Samsung is pulling an Apple with the 'new' Galaxy Watch Ultra
The 2025 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is not all that different from the original 2024 edition, adding a fourth color option, doubling the storage space, and not much else.
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You know how we were all waiting for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to see daylight last fall, and instead of that, the world's number one smartwatch vendor merely unveiled a new colorway for the existing Apple Watch Ultra 2 in September 2024?
That's kind of what's happening with the Galaxy Watch Ultra today, which is getting a fourth color option and very few other notable upgrades and improvements over last year's first-ever rugged Samsung timepiece.
This is not the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
If you ask me, it would have made a lot more sense for the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic to be joined to market by a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. But when it comes to smartwatch branding and launch schedules in this industry, Samsung is far more unpredictable than with its high-end phones, as proven by the disappearance of the Pro model after 2022's Galaxy Watch 5 family and the absence of a Classic version from last year's Galaxy Watch 7 lineup.
This time around, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is not getting a proper sequel, possibly because Samsung's first-gen Apple Watch rival was simply too good to be upgraded so soon.
The new Galaxy Watch Ultra sure looks familiar. | Image Credit -- PhoneArena
It remains to be seen, of course, if a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (with that moniker) will come out next year, but for the time being, it's important to point out that the "new" Galaxy Watch Ultra offers 64 gigs of internal storage space compared to the original model's 32GB. That's certainly better than changing absolutely nothing about an existing product, and although I'm merely speculating here, something tells me this upgrade is connected to Samsung's One UI 8 Watch update.
The brand-new OS version, based on Google's Wear OS 6 (which is itself based on Android 16), will be loaded up on the new Galaxy Watch Ultra right off the bat while obviously being set to expand to older Samsung smartwatches before long as well.
From a cosmetic standpoint, the biggest (or rather only) change is the addition of a Titanium Blue paint job to a color palette previously composed of Titanium White, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Gray flavors. That means there are now four titanium finishes to choose from, which is definitely nice... even though it's a little odd that black is still not an option.
Pre-order Galaxy Watch Ultra for up to $250 off
$399
99
$649
99
$250 off (38%)
Samsung announced its latest Galaxy Watch Ultra model, offering improved durability, a better-looking display, and more features. You can pre-order the smartwatch at Samsung for up to $250 off with eligible trade-ins. There's an extra $50 Samsung credit available for those who reserved a unit.
Pre-order Galaxy Watch 8 Classic for up to $250 off
$299
99
$549
99
$250 off (45%)
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is also available for pre-order at the official store. The new Classic model has an upgraded design and offers improved battery life. Pre-order yours and save $250 at the Samsung Store.
Pre-order Galaxy Watch 8 at Samsung for up to $200 off
$229
99
$429
99
$200 off (47%)
The Galaxy Watch 8 is here, packing more features and a modern-looking design. The smartwatch is already available for pre-order at the official store. You can save up to $200 with trade-ins for a limited time.
Everything else seems to be the same old, same old, including a single 47mm case size, standalone 4G LTE connectivity offered as standard, and a $649.99 recommended price in the US, although in the absence of a full and official spec sheet, I'm going to hold out hope that other small but potentially important tweaks will come to light soon.
Should you get the (not really) new Galaxy Watch Ultra?
For the time being, probably not. Certainly not on pre-order at the aforementioned $649.99 price when the "old" Galaxy Watch Ultra is on sale for a whopping 325 bucks less than that for Amazon Prime members.
Yes, this seems like a most unfortunate time to unveil a rehashed smartwatch, especially when you look at the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic's "cushion" (read squircle) design and realize that the Galaxy Watch Ultra's unique identity is... no longer that unique.
The 2025 Galaxy Watch Ultra is just as chunky as its predecessor. | Image Credit -- PhoneArena
Of course, Amazon's Prime Day 2025 sales event will conclude soon, and if the original Galaxy Watch Ultra goes away or back up to its list price, this "new" version with more storage and a decidedly eye-catching blue hue will become one of the best smartwatches to buy in 2025, especially for lovers of the great outdoors... and Android phones.
Like its ultra-thin and stylish new cousins, the 2025 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is set for a July 25 commercial release following today's pre-order start in "select markets" around the world.
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Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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