Samsung’s much-anticipated Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event, scheduled for July 9, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, is set to be one of the most exciting tech showcases of the year. Alongside foldable phones and XR products, all eyes are on Samsung’s next-generation smartwatches: the Galaxy Watch 8 series and the all-new Galaxy Watch Ultra (or possibly called the Galaxy Watch X).
Here’s a complete overview of what you can expect from Samsung’s upcoming smartwatch lineup.
📅 Galaxy Unpacked 2025: Event Overview
Samsung will officially unveil its new devices at 10 a.m. ET (7:30 p.m. IST) on July 9, 2025. The event’s theme, “Ultra Unfolds,” hints at significant product updates across Samsung’s foldables, wearables, and next-generation XR (extended reality) devices.
The event will be streamed live on Samsung’s official website and YouTube channel, giving global fans access to the announcements in real-time.
🕒 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series: Models and Variants
Samsung plans to introduce three main smartwatch models under the Galaxy Watch umbrella this year:
- Galaxy Watch 8 (Standard Model)
- Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (With Rotating Bezel)
- Galaxy Watch Ultra (Possibly called Galaxy Watch X)
1. Galaxy Watch 8 (Standard Model)
Design and Display:
The standard Galaxy Watch 8 will retain Samsung’s popular circular display design with some noticeable improvements. Expect thinner bezels, a slimmer chassis, and refined build materials for a more premium feel.
It is likely to launch in 40mm and 44mm case sizes, powered by a 435mAh battery, offering decent battery life for day-to-day use.
Hardware and Software:
The Galaxy Watch 8 will run Wear OS 5, layered with Samsung’s One UI Watch 6 interface. Enhanced Galaxy AI features will play a big role this year, with deeper integration into voice assistants and health tracking.
Health Features:
Samsung will introduce improved heart rate monitoring, SpO₂ tracking, and advanced sleep tracking features like Bedtime Guidance. A new vascular load monitoring feature may also debut, offering users more detailed cardiovascular insights during workouts.
2. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (Return of the Rotating Bezel)
The Classic variant will delight fans who love tactile navigation. Samsung will bring back the iconic rotating physical bezel, making it easier to scroll through apps and notifications.
Build and Design:
The Watch 8 Classic is expected to sport a more rugged, yet elegant design, possibly using premium materials like stainless steel or titanium for better durability.
Battery and Size:
Battery capacity could slightly exceed the standard Watch 8’s 435mAh, possibly reaching 450mAh or more, giving users extended usage time. Like its sibling, it will also come in multiple case sizes.
Key Features:
The Classic will run the same Wear OS 5 with One UI Watch 6 combo and offer the same health and fitness tracking features, making it suitable for users who prioritize both function and classic design.
3. Galaxy Watch Ultra (or Galaxy Watch X)
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch Ultra is expected to compete directly with Apple’s Watch Ultra 2 series. Targeting outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers, the Watch Ultra will emphasize durability, battery life, and rugged performance.
Design and Durability:
Early reports suggest the Watch Ultra will feature a titanium case, making it both lightweight and incredibly durable. It’s likely to boast dive-grade water resistance (possibly up to 100 meters) and a Sapphire crystal display for scratch protection.
Battery Life:
One of its standout features will be long battery life, with expectations pointing toward up to 100 hours of runtime on a single charge. This makes it perfect for extended outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and multi-day adventures.
Target Users:
The Watch Ultra will cater to fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and outdoor explorers, delivering more rugged hardware and extended battery backup compared to the standard and Classic models.
🧠 Software Upgrades: Wear OS 5 and One UI Watch 6 with Galaxy AI
Samsung’s new watches will ship with Wear OS 5, providing improved performance, better app support, and optimized battery management. On top of that, Samsung’s One UI Watch 6 will offer deeper AI-powered features.
Some of the anticipated software highlights include:
- Galaxy AI Assist: Improved voice control, proactive notifications, and personalized health insights.
- Advanced Sleep Coaching: The Bedtime Guidance feature will analyze sleep patterns and suggest pre-sleep routines for better rest.
