The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy right now, and the best Samsung watch (at least from a specs perspective) that the company has ever made.
Unveiled in 2024, it’s a durable and rugged alternative to stock Android choices that’s proven popular with Android fans looking for a Wear OS answer to the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Apple has successfully replicated the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and is expected to unveil a new Apple Watch Ultra 3 in 2025, but will Samsung follow suit?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra has been a success story by all accounts, and it seems almost inconceivable that Samsung isn’t doing something behind the scenes to repeat the first generation.
That said, leaks and rumors are scarce (if not non-existent), so right now we can only speculate and talk about what we would like to see in a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
With that in mind, here are some of our ideas.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Drive to the bone
- What is it? A potential second generation Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
- When could it start? As soon as 2025
- How much could it cost? Current price is $649 / £599 / AU$1,299, unlikely to change much
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Price and Release Date Predictions
There are no rumors about the release date or price of a potential Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, but we can make a few predictions.
At $649 / £599 / AU$1,299, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is one of the biggest draws of the watch is that it undercuts the Apple Watch, and it’s unlikely that Samsung would change this successful formula by raising the price. As such, we would expect a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to cost in the range of the current model.
As for the release date, rival Apple launched its Apple Watch Ultra 2 just a year after the first iteration, so there’s precedent here for a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 as early as 2025. Specifically, the Galaxy Watch Ultra was revealed at last year’s Unpacked on July 10 2024, so if you’re betting on a one-year upgrade cycle, pencil in July 2025.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Leaks and Rumors
There are no leaks or rumors about the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, but we do know that Samsung has some exciting things in the pipeline.
Perhaps the most exciting development is Samsung’s new solid-state battery technology. The company may well have cracked denser solid-state batteries for wearables like the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. However, this technology isn’t expected to go into production until 2026, so it wouldn’t be ready in time for our speculated 2025. If the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 coming in 2026 instead of this year, it could easily contain the technology.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: What we’ll see
We’ve actually already discussed at length some of the features the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 was supposed to steal from the Apple Watch Ultra, but here’s a rundown of some of the things we’d like to see in the next Galaxy Watch Ultra.
1. Digital crown
The lack of digital crown is a big miss on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, and it was a point we made during our review. It would make rolling the Ultra much easier, especially in bad weather, dirt or while wearing gloves.
2. A slimmer chassis
As an Apple Watch Ultra 2 user, I find the Galaxy Watch Ultra to be quite bulky, and I would love to see the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 be a little less thick than its predecessor.
3. Squircle display
While I appreciate that the circular display is a hallmark of Samsung watches, the circular display inside the square chassis looks a bit odd in my opinion. It makes the edges appear larger than they actually are and makes the screen look smaller in comparison. A squircle display akin to the Apple Watch Ultra would be an excellent upgrade.
4. Water sports
The Galaxy Watch Ultra can’t keep up with the water sports capabilities of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it’s not rated as highly for water resistance and doesn’t come with a temperature sensor or depth gauge, both of which would be a welcome addition for diving and snorkeling.
5. Ultra dials
The Apple Watch Ultra boasts a richer and more attractive set of ultra-dedicated watch faces, something Samsung could dig into by bringing more ultra-exclusive faces to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: The Verdict
With no leaks and rumors pointing to a solid device, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is just a dream at this point, but there are plenty of ways Samsung can improve the watch and make the second generation successful. When that will be is still anyone’s guess.
