With the Google Pixel Watch 4 launching to Jimmy Fallon fanfare this week, we’re taking an early take a look at how the Pixel Watch 5 can construct on its strong template and grow to be even higher.
We had been impressed with the Watch 4 throughout our hands-on, significantly its on-device Gemini smarts and placing new look. Different upgrades, akin to further battery life, sooner charging, and the brand new Fitbit AI coach, we cannot be capable to take a look at till October.
You would possibly assume it is too early to invest in regards to the Watch 5, however we are able to look again to stories from as early as 2023 to foretell what Google would possibly do in 2026. A smartwatch takes greater than a 12 months of planning to make, so why not assume forward to what the Pixel Watch 5 can do higher?
This is every little thing we all know, suspect, and hope to see from the Pixel Watch 5 subsequent 12 months!
Google Pixel Watch 5: What we all know to date
Again in 2023, Qualcomm introduced that it might accomplice with Google to convey RISC-V-compatible CPUs to Put on OS, with customized silicon that is “low energy and excessive efficiency.” RISC-V is an open-source and modular platform that may be tailor-made to particular use instances, whereas present Snapdragon W5 Arm cores are extra generalized.
In 2024, I interviewed Qualcomm VP of Wearables Dino Bekis, and he instructed us that the aim was to make a brand new chip with “extra on-device AI functionality” and “extra compute functionality” whereas consuming much less energy. He addressed the challenges of porting Put on OS software program to a brand new platform like RISC-V, whereas confirming they’re nonetheless “engaged on it” with Google.
This 12 months, after all, we received the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, which saved the identical last-gen Cortex cores for unchanged efficiency, however added new instruments like satellite tv for pc messaging and enhanced GPS accuracy. Throughout a press briefing, Qualcomm would not instantly tackle questions on extra highly effective chipsets, however mentioned it would not rule them out sooner or later.
On prime of all this, we noticed a leaked report in 2024 that Google meant to make its personal Tensor chip for the Pixel Watch 5 particularly, codenamed “NPT,” with one ARM Cortex-A78 core and two ARM Cortex-A55 cores; for context, the Snapdragon W5 collection makes use of 4 Cortex-A53 cores, whereas the Galaxy Watch 8 makes use of one Cortex-A78 and 4 Cortex-A55s.
Mix all this info, and it is clear the Pixel Watch 5 can go in a number of instructions: Hold the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 for one more 12 months, use a hypothetical W5 Gen 3 that is extra highly effective, undertake a Tensor chip that is barely extra highly effective (however nonetheless behind Samsung), or lastly full its work with Qualcomm and change to RISC-V, probably enabling significantly better battery life. It is exhausting to foretell which path Google will take.
Chipset apart, we do not know an excessive amount of else in regards to the Watch 5. We have seen just a few Fitbit patents that Google might attempt to convey to the Watch 5, most notably blood stress monitoring and arterial stiffness knowledge, however patents are by no means a certain factor to see in a closing product.
Google Pixel Watch 5: All the things we need to see
I am going to have a extra full Pixel Watch 5 wishlist in October after I get my evaluate unit and may use its new options. However for now, right here is an early record of issues we would prefer to see modified or improved with Google’s fifth-generation smartwatch, from straightforward asks to unlikely goals.
Earlier than the Pixel Watch 4 launch, Android Headlines confidently leaked that it might launch with an “all-new power coaching expertise,” however none of Google’s supplies talked about this, nor Google’s reps once we requested.
Just a few health watches supply reps and train recognition, serving to you observe your progress mid-workout. With out this, the Pixel Watch 4 is tougher to suggest to gym-goers as a result of the one helpful knowledge you will get is normal cardio load and burned energy.
The Pixel Watch 4 did enhance in key areas, including new sports activities modes like basketball and pickleball, and letting you challenge your biking stats onto your cellphone. However different manufacturers supply extra sports activities modes than its present 50+. And for runners and hikers particularly, I would nonetheless prefer to see a way to create a route in Google Maps, obtain it to your watch, after which comply with the course with turn-by-turn instructions through the exercise.
Skinny out that thicc physique or go all-in on battery life
Even if you happen to see it as a function somewhat than a flaw, the Pixel Watch 4 design is the roundest you will ever see on a smartwatch. And as placing because it is likely to be, it seems to be even thicker now that Google added the domed Actua 360 show.
Despite the fact that folks have scoffed on the Galaxy Watch 8‘s chunky squircle design, its “cushion design” helped Samsung make it fairly skinny and lightweight. I am curious if Google can hold its distinctive edgeless look but additionally make it bulge out barely much less from our wrists.
Android Central managing editor, Derrek Lee, who carried out the Watch 4 hands-on, mentioned that he “desires it to be thinner, but when it is gonna be thicc, no less than give us some OnePlus Watch 3-level battery life.” The Watch 4’s 455mAh capability is already on the best way there; possibly we are able to see a model that will get nearer to the Watch 3’s 631 mAh or Galaxy Watch Extremely’s 590mAh down the road.
A completely new design or mannequin
Once I requested my colleagues what they needed out of the Pixel Watch 5, I received a number of quick responses that they need basic adjustments to the design.
Our managing editor desires a rotating bezel just like the Galaxy Watch 8 Traditional, although I doubt Google would steal its accomplice’s trademark trick. In the meantime, our Contributor Brady Snyder, who reviewed the Watch 8, mentioned he dislikes the dome and needs Google to “flatten it out, make it thinner and extra snug to make use of.”
Whereas I feel Google will hold doubling down on a design that makes the Pixel Watch collection stand out, many individuals affiliate a conventional bezel with “model” or just desire a metallic layer across the show to guard it from falls. I ponder if Google would ever copy Samsung and promote a Pixel Watch Traditional or Extremely that goes in one other design course.
Proceed to enhance Gemini
Most Put on OS watches have Gemini, however solely the Pixel Watch 4 has Elevate to Discuss — activating Gemini with no shortcut or wake phrase — and on-device smarts like contextual fast replies to messages. Our managing editor was impressed sufficient by their relevance that he mentioned you “would possibly truly need to use them” as an alternative of simply typing your self.
We’re undecided what different Gemini tips Google has in retailer, however we would like the Pixel Watch to maintain getting new AI instruments yearly, the identical approach Pixel telephones get a brand new “Magic X” photograph trick yearly.
Google Pixel Watch 4
As spectacular because the Pixel Watch 5 would possibly be, you possibly can skip previous the hypotheticals and know that the Pixel Watch 4 will probably be top-of-the-line Android watches of the 12 months. Its 3,000-nit show, as much as 40 hours of battery with AOD energetic, improved haptics and audio system, lightning-fast charging, Fitbit AI teaching, and the choice of satellite tv for pc SOS all mix for a formidable smartwatch expertise.
