**Analyzing the eight most persuasive arguments for upgrading to or switching to the Pixel Watch 4 — alongside four valid reasons not to.**
The Google Pixel Watch 4 seemed somewhat secondary during the Made By Google Fallon event, yet it boasts some remarkable standout features. Existing Pixel Watch users have until the October 9 release to determine if they should trade in their current device, and while there are plenty of enticing options, not everyone should do so.
Our top trade-in offer for the Watch 4 provides $200 in credit for a Pixel Watch 3 or $95 for a Watch 2. This is a good deal for a standard model, but there’s no added credit for trading in a 45mm or LTE version, and you’re still facing a reasonably high price if you want those upgrades again.
My role isn’t to persuade you to buy the Pixel Watch 4; it’s to focus on what has changed that you may find appealing, as opposed to the exaggerated new features or unchanged elements from the Watch 3 that could let you down.
Here are the main reasons to purchase a Pixel Watch 4, along with some reasons why you might want to reconsider!
**Reasons to BUY the Google Pixel Watch 4**
1. **Faster Charging**: The Pixel Watch 4 introduces a new side charger that reaches 50% power in 15 minutes or a full charge 15–20 minutes faster. This is particularly useful for quick GPS workouts or to recharge before or after tracking sleep.
2. **Notable Battery Improvement**: The 41mm and 45mm models of the Watch 4 achieve 30 and 40 hours with AOD, respectively. If you’re patient, Wear OS 6 can also enhance efficiency on your older Pixel Watch.
3. **On-Device AI Smart Responses**: The Pixel Watch 4 incorporates on-device AI smart replies. Gemini provides contextually relevant responses to messages.
4. **Raise to Speak**: Replacing the “Hey Google” command and button shortcut, it allows you to elevate the watch to your mouth and begin speaking. The improved speakers on the Watch 4 enhance the clarity of Gemini.
5. **Enhanced Display**: A 10% larger touchscreen, 16% reduced bezels, and an additional 1,000 nits of brightness compared to the Watch 3. Watch 2 or 1 owners will find significantly more room for apps and notifications.
6. **Easy-to-Replace Display and Battery**: The display and battery are designed for easy replacement, offering a repairability level not present in earlier models.
7. **New Skin Temperature Sensor and Improved Sleep Algorithm**: Enhanced at distinguishing your sleep phases and detecting signs of illness.
8. **Snapdragon W5 Gen 2**: 20% more efficient in battery consumption and supports NB-NTN satellite messaging via the Skylo network. It also provides improved dual-band GPS accuracy for outdoor enthusiasts.
**Reasons NOT to BUY the Google Pixel Watch 4**
1. **Battery Longevity**: Despite improved charging and a bigger battery, the Watch 4 will still require daily charges to avoid dying at inconvenient times. Consider a smartwatch that offers longer life.
2. **Fitbit AI Coach Subscription**: The concept of the Fitbit AI coach is appealing, but it’s not worth your investment unless you’re prepared to subscribe after the six-month complimentary trial ends.
3. **Delicate Bezelless Design**: The bezelless construction of the Pixel Watch 4 is prone to damage compared to the MIL-STD-810H-rated Galaxy Watch 8, and Gorilla Glass 5 does not provide the same scratch resistance as sapphire glass.
4. **Possible Future Enhancements**: A leak regarding the Pixel Watch 5 indicates it may be equipped with a more powerful Tensor processor, while Qualcomm is likely developing a RISC-V processor with better efficiency. Waiting for next year’s performance improvements might make this year’s Gen-2 Snapdragon chip less appealing.
**Making Your Final Choice**
I’m confident that the Pixel Watch 4 will be among the finest Android watches of 2025, though only a thorough review will fully evaluate its new features, and you’ll want a solid trade-in offer to make the 45mm or LTE models more affordable.
If you currently own a Pixel Watch, comparing the Pixel Watch 4 with the Watch 2 will reveal significant differences; I would definitely recommend upgrading. The disparity between the Watch 4 and Watch 3 isn’t as pronounced, but the trade-in value is double, which makes it an enticing option.
For users of other brands like Samsung, core features such as Gemini, Fitbit, and Wear OS apps are compatible with any Android device. Galaxy phone owners dissatisfied with the Galaxy Watch 8’s squircle design might consider switching, and the competition between the Watch 8 and Watch 4 is quite fierce.
Ultimately, if you’re not excited about the advantages of the Pixel Watch 4, it may be best to hold off.
