The next-gen Samsung Galaxy Watch may not be that far off now. The smartwatch has just stopped by the American regulatory body FCC, hinting at an imminent launch. It also picked up the necessary certification in China earlier this week.
FCC has certified two new Samsung Galaxy Watch models with model numbers SM-R845 and SM-R855. The model numbers correspond to the two size variants of the LTE version.
Samsung also has Wi-Fi-only versions of the watch in the works. They should bear the model numbers SM-R840 and SM-R850 for the two size variants. They are yet to appear at the FCC but expect that to happen soon.
Samsung Galaxy Watch visits FCC
The FCC filing for the new Samsung Galaxy Watch includes a sketch of the smartwatch’s backside. It reveals a circular design with a 45mm stainless steel case for the larger variant, i.e the SM-R845.
The sketch further reveals Gorilla Glass DX protection, 5ATM water resistance, MIL-STD-810G military standard durability, and GPS and LTE support. The smaller Galaxy Watch (SM-R855) should also get the set of specs.
In addition to the stainless steel casing revealed by FCC, the upcoming Samsung smartwatch will also be available in aluminum and titanium construction. It’s the first time the Korean manufacturer is offering a Galaxy Watch in Titanium casing.
As you can see in the images below, the sketch of the watch’s backside clearly says “Samsung Galaxy Watch”. However, that may not be its marketing name. If you recall, the Galaxy Watch Active 2’s backside also only features the “Samsung Galaxy Watch” name.
It’s unclear what Samsung will call its next smartwatch. After launching the first Galaxy Watch in 2018, the company followed it with two Galaxy Watch Active models.
It remains to be seen if the new watch will be a third-gen Watch Active or a long-overdue sequel to original non-Active Galaxy Watch.
If it’s the latter, expect it to feature a physical rotating bezel as well. The Active Galaxy watches have a virtual one.
We’ll probably get to know more about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch in the coming weeks. If recent history is any indication, the official announcement may not be too far off now. Samsung last year released a teaser for the Galaxy Watch Active 2 just about four days after it received the FCC certification.
The watch was eventually unveiled a few days before the Galaxy Unpacked event in August. So the upcoming watch could also beat the Galaxy Note 20 to the punch. The new Note flagship is coming in August this year, possibly along with the Galaxy Fold 2.
