Pixel Watch 4 announced: What’s new, what’s not?

We're still an hour away from this year’s Made by Google event, but thanks to a steady stream of Pixel leaks, we already know what's on deck. You can tune into the Made by Google livestream for the official unveiling of the Google Pixel Watch 4, but after previewing the new smartwatch at a recent event, we can also share a detailed first look at the new wearable.

We can also share some good news: The Pixel Watch 4 won't arrive with a price increase. The 41mm version starts at $349, and the 45mm version starts at $399.

Google’s sleek smartwatch line is back, and this year’s model brings a suite of upgrades designed to smooth over some of the rough edges from last year’s Pixel Watch 3. The Watch 4 promises longer battery life, noticeably faster charging, improved health and fitness features, and a fresh set of eye-catching color options to go with its minimalist design. It's a solid alternative to the recently released Galaxy Watch 8, with its love-it-or-hate-it "squircle" design.

On paper, the Pixel Watch 4 looks like a clear step up from the Watch 3 — but it’s not a total reinvention. Much of the functionality remains the same, meaning last year’s model is still perfectly serviceable if you’re not itching to upgrade. That said, if you’re debating whether the Watch 4 is worth the leap, here’s a breakdown of what’s changed, and what hasn’t changed, with Google’s latest flagship smartwatch and fitness tracker.

New: Bigger display, longer life, faster charging

The Pixel Watch 4 is also getting a bump in display tech. Google says the new screen is roughly 10 percent larger than the Watch 3, with a nearly edge-to-edge design that makes the updated Wear OS 6 and Material 3 Expression UI look and feel more animated and lively. On top of that, brightness has been cranked up considerably, topping out at a dazzling 3,000 nits compared to the Pixel Watch 3’s 2,000. That means better visibility outdoors and sharper contrast when you’re checking notifications on the fly.

Battery life has also seen some fine-tuning. On the 45mm model, the Pixel Watch 4 promises up to 40 hours of runtime, while the smaller 41mm version manages about 30 hours. Kick in Battery Saver mode and you’re looking at 72 hours on the 45mm and 48 hours on the 41mm. Charging is faster too: Google claims the Watch 4 can jump from 0 to 50 percent in just 15 minutes, a nice improvement over the Watch 3, which took 24 minutes to hit the same mark.

Finally, if you're a fan of the Google Gemini AI chatbot, a Google press release says the Pixel Watch 4 is "our best watch for experiencing Gemini." Of course, Google would say that.

Not new: Fitness and health features

When it comes to health and fitness, the Pixel Watch 4 sticks to the same playbook as its predecessor. You’re still getting the deep Fitbit integration that tracks heart rate, sleep, SpO2, stress, and workouts, plus Google’s AI-powered Running Insights for performance feedback. ECG readings, irregular heart rhythm notifications, fall detection, and emergency SOS are also carried over unchanged.

The Pixel Watch 4 hasn’t introduced any groundbreaking new health sensors or fitness features this year — it’s largely refining the same Fitbit-driven ecosystem that debuted on the Pixel Watch 3. However, Google has added improved GPS tracking for more precise route mapping and distance measurement, particularly useful for runners, cyclists, and hikers.

New: Colors

The Pixel Watch 4 is getting a fresh coat of paint when it comes to design. Google is offering the same two case sizes (41mm and 45mm), and both now come in four finishes: Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, and the all-new Rose Quartz.

Band options have also expanded, but you’ll still find staples like metal links, woven, leather, and stretch bands. Google is also adding new shades across the board to better complement the updated cases. It’s not a radical redesign, but the new colorways give buyers more flexibility to mix and match and lean into either sporty or luxury aesthetics.

Pixel Watch 4: Release date, pricing, and pre-order

As of this writing, the Pixel Watch 4 is not yet available for pre-order, but we expect it to be available shortly. A Google spokesperson told us the Pixel Watch 4 won't ship and appear on store shelves until Oct. 9, however.

• Pixel Watch 4, 41mm: $349 for Wi-Fi and $449 for LTE

• Pixel Watch 4, 45mm: $399 for Wi-Fi and $499 for LTE