I Tested the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and It Impressed Me in Nearly Every Way but One
8.3
/ 10
SCORE Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
Pros The 6.9-inch screen is immersive, with lovely colors and contrast
The 4.1-inch screen looks incredible
It's durable and survived a drop onto concrete
One UI 8 (Android 16) runs wonderfully
$1,100 is still a lot, but Samsung gives the phone more value than the Flip 6 Cons Gets warm when recording videos and playing games
Battery life is the same as the Flip 6 despite a bigger battery
Cover screen software has room to grow
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
8.3/10 CNET Score
When I first got my hands on Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip 7, I was delighted to discover that it has a smaller crease, larger cover screen, thinner design and bigger battery compared to last year's Galaxy Z Flip 6. But as I tested the new clamshell phone, I became enthralled by its inner screen. At 6.9 inches, this is the biggest screen on any Samsung phone aside from its foldable Z-sibling the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has an 8-inch foldable display.
The Z Flip 7's large screen size makes content feel more immersive and colors look lovely and vivid. This led to epic TikTok and Instagram sessions, watching widescreen films like A Working Man and Back to the Future, as well as jumping back and forth between two apps stacked vertically on the screen thanks to One UI 8's 90:10 split tool.
This is not your father's smartphone or even his old flip phone.
Every time I open the Flip 7, I am consistently dumbfounded by how such a large display can unfurl from something about the size of a makeup compact. And when it's closed, there's a 4.1-inch cover screen that's fantastic in its own ways with new clever animations for when you are recording a video, charging the phone or taking a selfie, all efficiently using the extra cover display real estate. In terms of functionality, though, the cover screen's software is about the same as the 3.4-inch one on the Flip 6.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a new hinge that's nearly 30% smaller than the one on the Flip 6. It can also be positioned at nearly any angle.
James Martin/CNET
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the most fully-realized version of what Samsung's ideal of a flip phone is since the launch of the original Galaxy Z Flip in 2020. The Flip 7's appeal is simple: It's a thin phone with a big bold screen that folds in half into a drink coaster-sized square.
The Flip 7 launches at a time when Samsung's competitors, especially Motorola, have found their own unique appeal and success with flip phones, which have progressed from novelty to competitive cutting-edge technological niche. So it's nice to see the South Korean company nail this phone's design. And in my testing, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 has been a blast to use.
Whether I was on the streets of Little Italy in New York paying for gelato without opening the phone or watching Sinners on that 6.9-inch screen during a flight to San Francisco, the Flip 7 impressed me in nearly every way but one: its battery life. It has a larger battery than the Flip 6, but doesn't last any longer in daily use. It did consistently get me through a day on a single charge, often having 15-20% left, but there were also a few days where it needed an early evening top off. That's OK, but I was hoping to squeeze out a few more hours. Also, the Flip 7 did occasionally get warm easily while in use, especially when I was filming videos, playing games or using it as a desktop computer via DeX (yes, I'm that guy).
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 starts at $1,100 and comes with 256GB of storage. That's the same price as last year's Flip 6, but you actually get double the storage. The $1,100 price is still a lot for a phone, but I think Samsung added more value to the Flip 7 than it did with the Flip 6, and there's always the lower-spec (and less refined) Galaxy Flip 7 FE at $900 for those who want to save a little money. The Flip 7 FE is essentially repackaged Flip 6 without its Snapdragon processor. But to help make the cost sting less, Samsung and carriers have deals for the Flip 7.
The Flip 7's inner screen is 6.9 inches and has a wider aspect ration than previous Z Flip phones.
James Martin/CNET
Who should buy the Galaxy Z Flip 7?
If you've been tempted by a clamshell-style foldable, you should definitely consider the Flip 7. If you're trying to choose between the Flip 7 and the comparable $1,300 Motorola Razr Ultra, that's a tough choice. I'm working on a comparison between the two flip phones but I will say this for now: I'm a huge fan of the Razr Ultra, and while on paper it costs $200 more than 256GB Flip 7, Motorola's premium clamshell foldable comes with 512GB of storage. A Flip 7 with 512GB costs $1,220, which is still $80 of daylight between the two.
