Buying last year's technology can sometimes be a smarter decision than paying full price for the latest release. Smartphones, laptops, headphones, and smartwatches often receive discounts as newer generations arrive, giving buyers an opportunity to get premium features for less.
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is an interesting example.
Released in October 2025, the Pixel Watch 4 introduced a bright, curved display, health and fitness tracking, fast charging, dual-frequency GPS, and deeper integration with Google's Android ecosystem. It was designed to be more than a basic fitness tracker, combining smartwatch convenience with everyday health monitoring.
With the Pixel Watch 5 already available as of late 2026, and the possibility of another generation arriving during 2027, should you still consider the Pixel Watch 4? Or would you be better off saving for a newer model?
The answer depends on the price, your smartphone, the features you need, and how long you expect to keep the watch.
Let's examine what makes the Pixel Watch 4 worth considering, where it falls short, and who should actually buy it.
1. You Could Get Premium Features for Less Money
One of the biggest reasons to consider an older smartwatch is the potential saving.
When a new generation arrives, retailers may reduce the price of previous models to clear stock. This can make a premium device more accessible to buyers who do not need every new feature.
The Pixel Watch 4 offers a combination of display technology, GPS, health sensors, and Google services that may remain useful for years. You do not necessarily need the newest watch to receive notifications, monitor workouts, track sleep, or use supported Google apps.
However, a discount alone does not automatically make the older model a good purchase.
Compare the actual prices of the Pixel Watch 4 and the newest Pixel Watch available when you shop. Consider the same size and connectivity option, and compare the warranty and return policy as well.
If the newer model costs only slightly more, the additional software support and newer features may justify paying extra. If the Watch 4 is substantially cheaper, it becomes much more attractive.
The buying principle is simple: buy the Pixel Watch 4 for its value, not merely because it is older.
2. Its Display Is Still One of Its Strongest Features
A smartwatch display needs to be readable outdoors, responsive to touch, and comfortable to use throughout the day.
Google equipped the Pixel Watch 4 with an Actua 360 AMOLED display that reaches a claimed peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits. It also features a curved design, an always-on display, and a responsive refresh rate.
That brightness can be particularly useful when checking notifications, reading workout statistics, or viewing navigation information outdoors.
The watch is available in two sizes:
41 mm: Smaller and lighter, making it worth considering if you prefer a more compact watch.
45 mm: Offers a larger display and a larger battery, which may suit people who prefer more screen space.
The watch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5, but that does not make it immune to scratches, impacts, or accidental damage. A protective case or screen protector may be worth considering depending on how you use it.
The design is also an important part of the experience. The rounded watch face gives the Pixel Watch 4 a distinctive appearance that differs from the more square design of some competing smartwatches.
If you want a watch that looks appropriate with everyday clothing while still offering modern smartwatch functions, the Pixel Watch 4 remains a compelling option.
3. Battery Life Is Good Enough for Everyday Use
Battery life is one of the most important considerations when choosing a smartwatch, especially if you want to monitor your sleep as well as your daytime activity.
Google rates the Pixel Watch 4 for up to:
30 hours with the always-on display enabled on the 41 mm model.
40 hours with the always-on display enabled on the 45 mm model.
Up to 48 hours and 72 hours, respectively, using Battery Saver mode.
These are manufacturer estimates, not guaranteed results. Actual battery life depends on GPS usage, screen settings, connectivity, notifications, health monitoring, and other factors.
For many people, the standard battery estimates mean charging will still be a regular part of ownership. You should not expect the Pixel Watch 4 to last a week on a single charge.
Nevertheless, it can be practical for people who are comfortable charging their watch daily or every other day, depending on their usage.
Is the 45 mm model better for battery life?
If battery life is a priority, the 45 mm version has an advantage because it contains a larger battery.
The 41 mm model has a typical battery capacity of 325 mAh, while the 45 mm version has a typical capacity of 455 mAh.
The trade-off is size. The larger watch may feel more noticeable on a smaller wrist, so choosing the right size is more important than simply buying the model with the biggest battery.
