Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Spot the difference!

The best for the futureThe Pixel Watch 5 sports 50% more RAM, a faster processor, and proper on-device Gemini Nano models, so we fully expect to see Google roll out significant new features for this watch over the next 3 years while the device is supported. RAM is especially important for AI features, so this is the watch to get if you care about those. ProsSame battery lifeFast chargingFaster processorEven more accurate GPS tracking50% more RAM and 2x storageOn-device Gemini NanoConsSome features unavailable at launchSame non-rugged designCostly Fitbit Premium subscription after the free trial The best for your budgetThe Pixel Watch 4 was an excellent 2025 release, and that means it's going to be easy to find one at a significant discount a year later. Even though it's got 50% less RAM (and will probably miss out on some future Gemini features because of it), this is a solid choice if you mainly care about workout tracking and messaging. ProsSame great OSIdentical chargingStriking domed designDual-frequency GPS trackingEasily repairableConsDesign isn't rugged, with no sapphire glassCostly Fitbit Premium subscription after the free trialGemini requires an internet connection You've certainly heard this one before: on the surface, the Google Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 5 look identical. They've got the same beautiful domed glass design, use the same fast-charging solution, and sport the latest version of Google's Wear OS platform. But under the hood (or glass, I suppose), things are quite different.The Pixel Watch 5 features 50% more RAM and 2x storage, a faster processor, more accurate GPS tracking, and on-device Gemini Nano. For just $30 more, it's a surprisingly good spec bump that's a worthwhile upgrade for anyone coming from an older Pixel Watch (or something else, entirely).Of course, at this point, you could probably find a Pixel Watch 4 for much less, and that would be a great purchase, especially if we're talking something like $100 less than the Pixel Watch 5. Let's explore what these differences mean and if the newer Watch 5 is the best choice for you.Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Design, hardware, and specs Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test. (Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)As you can see from the image above, both watches look identical. They've got the exact same dimensions and weight, use the same glass dome, have the same water and dust resistance, diving specs, and even all the same sensors. It's even got the same 3,000-nit display. Swipe to scroll horizontally Specs Google Pixel Watch 5 Google Pixel Watch 4 OS Wear OS 7 Wear OS 7 CPU Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated, Cortex M55 co-processor Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, Cortex M55 co-processor Display Actua 360 AMOLED LTPO display, 320ppi3,000 nits, 1-60Hz refresh rate Actua 360 AMOLED LTPO display, 320ppi3,000 nits, 1-60Hz refresh rate RAM 3GB 2GB Storage 64GB 32GB Connectivity Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz, NFC, UWB, LTE (optional), dual-frequency GPS, Galileo, Glonass, (ROW) Beidou, QZSS, Navic, Satellite SOS, Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz, NFC, UWB, LTE (optional), dual-frequency GPS, Galileo, Glonass, (ROW) Beidou, QZSS, Navic, Satellite SOS, Sensors Compass, altimeter, barometer, magnetometer, 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light, multi-path optical heart rate sensor, cEDA, SpO2, ECG, far field skin temperature sensor Compass, altimeter, barometer, magnetometer, 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light, multi-path optical heart rate sensor, cEDA, SpO2, ECG, far field skin temperature sensor Battery 41mm: 332mAh, 30 hours with AOD, 48 hours with Battery Saver45mm: 465mAh, 40 hours with AOD, 72 hours with Battery Saver 41mm: 325mAh, 30 hours with AOD, 48 hours with Battery Saver45mm: 455mAh, 40 hours with AOD, 72 hours with Battery Saver Charging 41mm: 15 minutes to 50%, 25 minutes to 80%, 45 minutes to 100%45mm: 15 minutes to 50%, 30 minutes to 80%, 60 minutes to 100% 41mm: 15 minutes to 50%, 25 minutes to 80%, 45 minutes to 100%45mm: 15 minutes to 50%, 30 minutes to 80%, 60 minutes to 100% Materials Recycled aluminum Recycled aluminum Protection Custom Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 5ATM, IP68 Custom Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 5ATM, IP68 Band Active (fluoroelastomer) Active (fluoroelastomer) Dimensions 41 x 41 x 12.3mm45 x 45 x 12.3mm 41 