No chipset leap – Pixel Watch 4 sticks with Snapdragon W5 Gen 1
The wearable tech world has been watching for signs of a real leap in smartwatch performance, but Google’s Pixel Watch 4 is set to hold steady with what it knows. Recent reports confirm the upcoming model will use the same Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip found in the last two generations, putting expectations for dramatic speed or efficiency gains on hold for at least another year.
Insider information suggests Google had hoped to introduce something new under the hood this cycle but Qualcomm’s next big step, a purpose-built SW6100 (codenamed Aspen), simply isn’t ready. The SW6100 promises to be a meaningful step forward, designed for wearables from the ground up. In a clear departure from past years, Qualcomm is moving away from tweaking older smartphone chips for watches, working instead on a custom architecture that should position wearables for much stronger performance and stamina.
The upcoming SW6100 is rumoured to feature a single ARM Cortex-A78 core paired with four Cortex-A55 cores, all managed with an improved LPDDR5X RAM controller. The entire system is expected to be manufactured by TSMC, one of the world’s leading chip foundries. This configuration could outpace the old Cortex-A53 cluster that has powered recent Wear OS watches, bringing not just faster app launches but smarter multitasking and more refined background processes. Efficiency gains are anticipated thanks to both the new cores and advanced process node, which is especially valuable for battery-constrained devices like smartwatches.
Pixel Watch 4 brings modest battery upgrades instead
Even with this upgrade on the horizon, the Pixel Watch 4 isn’t primed to feel the difference. Instead, Google will offer incremental improvements by increasing battery size on both new models. The 41mm version is said to feature a 327mAh cell, while the 45mm variant reaches 459mAh, representing modest jumps of around 7% and 9% over their predecessors. Slightly longer wear between charges and quicker charging times are expected, but these are unlikely to dramatically change daily usage for most people.
The lack of a major processor overhaul does mean that enthusiasts waiting for truly snappier performance or transformative efficiency in Wear OS watches will need to be patient. Most competitors are in a similar situation, with the development timeline for next-generation chips dictating release strategies across the segment. Bespoke solutions like Samsung’s Exynos series remain firmly in-house, leaving most manufacturers reliant on Qualcomm’s cadence.
Price likely unchanged – European launch confirmed
The Pixel Watch 4 will be available in Europe after launch. Pricing details have not been confirmed, but expect little change from earlier models, which commonly retail around 399,00 €. The broader takeaway is clear: for real wearable innovation, the next leap depends on Qualcomm’s chip roadmap, and the countdown is set for 2026.
