As the tech world eagerly anticipates the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, recent leaks are shedding light on the features and specifications that could set these wearables apart from their predecessors. With significant upgrades in both hardware and performance, consumers are left questioning whether the expected price hike is warranted. Here’s what we know so far about the upcoming Galaxy watches and their potential to impress or disappoint in the marketplace.

No In-House Chip This Year

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite chip looks quite solid on paper. | Image by Qualcomm

According to a report dated July 13, 2026, Samsung has decided against using its in-house Exynos chip for the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Instead, both smartwatches are rumored to utilize Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Wear Elite, which is expected to deliver faster charging, enhanced performance, and improved on-device AI capabilities.

Significant Battery Improvements

Another highlight from the leaks is the anticipated battery size increase. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is rumored to sport an impressive 800mAh battery, a substantial upgrade from the 590mAh battery in the original Galaxy Watch Ultra, promising significantly enhanced battery life. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 9, available in 40mm and 44mm variants, may see only modest improvements in battery size. The smaller model is expected to maintain the 325mAh battery of the Galaxy Watch 8, while the larger 44mm version could see a slight bump to 445mAh from the previous 435mAh.

Justifying the Price Increase

Leaks suggest the new Galaxy Watch models may come with a higher price tag, potentially exceeding $700. While Samsung is not alone in this trend—Google’s Pixel Watch 5 lineup is also expected to rise in cost—the real question is whether features like the Wear Elite chip and increased battery capacity can justify the price hike. Although the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 brings several promising upgrades, there's skepticism regarding whether these enhancements are enough to warrant spending significantly more than previous models.

Final Thoughts on Future Wearables

With impressive specifications on the horizon, the upcoming Galaxy Watches have the potential to become leading choices in the wearable market. However, the speculative pricing raises concerns about the value-for-money aspect, particularly for budget-conscious consumers. Whether these models will live up to the expectations set by their specs remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—buyers will be weighing the justification of higher costs carefully ahead of their release.