Google’s next smartwatch may cost more even though a leaked listing shows no major CPU or GPU upgrade. The unreleased Pixel Watch 5 is listed with 3GB of RAM, up from 2GB in the Pixel Watch 4, alongside a familiar processor configuration.
Separate reporting places the starting price at $399, approximately $49 above its predecessor’s launch price. The extra memory could improve Wear OS performance and support more demanding software, but battery life, health features, and other upgrades will determine whether the higher price is justified.
More RAM, but no clear processor upgrade
A Google Play Console listing identifies the watch by the codename “godric” and names Qualcomm’s SW5100 platform. It lists four Arm Cortex-A53 CPU cores running at 1.7GHz and an Adreno 702 GPU, matching the Pixel Watch 4’s reported core configuration.
Google’s official Pixel Watch 4 specifications list a Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip, Cortex-M55 coprocessor, 2GB of SDRAM, and 32GB of storage. The new listing does not identify the Pixel Watch 5’s coprocessor, leaving open the possibility of other internal changes.
Moving from 2GB to 3GB would represent a 50% RAM increase and the first memory upgrade since Google launched the Pixel Watch line. The additional capacity could improve multitasking, keep more background services active, or support more complex Wear OS applications.
Reports have linked the increase to Gemini, although neither Google nor the listing confirms that explanation. Google is already expanding its wearable software strategy through a Gemini-powered health coach that combines fitness, wellness, and health information.
Higher prices raise the upgrade bar
The reported US prices are $399 for the 41mm Wi-Fi model and $429 for the 45mm version. The comparable LTE models are reportedly priced at $499 and $529.
The 41mm Wi-Fi model would cost about 14% more than the Pixel Watch 4’s $349.99 launch price. Across the four configurations, the reported increases range from approximately $29 to $49.
Google has separately said rising RAM costs will increase Pixel prices as AI infrastructure demand puts pressure on memory supplies. The company has not confirmed that those costs caused the reported Pixel Watch 5 increase.
More RAM alone may not justify the higher price. Buyers still need confirmed details about battery endurance, display improvements, health sensors, software support, and Gemini capabilities.
Previously published Pixel Watch 5 renders show a familiar circular design in 41mm and 45mm sizes. The available leaks provide no confirmed evidence of a major exterior redesign.
The memory increase could give developers more room for complex applications, although Wear OS software must still run efficiently on older watches with less RAM. Organizations using wearables for authentication, notifications, or workforce communications will also need details about update support, account controls, and data handling.
Google’s Made by Google event is scheduled for Aug. 12, 2026. Final specifications could substantially change the value assessment, but the leaked RAM and pricing details currently point to a software-led upgrade carrying a higher entry cost.
Read more: Samsung has already set a competing Android benchmark with the Galaxy Watch9 and Watch Ultra2, which add newer processors, brighter displays, and expanded health tools.