Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades
Galaxy Watch Ultra for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: what to expect
What's expected to change vs Galaxy Watch Ultra:
- Two models expected: a 4G version and a 5G version (region dependant)
- First Galaxy Watch to support 5G
- New Snapdragon Wear Elite processor focused on performance, AI, and efficiency
- Upgraded sensors for better health tracking
- Potentially broader nutrition insights
- More AI features, potentially AI health tracking advancements
- Similar design with a 47mm case
Expected release timeline:
- The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to come in the summer of 2026, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Flip 8 foldable phones.
- The current expected Unpacked date is July 22, 2026.
Expected price:
- No leaks about the pricing of the rugged smartwatch have come out yet.
- Expect a similar price to its predecessor: around $649.99.
Jump to:
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 release date
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is likely to be unveiled alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8foldables. Expect a summer Unpacked event (maybe in July) as per tradition.
| Device | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | July 22, 2026* | July or early August 2026* |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra (new color and more storage version) | July 9, 2025 | July 25, 2025 |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra | July 10, 2024 | July 24, 2024 |
* - probable dates
In 2025, Samsung didn't introduce a successor to its rugged watch. Instead, the company chose to refresh the existing model with more storage and a brand-new color.
However, this year we're likely getting a proper successor, which is expected to be named the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
The event is widely expected to be held on July 22 this year, which is a bit earlier than prior rumors had suggested.
Curiously enough, Samsung is said to plan two versions of the smartwatch this time around. Apparently, according to an IMEI database listing, the watch will be available in a 4G variant and a 5G variant. Rumor has it that which one you get would depend on your region.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 price and deals
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2's potential pricing is yet to leak. Don't expect any price reductions, though, and a price hike is also not out of the question.
| Galaxy Watch model | 47 mm, LTE connectivity |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | $649* |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra | $649 |
*- anticipated prices
The Galaxy Watch Ultra model comes in only one variant with a 47 mm case and 4G LTE connectivity. Likely, the second generation will also come in one size, but it may come with 5G and 4G versions.
Potentially, the 5G version may be more expensive. We also have the current mobile tech situation with memory shortages that drive the prices up. We are not certain yet if smartwatches are getting price hikes as well, but smartphones definitely are.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 deals to expect:
- Samsung: Samsung typically offers great trade-in deals and discounts for smartwatches that don't require trade-in. With trade-in, you may be able to save around 50% of the device's retail price, and Samsung also discounts smartwatches for major shopping events. The company will give plenty of options to get the new smartwatch for less money.
- Verizon: Verizon typically offers smartwatches at their retail price. However, you can take advantage of bundle discounts when purchasing a premium phone like a Galaxy S26 Ultra with an eligible plan.
- AT&T: You are likely also going to be able to save on the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 if you buy a premium smartphone at the same time. Also, sometimes you can take advantage of BOGO deals on smartwatches on the carrier.
- T-Mobile: Often, T-Mobile allows you to get a huge discount on smartwatches by adding an eligible wearable plan line.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 storage
In 2025, Samsung refreshed the Galaxy Watch Ultra model with a new storage option of 64 GB. The original model, launched in 2024, came with 32 GB of storage.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 expected storage capacity:
- 64 GB
We do believe the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will come with 64 GB, though, like its predecessor.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 design
The Galaxy Watch Ultra's design. | Image by PhoneArena
We don't currently expect a revamp of the Watch Ultra's traditional look with the Ultra 2. We are likely to have the same 47 mm size and squircle design as its predecessor.
Some earlier rumors suggested that the watch may feature a rotating bezel. However, this is a rather unbelievable rumor, given the fact that a rotating bezel may lower the durability of the timepiece.
And for a rugged smartwatch targeted at outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes, lowering the durability doesn't look like something Samsung would want.
As for the materials, expect sapphire crystal for the display protection and a titanium case, similarly to its predecessor. We'll also likely have an IP68 rating, coupled with a 10 ATM rating.
The customizable button (the Quick Button) on the right is said to be making a return yet again. We may see some new, trendy color options, but those have not leaked just yet.
