A Week with the Pixel Watch 4: 2 Big Wins and 1 Bigger Disappointment

Google has had a successful year in various aspects, and one of the highlights is the launch of the Pixel Watch 4. As the review embargo has just been lifted, I have had the opportunity to test the flagship smartwatch. Although I have not completed a full review yet, after almost a week of testing, I have gathered some key insights about the device that will compete with other top smartwatches in the market like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Apple Watch Series 11.

The Pixel Watch 4 is now available for purchase starting at £349/$349, and I have been testing the larger 45mm size in the new Moonstone color. One of the standout features of the watch is its design, which I have admired since the first generation. The new domed Actua 360 display is a notable upgrade, but there have been other discoveries during my initial testing period – not all of them positive.

One significant improvement I noticed is the charging mechanism of the Pixel Watch 4. Unlike many smartwatches that come with proprietary charging solutions, Google has introduced a Quick Charge Dock for the Pixel Watch 4. This dock eliminates the need for a fiddly cable and provides a seamless charging experience. The watch snaps into place with magnets on the dock, making the process hassle-free. Additionally, the dock can serve as a bedside clock while charging, displaying useful information like the time and charging progress.

Another notable feature of the Pixel Watch 4 is the integration of Gemini on Wear OS. Gemini, Google’s advanced AI platform, replaces Google Assistant on the device. Unlike previous Wear OS smartwatches where I rarely used Google Assistant, Gemini has proven to be more useful with quicker responses and enhanced functionalities. It has been particularly handy for quick queries and controlling smart home devices.

However, despite these improvements, I have encountered performance issues with the Pixel Watch 4. While the device is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor and runs on a clean version of Wear OS, I have experienced occasional stutters, lags, and glitches during my testing period. These performance issues have been noticeable when loading heavy tasks like summoning Gemini or opening apps like Spotify.

Overall, the Pixel Watch 4 shows promise with its design, improved charging mechanism, and the integration of Gemini on Wear OS. However, the performance issues I have encountered could potentially hinder its chances of receiving our Editor’s Choice award. I am hopeful that these issues can be addressed with a firmware update, and I will continue testing the device to provide a comprehensive review soon. Stay tuned for more updates on the Pixel Watch 4.