Google Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a announced
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is now official and offers some improvements, albeit not related to the design. The new Pixel Watch looks the same as its predecessor, but offers a better display, better performance, and longer battery life. Google also announced the Pixel Buds 2a – a pair of affordable TWS earphones priced below the currently available Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Google Pixel Watch 4
As before, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is available in two versions – 41 mm and 45 mm – with display sizes of 1.2 inches and 1.4 inches. Both displays have been improved and achieve a brightness of up to 3,000 nits, which is equivalent to other smartwatches from 2025, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 series. This ensures better readability outdoors.
Additionally, the duo is upgrading the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset with the second generation – Snapdragon W5 Gen 2. The newer chip primarily improves location accuracy and saves internal storage space.
Speaking of power: Both Google Pixel Watch 4 models feature improved 327 mAh batteries (+20 mAh) for the 41 mm model and 459 mAh (+39 mAh) for the 45mm model. With the new batteries, Google expects the 41mm model to run for 30 hours on a single charge, while the 45mm model with AOD offers 40 hours of battery life.
For charging, the Google Pixel Watch 4 series features a new side-charging dock. Simply lay the watch on its side, and it transforms into an alarm clock on your desk. More importantly, charging is now 25% faster.
Notably, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is “Gemini-enabled.” This means you can talk to Gemini simply by raising your wrist. Gemini is also deeply integrated with some of your watch’s apps and will answer your questions. Health and sports tracking features include tracking of over 40 workouts, as well as ECG, SpO2, respiration rate, and HRV monitoring.
The Active Band is available in Obsidian, Porcelain, and Moonstone colors, while the Sport Band is available in Indigo, Limoncello, and Iris. Interestingly, the Active Band is made of a new material this year, making it a bit more comfortable.
The Google Pixel Watch 4 ships with Wear OS 6. The 41mm model starts at $349 (without LTE) and $399 (with LTE). The 45mm Pixel Watch 4 starts at $399 (without LTE) and $449 (with LTE). In Europe, prices are similar – €399 and €499 for the 41mm model, while the 45mm option costs €449 and €549, respectively.
Google Pixel Buds 2a
The new Google Pixel Buds 2a are a more affordable alternative to the currently available Pixel Buds Pro 2. However, they offer a number of premium features that will make you think twice before opting for the full-fledged Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Compared to their predecessors, the Pixel Buds 2a represent a significant improvement, as the original Pixel Buds A series launched about four years ago. The affordable pair offers active noise cancellation and forgoes the passive noise isolation Silent Seal 2.0 of the Pixel Buds Pro 2.
The earbuds also feature spatial audio, but without the head-tracking function. The battery lasts for 7 hours of playback time; the charging case extends this time to 20 hours. Unlike the Buds Pro 2, the Buds 2a case does not support wireless charging.
The Buds are available in gray and iris and cost €149 in Europe and $129 in the US.
