The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series will throw out series convention and switch to using a softened rectangular casing rather than a round one.
This is depicted in images Android Authority discovered while rummaging around in Samsung’s One UI 8 software.
Such a move would bring the entire Samsung Galaxy Watch family design closer to that of the current Galaxy Watch Ultra. There are differing reports on whether that particular strand of the family will be updated this year.
The firmware release contain animation images showing cartoon-style takes on both the standard Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.
While the Classic looks a little more built-up, and has what may be a larger, physical rotating bezel, both watches have what’s known in some circles as a squircle design.
The Watch 8 is referred to as the Fresh 8, the Watch 8 Classic as the Wise 8.
It’s quite a departure for the watch series. Samsung’s base level models typically have casings only slightly larger than the screen itself.
This new design could potentially allow for a larger battery, though. The current Galaxy Watch 8’s stated capacity is 300mAh for the 40mm version, 425mAh for the 44mm edition, where the Galaxy Watch Ultra has a relatively massive 590 mAh power source. It is an all-round larger watch, though, with a diameter of 47mm.
The watches also recently popped-up on the FCC’s database, a prerequisite for release in the U.S..
As usual, this mostly revealed predictable connectivity standards like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 LE and NFC, alongside the compatible LTE bands for the watches with mobile internet. The filing also revealed the charging standard on the cards, 5V at 2A, or 10W.
Last year the Galaxy Watch 7 passed through the FCC with 15W charging. However, wearables often do not draw the maximum wattage of their power supply. More post-release testing is needed on this one.
It has also been suggested the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will have the improved haptic vibrate feedback system of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. And the diagrams also suggest it may have an additional button or control between the two standard side buttons.
Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy Watch 8 family later this year, in July or August.
