The Anticipation Builds for the Pixel Watch 4, But There’s One Lingering Concern

We’ve hit the point where the Pixel 10 phones are among the most leaked devices ever, and it’s a similar story for Google’s upcoming flagship smartwatch.

The Pixel Watch 4 has been leaked multiple times, including a vast array of images and details, and the most recent reveals even more new information about the wearable but still seem to hide something that users might hate.

Notorious leaker, Evan Blass, has been posting regular updates about the upcoming Pixel devices ahead of the Made by Google event on 20 August. This batch doesn’t reveal anything new via the images, but there’s a plethora of new details.

We now have confirmation (of sorts) that the display will be called ‘Actua 360’, which is a new brand name, and it’ll supposedly offer up to 3000 nits of peak brightness. The device will also gain dual-band GPS for more accurate tracking.

Blass also reveals in the images that the watches will get ECG, SpO2 (blood oxygen), breathing rate, HRV (Heart Rate Variability) and loss of pulse detection. Battery life will hit 30 hours or 40 hours for the 41- and 45mm sizes, respectively, even with the screen set to always on.

The spec sheet also shows that the smaller 41mm model will be the only one to come in the ‘Gold’ colour, while the 45mm is limited to ‘Silver’, ‘Obsidian’ (black) and the new ‘Moonstone’ (dark grey).

Elsewhere, we have a selection of features that you would assume would be there, but are now all but confirmed. These include Gemini built-in (including AI text suggestions that will sound like you), 40+ exercise modes with real-time stats, a custom run plan builder, and fall detection, with the latter able to automatically contact emergency services.

Evan Blass

Most of that was already present in the Pixel Watch 3, but it also seems like Google is giving users a big incentive to buy the LTE models this year. One slide says you’ll get two years of free data, which could be a real boon for some users.

However, it mentions this will be provided by Google Fi, so it’s likely to be a US-only perk. It also doesn’t support calls.

There’s something still missing

Like the Pixel 10 phones, it feels like Google will have nothing new to announce at the big launch event on 20 August. However, something I’ve noticed is that the leaked images might be hiding a big downside to the Pixel Watch 4.

We’ve seen the device from almost every angle, but crucially not the left side of the main body, and there might be a reason for this.

Google is likely trying to hide the new charging pogo pins, which could be a rather ugly part of the design. If you’ve missed previous leaks, the Pixel Watch 4 appears to be getting a new charging dock.

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It’s great that it will be 25% faster than before, and charging on its side suits me for a better view of the progress. It also means you can easily see the time without wearing it.

The change may also be related to making the device repairable. That’s a great benefit if you smash the screen or need a new battery, but at what cost?

Well, we don’t know how ugly those side-mounted pogo pins are yet. The closest we’ve seen in official-looking renders is this one below, and even then, devices can look very different in real life from the glossy press shots.

Evan Blass

Which colour Pixel Watch 4 you buy might also affect how much they stick out visually.

We’ll probably have to wait until we get our hands on a Pixel Watch 4 to find out, as Google is unlikely to reveal this potentially ugly secret on stage at the launch event. And there might be a longer wait for that, as it’s rumoured the smartwatch will arrive in October alongside the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

See our Google Pixel 2025 Event Guide.