Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Google is set to launch a slew of new Pixel hardware next month, and while much of our attention has been focused on the Pixel 10 series, there’s another Pixel gadget that’s also coming soon: the Pixel Watch 4. Android Authority recently reported a few key specs for Google’s next smartwatch, and on the surface, none of it is particularly exciting.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip — the same one used in the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 2 — is making a return to the Pixel Watch 4. Battery capacities are increasing slightly, and there’s an unspecified charging upgrade. As a reminder, all of that is packaged in a body that looks largely identical to the Pixel Watch 3.
Given how little is changing between the Pixel Watch 4 and its predecessor, it’s easy to be disappointed by these specs. However, while I understand that initial knee-jerk reaction, I don’t think that’s the right way to look at the Pixel Watch 4 at all.
After the latest spec leak, are you still interested in the Pixel Watch 4? 43 votes No, it doesn't sound like a big enough upgrade. 56 % Yes, I'm still looking forward to it. 30 % I'm not sure yet. 14 % Other (let us know in the comments). 0 %
The Pixel Watch 4 is working from a strong foundation
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Let’s start by dissecting the specs. On paper, reusing the same chip found in the previous two generations of Pixel Watches doesn’t sound promising. However, it’s important to remember that, despite its age, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 remains extremely capable.
We didn’t encounter any performance issues in our Pixel Watch 3 review last September, nor did I when I tested the smartwatch myself last year. I’ve continued to dabble with the Pixel Watch 3 here and there in 2025, and it still feels just as snappy as I could ask for.
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 is also a really efficient chip, delivering around 36 hours of battery life in our Pixel Watch 3 review and in my own testing, too. The Pixel Watch 4 is taking that same chip and pairing it with even larger batteries this year (a 7% increase for the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 and 9% for the 45mm model), meaning the Pixel Watch 3’s excellent endurance should only get better. Looked at that way, reused silicon and a 7-9% battery increase doesn’t sound too bad, does it?
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