Way-too-early reflections on enhancing the Pixel Watch 4 and the significant leak we encountered regarding the Pixel Watch 5 processor
With the Google Pixel Watch 4 debuting to enthusiastic applause from Jimmy Fallon this week, we’re taking a preliminary look at how the Pixel Watch 5 could expand on its robust foundation and become even more impressive. Our hands-on experience with the Watch 4 left us impressed, especially with its on-device Gemini intelligence and eye-catching new design. However, we won’t have the opportunity to test other enhancements like improved battery life, quicker charging, and the fresh Fitbit AI coach until October.
You might feel it’s premature to conjecture about the Watch 5, but we can reference reports dating back to 2023 to anticipate what Google might accomplish in 2026. Developing a smartwatch necessitates over a year of planning, so why not consider what the Pixel Watch 5 could improve upon?
Here’s all we know, suspect, and hope to witness from the Pixel Watch 5 next year!
Google Pixel Watch 5: What we know thus far
Back in 2023, Qualcomm revealed its collaboration with Google to introduce RISC-V-compatible CPUs to Wear OS, featuring custom silicon that is “low power and high performance.” RISC-V is an open-source and modular framework that can be customized for specific applications, while the existing Snapdragon W5 Arm cores are more general-purpose.
In 2024, I had an interview with Qualcomm VP of Wearables Dino Bekis, who shared that the goal was to design a new chip with “enhanced on-device AI capability” and “greater computing power” while using less energy. He discussed the difficulties of transitioning Wear OS software to a new framework like RISC-V while confirming they are still “collaborating with Google” on it.
This year, of course, we received the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, which maintained the same last-gen Cortex cores for unchanged performance but introduced new features like satellite messaging and improved GPS accuracy. During a press briefing, Qualcomm did not directly respond to inquiries about more powerful chipsets but stated they would not dismiss them for the future.
On top of this, we uncovered a leaked report in 2024 indicating that Google aimed to develop its own Tensor chip for the Pixel Watch 5, codenamed “NPT,” featuring one ARM Cortex-A78 core and two ARM Cortex-A55 cores; for context, the Snapdragon W5 series has four Cortex-A53 cores, while the Galaxy Watch 8 uses one Cortex-A78 and four Cortex-A55s.
When you combine all this information, it’s clear that the Pixel Watch 5 could take various paths: retain the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 for another year, utilize a hypothetical W5 Gen 3 that is more powerful, adopt a Tensor chip that is somewhat superior (but still behind Samsung), or finally complete its collaboration with Qualcomm and transition to RISC-V, potentially leading to significantly better battery life. It’s challenging to anticipate which direction Google will choose.
When it comes to the chipset, there isn’t much else we know about the Watch 5. We’ve observed a handful of Fitbit patents that Google could potentially incorporate into the Watch 5, most notably blood pressure monitoring and arterial stiffness metrics, but patents aren’t guaranteed to appear in the final product.
Google Pixel Watch 5: Everything we desire to see
I’ll provide a more comprehensive Pixel Watch 5 wishlist in October once I receive my review unit and can explore its new features. For now, here’s an initial list of aspects we’d like to see modified or enhanced in Google’s fifth-generation smartwatch, ranging from simple requests to far-fetched aspirations.
Enhanced indoor workout features and offline maps
Prior to the Pixel Watch 4 launch, Android Headlines confidently disclosed that it would debut with an “entirely new strength training experience,” but none of Google’s materials mentioned this, nor did Google’s representatives when we inquired.
A number of fitness watches provide exercise recognition and rep tracking, aiding you in monitoring your progress during workouts. Without this, the Pixel Watch 4 becomes less recommendable for gym enthusiasts since the only useful data available is a general indication of cardio load and calories burned.
The Pixel Watch 4 did make strides in key areas, adding new sports modes like basketball and pickleball, and allowing users to project their cycling stats onto their smartphones. However, other brands offer more sports modes than its current offering of 50+. Specifically for runners and hikers, I would still like to see a feature that enables route creation in Google Maps, allowing it to be downloaded to the watch and guiding the user with turn-by-turn directions throughout the workout.
Slim down that hefty body or fully commit to battery life
Even if you regard it as a feature rather than a drawback, the design of the Pixel Watch 4 is the most rounded you’ll ever find on a smartwatch. And as distinctive as it may be, it appears even bulkier now that Google added the domed Actua 360 display.
Although some have criticized the Galaxy Watch 8’s substantial
