Samsung’s next-gen smartwatches are almost here. The company is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch 8 series alongside new foldables in July. As we get closer to the expected launch, the rumor mill keeps revealing fresh information about the upcoming wearables. Recently, the Galaxy Watch 8 picked up the FCC certification, confirming a few key specs, including the charging speed and connectivity options.
FCC confirms unchanged charging speed for the Galaxy Watch 8
The FCC has certified unannounced Samsung products with model numbers SM-L335F and SM-L335U. These are the cellular/LTE versions of the bigger Galaxy Watch 8 (the wearable comes in two sizes). The same watch should also be available in a Bluetooth version lacking cellular connectivity. The filing confirms support for NFC, Bluetooth 5.3 LE, and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
While the use of a several generations older Wi-Fi standard may be a bit underwhelming, it’s common for smartwatches, which generally don’t require high-speed data throughput. You really only use Wi-Fi when downloading app updates and transferring/downloading system updates.
The FCC documents also give us a peek into the Galaxy Watch 8’s charging capabilities. The new model supports 10W wireless charging (5V/2A), the same as Samsung’s previous-gen offerings, including last year’s Galaxy Watch Ultra, the most expensive Samsung watch yet. There has been chatter about the company potentially offering faster charging on the 2025 lineup, but not to be.
Alongside the Galaxy Watch 8, Samsung may launch a Watch 8 Classic (possibly with a physical rotating bezel) and a Watch Ultra 2. The latter will be the rugged, feature-packed flagship option for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts. It’s unclear if either will boast faster charging or if Samsung will cap the entire lineup at 10W charging.
If the Korean firm sticks to its usual schedule, the new Galaxy watches should go official in the first half of July this year. The Unpacked event may take place in New York, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 headlining the show. Stay tuned for more leaks and teasers as Samsung’s summer Unpacked event approaches.
