July 12, 2026 at 10:01 AM 2 min readtechdeveloping
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 Leaks Ahead of Unpacked
Galaxy Watch Upgrades:
Ahead of the official Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for July 22, fresh leaks have detailed significant hardware improvements for the upcoming Galaxy Watch 9 series and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. According to industry reports, Samsung is transitioning away from its proprietary Exynos processors to the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. This new 3nm-based processor promises substantial performance gains, with integrated AI capabilities and up to 30% improved battery efficiency. The lineup will feature varying screen sizes and refined build quality, with the Ultra 2 model specifically noted for its extensive use of titanium and a robust 10 ATM water resistance rating.
Battery and Connectivity:
The most notable hardware change is the significant boost in battery capacity for the high-end Ultra 2 model, which is expected to rise to 800mAh, a 35% increase over its predecessor. While the standard 40mm Galaxy Watch 9 will retain its existing battery size, the 44mm model will see a slight capacity upgrade. The entire series is expected to support Bluetooth 6.0 and dual-band Wi-Fi as standard features. These hardware-focused enhancements appear aimed at justifying a premium price point, with rumored European pricing starting at €409 for the entry-level models and reaching €749 for the Ultra 2.
Market Expectations:
Samsung’s strategic reliance on Qualcomm hardware marks a major shift in its wearable roadmap, potentially addressing long-standing concerns regarding energy efficiency in previous generations. The inclusion of a dedicated NPU on the new Snapdragon chip suggests that Samsung intends to prioritize on-device AI features, aligning its wearable lineup with the broader industry trend of integrating generative AI into mobile devices. Tech enthusiasts are closely watching the upcoming launch for confirmation on Indian pricing and availability, as these devices are expected to arrive in the Indian market shortly after the global reveal. The transition to a unified high-performance wearable platform could significantly impact competitive dynamics in the premium smartwatch segment.
Pulse Intelligence
AI AnalysisContext & Background
- Samsung has historically used its own Exynos wearable chips, but has faced criticism regarding battery life and efficiency compared to competitors.
- Recent leaks have consistently pointed to a major design refresh for the Ultra series to better compete with high-end sports watches.
Key Consequences
- The shift to Qualcomm chips will likely improve real-world battery endurance for power users.
- Increased price points for the Galaxy Watch 9 series may shift demand toward mid-range market competitors.
- On-device AI integration in the new watches could set a new standard for health and fitness tracking features.
Market & Economic Impact
Samsung's shift to Qualcomm processors could affect long-term supply chain partnerships and market share in the premium wearable sector.

