Tag: smartwatch

  • Oppo Watch S now available globally with 3,000-nit display and 5ATM rating

    Oppo Watch S now available globally with 3,000-nit display and 5ATM rating

    Europe is now able to get the Oppo Watch S. The smartwatch is comparatively tiny, has a very brilliant display, and is said to be able to determine lactate levels.

    Last fall, Oppo unveiled the Watch S, a wearable that has now made its way to Europe. The watch is available in Phantom Black and Nebula Silver, and Oppo lists it for €259. The watch is already available for purchase on the company’s website in Austria, and it should soon be available in additional European nations. Some third-party retailers are already carrying the Oppo Watch S as well.

    In order to improve readability in direct sunlight, Oppo is highlighting the display, which is built on a 464 x 464 AMOLED panel with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits. As usual, this peak brightness is only available in brief bursts rather than continually. There is also an always-on mode, although the battery life will be reduced from seven to four days.

    The smartwatch is partially composed of stainless steel and has a thickness of roughly 0.35 inches. Additionally, the Oppo Watch S is made to offer extra workout information, such the tennis swing speed. Oppo provides a posture assessment for running and jogging, and the smartwatch has the standard GPS module.

  • Garmin announces a brand-new wearable – here’s what we know

    Garmin announces a brand-new wearable – here’s what we know

    We have lately reviewed, reported, and praised numerous Garmin wearables, praising the gadgets’ purportedly extended battery life. But according to leaks from Garmin’s Canadian website, the wearables company might be releasing something new soon.

    Garmin recently gave us an official update at CES earlier this month, when they revealed that the Garmin Connect would soon provide complete nutrition tracking. Though not as fast as it just did, it appears the business has a brand-new wearable that it should be ready to reveal soon.

    garmin smartwatch

    Garmin’s newest wearable appears online

    Android Authority claims that on its Canadian website, the corporation unintentionally revealed the existence of a gadget known as the Cirqa Smart Band. A Redditor managed to capture a screenshot of the listing before it was removed.

    It’s interesting to note that the ad contained a few facts but no photographs. It stated that the band will be offered in two sizes (S/M and L/XL) and two colors (Black and French Gray) at launch. Additionally, the gadget will be ready for shipment in four to five months.

    Apart from the listing, screenshots of the search results were taken by the5krunner, which showed that the S/M size fits wrist circumferences between 120 and 200 mm, while the L/XL size fits wrist circumferences between 145 and 200 mm.

    The most likely explanation for this, in my opinion, is that someone with back-end site access unintentionally clicked publish before the business was prepared to make the product public. The shipment date indicates that devices would reach customers’ doorsteps by the middle of the year, just in time for the busiest time of year for outdoor training and jogging, even though it suggests the launch will occur shortly.

    Though there have been goods in the past that were limited to Canada, particularly in the automobile sector, it is reasonable to believe that this one will be offered in the US. To find out more about availability and the specific features, we’ll need to wait till the official release date.

  • OnePlus quietly pushed a Wear OS 5 update to the Watch 2 — and it’s causing major battery drain

    OnePlus quietly pushed a Wear OS 5 update to the Watch 2 — and it’s causing major battery drain

    OnePlus released its Wear OS 5 update to certain OnePlus Watch 2 and 2R customers on December 29, slipping past its self-imposed end-of-year deadline, much like a college student faxing their assignment to the professor at 11:59 p.m. This last-minute update has caused issues ever since, as you could anticipate.

    Wear OS 5 was originally scheduled to be released between July and September 2025 for the OnePlus Watch 2 and Watch 2R, which were both released in 2024 running Wear OS 4. The company merely stated that the upgrade would arrive “in the near future” after Android Authority inquired about the delay in October.

    Some owners of OnePlus Watches have now received the update, but not all of them; my OnePlus Watch 2R, which is located in the United States, still displays the May 2025 security update and Wear OS 4. But considering the impact of the update, this could be a blessing in disguise.

    The upgrade is seriously depleting the battery, according to this Reddit thread and other OnePlus forum postings. Before the upgrade, the Watch 2 and 2R often lasted three days in smart mode; however, some customers claim that even after attempting factory resets and other solutions, it won’t last a full day.One user states, “I’m completely heartbroken and frustrated with the severe battery drain issue impacting my OnePlus Watch 2 with the Wear OS 5 update.” “On light usage, my OnePlus Watch 2 now drops from full battery at 1:00 PM to a crucial 10% by 11:00 PM.”

    Another customer comments, “I used to get 2.5 days easily with most settings on (at least 2 days)… Now I hardly get 1 day.” In response, someone said that while his drain wasn’t quite as bad, it was now “a strict 2 days” instead of the previous 3–4 days.

    Many customers identify particular apps—such as the Weather app, Play Store, or “Wear OS” itself—as the source of the drain, but the diversity indicates that this is a system-wide problem rather than a single app.

    The fact that stock Wear OS 5 is (A) a very modest upgrade with few notable changes and (B) meant to make Wear OS work more efficiently, as it did on Pixel and Galaxy Watches, is what makes this update particularly annoying to users. This unoptimized upgrade for last-generation phones is frustrating because the OnePlus Watch 3 has been running this version since April without any problems.

