The Google Pixel Watch Overview
On October 13th, Google released the Google Pixel Watch. The Bluetooth model is priced at $349.99 and the LTE variant is priced at $399.99. According to Counterpoint Research, the bill of materials (BoM) cost of the LTE-compatible Pixel Watch is estimated to be $123. The Pixel Watch utilizes Samsung’s Exynos 9110 processor to power the device, which is capable of handling the latest version of Wear OS.
The Processor in the Pixel Watch
The Exynos 9110 processor used by Google is built by Samsung Foundry using the latter’s 10nm process node. The component features a dual-core CPU, a Mali-T720 GPU, and an LTE Cat.4 modem. The co-processor consists of NXP’s MIMXRT595S, which uses ARM’s Cortex-M33-based MCU (microcontroller) with a digital signal processor and GPU cores.
The High-Cost Parts in the Pixel Watch
The Pixel Watch’s most expensive parts are categorized under Processing + Memory, with the two processors and 32GB+2GB ePoP embedded memory chip accounting for nearly 27% of the BoM. The display, protected by Gorilla Glass 5, makes up 17.2% of the BoM. The 1.2-inch OLED, always-on display has a 450 x 450 resolution and produces a bright 1000-nit image, even during sunny days.
The Cellular Model of the Pixel Watch
For the cellular model, the Pixel Watch uses an LTE Cat 4 setup, which is made up of Samsung’s S915 transceiver, Skyworks’ SKY53737 diversity receiver and SKY77643 multi-mode, multi-band power amplifier module, Qorvo’s antenna switch, and multiple duplexers from muRata. Other connectivity-related parts cost Google about $7.01 for each unit, or 5.7% of the total BoM cost.
The Sensors in the Pixel Watch
There are several sensors on the Pixel Watch, including an ambient light sensor and a light encoder for the digital crown. Some sensors, such as those from Texas Instruments, are used to track heart rate and conduct an electrocardiogram (ECG). The sensors combine to make up 8.3% of the BoM or $10.21 per watch.
The Other Parts in the Pixel Watch
Other parts of the Pixel Watch include Casing + Waterproof + Thermal treatment (14.7% of the BoM), PCB (Printed Circuit Board) + Passives + Others (7.2% of the BoM), Battery + Charging (6.1% of the BoM), and Watchbands (3.3% of the BoM).
The Suppliers of the Pixel Watch’s Components
Samsung is the biggest supplier of parts for the Pixel Watch (20% of the BoM cost), followed by BOE, which supplies the device’s display (14% of the BoM cost).
The Future of the Pixel Ecosystem
Counterpoint Research suggests that through Google’s partnership with Samsung, the next-generation Pixel Watch will be more powerful, integrated, intelligent, and secure. The Pixel ecosystem will also be expanding later this year with the expected release of the Pixel Tablet and a possible foldable device. Moreover, the mid-range Pixel 7a may be introduced at Google I/O 2023, with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Plus expected to launch in the fourth quarter. The Pixel Watch 2 may also be officially announced and released in October.
