As Samsung draws closer to the launch of the next generation series of Watches, the usual leaks typical of a Samsung launch are springing up. The latest concerns the return of the ‘Classic’ moniker that we last saw on the Galaxy Watch 6 Series, before Samsung decided to pull an Apple and go Ultra.
A new report from Xpertick reveals that a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is in the works, judging by the still-unofficial device receiving Bluetooth SIG certification, and spotted bearing the model number SM-L505U. It’s not yet known whether the new Classic model will replace the Ultra, or simply join the line-up this year before it is banished back to the shadow realm with the Galaxy Watch 5 and 7 Series.
Classic will-they-won’t-they dilemma
Unfortunately, Bluetooth SIG certification doesn’t tell us a whole lot about the device’s specs, detailing just the name and a possible release window. The report notes that those devices which achieve the certification are usually launched in a shorter time frame – roughly a month out. This puts it (mostly) on track for Samsung’s next Unpacked event in July, where it’s expected to reveal new foldables and the Galaxy Watch 8 collection.
That’ll include the Galaxy Watch 8 and the aforementioned Watch 8 Classic, with no word yet on whether Samsung will bother about a Watch 8 Ultra this year. Several model numbers have also been revealed: SM-L320, SM-L325U, SM-L330, and SM-L335U, all of which concern the standard Watch 8.
Read More: Samsung’s One UI 7 update is finally rolling out everywhere
While specs are under wraps concerning the Galaxy Watch 8, earlier iterations can give us some idea of what to expect. The biggest of those is a rotating bezel, which Samsung has made clear is reserved for the Classic devices after it even ditched one of everybody’s favourite features for the high-end Galaxy Watch 7 last year. Expect some higher-grade materials used in the body, too, with the 6 Classic donning a stainless steel casing.
It seems likely that the Galaxy Watch 8 will feature a 435mAh battery – an improvement over the 300mAh and 425mAh batteries found in the Watch 7 40 and 44mm sizes, respectively – though still coming in under the Ultra’s 590mAh ticker. The news comes as part of a SafetyKorea certification, and informs the sort of battery life we can expect on the Classic model, which usually shares specs with its more affordable partner.
