Google's new Pixel Watch 4 may have dethroned its predecessor (at least on paper) as our favorite Android Watch, setting a new standard for the rest of the smartwatch world.
The company debuted its latest smartwatch at its Made by Google event alongside its new phone lineup and budget-friendly earbuds. With an AI-powered health coach, improved battery life, first-of-its-kind satellite connectivity and easier repairs, the $350 Pixel Watch 4 feels like it was pulled straight from my personal wishlist. If it can deliver on all those promises, it may even give the next Apple Watch a serious run for its money.
Compared to decade-long veterans like Samsung's Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch still feels like the new kid on the block. But from the start, it's nailed that sweet spot between stylish hardware, robust (Fitbit-powered) health features, and seamless integration with Google's ecosystem. Rather than coasting on what already works, Google keeps addressing pain points to make each Pixel Watch better than the last. Now the Pixel Watch 4 marks what the company calls the biggest overhaul since the product first launched.
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Watch this: Pixel Watch 4 First Look: Google Just Raised the Bar 05:25
Pixel Watch 4 pricing and availability
The Pixel Watch 4 is available for preorder starting Aug. 20 and in stores Oct. 9. Pricing starts at $349 for the 41mm Wi-Fi model and $399 for the larger 45mm. LTE versions add $100 across the board, at $449 and $499, respectively. Every LTE model also comes with two years of Google Fi data when purchased through the Google Store or Best Buy. The watch also will ship with 32GB of storage Google's latest Wear OS 6 and, as always, will be first in line for future updates.
The Pixel Watch 4 has a familiar design with an upgraded domed screen that's 50% brighter than the Pixel Watch 3, with a 3,000-nit peak. Joseph Maldonado/CNET
Pixel Watch 4 screen upgrades
At first glance, the Pixel Watch 4 looks a lot like its predecessors. It has the same frameless circular domed screen that seems to bubble up from the center and a metal rotating crown that adds a touch of polish. You still get 41mm and 45mm sizing options but the screen itself is larger thanks to smaller bezels that are 16% thinner and add 10% more usable area.
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