Step-counting Showdown: Google Pixel Watch 4 vs Garmin Venu 4
The highly anticipated Google Pixel Watch 4 has arrived, and it's already making waves in the world of smartwatches, competing with the equally impressive Garmin Venu 4. As a fitness editor, I decided to put these two watches to the test, walking 14,000 steps to see which one comes out as the ultimate step-tracking companion.
But here's the twist: both watches go beyond mere step-counting. They are designed to be your 24/7 health and fitness companions, monitoring your heart rate, sleep, and even your menstrual cycle. So, when comparing these devices, it's not just about the steps; it's about the whole package.
I began my testing journey by examining the fundamentals. Can these watches accurately identify my workouts? Are they user-friendly, allowing me to effortlessly navigate and access my sleep score upon waking? And, of course, how precise are they at counting steps?
For this experiment, I wore both the Google Pixel Watch 4 and the Garmin Venu 4 during multiple walks, meticulously counting my steps with a clicker for reference. Upon returning home, I downloaded the data to determine which watch's step count aligned most closely with my manual tally. Curious about my findings? Read on!
I embarked on a 14,000-step journey, splitting my walks into several segments and counting as I went. Interestingly, both watches employ the same step-counting mechanism, utilizing an internal accelerometer to measure the swing of your arm, counting two steps per swing, regardless of hand dominance or walking style.
Here's a breakdown of the results:
| Walk | Manual Count | Google Pixel Watch 4 | Garmin Venu 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4,209 | 4,218 | 4,228 |
| 2 | 2,688 | 2,702 | 2,704 |
| 3 | 4,842 | 4,865 | 4,862 |
| 4 | 3,147 | 3,186 | 3,210 |
| Total | 14,886 | 14,971 | 15,004 |
As you can see, both watches demonstrated remarkable accuracy over the course of my seven-mile walk. The Google Pixel Watch 4 overcounted by a mere 85 steps, while the Garmin Venu 4 added 118 steps. This minor difference of 36 steps is negligible when considering the overall distance.
But wait, there's more! The average person takes approximately 2,000 steps per mile, so an overcount of 100 steps is relatively insignificant. However, the Google Pixel Watch 4 was ever so slightly more precise, edging closer to my manual count.
Now, if you think step-counting is all there is to these watches, think again. Both are equipped with an array of sensors, including HRM, ECG, SpO2, and Skin Temperature sensors, to provide you with a comprehensive health and fitness tracking experience.
The Google Pixel Watch 4, from a smartwatch perspective, is a standout. It's like having your phone's capabilities right on your wrist, with the added bonus of Google's Gemini AI assistant. This assistant can be activated by a simple hand raise and can even adjust your workouts based on your sleep and recovery data. Meanwhile, the Garmin Venu 4 boasts Garmin's renowned training features, such as Training Readiness, Body Battery, and Health Status. It's worth noting, though, that some of the Pixel Watch 4's premium training features require a Fitbit Premium subscription, which comes at an additional cost.
In terms of pricing, the Venu 4 starts at $549 for the basic model in both 41mm and 45mm sizes, and $599 if you prefer a leather strap. This represents a significant increase from the Garmin Venu 3's launch price of $450. In contrast, the Google Pixel Watch 4 has a more affordable starting price of $349.
While this test focused on step-counting, we'll be conducting more comprehensive comparisons between these two watches. But if accurate step-counting is your priority, rest assured that both watches excel in this department, allowing you to focus on your walk without worrying about manual counting.
Stay tuned for more in-depth reviews and comparisons, and don't forget to follow Tom's Guide on Google News for the latest updates. And here's a thought: if you had to choose between these two watches based on your fitness goals, which one would you pick? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
