The verdict in one paragraph
Buy the 4th Gen at 810 AED if you want the larger display, Motion Sense, Matter support and the most forgiving power requirements. Buy the 3rd Gen at 730 AED if you want a proven learning thermostat for 80 AED less and your wiring suits it. Both learn your schedule. Both need a 24V system.
Side by side
| 3rd Gen | 4th Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price in Dubai | 730 AED | 810 AED |
| Display | 2.08 inch, 480 × 480 | 2.7 inch, 600 × 600 |
| Presence sensing | Near-field and far-field sensors | Soli sensor for Motion Sense |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n, 2.4 and 5 GHz | 802.11n, 2.4 and 5 GHz |
| Smart home | Hey Google and Alexa listed | Google Home and Matter listed |
| System compatibility | 95% of 24V systems | Most 24V systems |
| Power | Some systems without a C wire not compatible | Designed for with or without a C wire; under 1% may need one |
| Finishes | Classic stainless-style ring range | Polished Obsidian, Silver, Gold |
| Room sensor | Works with Nest Temperature Sensor | Works with Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) |
Specifications from Google’s published spec sheets. Local prices are ours.
Display and design
The 4th Gen’s 2.7 inch screen is noticeably bigger than the 3rd Gen’s 2.08 inch one, and it has more pixels. In a hallway you pass daily, that matters. The polished finishes are also a design choice rather than a performance one.
Power and wiring: the part most guides skip
In the UAE the question that decides your purchase is often power. Most homes here are cooling-only. Google says the 4th Gen is designed to work with or without a C wire, with under 1% of cases needing a C wire or Nest Power Connector. Retail listings for the 3rd Gen note that some systems without a common wire are not compatible. If your wiring has no C wire, the 4th Gen is the safer bet. A photo to us settles it either way.
Smart home support
If you live in the Google Home world and want Matter-enabled apps to see the thermostat, the 4th Gen is listed for that. The 3rd Gen is listed for Hey Google and Alexa voice control. Which matters more depends on the speaker in your living room.
Which should you buy?
Choose the 4th Gen if
- You want the larger display and Motion Sense.
- You want Matter support.
- You are unsure about your C wire.
Choose the 3rd Gen if
- Your system is a straightforward 24V setup.
- You want learning at a lower price.
- You already use Alexa.
See each product: Nest 4th Gen at 810 AED and Nest 3rd Gen at 730 AED. Check your AC first with our installation guide.
Quick answers
What is the difference between Nest 3rd Gen and 4th Gen?
The 4th Gen has a larger 2.7 inch display, Soli Motion Sense, Matter support and is designed to work with or without a C wire. The 3rd Gen has a 2.08 inch display and costs 80 AED less in our store.
Is the Nest 4th Gen worth the extra 80 AED?
It is worth it if you want the bigger display, Matter support or easier power requirements. If you have a standard 24V system and want learning for less, the 3rd Gen is a fair choice.
Do both models learn my schedule?
Yes. Both are learning thermostats that build a schedule from the changes you make.
Do both work with split ACs?
No. Both need a 24V system and usually do not suit ductless split ACs run by a remote.