This year's Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra could also arrive in a cheaper variant. What will it lose?

This year, Samsung could finally bring a full-fledged successor to the Galaxy Watch Ultra from two years ago, and according to fresh reports, it will also arrive in a cheaper variant. As the Dutch website GalaxyClub writes, it is preparing the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 also in a version without its own eSIM – meaning a variant with only Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which would naturally be somewhat cheaper. Given that previous generations were sold exclusively with mobile connectivity, this could be a welcome change for many interested buyers.

Finally, a version without forced connectivity

For standard Galaxy Watch and Classic models, Samsung typically offers a variant without mobile connectivity. However, this has not been the case for the premium Ultra – the first generation and last year’s release of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 could only be purchased with LTE; no Bluetooth-only model existed. This is set to change with the second generation. GalaxyClub has found firmware evidence that a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi only variant is being prepared for the Netherlands and, apparently, the rest of Europe. Without a modem, it will logically be cheaper.

Let’s emphasize that this is currently a firmware leak, not an official confirmation from Samsung, so take the information with a grain of salt. However, given the price pressure across the entire market, such a move makes sense – and it is speculated that the cheaper version might eventually appear outside of Europe as well.

Only some will get 5G

There has been confusion surrounding the Watch Ultra 2’s connectivity for some time. The watch is reportedly set to be the first Samsung with 5G support, but by no means for everyone. From the naming conventions (Samsung uses “6” for 5G, “5” for LTE, and “0” for Wi-Fi in the number suffix), it appears that the 5G variant with the designation SM-L716 will likely only go to the USA and South Korea. The rest of the world, including the Czech Republic, would get the 4G/LTE model (SM-L715F) and now also the cheapest version without a SIM.

This year's Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra could also arrive in a cheaper variant. What will it lose? Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

The new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, which reportedly powers the watch according to leaks, is expected to provide higher connectivity. For comparison: currently, the only smartwatches with 5G are offered by Apple, specifically the Watch Ultra 3 and Watch Series 11 models from last autumn. The premiere of the Watch Ultra 2 is expected in July, traditionally alongside foldable phones.

Would you opt for the cheaper version without a SIM, or would you pay extra for mobile connectivity?

Sources: GalaxyClub, GSMArena, Android Authority