The smartwatch market is bifurcating: feature-rich ecosystems versus specialized devices. The ZTE Red Magic Watch, leaning into the gaming brand's identity, enters a space largely dominated by the Google Pixel Watch 4, which represents a polished, integrated experience within the Google ecosystem. This comparison dissects the core differences, focusing on performance, features, and target audiences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user deeply invested in the Google ecosystem and prioritizing a refined, seamless experience, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset and optimized Wear OS deliver superior performance and features. However, budget-conscious gamers may find the Red Magic Watch a compelling, if less polished, alternative.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 04 | 2025, August 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 11 | Available. Released 2025, October 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 47.8 x 46.4 x 12.4 mm (1.88 x 1.83 x 0.49 in) | 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm (1.77 x 1.77 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 30 g (1.06 oz) | 31 g or 37 g (1.09 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant
Waterproof (5ATM)
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 456 x 456 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.39 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 | Proprietary OS | Android Wear OS 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 6.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, 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, 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 420 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 455 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, Satin Moonstone |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 353.94 |
ZTE Red Magic Watch
- Potentially lower price point
- Gaming-focused branding
- May offer unique gaming integrations
- Limited information available
- Likely inferior performance
- Uncertain software support
Google Pixel Watch 4
- Powerful Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset
- Seamless Google ecosystem integration
- Fast charging speeds
- Higher price point
- Battery life can be a concern
- Relatively small display size
Display Comparison
Specific display details for the ZTE Red Magic Watch are unavailable, but given its market positioning, we anticipate a standard LCD or AMOLED panel. The Google Pixel Watch 4, while not specifying panel type, benefits from the efficiency of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, allowing for potentially longer on-screen times. The Pixel Watch 4’s display size options (41mm and 45mm) offer flexibility, while the charging speed varies: the 45mm model reaches 100% in 60 minutes, while the 41mm model is faster at 45 minutes. This faster charging is a direct benefit of the chipset’s power management capabilities.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities. However, the Pixel Watch 4’s integration with Google’s computational photography algorithms could offer superior image quality for any incidental camera use. The Red Magic Watch’s camera specifications are unknown, suggesting it’s a secondary consideration. Given the focus on gaming for the Red Magic Watch, camera functionality is likely minimal.
Performance
The Google Pixel Watch 4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 (4nm) chipset is the defining performance advantage. This quad-core processor, clocked at 1.7 GHz, offers a significant leap in efficiency and processing power compared to the likely MediaTek or Unisoc chipset found in the ZTE Red Magic Watch. The 4nm process node translates to lower heat generation and improved battery life under load. While the Red Magic Watch may suffice for basic notifications and fitness tracking, the Pixel Watch 4 is demonstrably better equipped for demanding tasks like voice assistants and complex app interactions. The absence of RAM specifications for the Red Magic Watch further underscores the Pixel Watch 4’s performance lead.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the ZTE Red Magic Watch is currently unknown. The Google Pixel Watch 4’s battery life is a known concern, but the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2’s efficiency mitigates this somewhat. The charging speeds – 50% in 15 minutes, 80% in 25/30 minutes, and 100% in 45/60 minutes (depending on the 41mm or 45mm model) – are competitive. The faster charging times on the 41mm model suggest optimized power delivery. Without battery capacity data for the Red Magic Watch, it’s difficult to directly compare, but the Pixel Watch 4’s charging speed offers a practical advantage for users who frequently need to top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Red Magic Watch if you need a budget-friendly smartwatch with potential gaming-focused features and aren't heavily reliant on the Google ecosystem. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 if you prioritize seamless integration with Google services, a premium build quality, and a more comprehensive feature set, including advanced health tracking and a faster, more responsive user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 in the Pixel Watch 4 address the battery life concerns of previous Pixel Watch models?
Yes, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 is significantly more power-efficient than the Exynos 9110 used in the original Pixel Watch. The 4nm process node and optimized architecture contribute to improved battery life, although it remains a key consideration for heavy users. The faster charging speeds also help mitigate battery anxiety.
❓ What kind of gaming-specific features can we expect from the ZTE Red Magic Watch?
While specific details are scarce, the Red Magic Watch is likely to offer features geared towards gamers, such as integration with Red Magic phone accessories, potentially optimized notification handling during gameplay, and a design aesthetic appealing to gamers. However, the lack of detailed specifications makes it difficult to assess the extent of these features.
❓ Is the Google Pixel Watch 4 compatible with iPhones?
No, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is designed exclusively for Android users and requires an Android phone for initial setup and full functionality. It will not work with iPhones.
