Qualcomm Technologies has introduced the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen 2 wearable platforms, designed to deliver efficiency gains, improved tracking, better connectivity, and slimmer form factors for upcoming smartwatches.
Satellite support for wearables
The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen 2 are the first wearable platforms to feature satellite communication using Skylo’s Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN).
This enables two-way emergency messaging directly from a watch, allowing users in remote locations without mobile service to send SOS alerts when needed.
Platform lineup
Qualcomm is offering two versions of the platform:
- W5+ Gen 2 – paired with a dedicated low-power co-processor that handles background tasks to extend efficiency.
- W5 Gen 2 – a streamlined option without the co-processor, aimed at compact device designs.
Both are built on a 4nm system-on-chip (SoC) design, balancing performance with power savings.
Key advancements
- Smarter location tracking – with Location Machine Learning 3.0, GPS readings are up to 50% more accurate, even in difficult settings such as crowded city blocks or steep canyon areas.
- Reduced size and power use – the optimized RFFE module is about 20% smaller than the earlier generation and consumes less energy, helping manufacturers build thinner devices with longer battery life.
- Efficient background processing – the always-on co-processor now supports Wi-Fi, GNSS, and audio functions in ultra-low-power modes including Deep Sleep and Hibernate.
- Hybrid task handling – display, sensor input, notifications, and audio processing can be offloaded to reduce strain on the main chip.
- Wear OS readiness – tailored for the latest version of Wear OS, enabling smooth integration, advanced smartwatch features, and better support for multi-device use.
Quick Specs: Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 / W5 Gen 2
- AI Engine: Qualcomm Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engine
- Hexagon Processor: Qualcomm Hexagon V66K
- CPU: Up to 1.7 GHz
- Co-Processor: Low-power co-processor (W5+ Gen 2 only)
- GPU: Qualcomm Adreno A702, up to 1 GHz, 2.5D graphics, OpenGL ES 3.1 support
- Memory: LPDDR4, 2133 MHz, 16-bit
- Storage: eMMC, density up to 4.5 GB
- Location Systems: NB-NTN satellite (Skylo), GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou
- Location Frequency Support: Dual (L1/L5), Dual (PDR 4.5)
- Connectivity – Cellular: Wearable-optimized modem; LTE FDD/TDD, GSM/EDGE, EV-DO Rev.A, TD-SCDMA, 1x Adv
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz, 1×1 MIMO
- Connectivity – Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3
- NFC: Supported via third party
- Camera / ISP: Qualcomm Spectra ISP; 2x CSI 4-lane (DPHY/CPHY); Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) 3.0, Multi-frame Noise Reduction (MFNR), Pseudo ZSL
- Security: Qualcomm Processor Security, Qualcomm Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) 4.0.5
- RF: Qualcomm RF Front-End (RFFE) solution
- USB: USB 2.0
- Interfaces: MIPI-DSI, QSPI with DDR, USB 2.0
- Software Support: Android, Wear OS, FreeRTOS
Availability
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 platform debuts with the Google Pixel Watch 4, and will roll out to other Wear OS devices in the coming months.
Speaking on the launch, Dino Bekis, VP & GM of Wearables & Mixed Signal Solutions at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., said:
With Snapdragon W5+ and W5 Gen 2 platforms, we continue to lead in wearable technology by enabling Wear OS to become the first operating system to integrate NB-NTN. This technology allows users to stay connected in the most remote locations, sending and receiving critical messages via satellite. This advancement underscores our commitment to ensure that users have more reliable communications and enhanced safety with the integration of evolving satellite technology capabilities in wearable platforms.