Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 to Feature Snapdragon Wear Elite Chip: Report
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 will feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, ditching the Exynos W1000 for a 50% performance boost. The new wearable includes a dedicated NPU for on-device AI features like fitness coaching and will launch on 22 July alongside the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
Samsung is set to revolutionise its wearable lineup with the upcoming launch of the Galaxy Watch 9, which is confirmed to feature a significant hardware transition. Leaked promotional materials reveal that the tech giant is moving away from its in-house Exynos W1000 processor in favour of Qualcomm’s 3nm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, promising notable improvements in efficiency and performance.
Hardware Transition to Snapdragon Wear Elite
The shift to Qualcomm’s TSMC-manufactured silicon marks a strategic pivot for Samsung, prioritising consumer experience through enhanced power management and thermal efficiency. As per a report by Android Headlines, the new processor is expected to deliver a 50 per cent performance increase compared to the previous Exynos model. The integration of this 3nm chip is designed to provide smoother interface responsiveness while extending battery longevity. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Leaks: Check Price, Specifications and Features.
On-Device AI and Health Features
A standout addition to the Galaxy Watch 9 is the dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which enables advanced AI capabilities to function locally on the device. This hardware allows for features such as real-time fitness coaching and smart message replies without the need for constant cloud connectivity. Furthermore, the smartwatch will include specialized health-tracking tools, including a Vitals tracker, Sleep Apnea monitoring, and a dedicated running assistant. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Price, Specifications and Features; Everything to Expect During Galaxy Unpacked July Event..
Design Continuity and Official Launch
While the internal specifications represent a significant overhaul, the exterior design of the Galaxy Watch 9 remains consistent with its predecessors. Samsung will offer the device in four matte colour options: white, navy, olive green, and black, each accompanied by a matching silicone sports band. The official unveiling is scheduled for the Galaxy Unpacked event on 22 July, where the device will debut alongside the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2026 08:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).