Galaxy Watch8 series said to use the same SoC as Watch7

The Galaxy Watch8 series has been the subject of a lot of leaks and rumors leading up to the official reveal in July. While there’s a few changes and new additions to look forward to, a major aspect of the upcoming smartwatch series seems to be staying the same as the current gen. It has been reported that the Watch8 series will, unfortunately, not get a processor upgrade.

Android Authority’s APK teardown has hinted at signs of the same SoC being used in the Galaxy Watch8 series as the Galaxy Watch7 (Buy on Amazon), the Exynos W1000. While this isn’t really a surprise since Samsung has not talked about a successor to the SoC, it is still somewhat disappointing for Galaxy Watch fans expecting a more powerful smartwatch this year.

The publication found references to the W1000 chip associated with the three new expected Galaxy Watch8 models. The chip has part number SC55535AHA and this was found to be associated with Fresh 8, Fresh 8 Small, and Wise 8, believed to be the Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 40mm, and the Galaxy Watch8 Classic respectively.

Sticking with what remains unchanged, it was previously reported that the new smartwatches will have the same charging speeds. The same size options and round dial design will make a return as well. Like the Galaxy Watch6 Classic (Buy on Amazon), the rotating bezel for the Galaxy Watch8 Classic is said to return as well. What’s changing is the battery capacity, but only by a small amount. There are also new software features enabled by One UI 8 Watch including new tile previews and enhanced Quick Button functionality on the Galaxy Watch8 Classic. 

Samsung is expected to unveil the new Galaxy Watch8 series in July alongside its Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 phones. The company may also unveil a new budget true wireless earbuds option believed to be the Galaxy Buds Core.