In recent years, the functionalities and capabilities of the best Galaxy Watches and Apple Watches have become strikingly similar. However, there has always been a clear distinction in their designs, rooted in different geometric shapes. This distinct design language has ensured that no one mistakes a Samsung timepiece for an Apple Watch.
But now, Samsung is poised to shake things up with a bizarre design for its upcoming Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, bringing it closer to the Apple Watch aesthetic while maintaining its unique identity.
A Fusion of Circle and Square For Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra
The Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra will break away from the traditional Galaxy Watch design, as stated by trusted sources Steve Hemmerstoffer, also known as @OnLeaks and Smartprix.
The leak suggests that the new model will merge the classic round screen of its predecessors with a fresh square-shaped frame, reminiscent of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. This unconventional blend of shapes, depicted in leaked renders, presents a unique look that stands out in the crowded smartwatch market.
Related Article: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Might Borrow Google Pixel Watch's Design
Potential Concerns: Thickness and Practicality
One of the more concerning aspects of the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra is its reported thickness of 16.4mm. This is a significant increase from the 10.9mm and 10.5mm profiles of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and Watch 5 Pro, respectively.
If Samsung doesn't utilize this extra bulk effectively, potential buyers might be deterred by the size and weight, opting for slimmer alternatives instead.
Despite these concerns, the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra is expected to retain some beloved features, including the 1.5-inch display size and the rotating bezel functionality seen in the Watch 6 Classic. This is reassuring for users who feared the new model might forgo these popular features.
What Other Features Will Be Added to Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra
As reported by Phone Arena, the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra will also introduce a third physical button, positioned between the two existing buttons on the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. This new middle button is anticipated to replicate and possibly enhance the "Action" capabilities of the Apple Watch Ultra.
The health sensors on the back of the watch have been rearranged, which could impact their functionality, accuracy, and reliability. While no major improvements in health monitoring are confirmed, there is speculation that the Galaxy Watch 7 series might include blood sugar level tracking, alongside existing features like temperature, blood oxygen, blood pressure, fall detection, and ECG monitoring.
Additionally, the watch band appears to be redesigned to integrate more seamlessly with the body of the Watch 7 Ultra. However, details about the materials used for the watch case-whether titanium, stainless steel or another premium material-remain unclear.
There's also uncertainty about whether Samsung will market the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra as a rugged alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra line, although it does feature larger speaker grills than its predecessor.
The Impact of Design Changes
While every small change is welcome, especially considering the already well-reviewed and popular Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, it remains to be seen if these revisions will compensate for what many Samsung fans might view as an uninspired design. The unique combination of round and square elements, increased thickness, and new functionalities could either set a new trend or alienate long-time users.
To wrap it up, there's nothing wrong with the leaked fused circle-square design for the upcoming Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, but Samsung needs to consider what its impact will be on both new and old users.
Regardless, the South Korean tech giant aims to create a distinctive timepiece that will be one of the most unique smartwatches in the market. Whether this new approach will be embraced by consumers will depend on how well these changes translate into improved user experience and functionality.