The smartwatch market is heating up, with the Honor Watch 4 and Google Pixel Watch 4 vying for wrist space. While both aim to be comprehensive health and connectivity companions, they approach the challenge with different philosophies and hardware. The Pixel Watch 4 leverages Google’s software ecosystem and a modern chipset, while the Honor Watch 4, representing a more value-focused approach, aims to deliver a robust feature set. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which smartwatch best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing seamless integration with the Google ecosystem and a refined software experience, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage. However, users seeking a potentially more affordable option with a focus on core fitness tracking may find the Honor Watch 4 appealing, pending detailed specification availability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 12 | 2025, August 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 12 | Available. Released 2025, October 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 45.3 x 39.1 x 11.2 mm (1.78 x 1.54 x 0.44 in) | 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm (1.77 x 1.77 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g (1.13 oz) | 31 g or 37 g (1.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 390 x 450 pixels (~340 ppi density) | 456 x 456 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.75 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | LTPO AMOLED, 3000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core (4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno A702 |
| OS | MagicOS 7.2 | Android Wear OS 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 32MB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE | 6.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wired, 50% in 15 min, 80% in 30 min, 100% in 60 min - 45mm model
Wired, 50% in 15 min, 80% in 25 min, 100% in 45 min - 41mm model |
| Type | Li-Ion 451 mAh | Li-Ion 455 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, Satin Moonstone |
| Models | TMA-L19 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 353.94 |
Honor Watch 4
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Likely focus on core fitness tracking features
- May offer longer battery life (pending specs)
- Unknown processor performance
- Lack of detailed specifications hinders comparison
- Potentially less refined software experience
Google Pixel Watch 4
- Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset
- Seamless integration with Google services
- Fast charging capabilities (45-60 minutes to full)
- Potentially higher price
- Battery life may be shorter than some competitors
- Wear OS can be resource-intensive
Display Comparison
Currently, display specifications for the Honor Watch 4 are unavailable. The Google Pixel Watch 4 is expected to feature an AMOLED display, a standard for smartwatches, offering vibrant colors and good outdoor visibility. The Pixel Watch 4’s display size will likely be available in 41mm and 45mm variants. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2’s integrated display driver supports high refresh rates and efficient power management, potentially leading to smoother animations and better battery life on the Pixel Watch 4. Without Honor Watch 4 display details, a direct comparison is impossible, but the Pixel Watch 4 benefits from a known, high-quality panel technology.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Honor Watch 4 nor the Google Pixel Watch 4 are expected to feature cameras. Smartwatches have largely moved away from integrated cameras due to privacy concerns and limited utility. This section is therefore not applicable to this comparison.
Performance
The Google Pixel Watch 4’s performance is anchored by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 (4nm) chipset, featuring a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.7 GHz. This represents a significant leap in efficiency and processing power compared to older smartwatch platforms. The 4nm process node is crucial, reducing heat generation and improving sustained performance during demanding tasks like app loading and workout tracking. The Honor Watch 4’s processor remains unknown. Given Honor’s positioning, it’s likely to utilize a less expensive chipset, potentially resulting in slower app launch times and less responsive animations. The Pixel Watch 4’s architecture is optimized for Wear OS, ensuring a smooth and fluid user experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for smartwatches. The Google Pixel Watch 4 offers charging speeds of 50% in 15 minutes, 80% in 30 minutes (45mm model) or 25 minutes (41mm model), and 100% in 60 minutes (45mm) or 45 minutes (41mm). The Honor Watch 4’s battery capacity and charging speeds are currently unknown. However, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2’s power efficiency in the Pixel Watch 4 suggests it can deliver all-day battery life with typical usage. Without specific data on the Honor Watch 4, it’s difficult to assess its battery performance, but a larger battery capacity would be necessary to compete with the Pixel Watch 4’s efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Watch 4 if you need a smartwatch that prioritizes potentially longer battery life (assuming efficient software optimization given the lack of detailed specs) and a more budget-conscious price point. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 if you prefer a fluid, feature-rich experience deeply integrated with Google services, benefit from the efficiency of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, and value faster charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset in the Google Pixel Watch 4 impact real-world performance compared to older smartwatch chips?
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 represents a significant upgrade in performance and efficiency. Its 4nm process node allows for faster processing speeds, smoother animations, and improved battery life. You'll notice quicker app launch times, more responsive interactions, and a generally more fluid user experience compared to smartwatches using older, less efficient chipsets.
❓ Given the lack of detailed specifications for the Honor Watch 4, what should potential buyers consider before purchasing?
Without specific details, it's crucial to consider Honor's brand positioning. They typically focus on delivering a good feature set at a competitive price. However, this often means compromises in processor performance and software refinement. If you prioritize a seamless, high-performance experience, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is the safer bet. If you're willing to accept potential limitations for a lower price, the Honor Watch 4 might be worth considering once more information becomes available.
❓ Does the Google Pixel Watch 4's fast charging significantly improve usability compared to slower charging smartwatches?
Yes, the Pixel Watch 4's charging speeds (50% in 15 minutes, full charge in 45-60 minutes) are a significant convenience. A quick top-up during your morning routine can provide enough power to get you through the day, minimizing downtime and ensuring your smartwatch is always ready when you need it.
