The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 might have a 5G-less version

Is Samsung Planning a Cheaper Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the high-end smartwatch market, you know Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra was built to compete with the best. But early rumors regarding its successor, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, suggest some big changes are coming to both the internals and the price tag.

Word on the street is that the next-gen Ultra will likely ditch the Exynos silicon in favor of the Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset. This isn’t just a minor spec bump; it’s a significant leap forward in connectivity. While the original Ultra tops out at 4G, the Snapdragon Wear Elite brings native 5G capabilities to the wrist—a move that would put Samsung head-to-head with Apple’s latest cellular offerings.

The Surprise: A Bluetooth-Only Option

Until now, if you wanted the “Ultra” experience, you had to buy the cellular model. Samsung didn’t offer a Bluetooth-only variant like they do with the standard Galaxy Watch or Classic lines. However, a recent report from GalaxyClub indicates that Samsung might be changing its strategy.

Evidence has surfaced of a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-only version of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 currently in development. While it was first spotted in European certification trails, it’s highly likely this model will see a global release. But why the change of heart? It mostly comes down to the bottom line.

• Lower Entry Price: Removing the 5G modem helps Samsung keep the starting price competitive for those who don’t need independent connectivity.
• Rising Component Costs: With the global price of RAM and storage spiking, Samsung is looking for ways to offset costs without passing every penny onto the consumer.
• Consumer Choice: Not everyone needs their watch to have its own data plan, especially if their phone is always within arm’s reach.

Specs and Storage Expectations

There is also the question of memory. Last year’s refresh saw a significant jump in storage, moving from 32GB to 64GB. With 2GB of RAM already under the hood, the Ultra 2 needs to maintain that “pro” feel to justify its branding. Whether we see another jump in capacity remains to be seen, but the transition to a more efficient Snapdragon chip should yield better battery life and smoother performance regardless of the RAM configuration.

Currently, Apple holds the crown for the only mainstream 5G smartwatches on the market. If Samsung manages to launch a 5G-capable Ultra 2 alongside a more affordable Bluetooth version, they might just steal the spotlight this season.