Google Pixel Watch 4 vs 3: Tech specs compared

The new Pixel Watch is here. Google took the wraps off generation 4 on August 20, and we now know all the final specs. The upgrades include a 3000 nit display, dual-band GPS, emergency satellite communications, longer battery life and a few other bits and pieces.

It’s worth noting, much of this was known before the launch. There have been a plethora of leaks, in fact more than usual. But as is the case with these things, it’s never final until the official reveal. So let’s look at how the latest two generations stack up, which should be useful for anyone thinking about upgrading or buying into Google’s watch lineup for the first time.

Design remains familiar, upgraded display

If you’ve seen the Pixel Watch 3, you’ll already know what you are getting. The Pixel Watch 4 keeps the domed glass, round face and 100 percent recycled aluminium case. Google refers to what you get with generation 4 as a 3D shaped by water design – or Actua 360. The button setup stays unchanged, with a digital crown and a single side button.

Both watches are available in 41 mm and 45 mm case sizes. It was expected that the new watches might be thicker than the old models. But this did not turn out to be correct. The thickness is actually unchanged.

Display sizes are also the same. So the 41 mm version sports a 1.2 inch and the 45 mm model a 1.4 inch screen. But now, the bezels are 16% smaller. The glass and OLED panel are curved which gets you around 10% more visible screen space.

One area where the Pixel Watch 4 stands out is brightness. It supports up to 3000 nits, compared to 2000 on the previous generation. This should help with visibility in bright conditions. Both generations use AMOLED LTPO panels with variable refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 60Hz.

You are able to choose between Black, Silver, Gold and Moonstone watch cases. Also, it is expected that Active bands will use a new material this year.

Processing and performance tweaks

Google is upgrading to the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 platform combined with a Cortex-M55 co-processor. That improves power efficiency and responsiveness, especially when handling background tasks or AI-related features like Gemini. Basically, the chipsets operate 25% faster but only draw 50% of the power as before. Plus you get support for Bluetooth 6.0, making this one of the first smartwatches to have the new tech.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Wear OS 6 lands out-of-the-box on the Pixel Watch 4. Also, let’s not forget the new Expressive UI. The company says the new design system completely redefines the UI to be more expressive, colourful and personalized. The Pixel Watch 3 shipped with Wear OS 5, which brought improved battery life and smoother animations. Wear OS 6 adds deeper Gemini integration. Google hasn’t confirmed whether/when the Pixel Watch 3 will get the OS 6 upgrade.

Health and sensors

There’s nothing drastically new in the sensor suite. Both watches include a long list of health tracking hardware: red and infrared sensors for SpO2, multipurpose ECG sensors, multi-path optical heart rate tracking, cEDA, skin temperature, a 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter, compass, magnetometer, barometer and ambient light sensor.

Apparently the sensor tech has been improved. Google says sleep tracking is 18% more accurate than before.

Microphone, speaker, NFC and optional cellular support all carry over. The vibration motor has increased by 15% in strength.

Battery life sees gain

Battery capacity gets a noticeable boost in the Pixel Watch 4. The 41 mm model bumps up from 307 mAh to 325 mAh, while the 45 mm version jumps from 420 mAh to 455 mAh. These are not massive jumps, but they help extend runtime.

The smaller Pixel Watch 4 can reach around 30 hours with always-on display enabled, and up to 48 hours in battery saver mode. The larger version goes as far as 40 hours and 72 hours in the same modes. For comparison, the Pixel Watch 3 was rated for 24 hours with always-on, and up to 36 hours in saver mode.

So that sounds like a nice upgrade. It means you no longer need to charge your timepiece every single day. Let’s hope real-world use lives up to these claims.

An interesting side-note is the charging mechanism. There are no magnetic pogo pins. Instead, you place the watch sideways so it rests on the charger. This apparently offers 25% faster charging than before. You can go from 0% to 50% in as little as 15 minutes. There’s also a better UI when charging and moisture detection.

Also worth a mention is that the watch has screws on the back. So you can take it apart, for example, and change the battery if it goes bad. So the watch is more repairable than before.

Dual-band GPS and satellite SOS support

Next up we have GPS. This has been upgraded form single to dual frequency. In reality, it means the signal should be more stable and accurate in places like built-up urban areas and dense forests.

The final addition adds a safety angle to the device, without relying on mobile networks. Basically it provides you a lifeline in dead zones. It means you can send on SOS without cellular coverage, a bit like what can be found on the Apple Watch Ultra. A potentially life-saving feature.

Refinement of existing tech

The Pixel Watch 4 is not a major overhaul. You get pretty much the same case design and display layout, with a brighter screen, better battery life, some improvements to sensors, dual frequency GPS, satellite SOS support, along with a new processor to improve background efficiency. Wear OS 6 is, of course, part of the package.

You can order now via the Google Store. However you’ll need to wait until October 9th for shipping to start. The good news is there has not been a price hike, so the watch starts at $350 for the 41mm and $400 for the 45mm. Expect Gen 3 to rapidly come down in price.

All things considered – the Google Pixel Watch 4 is a solid choice for Android users looking for a capable, well-integrated smartwatch. Probably no reason to upgrade if you have the third generation but a nice option for anyone else.

Google Pixel Watch 4 vs 3: Tech specs comparison

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