The Google Pixel Watch 4 made me like smartwatches again

The author, who previously preferred analog watches or basic fitness bands due to limited need for constant notifications and daily charging, found renewed interest in smartwatches after testing the Google Pixel Watch 4. The watch’s circular, domed Actua 360 display with thinner bezels and higher brightness (up to 3,000 nits) impressed the author, making it easier to use outdoors. The 41mm model tested offered good battery life, often lasting over a day with light use, and fast charging capabilities—advertised as 0-50% in 15 minutes and 0-100% in 45 minutes—proved practical for quick top-ups during short breaks. In terms of fitness tracking, the Pixel Watch 4 was used mainly for pickleball and walking, but lacked specialized gym equipment modes, offering only general workout categories. While it supports cardio workout detection and running features, these were less useful in the author’s environment. Some tracking metrics, like floor count, were inconsistent