Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 with a huge battery and Watch9 in two sizes unveiled
Two years after the launch of the first Watch Ultra, its successor, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2, is now available. The standard watch is also being updated with the Samsung Galaxy Watch9, but there will be no new Classic version this year. The new models utilize the Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset instead of Samsung’s own Exynos W chips. They feature brighter displays and larger batteries.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 boasts the largest battery and brightest display ever in a Galaxy Watch. We’ll discuss the display in more detail shortly, but first, we want to highlight the 800 mAh battery – a significant upgrade from the 590 mAh battery of the original Galaxy Watch Ultra. While it’s not the largest smartwatch battery on the market, the 35 percent increase in capacity is remarkable.
At the same time, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is 12% slimmer than its predecessor. It now measures 10.7 mm (previously 12.1 mm), which necessitated a comprehensive redesign of the internal components. While the weight remains technically unchanged at 61.5 g, this refers only to the watch case – Samsung has developed new, lighter (and softer) straps, resulting in a slightly lower overall weight.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 features a shock-resistant 47mm titanium case. The rectangular case houses a round 1.52-inch OLED display (498 x 498 pixels). It offers a brightness of up to 5,000 nits – an impressive figure for a smartwatch. The Snapdragon Wear Elite is a 3nm chipset with a 5-core processor. It supports dual-band GPS (L1+L5), LTE, Bluetooth 6.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, and NFC. In the Watch Ultra2, it is equipped with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The watch runs One UI 9 Watch by default.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is IP69K-rated for protection against hot water jets and water-resistant up to 10 ATM. Even more importantly, it’s EN13319 certified, making it suitable for diving. Once you’re submerged, it automatically records depth, time, and water temperature. Samsung is collaborating with diving equipment manufacturer Mares on a diving app, expected to be released later this year. This app will offer advanced diving features such as tracking ascent and descent rates and ensuring safe diving limits are met.
With Trail Run, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 tracks elevation gain, running progress, and the impact of terrain on your runs. The sweat loss measurement feature has been improved and now offers real-time hydration recommendations (estimating sweat loss and telling you when and how much to drink).
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is available with various strap designs that perfectly match its adventurous nature. The Marine strap is a lightweight, breathable silicone band designed for all-day adventures and extreme conditions. The PeakForm strap is made of a hybrid material that combines elegance and sporty performance. Finally, the Trail strap is a textile band designed for breathability and long-lasting comfort.
Samsung Galaxy Watch9
The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 is available in two sizes – 40 mm and 44 mm. More precisely, the cases of the square watches measure 42.7 x 40.4 mm and 46.0 x 43.7 mm, respectively. Both models feature an 8.6 mm thick aluminum case, which is virtually unchanged compared to the Watch8 generation. The weight is also identical at 31.5 g and 43.0 g, respectively.
Both sizes feature round OLED displays with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The 40mm watch has a 1.34-inch display (438 x 438 pixels), while the 44mm watch has a 1.47-inch display (480 x 480 pixels). As with the Ultra2, the displays are protected by sapphire crystal.
However, the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 models have a lower water resistance rating – they are only certified to IP68 and 5 ATM. This is sufficient for swimming, but they are not suitable for diving.
The 40mm watch also features a battery upgrade – from 325mAh in the Galaxy Watch8 to 390mAh. That’s 20% more, so not quite as impressive as the Ultra2’s battery upgrade, but still solid. The 44mm watch has a 445mAh battery, just 10mAh more than the 44mm Watch8.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 models are powered by the same Snapdragon Wear Elite chip with 2GB of RAM and the same connectivity features. The only real difference is that the storage capacity is only half that, at 32GB. Whether this is relevant depends on how many maps and podcasts you plan to store on your watch.
Samsung offers three wristband options for the Galaxy Watch9. The Sport Band is thinner and softer than its predecessors and a true all-rounder. The Misty Band is made of soft silicone and ensures a secure, wobble-free fit. The Fabric Band is lightweight and breathable.
Prices
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 are available for pre-order now and will be released on August 7th. The 40mm version of the Watch9 comes in cream and graphite, while the 44mm version is available in graphite and silver. The Watch Ultra2 is available in titanium silver and titanium gray.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 is sold in 40mm and 44mm sizes. It is available in Graphite and Cream starting at €409, and in Graphite and Silver at a suggested retail price starting at €439. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is only available in 47mm in Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray starting at €749. Both Galaxy smartwatches are available for pre-order now, with general availability beginning August 7th.
Those who pay or finance with PayPal and enter the code PAYPAL8 in their shopping cart will receive up to €100 off. Additionally, a 60-day free trial of Strava and a 2-month free trial of iFit are included with the watches. Click here for the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 deals.
