Samsung‘s upcoming smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, have passed another regulatory hurdle on their way to launch. The watches recently picked up the China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark, revealing an interesting piece of information. The 3C contradicted the FCC regarding the charging speed of the unannounced Samsung wearables. It listed them with 10W charging, while the FCC said the watches will charge at up to 15W speeds.
A certification listing hints at 10W charging for the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra
Samsung’s past two generations of smartwatches have supported 10W wireless charging (5W for Galaxy Watch 4). This year, the company is rumored to upgrade to 15W. Both the standard Galaxy Watch 7 and the super-expensive Galaxy Watch Ultra are said to boast 15W charging support. It may still feel slow for the latter, which could cost as much as $700 if leaks are accurate. Nonetheless, it’s a notable upgrade that could substantially reduce the charging time of the watches.
However, the 3C, which usually reveals the charging speed of products it certifies, contradicted the rumor that has already been backed by the FCC. The Chinese certification agency listed Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 (model number SM-L3150) and Galaxy Watch Ultra (SM-L7050) with only 10W charging (5V/2A). While it isn’t unusual for testing and certification agencies to use slower chargers than the maximum charging speed supported by the device, that isn’t the case here.
The listing suggests the 3C used Samsung’s EP-T1510 travel adapter for the charging speed tests of the upcoming watches. It is a 15W USB-C charger, which makes us wonder whether the wearables cannot charge faster than 10W or if the agency intentionally slowed down their charging. It could be a China-only thing, of course. After all, the Chinese versions of Samsung’s Galaxy devices often come with some region-specific customizations. They also feature a unique model number.
The confusion settles soon as Samsung gears up for Unpacked
Thankfully, it won’t be long before Samsung settles all the confusion. The company looks set to unveil the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra at Unpacked in Paris on July 10. The next Unpacked will also bring the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 foldables. Additionally, we may get the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro wireless earbuds. The Galaxy Ring may also finally get an official launch after Samsung teased it at MWC in February and during the Galaxy S24 launch in January.
