Since the release of the very first Samsung Galaxy Watch, the South Korean company has stuck to releasing smartwatches with circular screens and mostly circular bodies. For the most part, that's what consumers expect smartwatches to look like, so straying from that tends to be the bolder move.
Well, perhaps it's time for Samsung to be bold. The Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra has been rumored to be the third and highest-specced model of smartwatch from the company in 2024 and it seems that it will be instantly recognizable thanks to a very drastic change in design.
Here Are The Very First Renders Of The Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, Showing A Squircle Body
We've been doubting the existence of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, especially since rumors seemed more insistent on confirming that there'll be a Samsung Galaxy Watch FE this year. However, it's almost guaranteed now that there's going to be an Ultra model, especially considering that this leak comes courtesy of very reliable tipster OnLeaks, in collaboration with Smartprix.
This leak brings a few high-quality renders of the smartwatch and all I can really say is: wow. To be honest, if you had described the device, I wouldn't have liked it in my imagination. But looking at it, it's very good-looking, and it is certainly a ballsy move from the company. The most notable thing is that while the screen stays circular, the edges of the body get flattened out into a squircle. It's the perfect midway point between the traditional circular design and the square design that we had heard might have been coming.
The display maintains a 1.5-inch diagonal though the body gets just a tad bigger than the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, though much thicker (a bigger battery maybe?). It's also getting a third circular button smack dab between the power and back buttons that we're used to. The sensor array also looks reworked, which might play into the rumors that the watch will be capable of blood sugar monitoring.
Other changes are a bigger speaker grille and an upgrade in how the watch band locks into the watch body; a more seamless design this time around.
Is This A Risky Move For Samsung's Android Smartwatch Heritage?
When getting a Samsung Galaxy Watch, you can always expect to get a circular display and a circular body. The DNA of the Galaxy Watch family has been established that way after several generations. The upcoming Ultra model certainly distinguishes itself by being the first “Ultra”-designated watch from the company and perhaps that's enough for people to “allow” for a new design.
I think most people will accept the design with open arms but maybe that's my bias talking. As long as the specs are enough to make it Ultra-worthy (and the price isn't absolutely ridiculous), it should be accepted into the fray with open arms. However, only time will tell whether this move from Samsung is genius or just plain madness.
