Qualcomm and Samsung expand partnership to power latest Galaxy device ecosystem
At the Samsung Unpacked event, Qualcomm announced that several of its leading processors—including the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, the Snapdragon Wear™ Elite Platform, and the Snapdragon® AR1 Gen 1—will power Samsung’s latest product lineup.
The integration spans across smartphones, wearables, and smart eyewear, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch Ultra2, and new Intelligent Eyewear.
On-Device AI and Cross-Device Connectivity
The shared Snapdragon foundation is designed to enable a unified AI ecosystem across Samsung’s product line. By utilizing on-device processing alongside cross-device connectivity, the platforms aim to deliver consistent, contextually aware experiences that adapt in real time to user activity across work, creation, and daily tasks.
Mobile Performance in New Foldable Lineup
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy powers Samsung’s latest foldable series, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, and Z Flip8 (select markets only).
- CPU Architecture: Built on the Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, the platform focuses on high-speed mobile performance and power efficiency.
- AI Capabilities: The processor supports real-time, on-device Galaxy AI features, enhancing camera capabilities, mobile gaming, and cross-device connectivity.
Wearable Integration and Personal AI
Wearable devices in the ecosystem rely on the Snapdragon Wear Elite Platform, which was previously introduced at Mobile World Congress (MWC).
- Devices: Powers the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2.
- Functionality: Leverages advanced sensor fusion and low-power connectivity to continually gather contextual signals.
- Health Insights: Designed to deliver proactive, personalized health tracking and guidance throughout the day as part of a continuous Personal AI setup.
Expansion into Intelligent Eyewear with Android XR
Qualcomm Technologies, Samsung, and Google are continuing their joint development efforts around Android XR, expanding beyond headsets into smart glasses powered by the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1.
At the Unpacked event, eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker unveiled two new frame designs as part of larger collections scheduled for release this fall. Built on the Snapdragon AR platform, these devices are designed to deliver lightweight contextual assistance and expand options within the growing smart eyewear market.
Cristiano Amon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Qualcomm Incorporated, said:
We’re entering a new age of AI, where intelligence is built into the personal devices people rely on throughout the day. With Snapdragon powering the latest Galaxy smartphones, watches, and intelligent eyewear, Qualcomm and Samsung are enabling more natural, context-aware AI across the Galaxy ecosystem. We’re proud to build on nearly 30 years of innovation as we help define the next generation of mobile experiences.
