Recommended Free Tools
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) unboxing leak from July 31, 2024 revealed most of the product’s physical redesign before Google officially launched it on August 20, 2024. The video showed the thermostat, its included second-generation temperature sensor, revised mounting hardware, three finishes, a trim plate and a USB-C port. Google later confirmed much of that information, along with the thermostat’s $279.99 U.S. launch price and Google Home-centered features.
For anyone planning a thermostat replacement, the important qualification is that this was a pre-launch unboxing—not current leak news—and the new model is not necessarily a direct, drop-in replacement for an older Nest. HVAC compatibility, wiring, wall condition and app preferences still matter.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the Nest unboxing leak showed
The early unboxing was a third-party TikTok video attributed by 9to5Google to @franklyhonestmanr. It showed a retail-style package for what was identified as the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen), before Google had officially announced availability.
Inside the box were:
- The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen).
- A Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen).
- The thermostat base and revised backplate.
- A steel mounting plate.
- A trim plate.
- Mounting screws and other installation hardware.
The video also showed the package being opened by removing two stickers on the rear of the sleeve. The thermostat and sensor were positioned side by side, making clear that the remote sensor was part of the package rather than merely an optional accessory.
#1 Best Overall
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills[2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
The hardware details that stood out
A larger, thinner display
The new thermostat had a thin, saucer-like profile and a polished metal-and-glass appearance. Google later confirmed that its crystal-lens display is 60% larger than the previous generation’s display. The front uses a rotating metal control ring, while the curved lens gives the unit a more continuous, less traditional thermostat shape.
The display can show information such as indoor temperature, humidity, time, weather and outdoor-air conditions. Google’s Soli sensing technology allows proximity-aware behavior, including display changes when someone approaches.
Three finishes
The unboxing showed the three announced finishes: Polished Silver, Polished Gold and Polished Obsidian. These are official color names, not descriptions inferred from the video.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →USB-C replaces micro-USB
A close look at the back revealed a USB-C port, replacing the micro-USB port used on earlier Nest Learning Thermostat hardware. The port is intended for diagnostics and for charging the thermostat’s battery when necessary. It is not an alternative way to power the home’s HVAC equipment or a substitute for correctly wiring the system.
New wall hardware and a trim plate
The revised backplate and included trim plate are significant for replacement work. A new thermostat may not cover the same wall area as an older model, and removing an existing thermostat can expose paint outlines, holes or unfinished drywall. The trim plate can help cover those marks, but installers should not assume that a third-generation trim kit or backplate will transfer directly to the fourth-generation model.
Rank #2
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills [2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
What the leak claimed—and what Google later confirmed
Pre-launch promotional material and leak coverage suggested a larger or “borderless” display, customizable home-screen views, weather and time modes, Dynamic Farsight, Smart Schedule with Savings Finder, Adaptive Eco, Smart Ventilation, Natural Heating and Cooling, Matter support and installation in approximately 40 minutes or less.
Google’s later announcement confirmed the product identity, core hardware and much of the feature direction:
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall| Leak-era detail | What happened afterward |
|---|---|
| Larger redesigned display | Confirmed; Google said the display is 60% larger than the previous generation’s. |
| Polished Silver, Polished Gold and Polished Obsidian | Confirmed. |
| One temperature sensor in the box | Confirmed; the included sensor is the second-generation Nest Temperature Sensor. |
| Matter support | Confirmed for compatible Matter-certified smart-home apps. |
| Smart Schedule and Adaptive Eco | Confirmed as Google Home features. |
| Smart Ventilation and Natural Heating and Cooling | Confirmed for compatible HVAC systems and configurations. |
| Installation in around 40 minutes | Keep this as an attributed estimate, not a universal installation promise. |
| Identical feature support across third-party Matter apps | Not established. Google-specific functions may require Google Home. |
Google’s official announcement later confirmed an August 20, 2024 availability date, a U.S. launch price of $279.99, a Canadian launch price of $379.99, the three finishes and the included sensor. Those are historical launch figures, not a claim about the product’s current 2026 selling price.
How the fourth-generation model differs from older Nest hardware
The fourth-generation Learning Thermostat is more than a cosmetic refresh:
- Display: It has a substantially larger crystal-lens display and updated Farsight behavior.
- Design: It uses a curved lens and metal control ring in the new polished finishes.
- Room sensing: One second-generation temperature sensor is included.
- Connectivity: It supports Matter and is designed around the Google Home app.
- HVAC controls: Google positions it for systems that may include multiple heating or cooling stages, heat-pump auxiliary or emergency heat, fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and certain ventilation equipment.
- Installation: The backplate and wall-mounting arrangement are revised, so an existing third-generation installation should be assessed rather than assumed compatible.
- Setup: Google’s transition guidance describes Google Home-based Pro Setup and advanced or custom heat-pump settings for the fourth-generation model.
