2 days Ago
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Samsung Some key details about the as yet unannounced Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series have leaked out thanks to a recent tester firmware release. The latest Samsung firmware release makes reference to model numbers that tally up with expected future Galaxy Watch 8 variants, as posted by theonecid on X. It looks like we’ll be seeing three Bluetooth/Wi-Fi only watches, and three with LTE.
At present Samsung’s line-up consists of 40mm and 44mm diameter Galaxy Watch 7 wearables, with and without 4G/LTE, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra. It has LTE as standard and only comes as a 47mm design. While the model numbers don’t tell us a whole load of information, they do suggest whatever higher-end watch Samsung releases this year, it may come in both Wi-Fi only and 4G versions.
These are the model names: SM-L320 SM-L330 SM-L500 SM-L325U SM-L335U SM-L505U It seems relatively safe to assume the 300-series watches will make up the standard Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 models, while the 500-series ones are the higher-end alternatives. It doesn’t look like this is a new Galaxy Watch Ultra , though, as the current model bears the name L705. This does mean we may see a return of the, in some circles, beloved Galaxy Watch Classic range.
The current Galaxy Watch Ultra was the first of its line for Samsung. In the previous generation, the wearables line was split into the standard Galaxy Watch 6 and the Watch 6 Classic. It had a somewhat classier design than the base model, but didn’t push for additional hardcore features in the way the Watch Ultra does.
One element that’s not yet clear: was the Galaxy Watch Ultra actually a big success? Samsung has not revealed sales figures, or intimated how well it sold compared to the standard watch. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a couple of clear routes for future progress, though. First up, the current watch does not have a depth gauge for drivers, seen in the Apple Watch Ultra, and many fans want to see a return of the rotating crown.
This used to be a signature of the Galaxy Watch Classic range. So where is the Watch Ultra? It may simply be this is not a range Samsung updates every year. Apple has already normalized this, by not releasing a new Apple Watch Ultra in 2024.
The Galaxy Watch 8 range may also be used as the vehicle for another innovation Samsung talked about in January , non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. Samsung announced its progress in this field in January, considered a major long-term goal for wearables. Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy Watch 8 family later this year, potentially in July.
.