If you have a Galaxy Z Flip 4 or older, the Flip 7 will be an upgrade in every way. It's harder to make that same recommendation for Flip 5 owners unless your phone is showing its age. And if you have a Galaxy Z Flip 6, you can sit this one out unless you really want those larger screens.
When opened, the Flip 7 is 6.5 mm thick compared to the Flip 6 which is 6.9 mm.
James Martin/CNET
Galaxy Z Flip 7 design
The entire Flip 7 is thinner than the Flip 6, including the hinge, which is nearly 30% smaller. The difference is noticeable when I hold it. The phone might not be as dramatically thin as the Fold 7, which is over two millimeters thinner, though I keep wondering how amazing a clamshell-style foldable would be if it were the same thickness as the Fold 7. The hinge can easily be positioned at nearly any angle between its open and close points. And closing the Flip 7 comes with a solid thwap sound that is as satisfying as rubbing a dog's belly.
Foldable phone thickness compared Phone Open Closed Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 4.2mm 8.9mm Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 6.5mm 13.7mm Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE 6.9mm 14.9mm Motorola Razr Plus (2025) 7.09mm 15.32mm Motorola Razr Ultra 7.19mm 15.69mm
Despite the thinner design, the Flip 7 is actually a gram heavier than the Flip 6. In hand the phone feels light and is comfortable to hold. It has an IP48 rating for water and dust resistance which is the highest a foldable phone can have as of 2025. The number "4" in the rating means it is protected against particles that are 1-millimeter or larger. So the Flip 7, as with most foldables, isn't something you should bring to the beach. If sand got into the hinge or screen it could do costly damage, for example.
In terms of durability, I didn't expect to test this on my first day with the Flip 7, but I accidentally dropped it on a concrete patio. Aside from a tiny scratch on the hinge, the Flip 7 came out unscathed.
While the crease on the inner screen is less noticeable, I can still see it at certain angles and feel it when swiping. There are some picky purists waiting for a truly seamless folding screen who will be unsatisfied, but I truly don't see it most of the time when the screen is on.
On previous Z Flip phones, going back and forth between the inner screen and the outer display showed off their differences, with the cover screen looking noticeably dimmer especially in sunlight. Thankfully Samsung fixed that. The cover screen and main display can each reach up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness and both have up to a 120Hz refresh rate to make system animations, scrolling around and video game graphics look buttery smooth and immersive. It's a significant improvement.
Google's Gemini AI Live runs on the cover screen.
James Martin/CNET
Galaxy Z Flip 7 battery and processor
Samsung took a different approach with the Flip 7's processor by opting for an Exynos 2500 chip, instead of the Snapdragon 8 Elite that is in foldables like the Razr Ultra and Fold 7. While it's a notable change, the Exynos 2500 runs just fine in daily use. The only times I suspected something might be different was when the Flip 7 would get warm -- but that might have more to do with the new thinner design.
In benchmarks for the CPU, the Flip 7 scored lower in the Geekbench 6 test than the Razr Ultra and Fold 7 and nearly the same as the Flip 6, which runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. And for gaming and graphics benchmarks, the Flip 7 was well behind the Fold 7, the Razr Ultra and the Flip 6 in the 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme test.
These tests should be taken with a grain of salt, though. The Flip 7 will be just fine for most people in daily use. If you are heavily into mobile gaming, using on-device AI or want the Flip 7 to be your full-time videographer, you might want to look at the Razr Ultra or the Fold 7. But for less frequent AI use, video recording and gaming, you should be fine with the Flip 7's hardware. I'm curious about the longevity of the Exynos 2500 chip, especially if someone were to keep the Flip 7 for the seven years that Samsung promises of software and security updates.
