Samsung Electronics revealed the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 during its Galaxy Unpacked event in Seoul on July 22 [2].
The launch marks a significant shift in Samsung's hardware strategy, as the company moves to a new chipset provider to compete with high-end rugged wearables. This transition aims to improve performance for outdoor enthusiasts and professional athletes.
The new Ultra 2 runs on the Snapdragon W5+ chipset, marking Samsung’s first jump to Snapdragon for its flagship watches, Mike Kuketz said [2]. This hardware change supports a variety of new adventure-oriented software features, including specialized modes for diving, and trail running [1].
Design changes are visible in the device's profile. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is 12% thinner than its predecessor [1]. This reduction in thickness is intended to improve wearer comfort without sacrificing the durability required for extreme environments.
Pricing for the new model has seen a slight adjustment. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 now starts at $700, a modest increase over the original’s launch price, John Doe said [3]. While some reports suggest the price increase may be lower, the official starting point is listed at $700 [3].
Industry analysts suggest the device is positioned to challenge the current market leader in the rugged sector. "The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a true Apple Watch Ultra 3 rival," Daniel Bean said [1].
“The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a true Apple Watch Ultra 3 rival.”
Samsung's pivot to the Snapdragon W5+ chipset suggests a priority on power efficiency and processing speed to close the gap with Apple's ecosystem. By combining a thinner chassis with specialized adventure features like diving and trail running, Samsung is attempting to move the Galaxy Watch from a general-purpose wearable to a specialized tool for the high-margin 'extreme sports' consumer segment.
