ConsFirst / Smartwatches & fitness trackers / Compare
Google Pixel Watch 4 vs Apple Watch Ultra 4
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Google Pixel Watch 4 ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on comfort. Apple Watch Ultra 4 wins on battery life, fitness tracking, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Google Pixel Watch 4 is battery and value split owners; for the Apple Watch Ultra 4 it's huge and uncomfortable for smaller wrists. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Google Pixel Watch 4 | Apple Watch Ultra 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smartwatches & fitness trackers | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Smartwatch | Smartwatch |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 11% | — |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 4.1 |
| Battery life | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Fitness tracking | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Smart features | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Comfort | 4.0 | 2.5 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 5.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–350 · $$$ over $350. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Google Pixel Watch 4
- Battery and value split owners
Amazon's review summary says battery life and value for money get mixed reviews, with some owners saying the battery only lasts a couple of days and others saying it isn't worth the price. Tom's Guide, by contrast, got close to 60 hours on the 45 mm model.
- Heart-rate accuracy questioned
Amazon's review summary says customers disagree on how accurate the heart-rate tracking is. Tom's Guide calls the fitness and health updates incremental.
- New charger, and SOS only on LTE
Tom's Guide lists incompatibility with older chargers as a con, along with satellite SOS messaging being limited to the pricier LTE models.
Apple Watch Ultra 4
- Huge and uncomfortable for smaller wrists
Wirecutter's tester, with 6-inch wrists, found the 49 mm watch uncomfortable to sleep in and says it slides around during exercise. She suggests the 40 mm SE or 42 mm Series 12 for small wrists.
Source: Wirecutter (Apple Watch guide) - Minor upgrade over the Ultra 3
Wirecutter says it brings no design changes and largely the same health and fitness features, so it will feel stale to Ultra owners. Tom's Guide also says the design and display are basically unchanged.
- Expensive, with some features not ready
Wirecutter says it costs double a 42 mm Series 12, which has the same health features, and the Audio Intelligence features aren't ready to try yet.
Source: Wirecutter (Apple Watch guide)
Who should pick which
Pick the Google Pixel Watch 4 if
Android users on any brand of phone
Two days between charges (45 mm)
People who want a repairable watch (replaceable battery and screen)
Skip it if: You use an iPhone; You want satellite SOS without paying for LTE; You want to reuse an older Pixel Watch charger
Pick the Apple Watch Ultra 4 if
Hikers, triathletes and divers with an iPhone
Going two or more days between charges
People who want a big, rugged screen
Skip it if: You have small wrists or want to sleep in it comfortably; You own an Ultra 3; You don't need endurance or outdoor features
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.