Geekbench v.6.0
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
2,216
7,338
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
2,237
6,777
Motorola Razr Ultra
2,837
8,705 Geekbench v.6.0 single-core
Geekbench v.6.0 multicore Note: Longer bars indicate better performance
3DMark Wild Life Extreme
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
3,945
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
4,290
Motorola Razr Ultra
6,296 Note: Longer bars indicate better performance
The Flip 7 has a 4,300mAh battery; that's up from the 4,000mAh one in the Flip 6. But the Flip 7 has two larger screens and a cover screen that can hit a higher maximum peak brightness. So that extra bit of battery capacity gets gobbled up pretty quick. In real life, I averaged a full day of use on a single charge over two weeks. A couple more hours of use would be nice as it will definitely help with Flip 7's longevity, especially as newer software could potentially drain the battery faster in the future.
In CNET's 45-minute battery endurance test, which includes scrolling through social media and news feeds, streaming YouTube, conducting a video call, playing games and other general purpose use, the Flip 7 lost less of its charge than the Flip 6 but dropped more than the Razr Ultra. And in CNET's video battery test, which entails streaming video on the main display at full brightness for three hours, the Flip 7 lost less of its charge than the Flip 6 but more than the Razr Ultra, which has a maximum 165Hz refresh rate.
The Flip 7 runs One UI 8 and has a bunch of new Android 16 features including the ability move the time anywhere on your wallpaper.
James Martin/CNET
Galaxy Z Flip 7 One UI 8
Notably, the Flip 7 and Fold 7 run One UI 8 (Samsung's customized version of Android 16) out of the box. Android 16 was released a month ago, so it's incredible that Google and Samsung were able to actually do this -- which brings Flip 7 owners the newest software bells and whistles.
In use, One UI 8 has been wonderful. I haven't experienced any hiccups or bugs. I really enjoy having the 90:10 split interface on the main screen where one app takes up 90% of the display and another takes up 10%. And if I want to switch it up so that the app taking up 10% takes up 90%, I simply tap on that app's window. It's a small but delightful tool great for multitasking.
Samsung's Now Brief UI feature plays a bigger role on the cover screen. There's a tiny stack to the left of the cameras where I can shuffle through notifications like a deck of cards. In terms of Now Brief, the briefings are still rather sparse. I see the weather, a random news story and a prompt to add YouTube videos to my brief. I think Now Brief has potential, but as it is, I can't say I'd use it.
Cover screen widgets are great and interactive. You can run full apps (via Samsung's Good Lock app), but they aren't as well-optimized for the screen as apps running on the Motorola Razr Ultra's cover display. I'm happy to see Samsung expand the cover display's size but wish the software matched the experience of the main screen better. I still encounter the "open phone to continue" pop-up more than I like.
There's a new button on the cover screen for changing an app's aspect ratio. It's a killer feature given that apps running through the Good Lock app aren't always optimized for the cover display's square-ish aspect ratio.
These are the two cameras in the outer display: a 50-megapixel wide-angle and a 12-megapixel ultrawide.
James Martin/CNET
Galaxy Z Flip 7 camera
There are two cameras on the outside of the Flip 7: a 50-megapixel wide-angle and a 12-megapixel ultrawide. Cut into the inside screen is a 10-megapixel selfie camera. But if you haven't used a modern flip phone before, know that you'll be using that 50-megapixel main camera the most, even for selfies and group shots.
Like prior Z Flip models, the Flip 7 is one of the most versatile phones for capturing images and that's largely because the foldable is its own tripod by unfolding it halfway. And while the cameras are not the best ones you can find on a phone or foldable, they consistently take good photos and videos.
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This shot of the BIGFACE popup was taken with the main camera. There was a flood of soft natural light coming in from a window on the left (out of frame) and some red light coming from a neon sign on the right.
Patrick Holland/CNET
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This avocado toast looked green but not the nuclear glowing green that the main camera captured.
Patrick Holland/CNET
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In goof lighting, the main camera can pick up a lot of sharp details like all the cat fur on the striped blanket.
Patrick Holland/CNET
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New York streets look great at night after it rains, especially in this photo that i took with the main camera.
