Google Pixel Watch 4: Only One Major Upgrade Expected
For the third year in a row, Google’s Pixel Watch lineup seems to be sticking with minor hardware improvements—disappointing news for those hoping for a major leap forward.
While the Pixel Watch may not be the first choice for Android users seeking a smartwatch, Google remains a key player in the wearable market. Last year’s Pixel Watch 3 arrived with underwhelming upgrades, and if leaks are accurate, the upcoming Pixel Watch 4 (expected next month) won’t change that trend.
A Small Battery Boost—But Don’t Expect Much
The original Pixel Watch and its successor only came in a 41mm size, but last year, Google finally introduced a larger 45mm option for users who wanted a bigger display and battery.
The Pixel Watch 4 will keep both sizes, which is good news. However, the only confirmed hardware upgrade is a minor battery capacity increase—roughly 5-10% for both models.
| Model | Pixel Watch 3 | Pixel Watch 4 |
|—————|————–|————–|
| 41mm | 307mAh | 327mAh |
| 45mm | 420mAh | 459mAh |
This small bump likely won’t translate to significantly longer battery life, especially since…
The Same Old Chipset Returns
Google isn’t upgrading the processor—the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 will power the Pixel Watch 4 again. To be fair, Qualcomm hasn’t released a new smartwatch chip in years (though one is [reportedly coming soon](https://www.talkandroid.com/511478-qualcomm-wear-os-chip/)).
This means Google is using the best available Qualcomm chip, but it’s still disappointing for a full-price flagship smartwatch. Competitors like Samsung’s Exynos W1000 (in the upcoming Galaxy Watch 8) offer better performance, making them a stronger choice for power users.
Software & AI: Where Google Will Focus
If Google’s past strategy is any indication, the Pixel Watch 4 will prioritize software enhancements over hardware upgrades. Expect:
- More Gemini & Google AI integration (smarter responses, better voice commands)
- AI-powered health insights (personalized recommendations)
- New health tracking metrics (possibly blood pressure or advanced sleep analysis)
The Bottom Line
If you own a Pixel Watch 3, there’s little reason to upgrade. But if you’re new to Google’s wearables, the Pixel Watch 4 might still be a solid choice—just don’t expect groundbreaking hardware changes.