The third-generation model retains legacy Nest-app context alongside Google Home, while the fourth-generation model is positioned around Google Home. That platform change may matter as much as the hardware to owners who prefer the older app.
Rank #3
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills[2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
See Google’s third-generation-to-fourth-generation transition guide for the documented differences.
Installation and HVAC checks before buying
Google says the fourth-generation Learning Thermostat works with most 24-volt HVAC systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced-air, heat-pump and radiant heating. The stated support includes up to three heating stages, up to two cooling stages, heat-pump auxiliary and emergency heat, fan control, humidifier and dehumidifier connections, and certain ERV, HRV, supply-only and exhaust ventilation systems.
“Most” does not mean every installation. Compatibility depends on the actual equipment and wiring. Check the system before removing the old thermostat, especially if the home has:
- A heat pump or auxiliary/emergency heat.
- Multiple stages or zones.
- A humidifier, dehumidifier or ventilation controller.
- Heating-only or cooling-only wiring.
- No usable C-wire.
- An unusual control panel or proprietary HVAC interface.
The thermostat can operate without a C-wire in many homes, but some installations still require a C-wire or a Nest Power Connector. The “no C-wire required” message should therefore be read as conditional, not universal.
The leaked material’s approximately 40-minute installation estimate should also be treated cautiously. Straightforward wiring may be quick, but labeling wires, shutting off power, checking compatibility, installing a trim plate, repairing the wall, configuring the app and dealing with heat pumps or accessory controls can make the job substantially longer. A qualified professional is the safer choice when wiring is uncertain or the system is zoned, multi-stage or otherwise complex.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #4
- Programmable smart thermostat that learns your schedule and the temperatures you like and programs itself to help you save energy and stay comfortable
- Home/Away Assist automatically adjusts itself to an Eco Temperature after you leave, so you don’t heat or cool an empty home; remote control lets you change the temperature from anywhere on your phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
- With Energy History, just check your phone to see how much energy you used and why, or use Quick View on the display to reach Energy History, settings, or your schedule; the Nest Leaf appears when you choose a temperature that saves energy
- Smart thermostat with HVAC monitoring, which looks out for your heating and cooling systems; sends an alert if something doesn’t seem right, along with helpful reminders to make maintenance easier[2]
- The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the Nest Temperature Sensor (sold separately) to help make sure a certain room is the exact temperature you want it to be
Practical replacement checklist
- Photograph the existing thermostat wiring and label each conductor before disconnecting anything.
- Turn off HVAC power at the appropriate breaker or service switch.
- Confirm the new thermostat’s compatibility with the actual system, not just the home’s heating fuel.
- Measure the existing wall footprint and check whether the included trim plate will cover old marks or openings.
- Do not assume an older Nest backplate, trim kit or accessory is interchangeable.
- After installation, complete setup in the Google Home app and verify heating, cooling, fan and accessory operation.
What the included temperature sensor does—and does not do
The remote sensor measures temperature where it is installed. It can help a thermostat respond to conditions in a bedroom, office or other room that differs from the thermostat location. Schedules can prioritize different rooms at different times.
It does not independently control every room or make an uneven HVAC system balanced. Multiple sensors can provide a more representative comfort reading, but additional sensors add cost. The included second-generation sensor applies to the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen); the less expensive Nest Thermostat is not compatible with the Nest Temperature Sensor, according to Google’s comparison information.
Matter support has limits
Matter makes compatible control through supported smart-home apps possible, but it does not guarantee that every Nest feature appears everywhere. The third-party app must support the relevant thermostat controls, and setup and advanced settings can vary by platform.
Google Home remains the reference environment for Google-specific capabilities such as Smart Schedule, Adaptive Eco and advanced configuration. Matter interoperability should be viewed as broader device control—not as a promise of complete Google Home feature parity in every ecosystem.
Should an existing Nest owner upgrade?
The fourth-generation model is a more compelling replacement when the larger display, included sensor, Matter support or broader HVAC and accessory support solves a real problem. It is also a logical choice when replacing an aging thermostat and the homeowner wants Google’s newest Nest platform.
Best Value
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
The upgrade is less compelling when a third-generation thermostat is working well, the built-in sensor is sufficient, the household does not use HVAC accessories and the owner does not need Matter or the redesigned display. The higher price, revised wall hardware and Google Home dependence may outweigh the benefits.
Before purchasing, verify four things: HVAC compatibility, power requirements, wall-mounting coverage and willingness to use Google Home. For heat pumps, zoning, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ventilation or uncertain wiring, professional advice can prevent a failed installation.
Bottom line on the 2024 unboxing leak
The unboxing was valuable because it exposed the physical Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen), its included sensor, packaging, USB-C port, colors and revised installation hardware before launch. Google later confirmed most of the important details, including the larger display, Matter support, Google Home features and launch pricing.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What the leak did not establish was every final software behavior, universal HVAC compatibility or a guaranteed installation time. Today, it is best understood as an accurate preview of a product that has already launched—not as current unreleased-product news.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
