Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 May Get a Bluetooth‑Only Variant for Europe

Announcement

Samsung’s upcoming flagship smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, is rumored to be offered in a Bluetooth‑only configuration for the Netherlands and, by extension, the rest of the European Union. The tip comes from Dutch outlet GalaxyClub, which says it has seen documentation that the new Ultra 2 will ship without a cellular modem, while still supporting Wi‑Fi and the full suite of Wear OS features.

Key Features

• Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset – The Ultra 2 is expected to move from the Exynos W1000 to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite. This SoC brings on‑device AI, higher CPU/GPU performance and better power efficiency.
• No 5G modem – By omitting the 5G radio, Samsung can produce a cheaper variant. The original Ultra used a 4G LTE modem; the Elite chip is capable of 5G, but the Bluetooth‑only model will skip it entirely.
• Connectivity – The watch will retain Bluetooth 5.2, Wi‑Fi 802.11 ac, NFC for payments and the usual suite of sensors (heart‑rate, SpO₂, GPS, barometer, etc.).
• Memory & storage – The first Ultra shipped with 2 GB RAM and 32 GB storage, later bumped to 64 GB. Samsung has not confirmed the exact specs for the Ultra 2, but the chipset supports up to 2 GB RAM and 64 GB flash, so a similar configuration is likely.
• Pricing impact – Removing the cellular component reduces bill of materials, which could translate into a lower retail price. Analysts speculate a price drop of roughly €30‑€50 compared with the LTE/5G‑enabled model.

Ecosystem Context

Samsung’s watch portfolio has traditionally included a Bluetooth‑only version for each flagship (e.g., the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, Watch 5, and the standard Galaxy Watch 6). The Ultra line broke that pattern, offering only LTE/5G models since its debut. Re‑introducing a non‑cellular Ultra aligns the product line with the rest of Samsung’s lineup and gives consumers a clear choice between a connected‑watch experience and a more affordable, purely on‑device device.

From an ecosystem standpoint, the Bluetooth‑only Ultra 2 will still integrate tightly with Samsung’s Android ecosystem:

• SmartThings and Samsung Health continue to sync over Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi, allowing health data, notifications and app installs without a carrier plan.
• eSIM support remains optional; users who purchase the LTE/5G version can activate a carrier plan, while the Bluetooth model simply disables the eSIM profile.
• Wear OS compatibility means third‑party apps from the Google Play Store will run unchanged, preserving the same app ecosystem regardless of connectivity tier.

The decision also reflects broader market pressures. Rising component costs for RAM and flash have forced many OEMs to reconsider pricing strategies for premium wearables. By offering a stripped‑down variant, Samsung can keep the Ultra 2 competitive against Apple’s Watch Ultra 2, which still ships only with cellular capability.

What This Means for Buyers

• If you need independent cellular connectivity (e.g., for workouts without a phone), you’ll still have the LTE/5G model, likely at a premium price.
• If you primarily use the watch as an extension of your phone, the Bluetooth‑only version should meet all daily needs while saving a few euros.
• EU consumers will likely see both variants side by side, giving retailers a clear way to segment the market.

Looking Ahead

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at its Unpacked event in early September. The official spec sheet should confirm whether a Bluetooth‑only model will be listed alongside the LTE/5G version, and it will clarify the exact RAM/storage configuration. Until then, the rumor adds an interesting twist to Samsung’s smartwatch strategy and gives potential buyers a more nuanced set of choices.

---

Sources: GalaxyClub leak, Snapdragon Wear Elite announcement, Samsung’s previous Ultra specifications.