    Any company can release a flawed update, but I would have expected OnePlus to either pull it back or provide an update schedule after two weeks. Instead, based from what we’ve seen, OnePlus hasn’t made any formal announcements. A few days ago, my colleague contacted OnePlus on the update, but we haven’t heard anything yet.

    This upgrade greatly worries me because I have suggested the OnePlus Watch 2R as my top choice for an inexpensive Android smartwatch, mostly due to its long battery life. OnePlus must demonstrate that it will appropriately support these watches and that its pledge of two Wear OS updates and three years of security updates is more than just platitudes.

    As it stands, the new OnePlus Watch Lite used a proprietary RTOS similar to the previous OnePlus Watch, completely eschewing Wear OS.

  • Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar: the smartwatch to get for virtually endless battery life

    Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar: the smartwatch to get for virtually endless battery life

    One of the best things about owning a Garmin smartwatch is its battery life. One of the main drawbacks of owning a smartwatch is alleviated by Garmin, which produces long-range timepieces where companies like Samsung and Google fall short.

    The Instinct Crossover Solar may be worth considering if you’ve been considering trying something from Garmin. Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the watch is everything but. It combines digital and analog to create a unique appearance. Additionally, as previously said, it has an amazing battery life.

    No more charging

    Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar,

    Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar

    Luminescent analog watch hands in a bold, rugged watch body with dual-layered bezel

    $449.99$249.99Amazon

    You can keep the watch operating indefinitely by just charging it with solar power if you’re prepared to put it in power-saving mode. It can last up to 71 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode.

    This is an excellent watch to use if battery life is important because it generally outperforms everything from the competition.

    Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar highlights: what’s great and worth knowing

    The Instinct Crossover Solar can monitor your fitness and health stats, just like other Garmin smartwatches. Sports apps and daily exercise recommendations are integrated. It will provide information on your stress levels and sleep quality in addition to the standard tracking features.

    Additionally, you can receive notifications directly on your wrist because it’s a smartwatch. Additionally, you may use Garmin Pay to check out at compatible terminals in case you forget your wallet at home. Additionally, you may use the watch’s physical buttons to traverse menus and screens even if it lacks a touchscreen.

    The fact that this watch is now on sale for a substantial discount is what really sets it apart. For a brief period, you can purchase this item for just $250 instead of the typical retail price of $450. Tidal Blue and Graphite are the two available colors. Before you miss it, get it while it’s on sale.

    Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar,

    Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar

    Luminescent analog watch hands in a bold, rugged watch body with dual-layered bezel

    $449.99$249.99Amazon
  • Huge Amazon deal: Samsung drops Galaxy Watch 7 price by almost half

    Huge Amazon deal: Samsung drops Galaxy Watch 7 price by almost half

    Despite premium pricing starting at $399 for the most recent Series 10, the Apple Watch continues to lead the smartwatch market in terms of health tracking accuracy and ecosystem integration. At a tenth of Apple’s pricing, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 offers comparable health indicators, AI-powered insights, and sophisticated sleep tracking. Amazon recently reduced the watch’s retail price from $249 to a record low of $129 for Black Friday. Even older Apple Watch models are undercut by that roughly 50% discount, but you get tech that Samsung discreetly introduced earlier this year.

    One of the greatest deal for Galaxy Watch 7

    SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 7

    Galaxy Watch 7

    Looking for a great way to bring out your personal best every day. Challenge yourself to excel on your next run or bike ride using tracking with Galaxy AI that lets you compare your current performance to your last one

    One of the greatest
    $279.99$159.99Amazon

    By examining yesterday’s activities, sleep quality, heart rate patterns, and recuperation indicators, the Energy Score determines your daily physical preparedness. This AI-powered study determines whether your body is ready for strenuous work or requires relaxation and lighter pursuits. Every morning, the score is updated based on the data gathered overnight, giving you useful information before you schedule your workout for the day. Samsung’s AI evaluates that data on the associated phone instead of in the cloud, protecting health information while offering tailored suggestions. As it gathers more information about your distinct physiology and reaction to varying degrees of activity, the system gradually learns your habits to improve accuracy.

    Performance tracking shows you exactly where you’re maintaining, improving, or falling behind your pace by comparing your current run or bike ride to previous sessions in real time. Instead of discovering afterward that you performed poorly, you may adjust your effort during a workout thanks to the real-time feedback. In situations where a person’s arms are swinging or vibrations affect sensor contact, the Galaxy AI improves accuracy by eliminating movement aberrations from exercise users’ heart rate measurements.

    Sleep tracking monitors your sleep cycles and looks for trends that indicate poor sleep quality or potential health problems. For instance, the watch is as accurate as specialized sleep tracking equipment at identifying light sleep, deep sleep, REM stages, and intervals of waking throughout the night. After that, Samsung’s AI evaluates the information to offer suggestions for enhancing sleep hygiene, changing bedtime schedules, or altering nighttime routines that obstruct restful sleep. By tracking breathing disturbances and oxygen levels while you sleep, the sleep apnea detection feature looks for mild and severe cases.

