Leaked images reveal Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Active 2 smartwatch

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10 won’t be arriving by its lonesome self.

In addition to the new stylus-equipped Android smartphone, Samsung will likely also announce a new smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Active 2, at its Unpacked event on Aug. 7.

Images and details of the unreleased Galaxy Watch Active 2 were published by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and uncovered by Droid Life.

Like the first-generation Galaxy Watch Active, the second-gen version will sport a round display with Samsung’s signature Tizen OS designed for circular displays.

Details from the FCC filing also suggest the new smartwatch will be made of aluminum and measure about 40mm in diameter, which is the same size as the original. A stainless steel Galaxy Watch Active 2 is also listed so there may be a premium model this time.

Other specs the FCC has revealed about the upcoming smartwatch include: 4GB of storage, built-in GPS, and 5ATM water resistance (submergible in up to 164 feet of water for up to 10 minutes). The screen’s also made of super scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass DX+ and the device was stress tested for MIL-STD-810 military-grade toughness.

The biggest upgrade for the Galaxy Watch Active 2 might be its rumored touch-sensitive bezel. On the Galaxy Watch Active, Samsung removed the rotatable bezel found on its Galaxy Watch and Gear-branded smartwatches to achieve a smaller overall device volume.

While I didn’t lament the loss of the rotatable bezel, many other reviewers and consumers did. So, it looks like Samsung might have a compromise in the works. Instead of a mechanical bezel that rotates, the glass bezel around the screen is expected to be touch sensitive and allow for rotating gestures to work.

The Galaxy Watch Active launched starting at $200, far less than the $330 the Galaxy Watch costs. It’s unclear if the Galaxy Watch Active 2 will cost more or the same as the original. 

As always, the big question will be whether or not the Galaxy Watch Active 2 will be able to take on the Apple Watch Series 4. Both are positioned as health-focused wearables and the Apple Watch is the leading smartwatch. Will Samsung finally be able to catch up? We’ll find out on Aug. 7!