Before purchasing, consider whether you prefer a lighter, more compact watch or a larger display with greater battery capacity.
4. Fast Charging Makes the Watch Easier to Live With
A smartwatch can have useful health features and still become frustrating if it takes too long to recharge.
Google introduced a Quick Charge Dock for the Pixel Watch 4. According to its specifications, the 41 mm model can reach approximately 50% charge in 15 minutes, while the 45 mm model takes around 15 minutes to reach the same level.
The larger model takes longer to reach higher charge levels, but both versions are designed for relatively quick top-ups.
This can help when you want to charge the watch before leaving home or need to replenish the battery before sleep tracking.
For example, you could incorporate charging into your morning routine or charge the watch while showering and getting ready.
Of course, charging times vary with battery condition, temperature, and other factors. Fast charging also does not eliminate the need to plan around charging if you want uninterrupted sleep tracking.
Still, it makes the Pixel Watch 4 more convenient than a smartwatch that requires a long charging session every day.
5. Health and Fitness Tracking Remains a Major Reason to Buy It
The Pixel Watch 4 is not simply a device for checking notifications. Its health and fitness features are among its strongest reasons to consider buying it.
The watch includes a range of sensors and tracking capabilities designed to help users understand their daily activity and sleep patterns.
Depending on feature availability and configuration, these include:
Continuous heart-rate monitoring.
Sleep tracking.
Workout and activity tracking.
Blood oxygen saturation monitoring.
ECG functionality.
Skin-temperature sensing.
Tracking related to stress and physical responses.
These features can make the watch useful for people who want to understand their activity levels, monitor exercise sessions, and develop more consistent sleep and fitness routines.
Is the Pixel Watch 4 good for fitness?
For everyday workouts, walking, running, and general activity tracking, the Pixel Watch 4 offers a useful set of tools.
It includes dual-frequency GPS, which is designed to improve location tracking in challenging environments compared with simpler GPS implementations. This can be useful when recording outdoor activities around buildings or other areas where satellite signals may be obstructed.
However, GPS performance varies with the environment, and no smartwatch guarantees perfect tracking.
People who primarily want a dedicated sports watch should also consider their needs carefully. If you need very long battery life for extended outdoor activities, specialist watches from Garmin and other sports-focused brands may be more suitable.
A note about health features
Smartwatch sensors can provide useful information, but they do not replace medical examinations or professional diagnosis. Some features may require a compatible phone, particular software, an account, or regional approval.
Before buying, check which health functions are supported where you live and whether any require a paid subscription.
6. Google's Software and Apps Make It More Than a Fitness Tracker
Another reason to consider the Pixel Watch 4 is its integration with Google's services.
Depending on your phone, region, app availability, and subscription status, the watch can support features such as:
Notifications from compatible phone apps.
Google Maps navigation.
Google Wallet payments in supported markets.
Google Assistant or supported Gemini experiences.
Music controls and compatible streaming apps.
Calendar reminders and other productivity functions.
The exact experience depends on the services you use and whether your country, bank, carrier, and apps support the relevant functions.
For someone who already uses Google's ecosystem, the Pixel Watch 4 can be a convenient extension of their phone.
You can glance at a notification, check an appointment, monitor an activity session, or use supported apps without reaching for your phone every time.
That said, not every feature is exclusive to the Pixel Watch. Competing Android smartwatches also provide many of these functions.
The real advantage is how well the watch fits into your existing routine, not simply the number of apps it supports.
7. The Biggest Concern: Software Support in 2027
This is one of the most important points in the entire buying decision.
Google's published policy guarantees Pixel Watch 4 software updates through at least October 2028. The policy includes operating system updates, security enhancements, bug fixes, and other updates as applicable.
That means a buyer purchasing the watch during 2027 should consider how long they intend to keep it.
If you buy it early in 2027, you may have more than a year of guaranteed support remaining. If you buy it near the end of 2027, the guaranteed period will be considerably shorter.
