If there’s one thing that annoys me about using a smartwatch outdoors, it’s squinting at the screen under bright sunlight. Whether I’m checking directions on a walk or glancing at a notification while cycling, a dim display can quickly turn a premium smartwatch into a guessing game.
That’s why the latest Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 leak immediately caught my attention. But after reading through it, I couldn’t shake one nagging thought: all these upgrades probably won’t come cheap.
Finally, a smartwatch that can outshine the sun?
According to a new leak from tipster Ice Universe, Samsung’s next flagship smartwatch could arrive with a display capable of hitting an eye-watering 5,000 nits of peak brightness. If that figure holds up, it would be a meaningful leap over the current Galaxy Watch Ultra and one of the brightest smartwatch displays we’ve seen. The leak also suggests Samsung will use its newer On-Cell Film (OCF) OLED technology. Beyond making the screen brighter, the newer panel is designed to be more power efficient while taking up less space inside the watch. That’s the kind of upgrade I like seeing because it improves the everyday experience.
But there’s more to it! The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is also rumored to receive an IP69K rating, offering enhanced protection against high-pressure water jets and harsh environments. Most people may never intentionally blast their smartwatch with hot water, but tougher protection is never a bad thing on a wearable that’s meant to accompany you almost everywhere.
Every upgrade comes with a price tag lurking nearby
The leak doesn’t stop there. An 800mAh battery is also reportedly in the cards, a sizeable jump from the original Galaxy Watch Ultra’s 590mAh cell. Pair that with a more efficient display and whatever processor Samsung chooses next, and the result could be noticeably longer battery life. That’s exactly what I want from an Ultra smartwatch.
Still, there’s one reason I’m keeping my excitement in check. Bigger batteries, brighter displays, and tougher hardware rarely arrive without affecting the final price. Samsung has steadily pushed its Ultra branding toward the premium end of the market, and these rumored upgrades only reinforce that direction. Of course, this is still a leak, so it’s worth taking every detail with a healthy dose of skepticism until Samsung makes things official. If recent rumors are accurate, we won’t have to wait long: the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to debut alongside the Galaxy Watch 9 lineup and Samsung’s newest foldables at its next Unpacked event. For now, I’m all for a smartwatch that’s easier to read in the sun. I just hope my wallet doesn’t end up feeling the heat instead.