As for bands, just like its predecessor, the Ultra 2 may offer you a choice between a Marine one, aimed at divers, a Trail one for hikers, and a Peakform, which is multifunctional.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 display
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2's specific display specs have not leaked just yet. But you can rest assured the display will be bright and vivid, just like its predecessors.
| Smartwatch model | Screen size | Brightness |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | 1.5-inch* | 3,000* |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra | 1.5-inch | 3,000 |
* - anticipated sizes
The original Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a 480x480 resolution, which is already an industry-leading display. It's also super bright with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 battery
No leaks have detailed the Watch Ultra 2's battery capacity just yet, but we expect a similar one to its predecessor or a slight increase, but nothing too different from the original Ultra.
For reference, the first Galaxy Watch Ultra came with a large, 590 mAh battery, which could, according to Samsung, last up to 100 hours in power-saving mode and up to 48 hours in exercise power-saving.
In our review of the original Ultra, we found that it easily lasts two days with regular use and all bells and whistles enabled.
As for charging, the smartwatch charges fully in about an hour and 20 minutes. Not terrible, not game-changing either. Rumors and leaks are still silent on the question of whether we'll see an improvement here.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 features and software
As for software, the Ultra 2 is likely coming with One UI 9.0 Watch, based on Wear OS 7.
Features that are likely making a return from the OG Ultra are the dual-band GPS for more accurate tracking, heart rate monitoring, blood pressure readings, a safety siren, fall detection, emergency SOS. You'll also likely get a huge variety of workout types, badges for rewards, and workout results, as well as the antioxidant index for improving your overall health.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 should also come with the Ultra's Galaxy AI features, including Energy Score and Functional Threshold Power, as well as advanced sleep monitoring with sleep stages, heart rate, blood oxygen, and snoring detection.
Of course, expect improvements to Galaxy AI as well.
The new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip that's potentially going to power the smartwatch is specifically designed for AI-centric wearables, so performance should be hiccup-free and fast.
Meanwhile, rumor has it that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 may also focus on going deeper with skin-based detection.
Potentially, we may see non-invasive glucose monitoring, a feature that's been rumored for years for Galaxy and Apple Watches and has yet to come to fruition. But don't hold your breath for this just yet – the tech may not be there just yet to give dependable results.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 hardware and specs
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 rumored specs:
- CPU: Snapdragon Wear Elite
- Battery: 590 mAh
- Charging: 10 - 15 W wireless charging
- Storage: 64 GB
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will likely come with the new, AI-tasks-focused Snapdragon Wear Elite processor. The processor was recently announced during MWC 2026 in Barcelona.
The Wear Elite brings power and efficiency gains and a specific focus on handling AI tasks. The chip is advertised as being able to run 2 billion AI parameter model on-device. This speed should practically eliminate latency in AI interactions. Built on a 3 nm process, the chip should be super power efficient, and it's also coming with a noticeably faster GPU.
The new Snapdragon Wear Elite supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, ultra-wideband, and NB-NTN (this one enables direct satellite connectivity for calls and texts).
Thanks to its efficiency improvements, we're likely seeing a positive effect on battery life as well.
Meanwhile, rumor has it that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 may be Samsung's first smartwatch with built-in 5G connectivity. If true, this would mean that the smartwatch would be able to offer better call quality and faster data speeds when your phone isn't around.
Samsung's main competitor, Apple, added 5G connectivity to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Apple Watch Series 11 back in September 2025, so Samsung is playing catch-up here with this particular feature. But nevertheless, it's a notable upgrade that's likely coming to improve your experience with the smartwatch.
Should I wait for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
- You should wait for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 if you are currently due for an upgrade soon and you're willing to buy a rugged smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is likely going to be announced in the summer, and with the new chip and expected features, it may be an exceptional offer for people looking for a rugged, outdoorsy smartwatch.
- You should not wait for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 if you currently rock a Galaxy Watch Ultra (the changes may not be as huge), or if you're an Apple fan and you're not looking for a Galaxy Watch. Also, if you prefer a more casual and smaller smartwatch for your daily life – the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to be huge at 47 mm, so if you need something smaller, you may want to wait for the Galaxy Watch 9, which should also come out at the same time as the Ultra 2.
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