The Pixel Watch 4 finally feels like the smartwatch Google always wanted to make. The Gemini assistant is genuinely useful, battery life is fine but fussy, and while the design still leans on form over practicality, it’s hard not to love how clever this thing feels on your wrist.
Design and Build
The Pixel Watch 4 looks the part. Round, compact, and stylish enough to sit comfortably beside your phone or laptop without screaming “tech toy”. Google’s curved glass design is becoming their signature look, and while it’s undeniably sleek, it’s also a bit dainty. One bad bump against a doorframe and you’ll wince.
That said, the overall build quality is lovely. The watch feels premium, straps are comfy, and the screen is crisp and vibrant, perfect for glancing at notifications or using as a mini bedside clock. It’s not bulky, it’s not heavy, and it doesn’t look ridiculous on smaller wrists. Apple might still be clinging to their square design, but round is definitely the more natural shape for a watch.
Gemini Assistant and Smart Features
This is where the Pixel Watch 4 shines. The Gemini assistant makes everything else, Siri, Alexa, even Google Assistant on older devices, feel prehistoric. You can send messages, install apps, check your calendar, or even control smart home gear by voice, without ever picking up your phone. But layering in Gemini gives you incredible power on your wrist.
Im coming from a Garmin 255 Forerunner, a watch I love. But the richer smart experience of the Pixel Watch 4 makes me feel like I need to spend some more time with the Pixel and maybe continue to daily driver it.
But these richer experiences come at a cost.
Battery and Charging
Google claims the watch will last about 30 hours in terms of battery life, and honestly, that’s about right, give or take. The problem with 30 hours is that sometimes the battery dies in the office, sometimes at home, sometimes while I sleep. My charger is always somewhere else from the last charge. Ultimately, Ive ended up just charging every night regardless.
Charging itself is quick and easy, but the real sting is the charger. It’s a bespoke puck, not USB-C, not standard wireless. Its got its own bloody charger. In 2025, that’s maddening. It does double nicely as a mini bedside clock while charging, and it holds a trickle of power to show the time if you lift it off briefly, but still, one more cable to lose or forget on a weekend away.
LTE and Everyday Use
The LTE model is one to watch (pun absolutely intended). Being able to take calls or stream music without a phone in your pocket is the dream, but right now that depends on your network. Irish carriers are still catching up with eSIM and smartwatch LTE plans. Some like Vodafone and Three support eSIM but my own network, Clear Mobile, does not.
Even without LTE, it’s a joy to use. Everything feels more connected, from fitness tracking to notifications. I’ve always liked Garmin for accuracy and battery life, but after using the Pixel Watch 4, it’s hard to go back.
The Pixel Watch 4 starts around €399 in Ireland for the Wi-Fi version, with LTE models pushing closer to €449. It’s available from Google’s online store and a few major Irish retailers.
