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Pixel Watch 4 Leaks Hint at Very Limited Upgrades So Far

The Pixel Watch 4 leaks suggest that, from the design to the SoC, not much is changing from Google’s previous smartwatch releases.

The Made by Google hardware event is just a month away, and while the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to be the highlight of the event, the Pixel Watch 4 leaks suggest the smartwatch might be worth considering as well. Keeping in line with previous releases, the Pixel Watch 4 is expected to offer two variants, so you can expect to see a 41mm version and a 45mm version arrive for those who have a preference in sizes.

The Pixel Watch lineup has held on to its smooth circular dials and small form factor since inception, and we don’t think Google is ready to switch things up just yet. Most of the innovation is expected to be contained within the watch’s OS, as many leaks claim that users might be disappointed by the lack of any substantial new hardware on the Pixel Watch 4. We’re in the early days of the leaks, so we’ll wait for Google to confirm what is actually in store, but here’s what we know so far.

Pixel Watch 4 features
Image: Pixel Watch 3

Google Pixel Watch 4 Leaks Abound: Here’s What to Expect from the Smartwatch

From what we’ve seen of the Pixel Watch 4 leaks, the two variants, the 45mm model, codenamed Kenari or FK23, and the 41mm model, codenamed Meridian or FME23, are expected to be available in LTE and Wi-Fi-only variants. This update comes from Android Authority, and the platform also confirmed that Google is sticking to the same Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform we’ve seen with the last two Pixel Watch releases. This lack of upgrade has disappointed many fans, but it also appears to be Google’s best bet until it’s ready to release its own chip next year and build its capabilities around it. 

Some rumors also suggest that the Google Pixel Watch 4 could rely on a dual-chip setup, pairing the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip with a new M55 co-processor. This feels like a stretch considering the company’s future plans to move away from the Snapdragon ecosystem, but it isn’t an impossible outcome. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip hasn’t lost its shine and continues to be a top performer, so users aren’t necessarily going to be offered an “outdated” smartwatch. 

Are There Any Aesthetic Upgrades to Look Forward To with the Pixel Watch 4?

Leaker Arsène Lupin took to X/Twitter to announce they had found some of the colorways that the Pixel Watch 4 will be available in, and the list includes Black/Obsidian, Gold/Lemon, Moonstone, Silver/Iris, and Silver/Porcelain. They also indicated a wide range of options for the bands, from a distinct selection of colors to materials like leather and metal mesh. 

The bezel might shrink by a small degree on the upcoming watches, but with the screens being so small already, there isn’t much room for them to really disappear. The Pixel Watch 4 is undoubtedly one of the more attractive and subtly designed smartwatches on the market, so a range of options in terms of aesthetics could easily help the gadget appeal to a wider audience that hates the bulkiness of a typical smartwatch.

The Pixel Watch 4 Battery Could Be in Line for an Upgrade

Recent Pixel Watch 4 leaks have hinted at an upgrade in battery capacity for both variants of the upcoming smartwatch. The 41mm variant could get a boost from 307mAh to 327mAh, and the 45mm variant could go up from 420mAh to 459mAh. 

The smartwatch could also sport some faster charging mechanics to get the watch snapped back on your wrist at a quicker rate, but we aren’t sure about the specifics. Again, the improvements in battery are decidedly minor, so if you already own a Pixel Watch 3, the specs of the Pixel Watch 4 aren’t going to impress you. The bump up in battery does mean the watch could improve from a 1.5-day cycle to lasting 2-3 days instead, but it’s no Garmin Forerunner 970.

Emergency Features and A Bump Up In Repairability

Rumors suggest that the Pixel Watch 4’s health tracking capabilities could be improved with a new “strength training” mode through a Workout Builder, for those who live for the gym-rat lifestyle. There’s also a more refined SpO2 blood oxygen monitoring system for continuous assessments, so users can see more alerts when their oxygen levels are running low. This alert should help users be more wary of fluctuating health conditions that need to be addressed. Paired with existing crash detection and fall detection features, the device could be a useful aid for people at high risk of falls and injuries.

The smartwatch is also expected to feature a more advanced Emergency Satellite Communications setup, but details on the mechanism are sparse. Better connectivity is always a welcome upgrade, so this should be one feature on the Pixel Watch 4 we can look forward to.

We’ve also seen a few leaks around the Pixel Watch 4 that suggest that Google is improving the repairability of its devices. This means that you could be able to draw out the use of the watch for longer without having to replace the entire device due to minor damage. This is a promising development, but the extent of repairability remains a mystery. If it only allows for very niche instances of damage, then few users will benefit from this upgrade.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 Leaks Don’t Impress, but It Is Too Soon to Give It a Thumbs Down

Apart from what we’ve discussed, the majority of the changes and upgrades to the smartwatch could come in through the revamped operating system. The Android 16 redesign has been discussed at great length, and its expansion into the Wear OS system could bring in a slew of functions and features that make the Pixel Watch easier to use. Now, the features that arrive on the Pixel Watch 4 through OS upgrades may also make their way to the older variants as well, so it isn’t exactly a win for the Watch 4. 

For all intents and purposes, the Pixel Watch 4 specs are not changing in any substantial way. With the internal and external hardware largely the same, the watch could just be a gateway for non-Pixel users to make the switch to the device, but there’s little reason—so far—for existing Pixel Watch users to upgrade. Google appears to know this as well, considering the rumors indicate the prices of the two variants will remain unchanged from the Pixel Watch 3’s release prices.

The Pixel Watch 4 release date has been set for August 20, 2025, where it will debut with a range of smartphones and buds, as well as other mystery announcements that Google has not elaborated on. With less than a month to go, we’re keen to just how these upgrades take shape and what else Google has on offer this time around.

 

What do you think about the Google Pixel Watch 4 leaks? Are you disappointed or waiting to make up your mind after its release? Let us know. Subscribe to Technowize for more insights into the latest and greatest gadgets arriving on the market right now.

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