Imagine walking 14,000 steps and having two of the most advanced smartwatches on the market compete to track your every move. That's exactly what I did with the newly launched Google Pixel Watch 4 and the Garmin Venu 4, two devices that have quickly risen to the top of the smartwatch game. But here's where it gets controversial: while both watches promise precision, one might just edge out the other in the battle of the basics. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about step counting; it's about how seamlessly these devices integrate into your daily life, from tracking your heart rate to optimizing your workouts based on your sleep patterns.
As a fitness editor, I always start by examining the fundamentals. Can these watches accurately detect my workouts? How intuitive is their interface when I’m groggily checking my sleep score first thing in the morning? And, of course, how well do they count steps? To put these devices to the test, I strapped both the Google Pixel Watch 4 and the Garmin Venu 4 to my wrist and embarked on multiple walks, meticulously counting each step manually with a clicker. Once home, I compared the data to see which watch came closest to my manual count. Spoiler alert: the results were closer than you might think, but one watch did pull ahead—slightly.
Both watches use an internal accelerometer to count steps, measuring the swing of your arm. Each swing is interpreted as two steps, regardless of whether you’re wearing the watch on your dominant or non-dominant hand, or even if your hands are in your pockets. This technology should, in theory, ensure accuracy—but does it hold up in practice?
Here’s how they performed over four walks totaling 14,886 manually counted steps:
| Walk | Manual Recording | Google Pixel Watch 4 | Garmin Venu 4 |
|----------|-----------------------|--------------------------|-------------------|
| One | 4,209 steps | 4,218 steps | 4,228 steps |
| Two | 2,688 steps | 2,702 steps | 2,704 steps |
| Three | 4,842 steps | 4,865 steps | 4,862 steps |
| Four | 3,147 steps | 3,186 steps | 3,210 steps |
| Total| 14,886 steps | 14,971 steps | 15,004 steps |
Both watches were impressively accurate, with the Google Pixel Watch 4 overcounting by just 85 steps and the Garmin Venu 4 by 118 steps—a difference of only 36 steps over nearly 15,000. In the grand scheme of things, this is a minor discrepancy, especially considering the average person takes about 2,000 steps per mile. However, the Google Pixel Watch 4 was slightly closer to my manual count, which might tip the scales for those who prioritize precision.
But step counting is just the tip of the iceberg. Both watches are packed with features designed to enhance your health and fitness journey. They include heart rate monitoring (HRM), electrocardiogram (ECG), blood oxygen (SpO2), and skin temperature sensors. From a smartwatch perspective, the Google Pixel Watch 4 shines as an extension of your phone, complete with Google’s Gemini AI assistant, which can adjust your workouts based on your sleep and recovery data. The Garmin Venu 4, on the other hand, boasts Garmin’s top-tier training tools, such as Training Readiness, Body Battery, and Health Status. It’s worth noting, though, that some of the Pixel Watch 4’s premium features require a Fitbit Premium subscription, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Price is another factor to consider. The Garmin Venu 4 starts at $549 for the basic model, with a $599 option for a leather strap—a $100 increase from its predecessor, the Venu 3. In contrast, the Google Pixel Watch 4 starts at a more affordable $349, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
While step counting is a crucial metric, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Both watches excel in their own right, and choosing between them will depend on your specific needs and preferences. But here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era where smartwatches are becoming increasingly sophisticated, does the slight edge in step accuracy justify the higher price tag of the Garmin Venu 4? Or does the Google Pixel Watch 4’s blend of affordability and functionality make it the smarter choice? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
For more in-depth reviews and comparisons, be sure to follow Tom's Guide on Google News or add us as a preferred source. And if you’re curious about how these watches stack up against others, check out our articles on the Google Pixel Watch 4 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and the Apple Watch 10 vs Pixel Watch 4. Happy walking!