Patrick Holland/CNET
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This image of CNET's Tara Brown (left) and Vanessa Hand Orellana was taken with the Flip 7's main camera.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Do I wish there was a dedicated telephoto camera? Yes, but cropping in or taking photos at 2x or even 4x looks good. And the Flip 7 gets the new zoom slider that the Galaxy S25 series has, which is handier for pinpoint adjustments than other phones' camera apps. It makes such a difference when I'm holding the phone one-handed and trying to zoom in on a subject.
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I grabbed this shot of the New York skyline with the Flip 7's main camera set at 2x. It was a perfect sky.
Patrick Holland/CNET
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I snagged this shot of a dog drinking water with the main camera at 2x. The lighting wasn't that bright and the texture in the dog's fur looks almost like paint stokes because of all the noise reduction.
Patrick Holland/CNET
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I used the main camera at 2x to grab a snap of a Snowy Plover from Andytown Coffee in San Francisco. It allowed me to grab a photo of the majestic drink without my shadow creeping into the frame.
Patrick Holland/CNET
I have been a fan of Samsung's ultrawide cameras for years -- there's just something magical with that lens specifically that can make a photo look dramatic without going completely distorted like a fisheye lens. Do I wish it took better photos under dim lighting like in a bar? Yes.
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Here's is the entryway of the old Pacific Telephone building in San Francisco. I like how the ultrawide lens exaggerates the archway and other details around the doors.
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The exterior of San Francisco's Contemporary Jewish Museum looks even more dramatic through the Flip 7's ultrawide lens.
Patrick Holland/CNET
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Also in practical terms, the ultrawide lens also lets more of the view in frame -- in this case Little Italy in New York.
Patrick Holland/CNET
To improve the shooting experience, Samsung has added support for log video recording, which preserves more image information in the highlights and shadows, allowing for greater flexibility when it comes to editing a video's colors and contrast. There's also Audio Mix, which can make the audio in your videos sound better with the help of AI.
There are a number of selections for the cover screen's wallpaper including a few that are interactive.
James Martin/CNET
Galaxy Z Flip 7 final thoughts
It feels like Samsung took nearly every shortcoming that previous Z Flips had and solved them for the Flip 7. The phone is filled with smart compromises and will no doubt have a wider appeal as a result. And if you're able to get to a store and see the Flip 7 in person, you'll know immediately whether it's for you or not. But the Flip 7 isn't the only clamshell foldable that Samsung launched. There's also the $900 Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, which is basically a repacked Flip 6 with a new processor. Previously, Samsung would keep last year's Flip around with a $100 discount. We're testing the Flip 7 FE, so keep an eye out for CNET's review.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 specs versus Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Motorola Razr Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 6
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Cover display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 4.1-inch AMOLED, 948x1,048p, 120Hz refresh rate 3.4-inch AMOLED; 720 x 748 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate 4-inch pOLED, 2,992x1,224p, up to 165Hz variable refresh rate 3.4-inch AMOLED; 720 x 748 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate Internal display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 6.9-inch AMOLED, 2,520x1,080p, 1-120Hz refresh rate 6.7-inch AMOLED; 2,640 x 1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz refresh rate 7-inch AMOLED; 1,272x1,080p, up to 165Hz variable refresh rate 6.7-inch AMOLED; 2,640 x 1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz refresh rate Pixel density Cover: 342ppi; Internal: 397ppi Cover: 306 ppi; Internal: 425 ppi Cover: 417 ppi; 464 ppi Cover: 306 ppi; Internal: 425 ppi Dimensions (inches) Open: 2.96 x 6.56 x 0.26 in; Closed: 2.96 x 3.37 x 0.26 in Open: 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 in Closed: 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 in Open: 2.91 x 6.75 x 0.28 inches Closed: 2.91 x 3.47 x 0.62 inches Open: 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 in Closed: 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 in Dimensions (millimeters) Open: 75.2 x 166.7 x 6.5mm; Closed: 75.2 x 85.5 x 13.7mm