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Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon Wear Elite With On‑Device AI as Samsung Backs Next Galaxy Watch

The 3nm platform introduces a dedicated NPU for running sizable AI models on the wrist, pointing to wearables that operate more independently from phones.

Overview

  • Snapdragon Wear Elite integrates a Hexagon NPU rated for on‑device models up to about 2 billion parameters plus a low‑power eNPU for always‑on tasks.
  • Qualcomm claims up to 5x single‑core CPU performance, up to 7x GPU gains, roughly 30% longer day‑of‑use, and fast charging to about 50% in around 10 minutes.
  • The chip brings a broad radio suite including 5G RedCap, micro‑power Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 6.0, UWB, dual‑band GNSS, and NB‑NTN satellite messaging.
  • The platform supports Wear OS, Android and Linux, and targets multiple form factors such as smartwatches, AI pins, pendants and certain smart glasses.
  • Google and Motorola are among launch partners, and Qualcomm says the first devices powered by Wear Elite are expected to arrive in the coming months.