The smartwatch market is bifurcating: feature-rich ecosystems versus specialized devices. The ZTE RedMagic Watch enters as a budget-focused option, potentially appealing to gamers, while the Google Pixel Watch 4 represents the latest iteration of Google’s premium Wear OS experience. This comparison dissects their core differences, focusing on performance, features, and target audiences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user deeply invested in the Google ecosystem and prioritizing a polished, seamless experience, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is the clear winner. However, budget-conscious consumers and mobile gamers may find the ZTE RedMagic Watch a compelling alternative, assuming its feature set aligns with their needs.
| 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) |
| 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 |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | 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 | Li-Ion 455 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, Satin Moonstone |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 353.94 |
ZTE RedMagic Watch
- Potentially very affordable price point
- Possible gaming-focused features (speculation)
- May offer longer battery life due to simpler feature set (speculation)
- Unknown chipset and performance capabilities
- Limited information available
- Likely less polished software experience
Google Pixel Watch 4
- Powerful Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset
- Seamless integration with Google services
- Fast charging capabilities (50% in 15 minutes)
- Refined Wear OS experience
- Higher price point
- Battery life may be shorter than some competitors
- Relatively small display size
Display Comparison
Details regarding the ZTE RedMagic Watch's display are currently unavailable. The Google Pixel Watch 4, however, is expected to continue utilizing an AMOLED display, potentially with refinements to peak brightness. The Pixel Watch 4’s display benefits from the efficiency of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, allowing for always-on display functionality without significant battery drain. The 41mm model charges slightly faster, reaching 100% in 45 minutes, while the 45mm model takes a full hour, suggesting a slightly larger battery capacity.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is expected to feature a camera. Smartwatches have largely moved away from integrated cameras due to privacy concerns and limited utility. The focus for both devices is on sensors for health and fitness tracking.
Performance
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 (4nm), a significant upgrade over previous Wear OS chipsets. This 4nm process node delivers improved power efficiency and performance, crucial for a device worn on the wrist. The quad-core Cortex-A53 configuration, clocked at 1.7 GHz, provides ample processing power for Wear OS and its applications. The ZTE RedMagic Watch’s processor remains unknown, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a less powerful and less efficient chipset, potentially impacting app responsiveness and overall smoothness. The W5 Gen 2’s integrated modem also offers improved connectivity.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel Watch 4’s charging speeds are a notable improvement, reaching 50% charge in 15 minutes, 80% in 25-30 minutes (depending on the model), and 100% in 45-60 minutes. This rapid charging minimizes downtime. The ZTE RedMagic Watch’s battery capacity and charging speeds are unknown. However, given the likely less efficient chipset, it may require longer charging times to achieve comparable battery life. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2’s efficiency is a key advantage for the Pixel Watch 4, allowing for all-day battery life with typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE RedMagic Watch if you need a highly affordable smartwatch with potential gaming-centric features and aren't heavily reliant on the Google ecosystem. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 if you prefer a premium design, seamless integration with Google services like Assistant and Maps, and advanced health tracking capabilities powered by the efficient Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 in the Pixel Watch 4 impact real-world performance compared to older Wear OS watches?
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2’s 4nm process and improved architecture result in significantly faster app loading times, smoother animations, and more responsive interactions. It also dramatically improves power efficiency, leading to longer battery life and reduced thermal throttling.
❓ Given the lack of detailed specs for the ZTE RedMagic Watch, what should potential buyers consider before purchasing?
Potential buyers should carefully consider their priorities. If seamless Google integration, advanced health tracking, and a polished software experience are crucial, the Pixel Watch 4 is the better choice. If budget is the primary concern and basic smartwatch functionality is sufficient, the RedMagic Watch may be worth considering, but be prepared for potential compromises in performance and features.
❓ Does the Pixel Watch 4's charging speed vary significantly between the 41mm and 45mm models?
Yes, the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 charges slightly faster, reaching 100% in 45 minutes, compared to the 45mm model which takes a full 60 minutes. This suggests a slightly smaller battery capacity in the 41mm version, allowing for quicker charging.