    Using the sophisticated health information your watch collects throughout the day, wellness tips offers tailored advice. Its AI analyzes heart rate trends, activity patterns, stress levels, and sleep quality to find areas where little adjustments could improve general wellbeing. Such guidance touches on individual physiological reactions and real-life behavior in addition to generic fitness. When the system detects accumulated sleep debt, it may suggest earlier bedtimes, offer stress-reduction strategies during particularly stressful weeks, or motivate users to walk more on days when they are primarily inactive.

    Smaller wrists can easily accept the 40mm case size without the bulk that comes with larger smartwatches. Without the need for cellular service, which raises monthly costs, Bluetooth connectivity maintains a steady connection to your phone for calls, notifications, and data syncing. The battery lasts for a full day and night of continuous health monitoring, while the precise amount of time depends on the features you activate and how frequently you use the watch.

    galaxy watch 7 deal health details

    Although some features require Samsung hardware for full performance, Samsung’s ecosystem integration works well with Galaxy phones as well as other Android devices and even iPhones. You can prioritize which health measures are displayed prominently by using the watch face customization options. This allows you to change the display to show the data you truly care about instead of generic layouts.

    Samsung’s most recent wristwatch technology is available for almost half the cost of entry-level Apple Watch devices, which do not provide comparable AI-powered health insights, at $129. This 48% cut makes flagship health tracking affordable for people who have been priced out of the smartwatch market by Apple’s premium positioning.

    SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 7

    Galaxy Watch 7

    Looking for a great way to bring out your personal best every day. Challenge yourself to excel on your next run or bike ride using tracking with Galaxy AI that lets you compare your current performance to your last one

    One of the greatest
    $279.99$159.99Amazon
  • Pixel Watch 4: battery life takes center stage

    Pixel Watch 4: battery life takes center stage

    The battery life would be the main justification for purchasing a Pixel Watch 4. Yes, this device has many useful features, but since I reviewed it, the battery life has improved, and I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews for Google’s newest wristwatch.

    Referring back to my evaluation from early October, I found that the Pixel Watch 4‘s battery life (on the 45mm variant) was as good as Google had promised, with some days being shockingly long. Thus, we’re talking about using the always-on display for around 40 hours and turning it off for about 48 hours. However, there were a few crazy days when I used the watch extensively—5.5 hours of exercise and complete sleep tracking—and it lasted more than 48 hours.

    pixel watch 4 battery

    As I said in my review, the moment I switched on the “Raise to talk” feature, which activates Gemini, the battery life dropped from that high. I subsequently reduced the sensitivity significantly before turning it off entirely. Both of those have been beneficial. I’m not sure if I’m back to that degree of battery madness, but I’ve noticed that I think about battery life far less and that the watch is on the charger much less frequently each week.

    Google Pixel Watch 4

    The Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance

    $399.99Amazon

    I’m not by myself either. A user displayed a 76% battery left status in a Reddit discussion after 16 hours without a charger and with AOD activated. Some were dubious, but after looking at my own stats in the last few weeks, I think it’s true. In same discussion, another user attested to the fact that their usage was either comparable to or significantly less than that of the Pixel Watch 3.

    One user described battery life as “amazing” in another discussion before praising the excellent charging conditions. I also discussed that in my review. Compared to earlier Pixel Watch versions, nearly all of which took more than an hour to fully charge, I was able to charge from 20% to 100% in about 40 minutes. According to a different Redditor, they tested the charger twice between 0 and 100% and essentially reached the 40-minute threshold. Additionally, the innovative magnetic charger transforms your tiny watch into a little desk or bedside clock and is incredibly easy to use.

  • HarmonyOS 6 update brings tap-to-pay feature to Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro

    HarmonyOS 6 update brings tap-to-pay feature to Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro

    With build version 6.0.0.20, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro wristwatch is now receiving a new HarmonyOS 6 update that enables users to tap to pay. The notice states that users who took part in the early testing program are currently receiving this update.

    The Huawei Watch GT 5 series, which debuted in September 2024, comes in two models: basic and Pro. Titanium Silver, Obsidian Black, Glacier White, and Ceramic White are just a few of its vivid color choices. It provides a long-lasting backup with a battery life of 14 days.

    The most recent HarmonyOS 6 beta update adds a number of new features to the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro in addition to the tap-to-pay feature. These include the following.

    Three distinct layouts that are interchangeable have been added to the fun sticker watch faces. You may create your own distinctive watch face by uploading custom stickers, which can display up to five photos at once.

    HarmonyOS 6 beta update

    HarmonyOS 6 Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro update

    The new “Module 2025” watch face boasts that “it looks excellent no matter how you customize it” and supports a free combination of different-sized widgets and simple theme color switching.

    Supports Alipay’s “Tap to Pay” feature, which lets you swiftly finish payments without turning it on by just raising your wrist and pressing the screen. In order to verify the payment, you must input the lock screen password if your watch has one.

