After 5 months, the Pixel Watch 4’s GPS is still my favorite upgrade

I’m more and more impressed with each iteration of Google’s smartwatch lineup. Every year, the company has addressed a different weakness, from battery life to overall polish. In this sense, Pixel Watch 4 it brings a lot to the table, but after countless runs, hikes, and walks, the upgrade that stands out to me the most is the GPS.

last year, Pixel Watch 3 It came very close to being an easy recommendation for runners. Having owned both of the first generations, I already loved the aesthetics of the line and the solid experience of Wear OS. On the 3rd, Google introduced a secondary case size that better fits my small wrists. It was clear that the line was hitting its stride. What was most remarkable, however, was that Google completely nailed it heart rate precision.

During my review period and the months of testing that followed, the Pixel Watch 3’s results held up consistently, even on my most reliable chest straps. The information was great for a structured workout, and I quickly started running with a constant focus on my color-coded heart rate zones. In short, the sensor won my heart (pun intended).

But every time I hit the pavement, the GPS would give me pause. It wasn’t wildly inaccurate, but it lacked the reliability that more dedicated athletes depend on. The Pixel Watch 2 wasn’t the sharpest in terms of GPS, and I was hoping to see an improvement, but instead I got more. The routes, distances drawn into yards, buildings, and streets didn’t match my trackers, and the pace data didn’t always reflect my actual training.

For neighborhood runs and basic routing, like the map above, it did the job and was generally fine for my casual exercise level, but not as impressive as the heart rate data. This shortcoming made it difficult to view the Pixel Watch 3 as a true exercise device, although for the most part the experience was excellent. After months with the Pixel Watch 4, that hesitation disappeared.

On paper, the switch to dual-band GPS sounds predictable. This is a common improvement that brands make and is quite expected in the best wearables. In reality, bumping doesn’t always mean better performance, but double range often leads to more consistent results when done well. In the case of the Pixel Watch lineup, the update clearly made a difference. The Pixel Watch 4 delivers the level of GPS reliability I’d like to see, and it finally matches the brand’s high-end heart rate data.

When I first tested the device, I noticed an immediate improvement, but I was also concerned that the improvement was not as drastic as I had hoped. The map above shows the early route with decent accuracy compared to the Garmin Epix. The routes are close, but there was enough variation that I was surprised.

Since then, the clock has been calibrated more accurately. Compared to Garmin’s dedicated GPS watches and Apple’s competition, my Pixel Watch 4’s routes now show up more often. Whether I’m running my regular loop or diving into areas with heavier tree cover, the GPS also stays locked. Overall distances, meanwhile, come out where I expected them to be, and are compatible with reliable devices.

In the run above, you can see how it compares to Garmin’s dedicated running watch, the Forerunner 570. Where there was a spread, the Pixel Watch actually proved to be the more accurate device, keeping me on track instead of sliding into homes. Compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 3, the Pixel Watch consistently delivers cleaner routes.

And to be thorough, the heart rate data is still fantastic.

Most importantly, Google has improved GPS performance without battery penalty. The Pixel Watch 4 endures longer sessions and doesn’t force me to rethink my charging routine based on my workouts.

The Pixel Watch 3 proved that Google can create a smartwatch that understands fitness by combining excellent heart rate tracking with a clean, accessible experience. With GPS that beats the competition, the Pixel Watch 4 offers a more complete package for dedicated athletes, and I highly recommend it.