As a tech journalist who constantly observes wristwear trends from airport lounges to coffee shops, I've developed a keen eye for what makes a smartwatch stand out. The market is flooded with options, but the true test lies in finding a device that seamlessly integrates into your digital life while offering comfort and style. Enter the Google Pixel Watch 4, which I've thoroughly tested over two weeks, and it might just be the most compelling smartwatch for Android users, particularly those invested in the Pixel ecosystem.
Design and Display: A Visual Masterpiece
The moment you unbox the Pixel Watch 4, its distinctive personality shines through. Unlike many Apple Watch clones saturating the market, Google has crafted a device with unique character. The smartwatch carries a "quiet luxury" aesthetic while simultaneously emitting futuristic, almost retro-futurist vibes reminiscent of 1980s gadgets.
The centerpiece of this design is undoubtedly the gorgeous domed display that curves gracefully around the edges. This isn't just for looks – the curved screen creates an immersive experience where colors and animations appear to flow right to the edge of the 45mm domed crystal. Setting the Expedition dial to Hibiscus creates a spectacular technicolor light show on your wrist that's unlike anything I've seen on other smartwatches.
While Louis Vuitton experimented with a similar domed display in their premium Tambour Horizon Light Up watch priced over $3,400, Google has brought this luxury feature to a more accessible price point. The Pixel Watch 4 comes in two sizes: 41mm at Rs. 39,900 and 45mm at Rs. 43,900, with the latter being the model I tested.
The watch feels perfectly proportioned, fitting comfortably even on smaller wrists without appearing bulky. The control system revolves around a crown with an inset push-button, complemented by another dedicated button above it. The visual experience is stunning as content smoothly scrolls and slides off the curved edges.
With 3000 nits of peak brightness, the always-on display remains perfectly visible even under direct sunlight. The larger display area also means icons and notification previews are more substantial and easier to read at a glance.
Performance and Smart Features: Gemini AI Steals the Show
Having used Apple Watch for years, I've been consistently disappointed by Siri's limitations on the wrist. The promise of convenient voice interactions never materialized, often forcing me to pull out my iPhone for simple queries. The Pixel Watch 4 changes this dynamic completely with its implementation of Gemini AI assistant.
The most impressive feature is the raise-to-talk gesture – simply lifting the watch to your face activates Gemini without needing to press any buttons or say wake words. This motion detection works remarkably well, with Gemini springing to life within seconds, ready for your questions or commands.
During my testing, Gemini consistently delivered useful information. When I asked about nearby video game stores in Orange County, California, it accessed Google Maps and generated a comprehensive list including store names, distances, ratings, and addresses of currently open establishments. This level of seamless assistance is exactly what smartwatch users need when navigating unfamiliar areas.
The user interface, built on WearOS 6 with Material You 3 Expressive UI, takes full advantage of the domed display. Dynamic scrolling animations and vibrant notification cards create an engaging experience that grows on you over time. The new Tile format presents information cleanly while maximizing content visibility.
Performance is snappy thanks to the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor, making navigation noticeably faster than previous smartwatch generations. The extensive library of third-party apps available for WearOS ensures you can customize the watch to your specific needs.
Battery Life, Charging, and Health Tracking
Google has made significant improvements in battery performance with the Pixel Watch 4. The company promises up to 30 hours for the 41mm model and up to 40 hours for the 45mm version. In real-world usage, my testing unit consistently delivered about a day and a half of use, potentially extending to two days with the always-on display disabled.
The charging system has been completely redesigned, moving away from the proprietary puck with prongs used by competitors and previous Pixel Watches. Instead, the Pixel Watch 4 charges on its side in a dock, transforming it into a convenient bedside alarm clock. A simple tap on the crown snoozes alarms, and the supplied charger can juice up the watch from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes.
From a health and fitness perspective, the Pixel Watch 4 covers all essentials accurately. The dual-band GPS proved both precise and battery-efficient during outdoor activities. Sleep tracking provided detailed insights, even accurately detecting how many times I woke up during a long-haul flight from Dubai to Los Angeles.
The watch monitors heart rate with reliability and can track blood oxygen (SpO2), take ECG readings, and use an improved skin temperature sensor for more precise health data. With over 40 different workout options available, fitness enthusiasts will find plenty to work with.
While the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin Forerunner 970 offer more advanced health insights, they also command significantly higher prices. For most users, the Pixel Watch 4 provides comprehensive health tracking that meets everyday needs.
Verdict: Who Should Buy the Pixel Watch 4?
The Google Pixel Watch 4 represents Google's most refined smartwatch effort to date. Having extensively used Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Garmin devices over the years, I can confidently state that the Pixel Watch 4 holds its own against the competition.
The only significant limitation is that the Pixel Watch 4 doesn't work with iPhones, functioning optimally with Pixel smartphones and other Android devices. The domed display, while beautiful, may be more susceptible to scratches than flat sapphire displays, making me hesitant to wear it during intense outdoor activities.
However, Google has made the Watch 4 fully repairable, with internal components accessible in about 20 minutes – a welcome step toward sustainable technology. Looking ahead, the promised Fitbit Personal Health Coach powered by Gemini, set for full release in 2026, could further enhance the health tracking capabilities.
If you're invested in the Pixel ecosystem, the Pixel Watch 4 is undoubtedly the perfect companion that delivers on style, performance, and seamless integration. It earns its 4.5 out of 5 rating by combining innovative design with practical smart features that genuinely enhance daily productivity and connectivity.
