Google Pixel Watch 5 specs leak hints at a familiar design, more RAM, and a higher price
Google’s next smartwatch may be closer than ever. The Pixel Watch 5 is expected to make its official debut on August 12 during the upcoming Made by Google event, where it is likely to appear alongside the Pixel 11 series. Ahead of the launch, early listing details have revealed several key specifications, giving fans a preview of what to expect.
According to the leaked information, the Pixel Watch 5 is listed under the codename “Godric” and appears to use Qualcomm’s SW5100 platform, also known as the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2. This is the same chipset used in the previous Pixel Watch 4, which suggests Google may not be making a major performance jump with this generation.
One noticeable upgrade, however, is memory. The Pixel Watch 5 is expected to feature 3 GB of RAM, an increase from the 2 GB found in its predecessor. That extra RAM could help improve app switching, Wear OS responsiveness, and overall day-to-day performance, even if the processor itself remains unchanged.
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 includes four ARM Cortex-A53 efficiency cores with clock speeds reaching up to 1.7 GHz. While this chip should still be capable of handling typical smartwatch tasks such as fitness tracking, notifications, Google Assistant features, and health monitoring, it may feel less exciting compared with newer wearable processors now entering the market.
One of the biggest talking points from the leak is that the Pixel Watch 5 may not use Qualcomm’s newer Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. That newer platform is built on a more advanced 3 nm process and includes a stronger CPU setup with a Cortex-A78 performance core and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. Qualcomm has claimed major performance gains for the newer chip, including significantly faster CPU and GPU performance under ideal conditions.
Because of this, some Pixel Watch fans may be disappointed if Google sticks with older hardware for another generation. Smartwatch performance has become increasingly important as wearable devices handle more advanced health features, AI-driven tools, navigation, music streaming, and third-party apps. A more powerful chip could have made the Pixel Watch 5 feel like a bigger upgrade.
The display also appears to remain familiar. The leaked listing points to a 320 PPI pixel density, which is unchanged from the previous generation. That means users can likely expect a sharp and clear screen, but not necessarily a major visual improvement.
Connectivity, meanwhile, looks strong. Certification details suggest the Pixel Watch 5 will support Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, NFC, Ultra-Wideband, and optional LTE. NFC support should continue to make contactless payments convenient, while UWB could help with more precise location-based features and device finding. LTE models will appeal to users who want to stay connected without carrying a phone.
The design is also expected to remain largely unchanged. Google has maintained a recognizable rounded look for its Pixel Watch lineup, and the Pixel Watch 5 may continue that same polished style. While some users appreciate the clean and minimal design, others may have hoped for a more noticeable redesign, slimmer bezels, or improved durability.
Pricing could be another major discussion point. A leaked price suggests the entry-level Pixel Watch 5 may cost €419 for the 41 mm model, which would represent a €20 increase. The larger 44 mm version is expected to cost €30 more, while adding LTE connectivity may raise the price by another €100.
If accurate, the Pixel Watch 5 could be a more expensive device without offering a dramatic hardware overhaul. The added RAM may improve smoothness, and the familiar design could still appeal to existing Pixel Watch fans, but the use of the same chipset may make the upgrade feel modest.
Still, Google may be saving some surprises for the official announcement. Battery life improvements, new health features, enhanced Fitbit integration, better sensors, improved software optimization, and new Wear OS capabilities could still help the Pixel Watch 5 stand out. Smartwatches are not defined by specs alone, and Google’s strength often lies in software experience and ecosystem integration.
For now, the Pixel Watch 5 looks like an iterative update rather than a major reinvention. It may deliver smoother performance thanks to more RAM, maintain a premium design, and offer a full set of modern connectivity options. However, if the leaked details are accurate, buyers expecting a next-generation processor or bold redesign may need to temper their expectations.
The full picture should become clear at Google’s August 12 event, where the Pixel Watch 5 is expected to launch officially alongside the company’s next Pixel phones.
