Google Pixel Watch 2 could fix its predecessors’ biggest flaw

an image of the Google Pixel Watch on a wrist
(Image credit: Future)

The next Google Pixel Watch could get a proper battery upgrade by swapping Samsung Exynos chips for Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon W5 Plus silicon. 

That’s according to an unmanned source from 9to5Google, who noted that the Pixel Watch 2 will drop the 10–nanometer Samsung Exynos 9110 (which was somewhat dated when the smartwatch launched in the fall of 2022) for the latest Snapdragon chip for wearables that uses a 4nm process node. In basic terms, the smaller the process node the more transistors a chip can fit on it meaning more performance and greater efficiency. 

As such, a second-generation Pixel Watch is expected to not only outperform its predecessor, but also be more power efficient and thus eke out a longer battery life. Ideally, we’d hope to see at least a full day’s use. 

Boost the battery

I rather like the Pixel Watch, more for its simple looks and neat design, but I can’t deny that the battery life is an area that hasn’t impressed me. I don’t use a lot of the fitness features, preferring my smartwatch to be more of a notifications machine and step counter, in addition to being… well an actual watch.

But despite not using the Watch to its full potential, I still find it gasping out for power after most of a day’s use. This isn't a huge problem when I’m at home, as I have the charger in a convenient place by my desk and leave the watch to charge overnight. It does become inconvenient on overnight trips, such as a recent one where I ‘broke’ a Panasonic Toughbook 40, as I either have to make the choice of carrying yet another charger or simply going for a traditional watch; mostly I opt for the latter.

And for people who like to make use of sleep tracking, having a smartwatch that runs out of battery before bedtime isn't ideal. So a boosted battery life could be one big boon for a Pixel Watch 2.

That being said we’d also like to see some other features, say a built-in skin temperature sensor, which has also been tipped. This is something the Fitbit Sense 2 has, so would make sense for Google to bring it to the next Watch. 

And improved health metrics tracking would be appreciated. I’d personally like to see a design that slightly slims down the Pixel Watch and shaves off some of the chunky display bezels that are visible if you go looking for them.

We’d expect the Pixel Watch 2 to make its debut alongside the equally rumored Google Pixel 8, both of which are likely to launch this fall.

More form Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Roland Moore-Colyer

Roland Moore-Colyer a Managing Editor at Tom’s Guide with a focus on news, features and opinion articles. He often writes about gaming, phones, laptops and other bits of hardware; he’s also got an interest in cars. When not at his desk Roland can be found wandering around London, often with a look of curiosity on his face. 

Read more
The 41mm and 45mm Pixel Watch on a red table with accessories
Google Pixel Watch 3 review: Third time’s the charm
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a will have to fix one crucial thing to hold off its low-cost rivals
Google Pixel Watch 3 XL in hand
Google Pixel Watch battery health could get a boost with this new feature
OnePlus Watch 3 watch face
OnePlus Watch 3 review: Good becomes great
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 in two sizes on a user's wrist
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 — here's the 3 biggest rumored upgrades
The Samsung Galaxy Ring in a user's hand with blue painted fingernails
Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 — all the rumors so far
Latest in Smartwatches
Atari 2600 My Play Watch
It's not just Pebble — Atari is back with a watch that lets you play retro games on your wrist
Pebble Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches
Pebble is back with two new smartwatches starting at $149 — how to preorder
Garmin Fenix 8 Sleep
New data reveals the average Garmin sleep score — do you sleep better or worse than most people?
Garmin Fenix 8 deal
Act fast! Unexpected discount sees Garmin Fenix 8 drop to its lowest price on Amazon
The coolest things the Apple Watch can do
7 best Apple Watch features you're probably not using, but should
Close-up of the Amazfit Active 2 and Apple Watch SE next to each other on a user's wrist
I put the Apple Watch SE vs Amazfit Active 2 through a 7-round face-off — here's the winner
Latest in News
Apple Peek Performance
Apple makes a move to revive its Siri revamp — and the Vision Pro boss could play a part
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Friday, March 21 (#649)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Deleted image reveals Steam games in the Xbox app — here's what it could mean
Adam Scott and Britt Lower in "Severance."
‘Severance’ season 2 finale explained — we finally just got some answers
Severance season 2 finale
How to watch 'Severance' finale online – stream final episode of season 2 tonight
Render of the alleged design of the iPhone 17 Pro
New iPhone 17 Pro dummy leak highlights redesigned camera and part glass body