    You should be aware that this feature upgrade is only available to Chinese users; Huawei has not yet made it available to customers worldwide.

  • Best Google Pixel Watch 4 alternatives you can buy right now

    Best Google Pixel Watch 4 alternatives you can buy right now

    One excellent watch is the Google Pixel Watch 4. You could even claim that it’s the greatest Wear OS watch of the year. It’s about as complete a package as you could wish for, with its new Acuta 360 display, extended battery life, enhanced repairability, and superb Gemini integration.

    If you’re currently shopping for a smartwatch, it’s important to remember that there are other options available, even if we highly recommend purchasing the Pixel Watch 4. Actually, there are actually a ton of alternative fantastic timepieces that you ought to think about.

    Even if we adore the Pixel Watch 4, you might want to consider these five other smartwatches.

    Google Pixel Watch 3

    google pixel watch 3 with grey and green wristband

    The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info

    $299.99$199.99Amazon

    The Pixel Watch 3 from last year is the best option if you believe the Pixel Watch 4 looks fantastic but can’t afford to spend more than $350 on it. Is it as remarkable or beautiful as the Pixel Watch 4? No, but you can now purchase it at a fantastic price, and it’s still a really fine smartwatch.

    As someone who still wears a Pixel Watch 3, I can assure you that it’s well worth the money if you want to enjoy the Pixel Watch experience without going over budget. Its screen still looks amazing even though it lacks the latest Acuta 360 display. Its battery life is still sufficient for a full day of use, it has already been updated to the same Wear OS 6 software as the Pixel Watch 4, and its health-tracking functions are the same as those of the Pixel Watch 4.

    OnePlus Watch 3

    Unmatched Battery Life: Experience up to 120 hours of uninterrupted use on a single charge.

    $349.99Amazon

    Easily lasting a day and a half on a single charge, and occasionally even two full days, the Pixel Watch 4 has the longest battery life of any Pixel Watch to date. However, the OnePlus Watch 3 is a superior choice if you place a high value on battery life. Why? due to the fact that one charge might last up to five days. That’s right—five days on a single charge.

    At that point, all of the OnePlus Watch 3‘s smartwatch functions are activated. You can get closer to two weeks of use before you have to find your charger if you switch on power-saving mode. The OnePlus Watch 3 has some of the fastest charging rates of any wristwatch, moving from 0% to 100% in roughly 30 minutes when the watch does eventually die.

    Nevertheless, there are several drawbacks to this kind of battery life. Although the OnePlus Watch 3’s fitness and health features are useful for everyday use, they fall short of those of Samsung or Google. The OnePlus Watch 3 is a large smartwatch as well. It is available in a smaller 43mm size, however the battery life is reduced, which somewhat contradicts the point.

    I believe you will be quite pleased with the OnePlus Watch 3 if you don’t mind the size and don’t require the most advanced fitness monitoring. Additionally, it is slightly less expensive than the Pixel Watch 4 at $330.

    Fitbit Charge 6

    COMPLETE ALL-IN-ONE-BUNDLE: Includes Fitbit Charge 6 Black/Obsidian, rapid USB charger, and a premium microfiber cleaning cloth, – everything you need to start tracking in style.

    $149.95Amazon

    I am aware that this isn’t a smartwatch in the traditional sense. However, I believe there is a compelling case for the Charge 6 as a Pixel Watch 4 substitute.

    With the exception of the subscription need, Fitbit is a very powerful health platform, and the planned makeover of the Fitbit app only seems to improve it. The Charge 6 is a far more cost-effective entry into the Fitbit ecosystem than the Pixel Watch 4 if you already have a lot of data in the Fitbit app from prior devices or if you’re just getting started.

    The Fitbit Charge 6 offers many of the same health tracking features as the Pixel Watch 4, including all-day activity tracking, sleep tracking, irregular heart rhythm notifications, ECG scanning, SpO2 tracking, a skin temperature sensor, and more, despite lacking the Play Store, Gemini, call screening, LTE, and other smart features. In addition, the seven-day battery life is fantastic and the compact size is really comfortable.

    The finest aspect? The Fitbit Charge 6 is only $160 at retail, and it’s frequently on sale for even less.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

    galaxy watch 8

    WHY GALAXY WATCH8: Advanced health and sleep tracking features. A lighter, more snug design for all day comfort. Improved user interface. Personal AI assistant for hands free help.

    $349.99$329.99Amazon

    You might be better suited with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 if cost isn’t a concern but you want to think over other options before committing to the Pixel Watch 4. The Galaxy Watch 8 may be a better option for some of you reading this, but it starts at the same $350 as the Pixel Watch 4.

    The Galaxy Watch 8’s extensive health tracking suite is one of its best features. The new Running Coach tool really helped me improve as a runner this summer, and Samsung’s Energy Score is a great way to understand how prepared your body is for the day. Samsung’s activity monitoring is excellent, the Samsung Health app is incredibly well-designed, and its sleep tracking is among the most reliable for Wear OS. The finest aspect? In contrast to Fitbit on the Pixel Watch 4, Samsung Health offers all of its health functions without requiring a monthly subscription.

