The Google Pixel Watch 4 might look like a modest update on the surface, but it delivers a standout upgrade where it truly counts: repairability. In a category where most devices are glued shut and nearly impossible to service, this smartwatch breaks the mold—and a deep-dive teardown confirms it.
Instead of adhesive, the Pixel Watch 4 relies on gasket seals and screws to keep the housing secure. That sounds simple, but it’s a smart engineering move. The screws actuate hinged arms that lock the back panel firmly in place, while o-rings improve water resistance and help protect the internals from moisture. Even the battery is fastened with screws rather than sticky adhesives, making future replacements far more realistic for owners—or repair shops.
This design philosophy extends across the watch. Components appear to be laid out with replaceability in mind, a rarity in the smartwatch world. The result is a stellar 9 out of 10 repairability score from iFixit—an almost unheard-of rating for wearables, where most models typically land in the 3-to-4 range.
Does that make the Pixel Watch 4 a must-upgrade if you’re coming from the last generation? Not necessarily. The hardware improvements over the previous model are incremental, so performance alone may not sway recent owners. But as a step toward sustainability, right-to-repair, and long-term ownership, it’s a meaningful leap. If Google carries this design forward while pushing bigger hardware gains in future models, upcoming versions could be both more powerful and easier to keep alive for years.
