Samsung regularly upgrades the system-on-a-chip used in its Galaxy S smartphones, but its smartwatches have not seen the same pace of improvement. Both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 series use the same Exynos W920 processor introduced in 2021.
That may finally change with the upcoming Galaxy Watch 6.
Exynos W980 Reportedly in Development
According to SamMobile, Samsung is working on a new smartwatch processor called the Exynos W980. This new chip is expected to replace the Exynos W920 currently used in Samsung’s Wear OS watches.
The Exynos W980 is rumored to deliver noticeable improvements in both performance and efficiency.
Performance and Battery Life Improvements Expected
The biggest upgrade could come from manufacturing efficiency. The Exynos W980 is said to be built on a newer 5nm process, compared to the older process used for the W920.
This could translate to performance gains of up to 10 percent, along with improved battery life. For smartwatch users, better efficiency is especially important, as battery endurance remains one of the biggest pain points.
Samsung Leads Wear OS Chip Development
Interestingly, Samsung is currently the only major company actively developing new chipsets for Wear OS smartwatches.
For comparison, the Google Pixel Watch still uses a processor originally released in 2018. Other Wear OS devices, such as the Fossil Gen 6, continue to rely on chipsets introduced in 2020.
If the Galaxy Watch 6 launches with the Exynos W980, it could gain a significant hardware advantage over competing Wear OS devices.
Potential Impact on the Galaxy Watch 6 Series
A new processor would make the Galaxy Watch 6 series one of the most powerful Wear OS smartwatches available. Improved speed, smoother animations, and better battery life would directly enhance daily usability.
This could further strengthen Samsung’s position as the leading manufacturer in the Wear OS ecosystem.
Expected Launch Timeline
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch 6 series later this summer. The launch is likely to take place alongside Samsung’s next-generation foldable smartphones at a Galaxy Unpacked event.
As the release date approaches, more concrete details about the Exynos W980 and smartwatch features should emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will the Galaxy Watch 6 use a new processor?
Reports suggest it will feature the new Exynos W980 chipset.
2. How is the Exynos W980 better than the W920?
It is expected to be faster and more power-efficient thanks to a newer 5nm process.
3. Do other Wear OS watches use modern chips?
Most competing Wear OS watches still rely on older processors from 2018 to 2020.
4. Why is battery efficiency important for smartwatches?
Better efficiency can significantly improve daily battery life and user experience.
5. When will Samsung launch the Galaxy Watch 6 series?
The launch is expected in summer, alongside Samsung’s new foldable phones.
Conclusion
The rumored Exynos W980 chipset could mark a meaningful upgrade for Samsung’s smartwatch lineup. After years of using the same processor across multiple generations, the Galaxy Watch 6 may finally bring improved performance and battery life to Wear OS users.
If these reports prove accurate, Samsung could widen its lead in the smartwatch market by offering the most advanced hardware available for Wear OS devices.