Open: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm Closed: 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mm Open: 73.99 x 171.48 x 7.19mm Closed: 73.99 x 88.12 x 15.69mm Open: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm Closed: 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mm Weight (grams, ounces) 188g (6.63 oz.) 187g (6.6 oz) 199g (7 oz) 187g (6.6 oz) Mobile software Android 16 Android 16 Android 15 Android 14 Cameras 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) 50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide) 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) Internal screen camera 10-megapixel 10-megapixel 50-megapixel 10-megapixel Video capture 4K TBD 4K TBD Processor Samsung Exynos 2500 Samsung Exynos 2400 Snapdragon 8 Elite Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 RAM/storage 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB 8GB + 128GB, 256GB 16GB + 512GB, 1TB 12GB + 256GB, 512GB Expandable storage None None None None Battery 4,300 mAh 4,000 mAh 4,700 mAh 4,000 mAh Fingerprint sensor Yes Side Side Side Connector USB-C USB-C USB-C USB-C Headphone jack None None None None Special features One UI 8, IP48 water resistance, 25W wired charging, Qi wireless charging, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Galaxy AI IP48 rating, 25W wired charging, wireless charging + powershare, 2x optical zoom (up to 10x digital) IP48 rating, 68-watt wired charging, 30-watt wireless charging, 5-watt reverse charging, dual stereo speakers, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic cover dispaly, 3,000 nits peak brightness on cover display, 4,500 nits peak brightness on main display, 5G. IP48 rating, 25W wired charging, wireless charging + powershare, 3x optical zoom (up to 10x digital and 30x Space Zoom with AI Super Resolution tech) US price starts at $1,100 $900 $1,300 $1,100
How we test phones
Every phone CNET's reviews team tests is used in the real world. We test a phone's features, play games and take photos. We examine the display to see if it's bright, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and build to see how it is to hold and whether it has an IP rating for water resistance. We push the processor's performance to the extremes using standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphically intense games at high refresh rates.
All the cameras are tested in a variety of conditions, from bright sunlight to dark indoor scenes. We try out special features like night mode and portrait mode, and compare our findings against similarly priced competing phones. We also check out the battery life by using it daily as well as running a series of battery drain tests.
We take into account additional features like support for 5G, satellite connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus support, fast charging speeds and foldable displays, among others that can be useful. We balance all of this against the price to give you the verdict on whether that phone, whatever price it is, actually represents good value. While these tests may not always be reflected in CNET's initial review, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.
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The case fits perfectly and doesn't tack on much bulk to the phone's thin design. That said, you'll find better listed drop protection from other options, and I found the rounded edge of the kickstand can cause the phone to wobble when you're watching videos. Thinnest case Thinnest case Colors: BlackDimensions: N/AMaterials: 600D Aramid FiberWeight: 0.8 oz + Amazingly thin+ Scratch-resistant+ MagSafe compatible - Minimal drop protection If you're looking for a case that keeps the focus on the Galaxy Z Fold 7's slim profile, Thinborne's 600D Aramid Fiber Case is your best bet. At 0.04 inches thin, the case has an astoundingly low-profile compared to others on the market and the aramid fiber material offers some protection against scratches. The price for that thinness is minimal drop protection, and there's no hinge covering, which may put off some shoppers. When you're looking for the best Galaxy Z Fold 7 case to fit your lifestyle and budget, make sure you're looking at the right phone case model. The redesign Samsung introduces for this year's model means the best Galaxy Z Fold 6 cases aren't compatible with the latest phone. Here are a few other factors to keep in mind on your quest for the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 case. Thickness: The primary purpose of any quality case is to protect the gadget inside it, but the reason you bought a Galaxy Z Fold 7 case is because of how thin it is. With that in mind, it's worth noting that a case will make your phone thicker, and the durability the case offers is usually directly proportional to the thickness of the case. Build materials and drop protection: Whether the case is made out of silicone, rubber, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), graphene, aramid