Google Pixel Watch 4: Best Android Smartwatch Reviewed
For a long time, Android users looked at the Apple Watch with a bit of envy. While Google had great software, the hardware always felt like it was one step behind. That all changed with the release of the Google Pixel Watch 4. In 2026, this device has officially taken the throne as the best smartwatch for anyone using an Android phone. It is fast, beautiful, and finally has the battery life we’ve been dreaming of.
In this Pixel Watch 4 review, we are going to dive into why this waterdrop designed watch is the ultimate companion for your wrist. Google didn’t just give it a new coat of paint; they rebuilt it from the ground up to be smarter, tougher, and much more helpful in your daily life.
The Stunning Actua 360 Display
The first thing you will notice when you put on the Google Pixel Watch 4 is the screen. Google calls it the Actua 360 display. While the previous models had curved glass, the actual screen underneath was flat. On the Series 4, the display panel itself is domed to match the glass.
This creates a seamless infinity pool look where the colors and text seem to wrap around the edges of the watch.
- Brighter Than Ever: It now hits a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. This is a massive 50% increase over last year, making it easy to read your heart rate even under the glaring afternoon sun.
- Slimmer Bezels: The black borders around the screen are 16% smaller, giving you 10% more room to see your maps, messages, and workout stats.
- Always-On Clarity: The screen can drop down to just 1 nit of brightness at night, so it won’t blind you if you check the time in a dark movie theater.
Battery Life: Finally a Two-Day Watch
The biggest complaint about the first few Pixel Watches was the battery. You usually had to charge them every single night. With the Google Pixel Watch 4, those days are over.
The larger 45mm model can now easily last for 40 to 48 hours on a single charge with the Always-On Display turned on. If you turn on Battery Saver mode, you can stretch that to a full three days. Even the smaller 41mm version now lasts over 30 hours, which is enough to get you through a full day and a night of sleep tracking without any stress.
Quick Charge to the Rescue
If you do run low on power, the new charging dock is incredibly fast. You can get 15 hours of battery life in just 15 minutes of charging. This is perfect for when you wake up and realize you forgot to charge the watch, but you need it for your morning run.
Gemini: Your AI Assistant on Your Wrist
In 2026, Google has replaced the old Assistant with Gemini, a much smarter AI. The Google Pixel Watch 4 is the first watch to have Gemini built directly into the hardware.
One of the coolest new features is the Raise-to-Talk gesture. You don’t have to say Hey Google anymore. You simply raise your wrist to your mouth and start speaking. You can ask Gemini to Summarize my emails from this morning or What’s a good 20-minute bodyweight workout for today? and it will give you a helpful, conversational answer through the watch’s upgraded speaker.
Advanced Health and Loss of Pulse Detection
Google uses Fitbit’s famous technology to power the health features on the Pixel Watch 4. It tracks your heart rate, sleep stages, skin temperature, and stress levels with incredible accuracy.
However, the most important new feature is Loss of Pulse Detection. This is an industry-first safety tool. If the watch detects that your heart has suddenly stopped beating and you are not moving, it can automatically call emergency services and send them your exact GPS location. It is a peace of mind feature that hopefully you will never need, but it is great to have.
Fitness Features You’ll Love:
- Daily Readiness Score: Every morning, the watch tells you if your body is ready for a hard workout or if you should take a rest day based on your sleep and recovery.
- Dual-Frequency GPS: This makes the watch much better at tracking your runs in big cities with tall buildings or in dense forests where GPS signals are usually weak.
- Auto-Exercise Detection: If you start running or biking but forget to start the timer, the watch will realize what you are doing within minutes and ask if you want to record the workout.
A Serviceable and Tough Design
For the first time ever, a major smartwatch is user-repairable. Google designed the Google Pixel Watch 4 so that if you crack the screen or the battery dies after a few years, a professional (or a brave DIYer) can actually swap those parts out. This is a huge win for the environment and for your wallet, as you won’t have to buy a whole new watch if you have a small accident.
The watch is also very tough. It has an IP68 rating, meaning it is totally protected against dust and can be submerged in up to 50 meters of water. Whether you are swimming in a pool or getting caught in a rainstorm while hiking, the Pixel Watch 4 will keep on ticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Pixel Watch 4 work with an iPhone?
No. Just like the Apple Watch only works with iPhones, the Pixel Watch 4 only works with Android phones (running Android 11 or newer). It is best paired with a Google Pixel phone for the most features.
Is there a monthly fee for Fitbit?
The watch comes with all the basic health tracking for free. However, if you want Daily Readiness Scores and deep AI coaching, you may need a Fitbit Premium subscription.
What is the difference between the 41mm and 45mm sizes?
The 45mm watch has a larger screen and a much bigger battery. If you have large wrists or want the longest battery life possible, go with the 45mm. The 41mm is better for people with smaller wrists who want something lightweight.
Can I use it to pay at stores?
Yes! The watch has NFC built-in, so you can use Google Wallet to pay for groceries or coffee just by tapping your wrist against the payment terminal.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is the most refined and intelligent smartwatch Google has ever made. By fixing the battery life, shrinking the bezels, and adding powerful AI with Gemini, they have created a device that is actually a joy to wear every day.
It isn’t just a gadget that gives you notifications, it’s a tool that helps you stay healthy, keeps you safe with satellite SOS and pulse detection, and looks great while doing it. If you are an Android user looking for the perfect watch in 2026, the Pixel Watch 4 is the clear winner.
