# Pixel Watch 5: Upgrades Come at a Higher Price Google's new smartwatch is more powerful but also more expensive. - **Source:** [CNET](https://brifing.si/source/ce507de7-7f24-4ff4-ab6d-7635abcc095a) - **Published:** 2026-08-12 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6630f384-4e56-4fac-aade-c057e970be69 ## Design and Color Options The Pixel Watch 5 retains the minimalist, bezel-free design of its predecessor. New color options include peach, lilac, olive, lime, black, and bright pink. A new metallic finish called Pyrite is also available. Coming in 41mm and 45mm sizes, the watch looks more like an accessory than a tiny computer on your wrist. ## Hardware Upgrades Pixel Watch 5 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated processor, which Google claims boosts CPU performance by 12%. RAM increases from 2GB to 3GB, while onboard storage doubles from 32GB to 64GB. The 45mm model's battery capacity grows from 455mAh to 465mAh, though Google states this increase will primarily support new AI features. ## Display and Durability Pixel Watch 5 uses the same Gorilla Glass 5 protection and LTPO AMOLED display with 3,000 nits peak brightness as its predecessor. The 320ppi resolution curved display isn't particularly forgiving for accident-prone users. The reviewer who scratched their Pixel Watch 4 during testing notes similar fragility in the new model. ## Software and AI Features With Wear OS 7, Pixel Watch 5 positions itself as the hub of Google's wearable ecosystem. Offline Gemini support enables basic functions without phone connectivity. The AI coach feature can create personalized workouts from equipment photos and sync them directly to the watch. ## Health and Fitness Tracking Google claims machine learning improvements make Pixel Watch 5 15% more accurate for sleep and recovery metrics. The Workout Builder feature syncs custom routines from the Google Health app, guiding users through each step. Post-workout effort ratings personalize subsequent training difficulty levels. ## GPS and Location Accuracy Pixel Watch 5 uses the dual-band GPS system introduced with Pixel Watch 4. Google states location accuracy has improved even in dense urban environments with tall buildings. The company boldly claims Pixel Watch 5 outperforms dedicated sports watches like Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Fénix 8 Pro in GPS performance. ## Price and Availability The base Pixel Watch 5 starts at $399 - $50 more than its predecessor. Available for preorder now, it hits stores on August 20. Google Health Premium subscribers ($10/month) get free access to the AI coach and exercise video library. ## Assessment and Competition Pixel Watch 5 impresses with hardware upgrades and advanced AI features. However, the price hike and many new features coming to older models may complicate purchase decisions. Google's performance claims await independent verification. Its relatively affordable price compared to competitors remains a significant advantage. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-pixel-watch-5-hands-on/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._