Pixel Watch 4: Brighter, larger displays and easier to repair

Longer battery life, a brighter screen and a faster processor: Google is giving the Pixel Watch a major upgrade with the fourth generation presented today. But the most practical innovation is likely to be something else: The battery and front glass should be replaceable by end users.

In the fourth generation, the smartwatch will be available on the market in two case sizes as usual, with diameters of 41 and 45 millimeters. Visually, the Watch 4 is no different from its predecessor, but thanks to narrower display edges, Google claims to have managed to squeeze 10 percent larger screens into the cases. The digital watch faces look more three-dimensional, as the OLED panel is now just as curved as the glass above it. The OLED screens should now achieve a maximum brightness of 3000 cd/m². Google had specified 2000 cd/m² for the previous watch – and its screen was also easy to read even in the sun. Google does not specify the exact display size. The pixel density and refresh rate remain unchanged: as with the Pixel Watch 3, the display shows content at 320 pixels per inch (ppi) and dynamically adjusts the frame rate between 1 and 60 Hertz.

With satellite radio for the first time, but only in the USA

The Pixel Watch 4 is the first watch to feature Qualcomm's new smartwatch system-on-chip (SoC), the W5 Gen 2, which enables communication via satellite radio. According to Google, the Pixel Watch 4 should be able to make emergency calls even without mobile phone reception. However, when asked, Google states that this will only work in the USA for now. However, everyone should benefit from better positioning thanks to dual-band GPS. The memory configuration of the watch remains unchanged with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory.

Google has installed batteries with a slightly higher capacity (455 and 325 mAh) in both the small and the large watch. According to Google, the large watch runs for up to 40 hours on a single charge, the small one for up to 30 hours. The charging port has been moved from the bottom to the side of the housing. The new connection also increases the charging speed: the smaller Pixel Watch 4 is fully charged in 45 minutes (previously 60 minutes), the larger one in 60 minutes (previously 80 minutes). Old charging cases are incompatible.

Replaceable battery and cover glass

A new feature is that the battery and cover glass should be replaceable for end customers. The inside of the housing can be accessed via the back. Judging by the photos, the battery itself appears to be screwed into the housing. When we asked, Google did not reveal whether the back cover is glued or not, nor when replacement parts will be available and how much they will cost. Apart from the cover glass and battery, other components should also be replaceable, although Google "strongly recommends that you only carry out this work if you have the necessary skills and tools to do so".

As before, the Pixel Watch supports Wi-Fi 6 (801.11ax) and communication via the 5 GHz band. An optional LTE cellular modem is also built in. The Pixel Watch also supports UWB, known as ultra-wideband radio. Google has not made any changes to the sensor array for health tracking compared to its predecessor. There is a multi-way heart rate sensor on board, which can be used to measure activity zone minutes through to tracking body reactions and heart health. There are also SpO2 sensors for blood oxygen measurement and a cEDA (Continuous Electrodermal Activity) sensor that analyzes the body for possible stress or excitement. As with the Watch 3, an individual running plan can be created with the new generation to keep an eye on your own performance and optimize your running routine.

In addition to the fitness functions that can be viewed on the smartphone via the Firtbit app, the deep Google integration makes it possible to access the live feed of Nest cameras and doorbells directly on the wrist. The watch can also be used as a Google TV remote control and for navigation with offline maps from Google Maps. WearOS 6 is pre-installed on the software side.

Google is leaving the prices unchanged: The Pixel Watch starts from 399 euros for the Pixel Watch 4 (41 mm) with Wi-Fi, the Pixel Watch 4 (45 mm) costs 449 euros. The mobile versions cost 100 euros more in each case.

In addition to the watch, Google has also unveiled the Pixel Buds 2a wearable hardware. They replace the first generation of the A-series as the company's entry-level in-ears. Unlike the first model, they feature active noise canceling (ANC). However, they are no longer a budget tip: Google has raised the price from 99 to 149 euros. Both the Pixel Watch and the new Buds will be available from October 9.

(rbr)