x 41 x 12.3mm45 x 45 x 12.3mm Weight (w/out band) 41mm: 31g45mm: 36.7g 41mm: 31g45mm: 36.7g Colors Matte Black, Polished Silver, Satin Pyrite, Champagne Gold (41mm only)Stephen Curry Special Edition (45mm only) Matte Black Aluminum, Polished Silver Aluminum, Satin Moonstone Aluminum (45mm), Champagne Gold (41mm) The Pixel Watch 5 has a 2% larger battery than the Pixel Watch 4, which helps give it the same battery life as the Pixel Watch 4, even though the Watch 5 has a chipset that's 20% faster. The Pixel Watch 5 also ships with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, while the Watch 4 only has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.The extra 1GB doesn't sound like much, but it enables Gemini Nano to function properly, and the extra storage means you can download more music and podcasts for listening while you work out. (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Both models feature Google's superb haptic engine, the lovely rotating crown, a super shiny, bubbly exterior, support for all the same wristbands, and the same great connection capabilities.Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Software and AI (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)There's no meaningful difference between the features on these watches, but there are a few things to note. Google's new Health Guardian is supported back to the Pixel Watch 3, so you can buy an even older (and cheaper) Pixel Watch if insulin resistance and blood pressure trends are your main reason for looking at new hardware. You can even sideload Pixel Watch 5 watch faces onto a Pixel Watch 4, if you want.The real difference lies in Gemini capability and software support. The Pixel Watch 4 will get OS updates through October 2028, while the Watch 5 is supported through October 2029. That extra year of support will likely include new Gemini-based features, too, since the Pixel Watch 5 has 50% more RAM.And speaking of Gemini, the Watch 5 supports onboard Gemini Nano, so all those simple commands (like starting a timer, controlling workouts or music with your voice, toggling settings) are all instant, while the Pixel Watch 4 needs an internet connection to get the job done. That may not matter most of the time, but it will make a difference if you're out on a run and don't have your phone (or an LTE connection) with you.Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Health and workout tracking (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Google announced a ton of great new health features alongside the Pixel Watch 5, and the good news is that all of those features are headed to the Pixel Watch 4. The new insulin resistance and blood pressure trends features are all here.The only real difference lies in Google's new enhanced GPS tracking on the Pixel Watch 5, which further improves accuracy from the already excellent dual-band tracking on the Pixel Watch 4. This will come in handy if you navigate Google Maps a lot on your watch, especially in a city, but might not be a big deal otherwise.Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Which should you buy? (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)At retail price, it makes more sense to buy a Pixel Watch 5. For just $30 more, you're getting double the RAM, a faster processor, proper on-device Gemini capability, and an extra year of software support. That's a no-brainer choice.If you can find the Pixel Watch 4 for at least $100 less, however, the tide changes a bit. It's still a less capable watch, but most people won't care about the fancy new features if they can save a ton of money in the process. Just remember that the Pixel Watch 4 only has two more years of software support left (ending in October 2028) if you're worried about that. The best Pixel Watch yetUpgraded hardware and additional RAM and storage make this a more future-proof option than the Pixel Watch 4. The features might be the same for now, but we expect that to change in the future as Google continues to build out Gemini capabilities. A great budget pickDon't care much about Gemini or slightly more accurate GPS tracking? The Pixel Watch 4 is the perfect way to experience Google's best smartwatch experience without the higher price of the Pixel Watch 5. Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android Nick started with DOS and NES and uses those fond memories of floppy disks and cartridges to fuel his opinions on modern tech. Whether it's VR, smart home gadgets, or something else that beeps and boops, he's been writing about it since 2011. Reach him on X/Bluesky/Threads or Instagram @Gwanatu