Samsung's galaxy watch 9 might be skipping a key upgrade
Samsung's highly anticipated Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 are poised to debut at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22nd, but a quiet shift in the company's strategy is emerging. While new features and software enhancements are on the horizon, one area where users might not see a significant leap forward is charging speed.
Charging remains stagnant
According to recently surfaced 3C certification documents, spotted by SammyGuru, both the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will continue to utilize the existing 10W charging standard. This mirrors the charging speed found in last year’s Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, suggesting a deliberate decision by Samsung to prioritize other aspects of the new wearables.
The revelation arrives alongside a more surprising omission: the Galaxy Watch 9 Classic. The certification listings only include entries for the SM-L3550 (Galaxy Watch 9) and SM-L7150 (Galaxy Watch Ultra 2) models. This contrasts with previous rumors hinting at a Classic variant, which was even briefly spotted within the code of a recent Wear OS update. While the Classic model has become a beloved offering, Samsung’s traditional two-year release cycle—with the last Classic debuting in 2023—might have influenced this year’s lineup simplification.
Despite the lack of a Classic, Samsung is promising substantial software improvements. Recent announcements highlight a revamped Samsung Health app featuring a new layout and AI-powered insights. How those additions would have elevated the Classic's already polished One UI Watch experience is a question now left unanswered, particularly given its renowned elegance and user comfort, as noted in our previous reviews.
The decision to maintain the 10W charging speed, while perhaps not headline-grabbing, reflects a possible shift in Samsung's priorities. Rather than chasing incremental improvements in charging speed—a feature often overshadowed by usage habits—the company appears to be focusing on refining the overall user experience and software capabilities. As I’ve found, my smartwatch charging routine is intertwined with my daily shower, ensuring a baseline level of power is always available. A faster charger, while potentially convenient, wouldn't fundamentally alter this established pattern.
Ultimately, the absence of a Galaxy Watch 9 Classic and the continued use of 10W charging signal a measured, perhaps even pragmatic, approach from Samsung. The focus isn't on flashy upgrades, but on steadily enhancing the core smartwatch experience—a strategy that may well resonate with consumers long before the next Classic arrives.