In a market where sleek design often comes at the cost of user serviceability, Google's latest wearable has made a statement that is both rare and welcome. The Pixel Watch 4 emerges not just as another smartwatch, but as a device that champions the right to repair while simultaneously making significant strides in its fitness tracking capabilities. This review synthesizes findings from a detailed teardown and extensive real-world testing to determine if this smartwatch can truly balance consumer-friendly design with the demands of serious athletes.
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| Close-up of the Google Pixel Watch 4 showing running activity metrics, emphasizing its design and fitness tracking capabilities |
A Repairability Champion in a Disposable World
The Pixel Watch 4 has achieved what many considered nearly impossible for modern wearables: high repairability without sacrificing its compact, streamlined form factor. In an extensive teardown conducted by iFixit, the device earned an exceptional 9 out of 10 repairability score, placing it among the most user-serviceable wearables available. The repair process begins simply by removing the watch bands, which immediately reveals accessible screws rather than hidden adhesives. Once these screws are removed, the backplate comes off cleanly, providing direct access to internal components. Perhaps most impressively, the display is not glued down, allowing for straightforward replacement—a rarity in today's smartwatch landscape. This design philosophy is further supported by Google's partnership with iFixit, ensuring that replacement parts will be available to consumers, extending the device's lifespan and reducing electronic waste.
Fitness Tracking: Closing the Gap on Specialized Competitors
When pitted against the Garmin Forerunner 970, a watch renowned for its athletic precision, the Pixel Watch 4 demonstrated remarkably competent performance. Its dual-frequency GPS tracking proved largely accurate across various scenarios, including a half-marathon in an urban environment and a 19-mile long run. While the watch occasionally displayed minor tracking deviations around tall buildings and was slightly slower to register sharp turns compared to the Garmin, the final distance measurements were consistently within 0.02 miles of the specialized fitness watch. The device's GPS efficiency is particularly noteworthy, consuming approximately 7.5-12% battery per hour during activities, making it capable of handling extended workouts and races without concern for premature shutdown.
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| The Garmin Forerunner 970 showcasing GPS navigation on a city map, representing the competition the Pixel Watch 4 faces in fitness tracking accuracy |
Heart Rate Accuracy and Automated Intelligence
The optical heart rate sensor on the Pixel Watch 4 delivers reliable but not class-leading performance. Across multiple tests comparing it against chest straps and other arm-based sensors, the watch consistently registered heart rates approximately 1-2 beats per minute lower than the reference devices. While the sensor tracks heart rate trends accurately and responds to changes in effort with minimal lag, the persistent slight deficit prevents it from achieving top marks. However, Google has implemented sophisticated automated activity detection that successfully identified running sessions post-workout with impressive precision, measuring duration within seconds of manually logged activities. The main limitation for serious athletes remains the inability to connect external heart rate monitors, a feature commonly found on dedicated fitness watches.
Where the Experience Falls Short for Athletes
Despite its advancements, the Pixel Watch 4 still lacks several features that serious athletes have come to expect. The on-screen data during workouts is limited to basic metrics like heart rate, pace, and duration, with no option for custom data fields that Garmin users enjoy. The watch doesn't support connectivity with cycling power meters, lacks triathlon and open-water swimming modes, and omits advanced running metrics like running power and race predictions. Additionally, the two-day battery life, while sufficient for most users, falls short of the week-long endurance offered by many fitness-focused competitors. The absence of sapphire glass also means users may want to consider additional protection for the display during rigorous activities.
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| The smartwatch interface highlighting workout summaries, emphasizing limitations in data display for serious athletes |
The Verdict: A Compromise That Leans Toward Mainstream Success
The Pixel Watch 4 represents a significant step forward in making technology both accessible and sustainable. Its repairability sets a new standard for the industry, while its fitness capabilities have narrowed the gap with specialized devices enough to satisfy most casual to intermediate athletes. The upcoming Gemini-powered Fitbit coach promises to further enhance the training experience with AI-driven personalized guidance. For consumers seeking a smartwatch that balances modern convenience, environmental consciousness, and capable fitness tracking, the Pixel Watch 4 presents a compelling option at USD 349.99, though dedicated endurance athletes may still find the feature set insufficient for their specialized needs.
