Samsung's next premium smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, has been revealed in full through a series of leaked renders shared by reliable tipster Evan Blass. The images, which appear to be official marketing material, give consumers and industry watchers a comprehensive look at the design and key specifications of the upcoming wearable, ahead of its expected launch next month at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event.
The renders show Samsung sticking closely to the squircle design language first introduced with the original Galaxy Watch Ultra. This form factor, which combines a square-ish shape with rounded corners, has become a hallmark of Samsung's rugged smartwatch line, distinguishing it from the more circular designs of the standard Galaxy Watch series. The leaked images depict at least two color options: a black variant and a greenish finish that resembles the previously leaked Graphite colorway on the standard Galaxy Watch 9. These colors differ slightly from earlier rumors that suggested Titanium Gray and Titanium Silver options, indicating that Samsung may offer a broader palette at launch or that the names have been revised.
The back of the watch reveals several critical details. The casing is clearly marked with "47mm," confirming the watch size, which is consistent with the original Galaxy Watch Ultra. Additional engravings mention sapphire crystal protection, LTE connectivity, GPS, and a 10ATM water-resistance rating. The 10ATM rating means the watch is resistant to water pressure equivalent to depths of 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and even light diving. As with previous Galaxy Watch Ultra models, the new smartwatch is expected to be offered only in a cellular variant, with no Wi-Fi-only model rumored so far. This aligns with Samsung's strategy of positioning the Ultra line as a standalone communication device for active users who want to leave their phone behind.
Under the hood, Samsung's upcoming smartwatch lineup has already been confirmed to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite platform. This chipset, specially optimized for wearables, promises improved performance, better power efficiency, and enhanced AI capabilities for health tracking and fitness features. Other leaks suggest the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 could get a 784mAh battery, a slight increase over the 590mAh battery found in the original Watch Ultra. This larger battery would support the watch's always-on display, cellular connectivity, and intensive workout tracking throughout a full day of use, even for the most demanding athletes.
One of the most intriguing details emerging from the renders is the watch's bezel. The images show that the display is surrounded by a raised bezel with engraved minute-style markings and numerals at intervals, including an orange triangular marker at the 12 o'clock position. This design is strikingly similar to the rotating bezel found on last year's Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. However, the renders alone do not confirm whether this bezel is physically rotatable or if it is merely a static aesthetic element. With rumors suggesting Samsung won't launch a new Classic model this year, it's possible the company is bringing the rotating bezel feature over to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 instead. If implemented, this would combine the durability of the Ultra line with the intuitive navigation of the Classic series, appealing to both outdoor enthusiasts and smartwatch veterans who prefer physical controls.
The right side of the watch features Samsung's familiar three-button layout. There is a large circular action button in the center with an orange accent ring around it, likely serving as a quick shortcut to workouts or the SOS function. Above and below this button are two elongated metallic buttons, which are expected to be customizable for functions such as back, home, or app switching. This button configuration has been a staple of Samsung's higher-end smartwatches and allows users to navigate the interface without always touching the screen, especially when wearing gloves during cold-weather activities.
To fully appreciate the significance of these leaks, it is helpful to understand the evolution of Samsung's smartwatch lineup. The company first introduced the Galaxy Watch series in 2018, replacing the earlier Gear S line. Over the years, Samsung has developed distinct sub-brands: the standard Galaxy Watch (now in its 8th generation) offers a balanced mix of style and functionality; the Galaxy Watch Classic (which debuted in 2021) brought back the iconic rotating bezel for traditional watch enthusiasts; and the Galaxy Watch Ultra (first launched in 2023) was designed as a rugged, adventure-focused alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra. The Ultra series has been particularly well-received for its military-grade durability, longer battery life, and specialized outdoor features such as a built-in barometer, compass, and route tracking.
Industry analysts have noted that Samsung's decision to potentially merge the rotating bezel with the Ultra design represents a strategic shift. The Classic model, despite its popularity, has been criticized for being less durable than the Ultra due to the exposed rotating bezel mechanism. By incorporating the bezel into the Ultra's robust construction, Samsung could address that weakness while also simplifying its product lineup. This move would also help Samsung compete more directly with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which currently dominates the premium rugged smartwatch market. Apple's device offers a titanium case, a 49mm display, and up to 36 hours of battery life, but it lacks a physical bezel for navigation, relying instead on the Digital Crown and touchscreen.
The smartphone and wearable ecosystem is also a factor in the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2's appeal. Samsung's watches run on Wear OS, co-developed with Google, which provides access to a vast library of third-party apps, Google Maps, Google Wallet, and seamless integration with Samsung Health. The Ultra 2 is expected to feature advanced health sensors, including a BioActive sensor that measures heart rate, blood oxygen, and body composition, as well as sleep tracking with snore detection and blood pressure monitoring (where certified). Samsung has also been investing in generative AI for health insights, with features like Energy Score and customized wellness tips based on user data.
Pricing and availability are not yet confirmed, but based on the predecessor's launch price of $649, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is likely to cost in the range of $699 to $749, reflecting inflation and the added features. Samsung typically unveils new smartwatches alongside the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip devices during its summer Unpacked event, which is expected to take place in early July. Pre-orders will likely open immediately after the event, with general availability beginning a few weeks later.
As anticipation builds, these leaked renders provide the most convincing evidence yet that Samsung is refining its ultra-premium smartwatch to meet the demands of both hardcore adventurers and everyday users who want a device that can withstand the elements without sacrificing style or functionality. The inclusion of sapphire crystal, a robust rating of 10ATM water resistance, and the potential addition of a rotating bezel all point to a device that aims to be the definitive choice for anyone seeking a durable, smart, and connected watch. With just weeks to go until the official announcement, we can expect more leaks and rumors to surface, likely confirming the remaining unknowns about the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
Source:Android Authority News