    Furthermore, the Galaxy Watch 8 is not limited to health tracking. The smartwatch’s AMOLED display is stunning, its watch band system is far simpler than the Pixel Watch 4’s, and it is incredibly comfy.

    When it comes to battery life, the Pixel Watch 4 is superior, and the Galaxy Watch 8’s absence of a digital crown or rotating bezel is a drawback. However, the Galaxy Watch 8 is a great option if you have a Samsung phone or don’t want your watch to come with a monthly subscription.

    Garmin Venu 4

    Garmin Venu 4, 45mm, Advanced Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, Silver with Silver Gray Silicone Band + USB3.0 to type-c female adapter Space Gray + USB Wall Charger + 6Ave Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

    $555.49Amazon

    The OnePlus Watch 3 has outstanding battery life, but the Galaxy Watch 8 is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a wristwatch with subscription-free health tracking. You might want to think about the Garmin Venu 4 if you’re looking for a Pixel Watch 4 substitute that offers both of those features.

    The Venu 4‘s most notable feature is that it runs Garmin’s proprietary operating system rather than Wear OS. Notifications, phone calls, offline Spotify downloads, and a Google Maps app are just a few of the standard wristwatch features you still have, but you are unable to access the Play Store or Gemini.

    Garmin claims that the Venu 4 may be used for up to 10 days on a single charge, making it the watch with the longest battery life on this list. In addition, the Garmin Venu 4 has a beautiful metal design, 41mm and 45mm size variants, and an integrated LED flashlight.

    The starting price for all of this is $550, which is a lot more than the Pixel Watch 4. However, the Garmin Venu 4 might be worth the cost if you’re looking for a well-made smartwatch with superior fitness tracking and a long battery life.

  • Google Pixel Watch 4 review – perfect pebble

    Google Pixel Watch 4 review – perfect pebble

    Since Google is on its fourth generation of the Pixel Watch, time flies, if you will, and smartwatches are an essential component of our everyday digital environment.

    Even though Google has been producing wearable software for a long time, it took some time to enter the market, but the Pixel Watch soon became one of the top substitutes for the Apple Watch.

    Although the Pixel Watch 4 and the previous model may look very similar, this is not a bad thing because Google has made a number of changes and improvements that are difficult to notice at first sight.

    The Pixel Watch 4 may be the greatest Wear OS smartwatch of the year, as Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 series has been somewhat of a letdown. To discover out, I’ve been using it for almost three weeks.

    Design

    google pixel watch 4 design changes

    The Pixel Watch 4 bears a striking resemblance to the original, as well as to the Pixel Watch 3. We frequently demand design overhauls as tech reviewers, but in this instance, I don’t believe one is presently necessary.

    Google rectified a significant issue and released a bigger size last year. You can choose between 41- or 45mm models this year, and we are testing the larger one here in the new Moonstone design, which I think has a smart yet simple appearance that appeals to both genders.

    If you choose the correct model, you might be able to match this color, along with some of the other colors, with the Pixel 10 phones. However, because Champagne Gold is only available in 41mm and Moonstone is only available in 45mm, it’s not that simple.

    The Pixel Watch 4 is quite comfy to wear all the time. The aluminum body, which weighs only 37g for the larger version, and its sleek design are a match made in heaven.

    You have the digital crown on the side to access your apps and scroll, as normal. There is also a button above it to view your recently used apps, however I never seem to utilize it.

    Before we continue, there are two more design components to discuss, and the first one turns out to be better in person than anticipated.

    In order to accommodate a new dock, Google has shifted the charging pin connectors to the side. These appeared to have been deliberately excluded from pictures of the watch. Many people, myself included, were concerned that they might appear rather unattractive as a result, but thankfully they don’t.

    Since Google redesigned the device to be repairable, even though it still looks roughly the same, the other design element is unseen as such.

    Fans have requested that, and now the Pixel Watch 4’s screen and battery may be swapped out if necessary. If you have an accident or want to replace the battery to prolong the device’s life, that’s fantastic news. You could even do it yourself.

    The Pixel Watch 4 can now be fixed at home because it is fastened together with screws rather than glue. Even its IP68 water and dust resistance need be maintained.

    It even received a 9 out of 10 for repairability from Ifixit, which referred to it as “the best repairable smartwatch on the market.”

    Although you probably won’t need this feature anytime soon, it’s important to note that the Pixel Watch 4 has Gorilla Glass 5 rather than sapphire glass like some of its competitors.

    As a result, it is less scratch-resistant, but it should withstand drops and impacts better. We haven’t experienced any issues with watches that have been in use for a year or longer, and the same glass has been used in watches from earlier generations.

    Google Pixel Watch 4

    he Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance

    Best WearOS smartwatch
    $399.99Amazon

    Display and audio

    google pixel watch 4 display

    You wouldn’t notice the Pixel Watch 4’s new screen beneath the glass front, showing how well it conceals its improvements. The Actua 360 AMOLED screen has a domed display and is referred to by Google as the “first-of-its-kind.”