- AI Running Coach and Vascular Load Metrics: Personalized training plans and real-time analysis of your cardiovascular performance during workouts.
- Smarter App Ecosystem: Compatibility with apps like Spotify, Strava, and WhatsApp will be enhanced, giving users more flexibility directly from their wrist.
❤️ Health and Wellness Innovations
Samsung continues to push the envelope when it comes to health monitoring:
- Heart Rate and SpO₂ Tracking: More accurate sensors promise improved real-time monitoring.
- Sleep Apnea Detection and Sleep Coaching: Samsung aims to offer full-fledged sleep diagnostics to help users identify and improve sleep disorders.
- Vascular Load Tracking: A new addition that measures cardiovascular stress during workouts.
- Smart Ring Integration: Samsung’s new Galaxy Ring will work in tandem with the watches to deliver richer health data by combining metrics from both devices.
- Blood Glucose Monitoring (Still Rumored): While not confirmed, Samsung continues researching non-invasive glucose tracking technologies.
📦 Storage and Performance Enhancements
Samsung’s upcoming watches are rumored to feature next-generation Exynos W-series chipsets (like the Exynos W1000 or W940), built on a 3nm process. This will bring better power efficiency, faster processing, and smoother UI performance.
Additionally, internal storage may double from previous models, with leaks suggesting 32GB of onboard storage. This would allow users to store more music, apps, and watch faces directly on the device.
💰 Expected Pricing and Availability
Samsung typically opens pre-orders immediately after Unpacked events, with retail availability following in mid-to-late July 2025.
Here’s an expected price breakdown (final Indian pricing will vary based on taxes and exchange rates):
- Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm): Approximately $299 (₹25,000 – ₹28,000 approx.)
- Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm): Approximately $329 (₹28,000 – ₹31,000 approx.)
- Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Starting around $399 (₹33,000 – ₹36,000 approx.)
- Galaxy Watch Ultra: Expected in the premium segment, likely around $499 or more (₹42,000 – ₹45,000+)
Official Indian pricing will be confirmed soon after the Unpacked event.
❗ Subscription for Premium Health Features?
Samsung may introduce a subscription model for select advanced health features in One UI Watch 6 and 8 Watch. This could include premium access to AI Running Coach, Antioxidant Index, Vascular Load metrics, and Advanced Sleep Coaching tools.
Samsung is currently testing this model through beta programs in select markets.
🗣️ What Users Are Saying (Community Buzz)
Samsung’s wearable community is buzzing with expectations. Fans are eager for:
- The return of the physical rotating bezel in the Classic.
- New AI health metrics.
- Improved battery life, especially in the Ultra model.
- Possible blood glucose monitoring.
- Better performance thanks to the new Exynos chip.
🎯 Who Should Buy Which Model?
- Standard Galaxy Watch 8 Users: Perfect for those wanting a balanced everyday smartwatch with all-round fitness and smart features.
- Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Users: Best for traditionalists who love the rotating bezel and want a more premium build.
- Galaxy Watch Ultra Buyers: Tailor-made for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and users needing extreme battery life and rugged performance.
- Health-Conscious Users: Advanced sensors and Galaxy AI make these watches strong health companions, especially when paired with the Galaxy Ring.
🔭 What to Expect on July 9 (Unpacked Highlights to Watch)
- Official Specs & Hardware Details: Chipsets, sensors, and battery sizes.
- AI Demonstrations: Showing Galaxy AI in real-life smartwatch use cases.
- Pricing and Preorder Bonuses: Possible early bird deals and bundles.
- Subscription Tiers: Clarity on what’s included for free and what falls under premium plans.
- Integration with Samsung’s Foldables and XR Products: A unified Galaxy ecosystem experience.
✅ Final Thoughts
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 lineup, combined with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, looks set to redefine the Android smartwatch experience for 2025. Whether you want elegance, rugged durability, or AI-powered health tracking, Samsung’s upcoming wearables promise something for everyone.
Stay tuned for the official launch on July 9, when Samsung is expected to make all final specs, features, and pricing details public.