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How much will it cost?
Set to be available from $349 (41mm); rises to $449 for 45mm LTE
Rumors suggest a return of $50 upgrade for LTE version
In terms of pricing, the Pixel Watch 4 is expected to maintain a similar price point to its predecessor. An initial leak suggested that the 41mm Wi-Fi model will be available for €399, with the LTE version priced at €499. For the larger 45mm model, those numbers were suggested to rise to €449 (Wi-Fi) and €549 (LTE).
However, that’s just the European pricing rumors—and the latest information published by Android Headlines (who, as you’ll see from the rest of this round-up, seemingly have a direct line to somebody with access to all of Google’s upcoming launch info) gives us the potential US details.
The outlet suggests that the Pixel Watch 4 will start at $349 for the 41mm Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model, unchanged from the third generation. Yet, it seems likely that the LTE versions will return to being a $50 upgrade, making the fully connected 41mm version available for $399.
As you would expect, similar figures are also touted for the 45mm Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model ($399) and its LTE equivalent ($449).
There’s been no leaks yet to give us an indication of Pixel Watch 4 UK pricing. But, still, we’d say based on current rumors, it’s likely to begin at £349 and top out at £449.
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Display upgrades, new charging, and improved repairability
Side-charging support and faster charging speeds are set to be added
Rumours point to 3,000 nits peak brightness and 1-60Hz refresh rate
While the overall design of the Pixel Watch 4 is expected to remain largely unchanged, with its signature circular, domed display, there are some key upgrades in store.
The most significant of these is said to be a substantial boost in display brightness, with the new model rumoured to reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits.
This would put it on par with the Apple Watch Ultra and Samsung’s latest offerings, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The display will also feature a variable refresh rate of 1-60Hz, which is expected to contribute to improved battery efficiency.
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Another notable design change is the introduction of side-charging. As shown in the leaked renders above and below, first shared by Android Headlines, the Pixel Watch 4 will be able to charge on its side via an included dock, making it more convenient for use as a bedside clock.
That function feels like a minor new feature, considering most users will likely want to take advantage of the sleep and recovery insights instead of using the device as a bedside clock.
However, two additional significant upgrades are being suggested in rumors as a result of this change. One is that it will result in charging speeds that are 25% faster than those of the Pixel Watch 3—reportedly set to be capable of going from 0-50% in just 15 minutes.
The other is that this change to the watch’s underside could make the watch infinitely more repairable than previous models.
Battery life and performance upgrades
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41mm: 30 hours (AOD enabled) / ~48 hours (Battery Saver)
45mm: 40 hours (AOD enabled) / ~72 hours (Battery Saver)
New co-processor could help deliver Google Gemini efficiency
Interestingly, Android Headlines suggests that the Pixel Watch 4 is expected to retain the same Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset that powered the previous two generations. However, this doesn’t mean there won’t be a performance boost.
Google is reportedly introducing a new M55 co-processor, which is said to handle up to 5x the AI workload at a fraction of the power. This could lead to a smoother and more responsive user experience, as well as enable new AI-powered Google Gemini features that the brand showcased in its Wear OS 6 reveal.
The new co-processor, combined with larger batteries, is also expected to deliver a significant improvement in battery life. The 41mm model is rumoured to feature a 325mAh battery, while the 45mm version will house a 455mAh cell.
This should translate to up to 30 hours of battery life with the always-on display enabled for the 41mm model and 40 hours for the 45mm model. In battery saver mode, these figures are expected to jump to 48 and 72 hours, respectively.
As ever with battery numbers, things are very variable based on usage, and we likely won’t know the full extent of each model’s capability until we begin testing.
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However, the leaked estimates are very encouraging, considering we found the Pixel Watch 3 greatly exceeded Google’s claims of 24 hours (36 hours in its battery-saving mode) for the 45mm edition. If that trend continues, the Pixel Watch 4 would feature a massive battery boost in both case sizes.
Improved fitness, health, and safety tracking features
‘Workout builder’ set to debut via Fitbit
Dual-frequency GPS and tracking tweaks for swimmers/cyclists
Minor feature additions suggested for health and safety
Google is poised to make significant strides in the fitness and health tracking capabilities of the Pixel Watch 4, according to current rumors. This includes a new workout builder that will allow users to create custom interval training sessions, complete with warm-up and cool-down phases.
For runners, the Pixel Watch 4 will also seemingly provide daily running recommendations powered by Google’s in-house AI. These recommendations will be delivered in real-time and will be based on a range of metrics, including cadence, stride length, and ground contact time.
Swimmers and cyclists will also benefit from tracking tweaks, according to Android Headlines, alongside the long-awaited addition of dual-frequency GPS. Automatic activity detection for the 40+ sports on the watch is also said to have been tightened for the upcoming watch.
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According to additional information shared by Android Headlines, the Pixel Watch 4 is also expected to introduce two new health and safety features. The health feature—rumored to be called ‘Breathing Emergencies’—appears to be an evolution of the current blood oxygen analysis, notifying the user when their SpO2 levels are low.
Meanwhile, ‘Emergency Satellite Communications’ is also set to allow users to contact emergency services even without a cellular signal—similar to the feature currently on Pixel phones.