Google Pixel Watch 5 to get first Tensor smartwatch chip with ARM Cortex-A78 CPU performance core

New details have emerged about the state of Google's Pixel Watch smartwatch division. Currently, Google utilises the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 inside the Pixel Watch 3 41 mm and 45 mm (curr. $399.99 on Amazon), just like almost all Wear OS counterparts bar Samsung. However, the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 and associated Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 are now rather old in mobile terms, having been presented in Q3 2022.

In other words, the Wear OS platform is overdue for some innovation in this regard. Seemingly though, a new Qualcomm chipset is not forthcoming. In response, Google is now said to be developing its first Tensor chipest for smartwatches with expectations for its release set towards 2026.

Consequently, it would appear that the chipset is destined for Google's Pixel Watch 5 generation. According to Kamila Wojciechowska, Google is developing its first smartwatch chipset under the codename 'NPT' with three CPU cores split between one ARM Cortex-A78 performance core and two Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. By contrast, the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 relies upon four Cortex-A53 cores instead.

Thus, while Tensor NPT would not be advanced by today’s smartphone chipset standards, it would represent a performance upgrade over the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1. Reportedly, there were indications that Google could turn to Samsung and its Exynos W1000 chipset which shares similar configurations. Potentially, this still could be the case, particularly given that the Exynos W1000 contains the same CPU core structure with another two Cortex-A55 cores thrown in for good measure.