It’s been an enormous yr for Google in varied methods and on the {hardware} facet, I’ve been testing the Pixel Watch 4. The overview embargo has simply lifted, however I haven’t examined it totally sufficient to carry you a full overview simply but.
Nevertheless, in virtually a week of testing, I’ve discovered some key issues in regards to the flagship smartwatch, which can compete with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Apple Watch Collection 11.
The Pixel Watch 4 goes on sale right now from £349/$349 (together with the Pixel 10 Professional Fold), though I’ve been testing the bigger and dearer 45mm measurement within the new Moonstone colourway.
I really like the design. I’ve because the first era, and the brand new domed Actua 360 show is a pleasant improve, however there have been extra vital discoveries throughout my first seven days with the wearable – they usually’re not all constructive.
Charging is manner higher
A pet hate of mine relating to smartwatches is how so a lot of them include proprietary charging options. These usually contain slightly puck that attaches to the again and might be each fiddly and unreliable.
Though I’d wish to see all Put on OS smartwatches undertake Qi wi-fi charging to make life simpler (Qualcomm advised me it is going to occur), Google has at the least give you a a lot better manner of charging the Pixel Watch 4.
The system now comes with slightly white Fast Cost Dock you could put in your desk or bedside desk. There’s now not any have to wrestle with an annoying snake-like cable with a circle on the finish.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Pop the Pixel Watch 4 in, it snaps into place with magnets (though it’s not branded Pixelsnap to keep away from complicated it with Qi2) and two metallic contacts deal with charging. Fortunately, those on the watch aren’t the eyesore I feared they may be. I at all times preferred the docking stations that got here with early smartwatches such because the Motorola Moto 360 and was irritated after they weren’t extensively adopted.
The system feels extra correct and grown-up. Plus, as soon as the smartwatch is docked, you’ll be able to nonetheless make use of it as slightly bedside clock. You’ll be able to see the time in addition to different info, comparable to charging progress.
It’s fast too, getting as much as 80% in half-hour in my testing. If you’d like further docks to put round the home or maybe at work, you will get them for £29/$29 every.
Gemini on Put on OS is really helpful
In case you hadn’t observed, AI is creeping (extra like storming) into each space of tech and smartwatches are not any exception, particularly the place Google units are involved, as Gemini is now one of many prime AI platforms obtainable.
It’s changing Google Assistant on all the pieces and the Pixel Watch 4 is without doubt one of the first wearable units to have it inbuilt as a part of Put on OS 6.
With earlier Put on OS smartwatches, I didn’t discover myself utilizing Google Assistant all that a lot. I’d use it at first, simply to check it out, then I shortly forgot it was even there.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Gemini, nonetheless, is much extra helpful with its responses and though I’m not a eager AI person on different units, having it on my wrist has confirmed to be the proper use for it.
It’s faster than consulting my telephone, which I’ve usually left in one other room, so it is available in actually helpful for fast questions and controlling sensible dwelling units. It even helped me resolve on which day to mow the garden.
I’m nonetheless exploring what it might probably do and it’s in no way good. I requested Gemini to vary my step rely objective (10,000 is simply foolish for me), however no can do, it says.
The watch additionally knowledgeable me that Gemini can “let you know about your coronary heart fee” however once I ask, it merely brings up the real-time determine as some form of shortcut and nothing extra.
Efficiency is worrying
The above enhancements are nice, and there are others I’ll cowl within the full overview, however none of that is any good with out stable underlying efficiency and this wasn’t one thing I anticipated to have an issue with on the Pixel Watch 4.
It’s operating on Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor constructed for wearables and that is the plainest model of Put on OS as it’s a Pixel.
It’s not an enormous downside, however after per week, it’s actually one thing I’m nervous about. More often than not, the watch runs simply nice – scrolling by notifications and menus and so forth – however stutters, lags and glitches have been far too frequent for my liking.
In any case, it is a flagship smartwatch and if you’re forking out a minimal of £349/$349, you anticipate it to run easily.
Chris Martin / Foundry
I’m principally seeing slowdowns when the system has extra to load, comparable to summoning Gemini, opening an app comparable to Spotify, or the preliminary swipe to scroll by the Tiles (the widgets on both facet of the primary watch face). Typically this may take a second or two, which looks like an absolute age in 2025.
It will probably even occur when doing easier issues just like the PIN sample to unlock the watch. I’ve discovered the software program glitchy when it’s within the Fast Cost Dock, too. For instance, it can’t resolve on the orientation of the display screen and generally which graphics to point out.
I’m actually hoping these are simply early teething issues that Google can type with a firmware replace. It does occur generally once we take a look at units forward of launch and it’s one of many causes I’m not fairly prepared to publish a full overview.
On the entire, I’m impressed with the Pixel Watch 4, however this remaining caveat may cease it from getting our Editor’s Selection award. Keep tuned for the complete overview quickly.