Samsung Electronics debuted the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at its latest Galaxy Unpacked event, expanding its wearables lineup with two distinct devices tailored for everyday health tracking and outdoor sports performance, according to CNET reporting. Both smartwatches bring hardware upgrades over their predecessors, including new processors and larger batteries, though buyers will face a $30 to $50 price increase depending on the model.
Galaxy Watch 9 Pricing, Sizes, and Everyday Health Features
The Galaxy Watch 9 is designed as an everyday health companion, featuring a round aluminum body available in two sizes according to CNET. Color options for the smaller 40mm size include cream and graphite, whereas the 44mm version ships in silver and graphite.
In terms of health capabilities, CNET reports that the Watch 9 carries features identical to the previous Galaxy Watch 8. The device includes a bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor, an electrical heart sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an infrared temperature sensor, an optical heart rate sensor, and a light sensor. It also retains a skin analysis feature that tracks carotenoids using different color LEDs. Both sizes feature emergency SOS and fall detection.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Specs, Durability, and Sports Performance
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is built for outdoor sports performance, carrying a retail price of $700 in a single 47mm size, according to CNET. Built out of titanium grade 4 in titanium gray and titanium silver finishes, the Ultra 2 is thicker and heavier than the standard watch at 10.7mm thick and 61.5 grams. However, CNET notes that the Ultra 2 is 12% thinner and 25% lighter than the original Watch Ultra.
The Ultra 2 adds specialized adventure modes to the standard sensor suite, including real-time hydration guidance to predict sweat loss, trail-running assistance for downloading maps and monitoring elevation, and a diving app for tracking depth and temperature (though CNET notes the diving app is not preloaded at launch). The Ultra 2 provides water resistance up to 100 meters and adds an audible siren to its emergency fall detection and SOS features.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Galaxy Watch 9 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Both smartwatches switch from the Exynos W1000 chip found in the Watch 8 to a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, according to CNET specs. The Watch 9 features 2GB of memory and 32GB of storage, while the Ultra 2 doubles storage to 64GB while retaining 2GB of memory. Battery capacity sees gains across the board: the Watch 9 40mm packs a 390-mAh battery and the 44mm features a 445-mAh battery, delivering up to 30 hours of life with always-on display enabled. The Ultra 2 houses an 800-mAh battery, which CNET states lasts up to 60 hours with regular use, 48 hours in a low-power exercise mode, and 100 hours in power-saving mode.
Did you know? The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 features a peak brightness of 5,000 nits—an increase of 2,000 nits over its predecessor—making its 1.52-inch Super AMOLED display significantly easier to read under direct sunlight, according to CNET data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do the new Samsung Galaxy watches cost?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $700.
What processor powers the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2?
Both watches use a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, replacing the Exynos W1000 chip used in previous generations, according to CNET.
What is the battery life of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
According to CNET, the Ultra 2 features an 800-mAh battery that delivers up to 60 hours of regular use, 48 hours in low-power exercise mode, and 100 hours in power-saving mode.
Are the new Galaxy watches water-resistant?
Yes. CNET reports that the Galaxy Watch 9 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, while the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is water-resistant up to 100 meters.
What are your thoughts on Samsung’s latest wearables? Are you leaning toward the everyday health tracking of the Watch 9 or the rugged outdoor features of the Watch Ultra 2? Let us know in the comments below, and explore our site for more tech news and gadget reviews.
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