The Pixel Watch 5 appears to rely on familiar technology for its processor: According to an entry in the Google Play Console, Google is using the same base Qualcomm chip as in the last three generations. The only real hardware upgrade is the RAM, which increases from 2 to 3 GB. For anyone hoping for a noticeable performance boost, this is a disappointment—but the additional RAM should primarily benefit the new Gemini AI features.
Key Points at a Glance
- Same base chip as the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 (Qualcomm SW5100)
- 3 GB of RAM for the first time instead of 2 GB—presumably for Gemini Intelligence
- Codenamed “godric,” with a design identical to its predecessor
- New analog watch face in Gemini’s “Neural Expressive” design
- Unveiling expected at the Made by Google event on August 12
Pixel Watch 5: The chip remains the same
The Google Play Console database lists the Pixel Watch 5 under the codename “godric.” The entry indicates that Google is continuing to rely on the “Qualcomm SW5100”—the same base processor already found in the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4. The CPU and GPU also remain unchanged:
| Component | Pixel Watch 5 (Leak) |
|---|---|
| Codename | godric |
| SoC (Base) | Qualcomm SW5100 |
| CPU | 4× ARM Cortex-A53 (1,700 MHz) |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno 702 (1,000 MHz) |
| RAM | 3 GB (Predecessor: 2 GB) |
| Watch face | New analog design (“Neural Expressive”) |
For context: Google introduced the 4-nm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip with the Pixel Watch 2. The Pixel Watch 4 saw an upgrade to the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 for Satellite SOS, and the coprocessor was upgraded from ARM Cortex-M33 to M55. The current Play Console listing doesn’t mention the coprocessor, so Google could still make improvements here. It’s more likely, however, that the platform will simply continue for another year.
More RAM for Gemini: The First Memory Upgrade in Years
Probably the most significant new feature: The Pixel Watch 5 is expected to come with 3 GB of RAM. This marks the first increase in RAM since Google entered the wearable market—previously, the devices always came with 2 GB. The additional memory is likely no coincidence but rather intended to enable the new Gemini Intelligence features on the watch. In keeping with this, the leak shows a new analog watch face that incorporates Google’s “Neural Expressive” design language from the Gemini ecosystem.
How Samsung’s Competition Stacks Up
By comparison, Google’s chip strategy seems conservative. Samsung’s newly unveiled Galaxy Watch 9 relies on the more modern 3-nm Snapdragon Wear Elite processor with one Cortex-A78 core and four Cortex-A55 cores. When it comes to RAM, however, the picture is reversed: Samsung’s new smartwatch sticks with 2 GB, while the Pixel Watch 5 will have the edge here in the future.
Design and Release: What Else We Know
Visually, everything remains the same—the Pixel Watch 5 looks almost identical to its predecessor. Official press images that have already surfaced, showing all four color options, match the image from the Play Console listing. An FCC certification also confirms the usual features, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, NFC, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and an optional LTE modem.
The watch is expected to be officially unveiled on August 12 at the Made by Google event in New York—alongside the Pixel 11 series. According to leaks, pre-orders are set to begin on August 13, with the launch expected on August 20.
Conclusion
The leaked specs paint a clear picture: The Pixel Watch 5 won’t be a major leap forward in processing power, but rather a cautious evolution. For those who own a Pixel Watch 4, the chip alone offers little reason to upgrade. It remains to be seen what Google will do with the additional 3 GB of RAM and the Gemini features—this will determine whether the upgrade actually makes a difference in everyday use. We’ll have definitive answers on August 12.
Sources: 9to5Google