    It truly differs significantly from both its predecessors and others. You can see what’s available from the side thanks to its slight fish-eye vision, which is similar to what you get from glass beer pumps at bars.

    It’s not so spectacular, but the experience is enjoyable and the “active area” is bigger than it was previously.

    The resolution and dynamic refresh rate of 1–60 Hz are among the specifications that are essentially the same everywhere. At 3000 nits, the new peak brightness is comparable to several “Ultra” category smartwatches.

    While I’ve been testing the Pixel Watch 4, the weather has been not that sunny, but on one particularly sunny day outside, I used it without any problems.

    The Pixel Watch 4’s left-side speaker is respectable and more than capable of picking up Gemini’s responses. If you would like, you can also use it to make a phone call.

    Google Pixel Watch 4

    he Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance

    Best WearOS smartwatch
    $399.99Amazon

    Performance and OS

    google pixel watch 4 Material 3 Expressive

    The Pixel Watch 4 features a the new operating system, WearOS 6 in addition to a new processor, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 2.

    Sometimes things don’t happen quickly. It may take a moment or two to load certain apps, like Spotify, and call out Gemini, but this usually happens on the first time. You’ll also need to exercise patience if you’re connecting to a Nest camera’s live stream.

    Similar to Pixel phones, the Pixel Watch 4 features Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language and the most basic version of Wear OS 6 (Samsung, for instance, puts One UI 8 Watch over the top).

    With optimized designs, animations, vibrant colors, and more, it performs incredibly well on the smartwatch. In my view, part of it appears too young on phones, yet it feels more modern. A dozen watch faces are pre-installed, but adding additional is simple.

    Once more, the tiles on either side of the watch face – which are effectively widgets – provide instant access to features and information and may be tailored to your specific needs.

    The experience is further improved by a new haptic feedback engine, which makes everything from scrolling to notifications clear and responsive.

    On the Pixel Watch 4, Gemini takes the role of Google Assistant (the AI bot is being implemented on all devices). If you’d like, you can even configure it to wake up with a wake-to-wake command.

    Although I’ve seen that I use the watch much more than my phone, it can be challenging to understand its limitations. Naturally, it can respond to requests, but this option is only a shortcut to my current heart rate, even though the welcome guide that came with it stated that it could “inform you about your heart rate.”

    Additionally, there are AI capabilities like Smart Replies that try to provide tailored recommendations based on your writing style. When someone asks what coffee they would like, the Google Store example shows a selection of two coffees.

    I’m lucky that this works with WhatsApp, which is where I send all of my messages, but it doesn’t seem to know me well. I was given three different ways to request a black coffee, which is the only type of coffee I don’t consume, in response to the coffee question. All it said in a group chat was “hahaha.”

    It’s also important to note that Smart Replies only function on Pixel phones.

    Some safety features include fall detection, loss of pulse detection, check-in, crash detection, and emergency SOS, but I haven’t required any of them. Please take note that satellite connectivity requires the LTE models.

    Google Pixel Watch 4

    he Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance

    Best WearOS smartwatch
    $399.99Amazon

    Health & Tracking

    Google's Material 3 Expressive fit bit

    It performs all the functions you would anticipate from a top smartwatch, but Google hasn’t improved the tracking sensors from the Pixel Watch 3.

    The default watch face displays the steps, calories, floors, and other metrics along the border of the larger 45mm screen. The Fitbit app, which is due to undergo a major revamp, also includes information on skin temperature, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and other aspects of exercise.

    Google Pixel Watch 4

    he Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance

    Best WearOS smartwatch
    $399.99Amazon

    You may explore many areas on the Pixel Watch 4 and the Fitbit app on your phone, which provides you with a comprehensive picture of your activities. Everything in my testing, including sleep tracking, which provides you with a score and a summary of your night, is correct.

    To get “advanced insights, personalised recommendations, and energizing workouts,” you will need Fitbit Premium, which costs £7.99/$9.99 per month or £79.99/$79.99 per year. One of the best features of Fitbit Premium is the Readiness score, which considers all the data to determine how much you should take that day.

    Fitbit Premium is available for free for six months with the Pixel Watch 4, so you can at least give it a try before determining if it’s worth the money. Morning Brief, which provides you with a summary of your calendar, sleep patterns, and weather, won’t require it.

    Via Fitbit, Google does a great job of presenting all the information and helping you achieve your goals.

    You may focus more on things like the Cardio Load metric and the Fitbit phone app, which offers a plethora of workout videos and a running coach (though I haven’t been able to try the AI personal health coach because it’s only available in the US), if you’re more of a fitness enthusiast than I am.

    If fitness is a top priority for you, you can choose a Garmin or something similar, but for a more popular wristwatch, I think the Pixel Watch 4 performs admirably.

    It can automatically track several of the 52 sports that are available for activity tracking. The selection is a little odd given that pickleball (whatever it is) is right there and boxing is AWOL, but other watches can do many more, frequently much over 100.

    Dual-band GPS is now available for more precise tracking during walks, runs, and other activities. I discovered that it picked up a signal in a matter of seconds. It recorded my walks around the neighborhood with a good degree of precision, even though I don’t live in a dense forest where technology has a greater influence.

