Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 5: Is Google’s new model worth it? It comes down to this

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Deciding between two generations of the same product can be a tough proposition. Do you care more about novelty or overall value? Do you err on the side of maximalism or minimalism? Are you willing to spend a little more for a few new features?

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That’s the age old question around here, and it’s rarely an easy one to answer. Nevertheless, we try our hand. This week’s challenge comes in the form of the new Pixel Watch 5. It’s a shiny $399 smartwatch from Google’s latest lineup, but how does it compare to last year’s model? I’ve spent some time with it and tapped my experience testing last year’s Pixel Watch 4. Here’s how they compare. 

Specifications

You should buy the Pixel Watch 5 if you want…

1. The faster, more capable device 

The Pixel Watch 5 will feel a little bit faster and smoother to use — 20% faster, in fact — thanks to the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated processor. The Pixel Watch 5 also gets double the storage capacity of the Watch 4 to accommodate space for AI features like Raise to Talk and Smart Replies. 

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The watch can proactively respond to questions in text conversations, suggesting relevant replies to queries a user would have had to go out of their way to respond to. For example, if you get a text from a friend asking for the contact information of another friend, Gemini automatically pulls those details up on the watch as a suggested reply. Offline Gemini is also available for managing timers, alarms, and other information through voice interactions. 

2. A better watch for route tracking 

Google updates its GPS on the Watch 5 for even more accurate recorded pathways. This means more route tracking for anyone recording an outdoor run, cycle, or walk on the Pixel Watch 5. Google claims the watch’s route-tracking outperforms the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro. So you’re getting a route-tracking watch that competes with rugged smartwatches costing at least double this one. 

You should buy the Pixel Watch 4 if you want…

1. A more affordable option 

Whenever a new generation steps into the scene, the later generations’ price gets cut. You can expect the Pixel Watch 4 will see further discounts over the next year, especially on Black Friday or Prime Day. While some of the hardware features of the Watch 5 are lost on the earlier fourth-generation device, much of the software that arrives on the Watch 5 comes to the Watch 4 as well. 

2. Good battery life, since they’re nearly the same 

This year’s smartwatch update didn’t prioritize a battery upgrade. The 41mm model of the Pixel Watch 5′ offers the same battery capacity as the Pixel Watch 4, at 325 mAh. Both watches last you around 30 hours with always-on display enabled. You’ll get a smidge more battery (10 mAh) on the Pixel Watch 5’s 45mm model, at 465 mAh, but that capacity update is nothing to write home about.  

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Writer’s choice

If you don’t plan to use all the AI features Google is packing into the Pixel Watch 5 and simply want a smartwatch for general activity and sleep tracking, its faster processor may be a marginal upgrade. Coupled with the fact that the battery life is basically the same from the Pixel Watch 4, it may not be in your best interest to buy the Watch 5, even if it’s the shinier option.