Samsung is preparing to transition its upcoming Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 smartwatches to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, according to reports from WinFuture via leaker Roland Quandt. This shift to 3-nanometer architecture replaces Samsung’s proprietary Exynos chips, aiming for improved performance and energy efficiency across the entire wearable lineup.
The Shift to Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite
The move to Qualcomm hardware represents a significant architectural change for Samsung’s wearable strategy. The Snapdragon Wear Elite chip utilizes a 3-nanometer manufacturing process, featuring a five-core configuration. One primary core operates at 2.1 GHz, while four efficiency-focused cores reach up to 1.95 GHz. According to the data provided by WinFuture, this transition is designed to bolster both processing speed and battery longevity.
Did you know?
The new 3-nanometer fabrication process used in the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip is the same class of advanced semiconductor technology currently powering many of the world’s most efficient flagship smartphones.
Battery Upgrades and Hardware Specifications
While the standard Galaxy Watch 9 models maintain familiar battery capacities, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 receives a substantial power boost. The 40mm Galaxy Watch 9 retains a 325 mAh battery, and the 44mm version holds 445 mAh. In contrast, the 47mm Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 jumps from a 590 mAh capacity to 800 mAh, a change likely intended to support the extended use cases associated with the “Ultra” branding.
Display sizes remain consistent with previous generations. The 40mm model features a 1.3-inch AMOLED display (438 × 438 pixels), while the 44mm and 47mm models utilize a 1.5-inch screen (480 × 480 pixels). All variants will offer 32GB or 64GB of storage paired with 2GB of RAM.
Durability and Connectivity Features
Samsung is further differentiating its product tiers through build materials and environmental resistance. The Galaxy Watch 9 series will continue to use aluminium casings, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 features a titanium housing designed for higher durability. The Ultra model is rated for water resistance up to 100 meters, whereas the standard models are rated at 5 ATM, suitable for swimming and showering.
Connectivity options across the lineup include Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and dual-band Wi-Fi. Users seeking independence from their smartphones can opt for LTE-enabled versions of these devices. All models will run on Android Wear, integrated with Samsung’s One UI Watch 9.0 software, and include standard health tracking sensors like heart rate monitors and EKG functionality.
Market Positioning and Pricing
The upcoming lineup reflects a shift in pricing, with costs trending higher than previous iterations. According to the reported pricing structure, the 40mm Galaxy Watch 9 is expected to start at 409 euros, with the larger variant at 439 euros. The premium Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is set at a 749 euro price point.
Pro Tip: Choosing the Right Model
If you prioritize battery life for long-distance activities or multi-day tracking, the 800 mAh capacity in the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 offers a clear advantage over the standard 9-series models. However, for daily fitness tracking and notifications, the standard 40mm or 44mm versions provide a more compact form factor at a lower entry price.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main processor change in the new Galaxy Watch lineup?
Samsung is moving from its own Exynos processors to the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, built on a 3-nanometer process. - How does the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 differ in durability?
The Ultra 2 features a titanium casing and is water-resistant up to 100 meters, while the standard Watch 9 models use aluminum and are rated at 5 ATM. - What is the battery capacity of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
It features an 800 mAh battery, a significant increase from the 590 mAh found in previous comparable models.
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