Google Pixel Watch 5 release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades

Pixel Watch 4.
The Pixel Watch 4 for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena
Pixel Watch 5: what to expect

What's expected to change vs the Pixel Watch 4: 
  • Similar design to its predecessor
  • Improved battery life
  • Brighter display
  • Advanced Fitbit health tracking
  • Potentially a Google-made Tensor chip 
  • WearOS 5
  • AI features focused on fitness and health

Expected release timeline:
  • The Pixel Watch 5 is expected to come sometime in late 2026. 
  • Its predecessor launched in October 2025, after getting announced in August, so we expect a similar scenario this year. 

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 date


Currently, the Pixel Watch 5 is expected to come in October 2026. Potentially, the timepiece may get announced with the Pixel 11 phones in August, during a "Made by Google" event". 

* - probable dates

Last year, Google announced the Pixel Watch 4 in August, alongside the Pixel 10 models. However, the timepiece itself was released later, in October. So far, leaks are silent about this year's strategy, but you can expect something similar. 

Pixel Watch 5 price


Rumor has it that the Pixel Watch 5 may keep the same price as its predecessor. This means the timepiece may start at $349 for the Wi-Fi-only model in the smaller size. 
*- anticipated prices

The current situation with raising memory prices is affecting the smartphone industry, though. Many smartphone brands, including Samsung, OnePlus, and Oppo, are raising the prices of their devices. We don't know just yet if this would affect Google's watch or smartwatches in general. 

Likely, we'll know more soon, as leaks are bound to start showing up more often now that we're nearing the summer. 

Pixel Watch 5 storage


Pixel Watch 5 expected storage capacity:
  • 32 GB

An upgrade in the storage size for the Pixel Watch 5 is currently not expected. Likely, the timepiece will come with 32 GB of storage like its predecessor. 

Some watches, like the Apple Watch Series 11, now offer 64 GB of storage, but no leaks are currently saying that Google may follow this example. 

Pixel Watch 5 design


Rumors are silent on a big overhaul of how the Watch 5 may look. You can expect the recognizable, minimalistic, and simple Google look with a circle case. 

For reference, the Pixel Watch 4 also didn't change in terms of looks from its predecessor. However, the smartwatch brought a notable upgrade in terms of repairability. With the Watch 4, if you crack the glass, you can repair it, and you don't have to toss it out anymore, as was the case with previous models. 


This enhanced repairability is expected to be retained with the Pixel Watch 5. Also, you can expect an IP68 or 5 ATM rating. 

The Pixel Watch 5 may come in two sizes, 41 mm and 45 mm, just like its predecessor. We may see an enhanced sapphire crystal for the display, which would make it more durable. 

Expect also some new, fresh colors and watch faces to spice things up.

Pixel Watch 5 display


The Pixel Watch 4 took the brightness up a level and started offering 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The Pixel Watch 5 is rumored to keep this brightness, while some reports even suggest another upgrade is coming to it.

* - anticipated sizes

A trim of the bezels of the Pixel Watch 5 is also rumored. 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. 

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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. Reportedly, that's going to be thanks to its processor. 

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 software


    The 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 and integration. 

    Likely, the smartwatch may be sporting Gemini, one of the best generative AI chatbots on the market right now. 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 Qualcomm
      • Battery: 45 mm - up to 40 hours, 41 mm - up to 30 hours
      • Charging: 0-50% in 15 min.
      • Storage: 32 GB

      The biggest upgrade for the Google Watch 5 would be the new processor. According to reports, Google may go for its own chip this time: the Tensor. Last time, it picked the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 for the Watch 4, but the strategy may reportedly change this time around. 

      If the rumors about Tensor are true, this change may help improve efficiency and performance for the smartwatch.

      In rumors, this new processor has been referred to as an "NPT" Tensor chip, focused on efficiency. 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're a Pixel fan and you will be due for an upgrade of your smartwatch this year. We'll know more about it in the coming months, so if you don't need to upgrade just now, I'd recommend waiting to see what upgrades the Watch 5 may bring. 

      • You should not wait for the Pixel Watch 5if you currently own the Pixel Watch 4. The changes between the two models may not be big enough to warrant an upgrade. Also, you shouldn't wait for the Watch 5 if you own a brand-new smartwatch from another company as well, such as an Apple Watch Series 11, which got released in October.

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