Pixel Watch 5: what to expectNo upgrade in the design in comparison to its predecessorBrighter displayGoogle-made Tensor chipImproved battery life thanks to software optimizationsAdvanced Fitbit health trackingWearOS 5AI features focused on fitness and healthExpected release timeline:The Pixel Watch 5 is expected to be announced sometime in August 2026, potentially together with the Pixel 11 series.Official release may be in October.
Expected price:
No leaks about the price have come out just yet. Right now, we expect the Watch 5 to cost similarly to its predecessor: starting at $349. Pixel Watch 5 release dateThe Pixel Watch 5 may be revealed together with the Pixel 11 phones in August, during a “Made by Google” event. The timepiece may hit the shelves later, though, sometime in the fall potentially. Device
AnnouncementMarket release
Pixel Watch 5
August 2026*
October 2026*
Pixel Watch 4
August 20, 2025
October 9, 2025
Pixel Watch 3August 13, 2024
August 22, 2024
* – probable dates
Last year, Google announced the Pixel Watch 4 in August, alongside the Pixel 10 models, but the timepiece was released later, in October. This time around, it seems Google is more able to keep things under wraps in comparison to previous years, so we cannot be certain yet if the scenario will repeat.Pixel Watch 5 price
Currently, expectations are that the Pixel Watch 5 may keep the same price as its predecessor, so starting at about $349 for the Wi-Fi only 41 mm version.
Pixel Watch model41 mm Wi-Fi45 mm Wi-Fi41 mm LTE45 mm LTEPixel Watch 5$349*$399*$449*$499*Pixel Watch 4
$349$399$449$499Pixel Watch 3$349$399$449$499
*- anticipated prices
The current situation with rising memory prices is affecting the smartphone industry, though, and it may also affect the smartwatch. Many smartphone brands, including Samsung, OnePlus, and Oppo, are raising the prices of their devices because of the skyrocketing memory chip prices.
It’s not clear whether the Pixel Watch 5 would be affected by this, as it doesn’t generally need a lot of memory, unlike a modern smartphone.
Pixel Watch 5 storage
Pixel Watch 5 expected storage capacity:
An upgrade in the storage size for the Pixel Watch 5 is currently not expected, so we’re likely looking at 32 GB of storage, just like its predecessor.
Some watches, like the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Ultra, now offer 64 GB of storage, but no leaks are currently saying that Google may follow this example. Pixel Watch 5 design
Prototype of the Pixel Watch 5 found near the island of St. Martin in the ocean. | Images by Images by @DuvalMagic on X
You can see in the picture above the “Pixel Watch 5” embedded at the back of the watch. It appears to have a heart rate sensor, 45 mm size, UWB, EDA, IP68, sleep tracking, and SpO2 – these technologies are not new, and they are also mentioned at the back of the Pixel Watch 4, in the same order as well.
The Pixel Watch 4 also didn’t change in terms of looks from its predecessor, apart from bringing an upgrade for repairability.
The Pixel Watch 4, for reference. | Image by PhoneArena
Expect two sizes as usual: a 41 mm one and a 45 mm one. It’s likely that we may see enhanced sapphire crystal for the durability of the display and some fresh new colors and watch faces.
Pixel Watch 5 display
The Pixel Watch 4 took the brightness up a level and offered 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The Pixel Watch 5 is rumored to keep this brightness, while some reports even suggest another upgrade may be getting prepped, but the exact upgrade has not been detailed.
SmartwatchScreen sizeBrightnessPixel Watch 5 41 mm 1.2-inch*3,000*Pixel Watch 4 41 mm1.2-inch3,000
* – anticipated sizes
Rumor has it that the bezels of the Pixel Watch 5 are getting a trim. The Pixel Watch 4 already made a move in this direction by offering 16% thinner bezels than its predecessor, and the Watch 5 is expected to continue on the same path.
Also, the Actua 360 domed display for a unique and stylish look is likely making a return.
Pixel Watch 5 battery
The Pixel Watch 5 is currently rumored to bring a focus on battery life optimizations rather than an upgrade in the physical battery cell. Reportedly, the new processor under the hood may bring significant improvements in battery life, but leaks are quiet on details.
For reference, the Pixel Watch 4 brought some upgrades in this department, with the 45 mm model gaining the ability to last up to 40 hours and the 41 mm up to 30.
Of course, Google also offers a Battery Saver feature, which is also expected to be there with the Watch 5. Fast charging is another feature the Pixel Watch 5 is likely inheriting from its predecessor. The exact numbers, however, are yet to leak, both in the battery size and charging departments.
Pixel Watch 5 features and softwareThe Pixel Watch 5 will likely run on Wear OS 7, Google’s Android-based operating system for smartwatches. Expect a good level of generative AI features, as well as to be able to see some of the Gemini Intelligence features on your watch from your phone (if it supports it).
Rumor has it that AI would be used for fitness-related features or even health insights.
Expect the features from last year to also be present here, including emergency satellite communication, Safety Check, Emergency Sharing, and Fall and Crash Detection. Google Maps and Wallet support is also likely coming, as well as the Pixel Recorder app and the Pixel Phone Camera Control.
You’ll also be likely able to take advantage of over 40 exercise types and the Fitbit Morning Brief with a daily rundown of your health activity (sleep, readiness, and goal progress). Of course, you’ll also be able to benefit from a personal AI Health Coach with Fitbit Premium.
Pixel Watch 5 hardware and specs
Pixel Watch 5 expected specs:
CPU: Potential Tensor chip or chip from QualcommBattery: 45 mm – up to 40 hours; 41 mm – up to 30 hoursCharging: 0-50% in 15 min.Storage: 32 GB
The biggest upgrade for the Google Watch 5 would be the new processor. According to multiple reports, the Mountain View tech giant may go for its own chip this time: the Tensor.
Last time, Google used the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 for the Watch 4, but the strategy may be changing this year, according to rumors.
If the Watch 5 indeed comes powered by a Tensor chip, you can expect improvements in efficiency at least.
This new processor has been referred to as an “NPT” Tensor chip, focused on efficiency, in recent rumors. Potentially, it may include Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 cores. We’re in the era of AI, so don’t be surprised if the chip is designed primarily for AI tasks.
Meanwhile, it’s important to note that Google may decide to go with the Qualcomm chip for another year. Hypothetically, this could be a W5 Gen 3 chip.
Should I wait for the Pixel Watch 5?You should wait for the Pixel Watch 5 if you are a dedicated Google ecosystem fan with a deeply outdated smartwatch. Rumors indicate the upcoming model will ditch third-party Qualcomm processors for an optimized, custom-built Google Tensor chip. This shift is expected to increase battery efficiency and allow for much faster on-device Gemini AI fitness coaching.You should not wait for the Pixel Watch 5 if you already own the Pixel Watch 4. The physical design of the watch case is rumored to look completely identical to its predecessor. Upgrading your current hardware just for minor internal software optimizations is difficult to justify financially. You should also skip the wait if you recently bought a competitor’s flagship wearable, like the Apple Watch Series 11. That device already has a beautiful screen and premium health tracking capabilities. Switching ecosystems for the Pixel Watch 5 will not offer a significant enough upgrade to justify the hassle.
Read the latest from Iskra Petrova