Samsung Galaxy Watch Classic is dead. Long live the Ultra 2.
Leaked press renders of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 show a redesigned case with a numbered bezel lifted straight from the Classic.
Evan Blass published the renders on 25 June 2026. The case is a squircle, boxier than the original Ultra, with 1-12 hour numerals printed around the bezel. That detail belongs to the Galaxy Watch Classic. Whether the bezel rotates, the Classic’s defining interaction, is not shown.
The same week, FCC and other regulatory filings for the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 became public. No Classic model number appeared in either. On its own that proves little: the Classic runs on even-numbered generations, Watch 4 (2021), Watch 6 (2023), Watch 8 (2025), so the next one was not due until Watch 10 in 2027. An absence in a 2026 filing is expected.
What the renders suggest is that Samsung has stopped waiting. The Ultra 2 takes the Classic’s most recognisable design cue and houses it in the rugged body. One watch now covers two jobs.
What the Ultra 2 actually gains
Qualcomm confirmed at MWC 2026 that the Snapdragon Wear Elite is heading to the next Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Samsung’s InKang Song went on record to confirm the partnership. Most credible sources expect the standard Watch 9 to retain the Exynos W1000.
Counterpoint Research recorded a 28% year-on-year decline in Samsung smartwatch shipments in Q1 2026, with market share falling from 7% to 5%. Samsung was the only major brand to decline in a market that grew 4% overall. A leaner lineup, one rugged watch carrying the Classic’s design language rather than a separate Classic model, fits that picture.
Samsung Ultra 2 Leaked Specs
- Chip: Snapdragon Wear Elite (3nm), with a dedicated Hexagon neural processing unit capable of running AI models with up to 2 billion parameters on-device. Qualcomm claims 5x CPU and 7x GPU performance over the older W5+ Gen 2.
- RAM: 2GB
- Battery: 784mAh, up from 590mAh in the current Ultra, roughly 33% larger. Charging stays at 10W.
- Case: 47mm, sapphire crystal display cover, 10ATM water resistance. LTE and GPS confirmed from Blass render markings.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, UWB, NB-NTN. 5G RedCap in the US and South Korea; 4G/LTE in Europe.
- Design: Squircle case, boxier than the original Ultra. Numbered 1-12 bezel. Orange-accent side button. Silicone strap, dual-buckle retained.
- Colours: Titanium Grey confirmed in renders. The black/blue band, the silver/green band, and the beige band also leaked.
- Launch: Reported 22 July 2026, Samsung Unpacked, London. Retail likely early August.
Samsung announced the watch on 22 July 2026 and the confirmed figures differ from the leak on several points, most notably the 800mAh battery and the addition of EN13319 dive certification. The full launch specification is on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 reference page.
Quick answers
Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Classic discontinued?
Samsung has not confirmed any decision. The Classic launches on even-numbered generations, so the next model was due as the Watch 10 Classic in 2027, not in 2026. Its absence from the 2026 filings is therefore expected and proves nothing. The case for the line ending rests on the Ultra 2 adopting the Classic’s numbered bezel, which would let one watch cover both roles.
What chip is in the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite was confirmed on record by both Qualcomm and Samsung at MWC 2026. It is a 3nm processor with one high-performance core and four efficiency cores, plus a dedicated neural processing unit. Most credible leaks suggest the standard Galaxy Watch 9 retains the Exynos W1000, though Samsung has not confirmed the chip allocation between models.
How much bigger is the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 battery?
Leaked specifications put the Ultra 2 battery at 784mAh, compared to 590mAh in the current Galaxy Watch Ultra, an increase of roughly 33%. Charging speed remains unchanged at 10W, per regulatory documents.
Last Updated on 26 July 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — A small keyring adapter you can use anywhere. Essential when away. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — Front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Wahoo. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
Classic takes place every two years. Thats all
agreed