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

Choosing between the Pixel Watch 4 and the newer Pixel Watch 5 can be a difficult decision. While the newer model comes with some improvements, it also comes at a higher price tag. The Pixel Watch 5 boasts a faster processor, thanks to the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated chip, which is 20% quicker than its predecessor. It also offers double the storage capacity, enabling features like automatic responses to text messages and offline voice interactions with Google Gemini.

However, the Pixel Watch 5 does not boast an improved battery life, with both models offering around 30 hours of usage with the always-on display enabled. The 45mm model does provide a slight increase in battery capacity, at 465 mAh, but this is not a significant enough upgrade to warrant the higher cost. Furthermore, the Pixel Watch 4 will likely see discounts over time, particularly during major sales events like Black Friday or Prime Day.

For those who are primarily interested in general activity and sleep tracking, the faster processor of the Pixel Watch 5 may only provide a marginal improvement. In this case, the additional cost may not be worth it, even if the shinier design of the newer model is appealing.