# Galaxy Watch 9 reportedly drops Exynos for Qualcomm

Source: https://idevice.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-9-latest-leak-confirms-snapdragon-elite-power-in-promo-rend
Published: 2026-07-20

> Leaked images reportedly show Samsung ditching its own Exynos chip in the Galaxy Watch 9 for Qualcomm.

After years of using its own Exynos chips, Samsung is reportedly switching the [Galaxy Watch 9](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/samsung-galaxy-watch/roadmap) to Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite, according to leaked marketing images from the evleaks account. The 3nm chip is said to run about 50% faster and adds hardware built to handle AI tasks on the watch itself, so things like smart replies and fitness coaching work even without a phone nearby. Previously, rumors expected this chip to only make its way to the Ultra line. Samsung unveils it July 22.

Here's a break down of what we're now expecting from the Watch 9 on Tuesday, compared to the current model:

## Sources

- [Galaxy Watch 9 is ‘Powered by Snapdragon Wear Elite,’ leaked images confirm [Gallery]](https://9to5google.com/2026/07/18/galaxy-watch-9-is-powered-by-snapdragon-wear-elite-leaked-images-confirm-gallery/) (9to5Google)
- [Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Latest Leak Confirms Snapdragon Elite Power in Promo Renders](https://www.androidheadlines.com/2026/07/samsung-galaxy-watch-9-leak-snapdragon-wear-elite.html) (Android Headlines)
- [Last-Minute Galaxy Watch 9 Leak Gives Everything Away](https://sammyguru.com/galaxy-watch-9-marketing-materials-leak/) (SammyGuru)
- [Galaxy Watch 9’s leaked marketing images reveal its colors, chip, and more](https://www.sammobile.com/news/galaxy-watch-9-leaked-images-reveal-colors-chip/) (SamMobile)