The Google Pixel Watch 4 has been the talk since its launch, making big waves in all smartwatch innovations. This smartwatch features a newly designed curved domed Actua 360 smart display. Featuring new performance attributes, it delivers an exceptional experience for everyday or active lifestyle use. Consumer tech writer Ivan Mehta’s hands-on review for TechCrunch reveals what it can—and can’t—do, and the experience comes through loud and clear.
In fact, the Pixel Watch 4 has more refined design features with even thinner bezels that we’ve seen on the Pixel Watch 3. The display’s exceptional 3,000 nit peak brightness makes it easy to see even in bright daylight. This additive expands the takes advantage of the watch for outdoor pursuits and will increase usability in reduced-light situations.
Battery life continues to be an important consideration among prospective smartwatch users. Even with its compact 41mm form factor, the Pixel Watch 4 still surprises with a little bit of longevity. It can last more than a day under lighter activities, making it suitable for users who require all-day wear without frequent charging. The quick charging feature means that in a few minutes of charging, users can get enough power to go through their day.
Mehta points out the Pixel Watch 4’s focus on fitness enthusiasts features like the heart rate monitor. It enables tracking for even more activities, like pickleball and walking, making the platform more inclusive to a wider range of athletes. In addition to all the other exercises, our exercise app even has custom treadmill and elliptical modes. Today it’s a caveat to say the watch doesn’t offer dedicated modes for other gym equipment. Because it only looks at these two options.
The update to the smartwatch adds another smart feature, a new pinch gesture. Wearers can now easily dismiss notifications, play or pause media, and decline calls with just a flick of their wrist. This time-saving intuitive addition naturally guides users to interact with the website and helps expedite frequent requests.
Yet, there are still some critical limitations to the Pixel Watch 4’s functionality that have been pointed out. The replacement exercise app only allows you to quickly start three workouts. Walkers, joggers, bicycle riders—no one will be happy with this limitation. Unlike the watch, there are no deeper sleep or readiness score insights included as part of a daily summary. This will be a letdown to anyone expecting a full suite of health measurements available to users.
With the Pixel Watch 4 available in two sizes—41mm and 45mm— users can choose the right size, use less bulky features. Our review looked at the svelte 41mm test unit. I highly suggest the 45mm model due to its bigger screen and better battery life.
Overall, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is another hit and one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy right now. Its well-balanced blend of stunning aesthetic design, practical features, and improved battery performance give it a leg up in the competitive smartwatch market.