fiber, or a combination of these shock-absorbing materials, look for a good drop rating to keep your phone protected from the occasional spill. Some smartphone cases are only meant to withstand drops of a few feet high, while more hardcore competitors have a MIL-STD-810G-tested rating of 10 feet or more. Multiple materials (and layers) generally offer the best drop protection, but the toughest cases we've found are reinforced with graphene or aramid fiber. Color/design options: Phone cases can be pretty plain, but a handful really pu the emphasis on style, wether it's textured designs, artsy skins, customizable shells, and built-in keychain attachments. Your phone is part of your identity these days, so why not choose a case that identifies with your own unique personality? Environmental impact: As smartphone manufacturers continue emphasizing the sustainability angle of their devices, case makers are falling in line. Look for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases driven by various green initiatives that use recycled plastics and other bio-friendly materials. There's something noteworthy about the latest Galaxy phones is as they support Qi2 wireless charging, but lack the on-device magnets that make the most of this feature. Buy a MagSafe-compatible case and your wireless charging will be instantly improved; you'll be able to attach other magnet-equipped accessories to your phone as well. We base our initial case rankings on word-of-mouth and customer reviews, paired with our own comprehensive research into new phone cases that come out every time a phone manufacturer releases a new model. In some instances, we may call in cases for additional hands-on testing, and we revisit our picks to see if any new cases have come along. We consider overall protection, quality of build materials, available colors and designs and any extra features that make each model stand out. We weigh all that info against how much each phone case costs. Because phone cases are such a personal choice, we also strive to include a variety of styles and brands to fit different tastes and budgets.
Tom's Guide
35 minutes ago
- Tom's Guide
Google Pixel Watch 4 — These are the biggest rumored upgrades so far
• Google's new Pixel Watch 4 lineup could get wireless charging• The next Pixel Watch could debut at Made by Google, scheduled for August 20• The Pixel Watch 4 may sport the same basic design but with a bigger battery Even with the debut of the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series, last year's Google Pixel Watch 3 — particularly the longer-lasting 45mm model — remains one of the best Android smartwatches money can buy. However, with a Made by Google event on the schedule for August 20, we may well have the Pixel Watch 4 on our wrists before the summer's officially out. The question is, what new features, spec upgrades, and design changes will the new smartwatch model bring about? I've been covering all the rumors since the first murmurs of a Pixel Watch 3 replacement emerged earlier this year. With that in mind, these are the biggest potential Pixel Watch 4 upgrades you should know about, from price to launch date to battery life and more. The Google Pixel Watch 4 is expected to debut on August 20, 2025, during a Made by Google event scheduled for that day. Based on prior Pixel Watch launches, you can likely expect the first units to ship by late August or early September. The Pixel Watch 4 will likely come in 41mm and 45mm, like the Pixel Watch 3. The starting cost for the smaller Pixel Watch 4 without LTE is likely to stay at $349; however, an increase to $399 is possible. Likewise, the 45mm Pixel Watch 4 is expected to start at $399, but the price could creep as high as $349. It's worth noting that Samsung just increased pricing for the Galaxy Watch 8 series by $50, so Google following suit isn't outside of the realm of possibility. The Google Pixel Watch 4 is rumored to sport a similar design to its predecessor. It looks like both the 41mm and 45mm options will be sticking around, which is good. (Everyone loves choices!) While renders from leaker Evan Blass suggest a thinner bezel and potentially larger screen, previously leaked designs also suggest a thicker overall case; this would be to incorporate a larger-capacity battery. