Suunto Vertical Solar vs Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
If you're after a rugged, long-lasting smartwatch, the Suunto Vertical Solar is the premium choice here. Its 60-day battery life dwarfs the Google Pixel Watch 4's 40-hour capability, making it ideal for serious adventurers wanting to stay unplugged longer. In real-world use, Suunto's solar charging and free offline maps give you unparalleled freedom, especially useful for outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 4 packs a vibrant 3,000 nits display, perfect for day-to-day notifications and quick interactions, but it falls short in battery stamina and offline functionality.
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Suunto Vertical Solar
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Suunto Vertical Solar vs Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)

Suunto Vertical Solar
Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
| Criterion | Suunto Vertical Solar | Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(200)Amazon | ★4.5(405)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) | Android 11.0 or later (Google account required); not compatible with iOS |
Operating System | Suunto UI | Wear OS 6.0 (pre-installed) |
Case Size | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in) | 45mm (45.0 x 45.0 x 12.3 mm) |
Case Material | Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone | 100% recycled aluminum case; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
Display Type | Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight | Actua 360 AMOLED LTPO (1-60Hz) with 15% thinner bezels |
Display Size | 1.4 in | 1.4 in (Actua 360 domed design) |
Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels | 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (Passive technology) | Yes (Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum) |
Water Resistance | 100 m (10 ATM) | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H tested (Military Standard); Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) | IP68 dust and water resistance; Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
GPS | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU | Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads) | Bluetooth 6.0; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4GHz/5GHz; NFC; Ultra-Wideband (UWB); LTE version available |
NFC Payments | No (Not supported) | Google Wallet |
Sensors | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m) | Compass; Altimeter; Red/Infrared SpO2 sensors; Multipurpose electrical sensors (ECG); Multi-path optical heart rate sensor; 3-axis accelerometer; Gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; cEDA sensor (stress); Skin temperature sensor; Barometer; Magnetometer |
Health Features | HRV (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max | Gemini-powered Health Coach; Sleep Apnea detection; Daily Readiness; Cardio Load; ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Stress management (cEDA); Skin temperature variation |
Workout Modes | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation | 40+ exercise modes; Auto-workout detection; Custom runs; Real-time guidance; Pace training; Heart Zone training |
Storage | 32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps) | 32GB eMMC flash |
Speaker Mic | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) | Built-in speaker (improved for Gemini); Microphone |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only; predefined quick replies on Android) | Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models) |
Battery | Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar) | 455 mAh; Up to 40 hours with Always-On Display; Up to 72 hours in Battery Saver mode |
Charging | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging | Fast charging (50% in 15 min; 80% in 30 min; 100% in 60 min) via 5-pin magnetic dock |
Weight | 74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model) | 36.7 g (without band) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width | Active Band included (Small: 150–185 mm; Large: 165–215 mm) |
Extras | Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode | Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip; Cortex M55 co-processor; Satellite SOS (LTE only); Offline Google Maps; Safety Check; Fall Detection |
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Suunto Vertical Solar
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency
- • Free global offline maps with ample 32GB storage and Wi-Fi downloading
- • Dual-band GNSS offers exceptional accuracy in deep canyons and forests
- • Military-grade construction (MIL-STD-810H) with Titanium and Sapphire
- • Made in Finland with 100% renewable energy
✗ Cons:
- • MIP display is less vibrant than AMOLED competitors
- • No music storage (music controls only)
- • No NFC payments or smart features like voice assistants
- • Large 49mm footprint may be too bulky for small wrists
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Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm)
✓ Pros:
- • Battery life significantly improved to 40 hours with AOD enabled
- • Brighter Actua 360 display (3,000 nits) with thinner bezels
- • Faster charging (0-50% in just 15 minutes)
- • New Satellite SOS feature for emergency communication (LTE models)
✗ Cons:
- • Design remains largely unchanged (still uses Gorilla Glass 5)
- • Requires Android 11.0+ (no iOS support)
- • Case thickness (12.3mm) is substantial compared to competitors
- • Satellite SOS requires an active LTE plan/carrier support
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Which one is better?
The Suunto Vertical Solar is the better buy for most people - its 60-day battery life crushes the Pixel Watch 4's 40-hour performance. That said, grab the Pixel Watch 4 if you prefer a lighter design and vibrant display, especially for everyday use.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Suunto Vertical Solar if: you need up to 60 days of battery life, you love outdoor adventures with offline maps, or you want military-grade durability.
Choose the Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) if: you want a brighter display for daily notifications, you need quick access to calls and messages, or you prefer a lighter smartwatch for everyday wear. (1.29 oz weight)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Suunto Vertical Solar excels if you value industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency. Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) is better if you prioritize battery life significantly improved to 40 hours with aod enabled. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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