    The bodily reactions feature (as well as equivalent features on competing watches) that tracks your emotional state hasn’t convinced me yet. This still looks basic, though, as it seems to identify an elevated heart rate—which might be caused by nearly anything.

    Along with the ability to record your mood—whether it be joyful or anxious, for instance—you will receive a message. The few “feelings” I could choose from meant that I was rarely able to choose how I truly felt, and when I could recall what I was doing at the time, it was usually something routine like getting my kid ready to leave the house.

    Google Pixel Watch 4

    he Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance

    Best WearOS smartwatch
    $399.99Amazon

    Battery

    google pixel watch 4 on charging dock

    You can use the Pixel Watch 4 for up to 30 or 40 hours (41 and 45 mm, respectively) with the display always on thanks to Google’s ability to squeeze a little larger battery into both sizes.

    With Battery Saver enabled, this lasts for 48 or 72 hours, although you should avoid using the watch in that mode unless absolutely necessary.

    The purpose of your smartwatch will determine how long its battery lasts. We’ve been testing the 45mm model, and with less use, we can get two days and nights on a single charge, sometimes even more.

    Regular charging is necessary for users who use GPS to track intense exercises every day, use the screen in direct sunlight, and use other battery-draining features.

    When you do, though, it’s incredibly quick, and Google’s new Quick Charge Dock is a lot more stylish option than the earlier chargers.

    Although the dock is modest and might use some weight to maintain its flatness (cable management is crucial in this situation), I still greatly like it over the prior version or other competitors. The screen will indicate whether the other end of the cable is plugged in or whether the contacts are not perfectly aligned. It will also display the time and remaining battery life when charging.

    Even for the 45mm with a larger battery, charging is remarkably fast (25% faster than the Pixel Watch 3); our testing even surpass Google’s claims in this regard. I watched it go from completely dead to 50% in 15 minutes and 89% in 30 minutes.

    One important aspect of the Pixel Watch 4 is that the battery can be changed, as stated in the design section. You might even feel comfortable doing it at home. If you want the item to endure many more years before you need to upgrade, this could be essential.

    Google Pixel Watch 4

    he Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance

    Best WearOS smartwatch
    $399.99Amazon

    Price

    The Pixel Watch 4 is priced at £349/$349.99, which is the same as its predecessor despite the numerous improvements.

    Naturally, that will result in the WiFi/Bluetooth model’s smaller 41mm size; hence, it will cost more to add LTE connectivity or go with the larger 45mm.

    • Pixel Watch 4 (41mm Wi-Fi) – £349/$349/€399
    • Pixel Watch 4 (41mm LTE) – £449/$449/€499
    • Pixel Watch 4 (45mm Wi-Fi) – £399/$399/€449
    • Pixel Watch 4 (45mm LTE) – £499/$499/€549

    In spite of Google, you can get it via US retailers like Amazon, Argos, Currys, Very, John Lewis, and Best Buy.

    It’s fairly priced, falling between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (£319/$349.99) and the Apple Watch Series 11 (£369/$399). To get the most out of Fitbit, you may need to purchase Fitbit Premium, as previously suggested.

    Google Pixel Watch 4

    he Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance

    Best WearOS smartwatch
    $399.99Amazon

    Is Google Pixel Watch 4 worth the money? 

    With just a few minor problems, the Pixel Watch 4 is, in our opinion, the greatest Wear OS watch available.

    Although you may disagree, it’s the most attractive watch, and Google did a fantastic job of making it repairable so you can change the screen or battery – possibly at home.

    The interface looks and functions fantastic, the new Quick Charge Dock is a blessing, the domed screen is a treat, the performance is generally smooth, and there are many smartwatch, fitness, and health capabilities.

    Gemini still needs more improvement, and Smart Replies are limited. In addition, the OnePlus Watch 3 offers a more durable smartwatch at a lower cost.

    However, if you’re searching for a flagship smartwatch that does almost everything well, the Pixel Watch 4 is a great all-arounder and comes highly recommended.

    All specs

    • Wear OS 6
    • 41 or 45mm
    • Actua 360 display, AMOLED, 1-60Hz, 3000 nits peak
    • Snapdragon W5 Gen 2
    • 2GB RAM
    • 32GB storage
    • Heart rate monitor
    • SpO2
    • ECG
    • Skin temperature
    • Microphone
    • Speaker
    • Wi-Fi 6
    • Bluetooth 6.0
    • Satellite SOS (LTE models)
    • Ultra Wideband
    • Dual-band GPS
    • eSIM
    • NFC
    • 325/455mAh battery
    • Quick Charge Dock
    • Gorilla Glass 5
    • IP68/5ATM
    • 31/37g

    Google Pixel Watch 4

    he Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance

    Best WearOS smartwatch
    $399.99Amazon
  • Looking for an Android smartwatch? Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro is both powerful and affordable

    Looking for an Android smartwatch? Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro is both powerful and affordable

    Since Google’s Wear OS is, in my opinion, the greatest wearable experience, I’ve been alternating between different Google and Samsung Galaxy Watch models for the past few years to pair with my Android. Long-lasting batteries are a characteristic I’ve grown to value in smartwatches, and the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro is among the finest in that regard.

