iFixit just tore down the Pixel Watch 4 and called it the most repairable smartwatch you can buy right now, giving it a 9 out of 10 repairability score (iFixit).
That’s huge for wearables, which are usually glued shut and hard to fix.
Background
Earlier Pixel Watches weren’t really repairable, often needing full replacements for cracked screens or old batteries, but Google promised a serviceable design this year (Engadget).
Now the teardown backs it up, showing a rethink that swaps glue for screws and replaceable gaskets while keeping IP68 protection.
How it works
The case opens with accessible exterior screws that engage a hinge mechanism, so parts come apart cleanly without heat or prying adhesive (GSMArena).
Water resistance is maintained by O-ring gaskets around screws and the display, not glue, similar to mechanical watch seals.
Key points
- Provisional 9/10 repairability score from iFixit, dubbed “most repairable smartwatch”.
- Battery and vibration motor are screw-secured; battery is glue-free in a metal enclosure for quick swaps.
- Display is held by screws and a replaceable O-ring, with official guides available and basic tools required (9to5Google).
Why it matters
Repairs like screen or battery replacements can be done faster and cheaper, extending the watch’s life and cutting e-waste.
iFixit says this is a complete rethink of smartwatch design and sets a new bar for the category.
Impact / Expert View
Coverage from GSMArena and Engadget highlights how this approach leapfrogs typical smartwatch scores and could push rivals to follow, as most watches score far lower due to adhesive-heavy builds.
Commentators note it’s far ahead of the pack and feels built to be repaired, not tossed.
Conclusion
Pixel Watch 4 proves that a tiny wearable can be tough and still easy to fix, and that’s a win for users and the planet—would this level of repairability sway a buying decision?
Last Updated on October 11, 2025 by Lucy