Updated

Updated · Gizmodo · Jul 6

Samsung Leaks Galaxy Able Clip-On Earbuds With Bone Conduction as July Unpacked Nears

Updated

Updated · Gizmodo · Jul 6

Samsung Leaks Galaxy Able Clip-On Earbuds With Bone Conduction as July Unpacked Nears

Q: Why is Samsung using a rival's chip for its premium watch while its own Exynos powers the standard model?

Samsung appears to be splitting its watch lineup by use case: Exynos for the mainstream Galaxy Watch 9, and Qualcomm for the no-compromise Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 because the premium model needs capabilities Samsung’s in-house chip may not match yet. The standard Watch 9 is expected to keep the Exynos W1000, which is already a known Samsung platform and likely cheaper, easier to integrate, and sufficient for a conventional smartwatch focused on everyday fitness, notifications, and battery life. Using its own chip there also helps Samsung control costs and keep its semiconductor business involved in high-volume devices. The Ultra 2, by contrast, is rumored to add a much brighter 5,000-nit OLED display, a larger 800mAh-class battery, more storage, stronger durability, and heavier AI features. Qualcomm’s new 3nm Snapdragon Wear Elite is said to offer major gains in CPU, GPU, and on-device AI performance, plus broader connectivity such as 5G RedCap, UWB, Wi‑Fi 6, and satellite messaging. Those features fit an “Ultra” watch aimed at outdoor, performance, and premium buyers. This kind of dual-chip strategy is common when a company wants to optimize each product tier rather than force one silicon platform across the whole range. It also reduces risk: Samsung can keep Exynos in the mass-market model while using Qualcomm where the spec sheet is most demanding and where buyers expect the strongest performance regardless of supplier.

3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Jul 6

One UI firmware references point to Samsung’s Galaxy Able as open-ear clip-on earbuds with bone conduction, suggesting a launch could come later this month.
The design keeps ears open rather than sealing the ear canal, aiming at comfort and environmental awareness for activities such as running, biking and calls.
That would mark Samsung’s first move into a fast-growing clip-on segment already targeted by Shokz, Bose, Sony and earlier Huawei models.
Galaxy Able branding had already surfaced in Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app, and a Samsung entry could push clip-on earbuds further into the mainstream given the company’s scale.