Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 5: Buy the old Android smartwatch or opt for the newest?

With the launch of the Pixel Watch 5, Google has added meaningful hardware upgrades over the last generation. This new model includes a much faster processor, doubled storage for AI, and a better GPS system. Yet the Pixel Watch 4 stays a strong option, as it will get many of the same core software and health features at a likely lower cost.

Key takeaways

• The Pixel Watch 5 has a new, 20% faster Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated chip and 64GB of storage, double the Watch 4’s capacity.
• Fresh AI functions like offline Gemini and Smart Replies use this extra power and space.
• The advanced Health Guardian platform for tracking blood pressure and insulin trends arrives on both the Watch 4 and Watch 5 this autumn.
• Battery size is almost the same, but the Watch 5 uses an updated GPS system for sharper route accuracy.
• Both models start at $399, though the older Watch 4 should see bigger discounts, strengthening its value.

Performance, Storage, and AI Capabilities

The Pixel Watch 5 runs on a more powerful processor. Its Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated chip makes the watch 20% faster and smoother than the Pixel Watch 4.

Doubled Storage for AI

This speed boost comes with a major storage jump. The Pixel Watch 5 provides 64GB of storage, which doubles the 32GB in the Watch 4. This extra room directly supports new AI functions.

These AI tools include features like Raise to Talk and Smart Replies. Your watch can actively suggest fitting replies to messages; for instance, if someone asks for a contact’s details, Gemini can pull that data as a recommended response.

Offline Gemini Functionality

One major step forward is offline Gemini. This allows voice commands for setting timers, alarms, and checking information right on the device without needing a live connection.

Health Monitoring: The New Health Guardian Suite

Google’s new Health Guardian platform, announced with the Pixel Watch 5, adds advanced passive monitoring using AI. The system can follow trends in blood pressure and insulin resistance by examining sensor data like heart rhythm, sleep quality, and activity with special algorithms. For blood pressure, it combines pulse and motion pattern details to give one data point each month.

This function is not a diagnostic tool and does not give clinical advice. It provides users a monthly health score next to AI-powered, personalized lifestyle suggestions and prompts meant to help improve their numbers.

Feature Availability Across Models

The Blood Pressure and Insulin Trends tools will work on the Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5 this fall. However, the new breathing-related emergency detection feature has different availability. This tool uses an AI algorithm that watches heart rate, motion, and altitude, and will first try to alert the user with vibrations and a sound. It works on the Pixel Watch 4 and 5 but is currently limited to several European countries and lacks FDA clearance for the US market.

Battery Life, GPS, and Hardware Comparison

Battery capacity is nearly the same for both generations. The 41mm models of the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 5 each have a 325mAh battery. The larger Watch 5 model gets only a small increase to 465mAh, versus 455mAh for the bigger Watch 4.

GPS and Route Tracking

Google improves the GPS in the Pixel Watch 5 for more precise recorded paths, which helps outdoor activity tracking. The company states the watch’s route-tracking beats rivals like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro.

Shared and Updated Hardware

Both watches share core sensors including a multi-path optical heart rate sensor, a 3-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, and an ambient light sensor. The Pixel Watch 5 features the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated processor, noted for making the device feel 20% faster and smoother than the Watch 4. It also doubles the storage to 64GB.

Pricing and Value Proposition

Both the Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Watch 4 start at the same $399 price. Still, as a new generation launches, the older model should see further price cuts over the next year, especially during sales like Black Friday or Prime Day.

The Pixel Watch 4 stays a competent choice because much of the new software coming to the Watch 5 will also work on the older model. Key health tools, including the new Health Guardian platform for monitoring blood pressure trends and insulin resistance, will function on the Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5.

Where the Watches Diverge

The choice finally depends on whether a buyer wants the Watch 5’s hardware gains enough to pass up possible savings on the Watch 4. The Pixel Watch 5 delivers a faster, more capable experience with its Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated processor, which is 20% quicker than the last chip. It also doubles the storage to 64GB and includes a refined GPS system for sharper route tracking.