3 min read
Qualcomm has launched its much anticipated Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 and W5+ Gen 2 wearable chipsets, setting a new standard in smartwatch technology. These new platforms are the first to integrate Narrowband Non Terrestrial Network (NB NTN) satellite messaging, allowing two way emergency communications even when users have no access to cellular or Wi Fi networks. The announcement coincides with the debut of the Google Pixel Watch 4, which comes equipped with the standard W5 Gen 2 chip.
Performance Upgrades in Snapdragon W5 Gen 2
Unlike the larger leaps seen in smartphone chip improvements, the W5 Gen 2 offers targeted enhancements. It retains the 4 core Cortex A53 CPU and Adreno A702 GPU found in its predecessor but has been optimized in several key areas. The radio frequency front end is now about 20 percent smaller and more energy efficient, supporting compact wearable designs and longer battery life.
Smarter GPS and Location Accuracy
A major upgrade is the addition of Qualcomm’s Location Machine Learning 3.0, claimed to enhance GPS positioning accuracy by up to 50 percent in challenging environments such as urban canyons and deep valleys. Paired with dual band GPS (L1+L5), these chips promise significantly improved navigation reliability when the signal is weak or obstructed.
Design Benefits for Manufacturers
For developers and device makers, the smaller footprint of the W5 chips opens design possibilities, such as space for larger batteries. In the Pixel Watch 4, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 occupies less room while allowing Google to increase battery capacity by 25 percent compared to its predecessor. This translates into actual extended runtime without sacrificing performance.
Satellite SOS Messaging Changes the Game
A standout feature is the satellite SOS messaging enabled by NB NTN connectivity. Collaborating with Skylo, Qualcomm enables users to send and receive emergency messages and share location data when out of terrestrial network coverage, ideal for adventurers, hikers, or anyone in remote areas. Wear OS becomes the first smartwatch OS to offer this capability.
W5+ Gen 2 Brings Extra Efficiency
The W5+ Gen 2 variant includes an ultra efficient Cortex M55 coprocessor that handles background tasks like audio, sensors, and machine learning, further enhancing battery performance. Both chipsets support Bluetooth 5.3, Wi Fi, LTE, and are optimized for Wear OS, ensuring seamless integration into future smartwatch designs.
Real-World Pixel Watch 4 Performance
A real world endorsement comes from hands on analysis of the Pixel Watch 4. Despite lacking a major speed upgrade, the watch benefits from efficiency gains, satellite SOS, dual band GPS, and more accurate location tracking. The smaller size of the chip allowed Google to enhance battery life.