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Speaking of battery life, Google may finally be doing away with the magnetic pin-style charger (or not!). Another set of apparently leaked Pixel Watch 4 renders, first shared by Android Headlines, hint at a totally new approach to charging for the series: Instead of the charger connecting to the bottom of the device like it does on most smartwatches, older Pixel Watch models included, it may instead connect to the side of the Pixel Watch 4. The idea is to allow the Pixel Watch 4 to function as a tabletop clock while it charges. Numerous leaks and rumors suggest that the screens on the Pixel Watch 4 will see a max brightness increase to 3,000 nits, up from 2,000 nits on the Pixel Watch 3. This improvement would keep the Pixel Watch 4 line competitive with the new Galaxy Watch 8 devices and Apple Watch Series 10, both of which also max out at 3,000 nits. Other potential design improvements include the addition of a second physical button on the Pixel Watch 4 case, joining the existing button and rotating digital crown. A report in Android Headlines also suggests that the next-gen Pixel Watch may be more easily repairable. Whether that means by the user or a trained technician, remains to be seen. Currently, Google simply replaces broken devices rather than repairing them. Last year's Pixel Watch 3 launch brought about the surprise debut of Google's new Loss of Pulse Detection feature, a potentially life-saving tool that works kind of like fall or crash detection, contacting help if a loss of pulse event is registered. What new features might Google have in store this time around? One leak, first reported on by Android Headlines, suggests that an evolution of Loss of Pulse Detection could arrive in the form of a breathing emergency monitor that uses the SpO2 sensor to detect anomalies. Another report from Android Authority hints that an emergency satellite-based SOS messaging tool could be in the cards. Speaking of which, the Pixel Watch 4 is also rumored to sport a dual-band GPS antenna, a welcome upgrade for folks who like tracking outdoor workouts. You can also likely expect new AI-backed workout tools, including one rumored to be focused on strength training, that offer personalized exercise and recovery tips, similar to Apple's new Workout Buddy feature that's part of the watchOS 26 update. Finally, the Pixel Watch 4 will all but certainly ship with Google's Gemini AI voice assistant loaded onboard. I just tested Gemini on the Galaxy Watch 8 and found the implementation super-handy (though not life-changing). Between predictions that the Pixel Watch 4 will sport a thicker case to accommodate a bigger battery and multiple other leaks suggesting a more power-efficient display with variable refresh rates, there's a very good chance the Pixel Watch 4 will last longer than last year's Pixel Watch 3. Essentially, sealing the deal for improved longevity is an Android Authority report that quotes an unnamed source at Google who says the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 will sport a 327 mAh battery, and the 45mm model will have a 459 mAh battery. By comparison, the smaller Pixel Watch 3 battery has 307 mAh of capacity, and the 45mm battery offers 420 mAh. A separate rumor suggests 25% faster charging times for the Pixel Watch 4 series. As a refresher, when I reviewed the Pixel Watch 3 last year, the 41mm lasted for an average of 24 hours per charge, but the 45mm kept on ticking for 48 hours per charge. Could the 45mm Pixel Watch 4 push that longevity to 72 hours, and the 41mm to 36 hours? It's possible! While several leakers suggest the Pixel Watch 4 may sport the same processor as its predecessor, Wareable reports that the Pixel Watch 4 could sport an additional co-processor to handle AI tasks, something that could lead to additional power efficiency improvements. With no shortage of Pixel Watch 4 rumors flying around, there's a high probability that the forthcoming model will be much more than an iterative update. A brighter screen and notably improved battery life would keep Google one step in line and one step ahead (respectively) of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series. New life-saving tools to monitor for breathing-related health issues would also put Google ahead of the competition, not just Samsung but Apple and Garmin, too. Google is already the only brand to offer anything like Loss of Pulse Detection, while also offering all the health-monitoring standards like sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection, fall/crash detection, and heart rate monitoring. With Breathing Emergency Detection added to the mix, the Pixel Watch 4 could be one of the most competent, consumer-friendly wrist-based health monitoring devices around. With Breathing Emergency Detection added to the mix, the Pixel Watch 4 could be one of the most competent, consumer-friendly wrist-based health monitoring devices around. Speaking of safety, the rumored satellite SOS messaging feature potentially coming to the Pixel Watch 4 sounds useful/promising, as does the move to dual-band GPS. The latter would make it a match with the Galaxy Watch 8 and an upgrade over the Apple Watch 10's single-band GPS antenna. Finally, the addition of Google's Gemini voice assistant, which has already proven useful on the Galaxy Watch 8, will likely make the Pixel Watch 4 an even more valuable digital companion. What potential Google Pixel Watch 4 upgrades are you most excited to see come to fruition? Let me know in the comments below.