    My biggest complaint about Wear OS smartwatches has been resolved by the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro‘s marathon battery life, which has allowed me to run, row, bike, and sleep with it for months.

    Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro

    eaturing a stylish and functional 1.43-inch OLED screen (466*466 high-resolution) with auto-adjustable brightness and Sapphire Crystal Glass. The interchangeable 24mm strap is made of durable and sweat-proof Fluororubber material.

    $157.50Amazon

    The smartwatch that lasts all week: once-weekly charging made real

    Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro Smartwatch

    For low-power standby use, its enormous 628mAh battery features a distinctive dual display architecture. This corresponds to a claimed battery life of up to 45 days in Essential Mode and 90 hours, or almost four days, in Smart Mode. Even better, the battery can last up to two days with just 30 minutes of quick charging.

    I use the outdoor running mode with GPS tracking on while I run outside, and based on my consumption calculations, the Pro 5 Enduro should be able to follow my location for up to 15 hours. Wearing the watch to measure my 24/7 activity and sleep, I usually row on the Hydrow a couple of times and run a couple of times a week (30 to 45 minutes each time).

    The four days or 90 hours of usual usage seem correct to me because I’ve been charging the watch once a week with this usage pattern.

    In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will last me into the third day before dying, whilst the Google Pixel Watch 3 dies on me on the second day. If a long-lasting battery is your first priority, I highly recommend the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro. It is the undisputed leader in battery life.

    Although it is presently running Wear OS 3.5, the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 Wearable Platform helps to provide the remarkable battery life and will facilitate a future update to Wear OS 4. This warning is important to remember because Mobvoi hasn’t demonstrated a history of providing timely updates. Given that Wear OS was first made available in the fall of 2023, this new model ought to have come pre-installed with Wear OS 4, let alone Wear OS 5.

    All about battery life

    Extremely helpful is the dual-display technology with interactive and adaptable ultra-low-power display options. The always-on display, which is located on the top layer of the watch and provides important metrics like the number of steps taken, heart rate, battery life, time, and date, may be highlighted with any of 18 background colors.

    A full-display heart rate measurement, blood oxygen level, and compass heading are displayed when the huge rotating crown button is spun in this dual-display mode.

    This ultra-low power display layer will illuminate in six colors that correspond to your current heart rate zone while you’re exercising. In the middle of a workout, this feature is quite helpful for quickly determining which zone you’re in without having to concentrate on tiny numbers. Additionally, this mode links the ultra-low power display with third-party apps like Strava and Nike Run Club to display information like elevation, pace, and heart rate.

    More than 100 workout options are available on the TicExercise app, along with stats like speed, VO2 Max, GPS tracking, and recuperation time. Regretfully, the data screens for the different workouts cannot be altered. For casual athletes, this might be acceptable, but I would want to see some basic adjustment to give priority to the most crucial information. Fortunately, you can download third-party services like Strava to get the most of your experience because this watch has Wear OS.

    Following your workout, the TicHealth app offers comprehensive information on your health and performance indicators, including your heart rate history, sleep patterns, daily and weekly goals, and much more. One of the key improvements to this watch over the TicWatch Pro 5 model, which was introduced in late 2023, is TicHealth.

    Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro

    eaturing a stylish and functional 1.43-inch OLED screen (466*466 high-resolution) with auto-adjustable brightness and Sapphire Crystal Glass. The interchangeable 24mm strap is made of durable and sweat-proof Fluororubber material.

    $157.50Amazon

    More improvements

    A larger and sharper user interface display, a redesigned rotary knob, sapphire crystal glass on the display rather than Gorilla Glass, and additional third-party interaction with the ultra-low-power display are some of the other enhancements made to the Enduro model over the Pro 5 model.

    More than 7,000 watch faces are also available for the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro, and you can change the face every day if you use the TimeShow app. All Wear OS apps, including Google Maps, Messages, Wallet, Keep Notes, and many more, are compatible with the sizable 1.43-inch display. Messages and phone calls run well on a linked phone, and the voice-to-text feature works perfectly as well.

    With its 7000 series aluminum and fiberglass nylon case, the Pro 5 Enduro weighs only 44.7 grams and has dimensions of 50.15 x 48 x 11.95 mm. With its convenient quick-release pins, the 24mm watch band is incredibly comfortable, and the sapphire crystal display is scratch-resistant. With a 5 ATM rating and MIL-STD-810H certification, the watch is also very robust.

    For precise tracking, the device has a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 make it simple to connect to your network and phone. Nevertheless, the watch itself lacks cellular functionality.

    Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro

    eaturing a stylish and functional 1.43-inch OLED screen (466*466 high-resolution) with auto-adjustable brightness and Sapphire Crystal Glass. The interchangeable 24mm strap is made of durable and sweat-proof Fluororubber material.

    $157.50Amazon