Hold off for the anticipated Google Pixel Watch 4 release?
The much-anticipated Google Pixel Watch 4 is set to make its debut, offering notable but selective upgrades over the Pixel Watch 3. The device is expected to deliver improvements in battery life, software, and performance, while design changes are relatively modest.
Battery Life
One of the most significant improvements in the Pixel Watch 4 is its battery life. The watch is rumored to have larger batteries - 327 mAh (41mm) and 459 mAh (45mm) compared to 307 mAh and 420 mAh in the Pixel Watch 3 versions[3]. This translates to roughly 30 hours with always-on display (AOD) on the 41mm Watch 4 vs. ~24 hours on Watch 3, and 40 hours with AOD on the 45mm Watch 4 vs. ~48 hours on the Watch 3[4]. Faster charging, around 25% faster, is also expected on the Watch 4[3].
The Watch 4 may include a more power-efficient variable refresh rate display and a newer co-processor (Cortex-M55 vs. Cortex-M33), improving AI workload efficiency and overall power management[3][4].
Performance
The Pixel Watch 4 is expected to use the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, the same processor generation as the Pixel Watch 3, retaining four Cortex-A53 cores[4]. This means no significant CPU performance boost. However, the newer co-processor in Watch 4 should provide better AI processing efficiency, especially when using the new Gemini AI assistant[4].
The new Gemini assistant replaces Google Assistant and is integrated with Wear OS 6, promising a more seamless, responsive AI experience[1][3].
Design
The Pixel Watch 4 keeps the overall "water drop" design, 41mm and 45mm sizes, with slimmer bezels and a slightly thicker case to accommodate the bigger battery[2][3]. Wear OS 6 brings a refreshed interface with Material 3 design language, more fluid interactions, and support for third-party watch faces via a new push API[1].
Verdict: Is the upgrade worth it?
If you prioritize battery life improvements, longer support for Gemini AI, and the newest Wear OS 6 experience, the Pixel Watch 4 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, for users focused on raw performance gains or drastic design changes, the Watch 4 offers little over the Watch 3, as CPU power remains largely unchanged, and the design refinements are modest[4].
The Pixel Watch 3 remains a very capable device, especially given it will also receive Wear OS 6 and Gemini via software updates. In summary, the Pixel Watch 4's biggest advantages are better battery life with faster charging, improved AI co-processing for Gemini, and enhanced software experience, while performance and design enhancements are incremental rather than transformative[1][3][4].
If the rumors are correct, the Pixel Watch 4 will keep the same performance level as the Pixel Watch 3. The Pixel Watch 4's battery life might be beneficial for power users. The Pixel Watch 4 is scheduled to be unveiled at the Made by Google 2025 event.
[1] - TechRadar
[2] - Android Central
[3] - 9to5Google
[4] - XDA Developers
The enhanced battery life, anticipated longer support for Gemini AI, and the new Wear OS 6 experience might draw users who prioritize those features towards the Google Pixel Watch 4.For those seeking significant performance upgrades or drastic design changes, the Google Pixel Watch 4 might not be an enticing upgrade, as the processing power remains similar, and the stylistic changes are minimal compared to its predecessor.*
