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| Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Blue (top) and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in black with Taupe band (edited). |
Samsung fans eagerly awaiting the next generation of wearables may be in for a significant internal shift. While the rumored summer launch of the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is still months away, a fresh leak suggests the South Korean tech giant is planning a bold new dual-processor strategy to better differentiate its premium and standard smartwatches.
According to a new post on X by prominent leaker Jason C, Samsung is currently testing its two upcoming smartwatches with different processors at their core. This move would be a departure from previous generations and could offer users a clearer choice between performance and value.
A Tale of Two Chips: Snapdragon Wear Elite for Ultra 2?
The most exciting piece of information comes for those with their eyes on the high-end model. The leak states that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (model number SM-L716) is reportedly being tested with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Wear Elite platform.
Qualcomm unveiled this new chipset at Mobile World Congress earlier this year, positioning it as its first personal AI-focused wearable platform. A key feature is its dedicated Hexagon NPU, which promises to enable faster, more efficient on-device AI processing for tasks like health tracking, gesture recognition, and personalized coaching—all without relying on the cloud.
The Standard Bearer: Galaxy Watch 9 Stays In-House
On the other side of the lineup, the standard Galaxy Watch 9 (model number SM-L345) is expected to stick with Samsung’s own silicon. The leaker mentions an "Exynos W10" chip for this model, which is very likely a continuation of the Exynos W1000 found in the current generation.
This would be a logical step. The Exynos W1000, which powers the existing Galaxy Watch Ultra (buy on Amazon) and Galaxy Watch 7 series (buy the Classic on Amazon), has proven to be a powerful and efficient performer. In fact, it was widely regarded as outperforming Qualcomm’s previous top-tier chip, the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2.
Why the Split? Defining the Premium Tier
This dual-chip strategy, if true, would represent a clear effort to create a wider gap between the standard and "Ultra" models. By equipping the Ultra 2 with a next-gen, AI-focused processor from Qualcomm, Samsung could be aiming to deliver exclusive software features and AI experiences that the standard model, with its older-generation Exynos chip, simply cannot handle.
The real-world performance comparison will be fascinating. The Exynos W1000 is already a powerhouse, but the new Snapdragon Wear Elite, with its dedicated AI engine, could enable a new class of health and smart features that justify the "Ultra" name. It would be a head-to-head battle between Samsung's proven in-house design and Qualcomm's bleeding-edge, AI-centric architecture.
Of course, all of this remains in the realm of speculation for now. The final decision on which chips make it to the production line could change before the expected launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 this summer.
For now, the leak paints a picture of a Samsung smartwatch lineup that is more strategically divided than ever, potentially offering consumers a straightforward choice: a refined, powerful standard experience with the Galaxy Watch 9, or a cutting-edge, AI-powered powerhouse with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.