Google has decided to maintain the use of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip in its upcoming Pixel Watch 4, the same chipset found in the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3. This choice may disappoint users looking for a more powerful and efficient chip for enhanced performance.
Reports from Android Authority indicate that the W5 Gen 1 will be the third consecutive year that Google relies on this platform for its smartwatches. While the Qualcomm chip has significantly improved the Wear OS platform since its introduction in 2022, its performance has started to lag.
The Cortex-A53 CPU cores are now seen as outdated, struggling to meet the demands of more advanced applications. There are whispers that Google might opt for more substantial changes in its smartwatch lineup with the Pixel Watch 5, potentially incorporating a Tensor chip.
Meanwhile, Qualcomm is developing a new wearable chip called the SW6100, expected to deliver a generational leap in performance and efficiency, but it will not be available until 2026. In terms of design, the Pixel Watch 4 will reportedly launch in two sizes: a 41mm “meridian” model and a 45mm “kenari” variant, both offering Bluetooth and LTE connectivity.
The battery on the 41mm model will see a 7% increase, while the 45mm model will feature a 9% larger cell (459mAh). Though the improvements are modest, they may help extend the battery life of the fourth smartwatch.
An encouraging development is the expected enhancement in charging speeds. Following the progressive improvements seen in the previous models, the Pixel Watch 4 may reduce charging times even further.
Leaked information suggests that Google might transition to wireless charging for the Pixel Watch 4, possibly contributing to the anticipated decrease in charging durations.
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