This does not mean the watch will suddenly stop working after October 2028. It means the published guarantee does not promise updates beyond that date.
The newer Pixel Watch 5 has a published guaranteed update period through at least October 2029. If another model becomes available in 2027, its support commitment should also be checked before making a decision.
Should you avoid the Pixel Watch 4 because of its support window?
Not necessarily.
If you plan to use the watch for a relatively short period, or if the discount is substantial, the remaining support period may be acceptable.
If you want to keep a smartwatch for several years, however, a newer model with a longer guaranteed support window may provide better long-term value.
8. Who Should Buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 in 2027?
The Pixel Watch 4 is best suited to a particular type of buyer.
Buy it if you want a premium Android smartwatch at a lower price
If the Watch 4 receives a substantial discount, it may provide a strong combination of display quality, fitness tracking, apps, and everyday convenience.
Buy it if you already use Google's services
People who rely on Google Maps, Wallet, Calendar, and compatible Android apps may find the watch especially useful.
Buy it if you want a capable everyday fitness companion
For ordinary workouts, running, walking, sleep tracking, and activity monitoring, its feature set may be more than sufficient.
Consider a different watch if battery life is your biggest priority
The Pixel Watch 4 still requires regular charging. If you want to go several days without charging or need extended GPS tracking, consider watches designed specifically for long battery life.
Consider the newer model if long-term support matters most
If you want to keep your watch for several years, the newer model's longer published support window could justify the additional cost.
Avoid it if you use an iPhone
The Pixel Watch 4 is not compatible with iPhones. Look for a watch that supports your phone's ecosystem.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 in 2027?
The Google Pixel Watch 4 could remain a sensible smartwatch purchase in 2027, but its value will depend heavily on its price and how much support remains.
Its bright display, useful health and fitness features, fast charging, dual-frequency GPS, and integration with Google's services give it plenty to offer. For someone who wants a capable Android smartwatch without paying for every new feature, it may be a good choice.
But there are two reasons to think carefully before buying: the newer Pixel Watch 5 already exists, and the Watch 4's guaranteed software-support period currently ends in October 2028.
If the Watch 4 is heavily discounted and its features meet your needs, it could be the smarter purchase. If the price difference is small, or you intend to keep the watch for many years, buying a newer model may be more sensible.
Our recommendation: In 2027, buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 only when the saving is meaningful, the condition and warranty are satisfactory, and the remaining software support fits your plans. Otherwise, compare it with the newest available Pixel Watch before spending your money.
Prices, availability, software features, and product lineups can change. Verify the latest details before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
(I) Is the Google Pixel Watch 4 still worth buying in 2027?
It can be, particularly if the price is substantially lower than that of the newest available model. Its display, health tracking, GPS, and Google app integration remain useful, but the remaining guaranteed software-support period should influence your decision.
(II) How long will the Pixel Watch 4 receive updates?
Google's published policy guarantees software updates through at least October 2028. Check the official policy before buying, especially if you plan to purchase the watch late in 2027.
(III) Does the Pixel Watch 4 work with Samsung phones?
It works with most compatible Android phones running Android 11 or newer. Check the official compatibility requirements and any limitations affecting specific functions.
(IV) Does the Pixel Watch 4 work with iPhones?
No. The Pixel Watch 4 does not support iPhones.
(V) Is the Pixel Watch 4 good for running?
It includes workout tracking and dual-frequency GPS, making it suitable for many everyday running and fitness needs. However, GPS performance depends on the environment, and dedicated sports watches may be better for people who need long battery life or specialised training features.
(VI) How long does the Pixel Watch 4 battery last?
Google rates the 41 mm model for up to 30 hours and the 45 mm model for up to 40 hours with the always-on display enabled. Actual battery life depends on usage and settings.
(VII) Is the Pixel Watch 4 better than the Pixel Watch 5?
The Watch 4 may offer better value if it is considerably cheaper. The Watch 5 has newer features and a longer published guaranteed update window. The better purchase depends on the current price difference and which features matter to you.