Unveiling the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 & Ultra 2: Everything You Need to Know About Release Date, Price and Specs

Following the recent Samsung Unpacked event, we now have a detailed look at the latest Galaxy Watches, featuring two new additions for 2026, the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2.

While annual updates for Samsung’s mainline Galaxy Watch are expected, fans have eagerly awaited a successor to the brand’s Apple Watch Ultra competitor. The original Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra was released over two years ago, and with competitors like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Venu X1 in the market, an update was overdue.

Despite rumors, Samsung did not unveil a Galaxy Watch 9 Classic at this time. With two new Galaxy Watches available this year, it’s essential to understand the upgrades the Watch Ultra 2 and Watch 9 offer, their pricing, and more.

Galaxy Watch 9 hands-on: 2 things I love and one I hate

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 & Ultra 2: What’s new?

A necessary battery upgrade

One common issue with smartwatches, including Samsung’s, is battery life.

Recent improvements in this area include the Xiaomi Watch 5 lasting up to six days on a single charge and the Apple Watch Series 11 offering two days of battery life. Samsung has followed suit, but with a caveat.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 boasts the most significant improvement with a larger 800mAh battery, a 35% increase over its predecessor. This enhancement could potentially extend the battery life to over three days.

The Galaxy Watch 9 has a 20% larger battery, now at 390mAh. However, this increase is only available for the 44mm version, disappointing users of the 40mm model.

Enhanced health tracking

Samsung Galaxy Watches have always excelled in fitness tracking, but the market is evolving with the rise of screenless devices like the Fitbit Air and Garmin Cirqa.

To stay ahead, Samsung has introduced new fitness metrics that compete with these devices.

Both watches now feature Vitals, Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load, and Fitness Index, providing detailed insights into various health aspects.

Thomas Deehan / Foundry

These new features cater to fitness enthusiasts who value in-depth health data.

Improved display brightness

Samsung has enhanced the brightness of the Watch Ultra 2 and Watch 9 for better outdoor readability.

The Galaxy Watch 9 can reach 3000 nits, while the Ultra 2 boasts an impressive 5000 nits, making it the brightest smartwatch on the market.

Thomas Deehan / Foundry

Transition to Snapdragon

Samsung has switched from Exynos to Snapdragon chips in both watches, improving overall performance and user experience.

Hardware enhancements

Both the Watch Ultra 2 and Watch 9 have received hardware upgrades.

The Ultra 2 now features an official IP69K rating for improved durability and a thinner casing. The Watch 9 has a lighter watch band for better comfort.

Thomas Deehan / Foundry

Release date of Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 & Ultra 2

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 were revealed on 22 July at Galaxy Unpacked in London, with pre-orders open immediately.

The official release date is 7 August, coinciding with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series.

Buy the Galaxy Watch 9

Buy the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

Pricing of Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 & Galaxy Watch 9

The Galaxy Watch 9 is the more affordable option, with prices starting at £349/$379.99 for the 40mm model and £379/$409 for the 44mm model.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will be priced at £649/$699.99 at launch.

These prices reflect a slight increase compared to previous models, aligning with industry trends.

Thomas Deehan / Foundry

While the price increase may not be welcomed by all, it is in line with market trends and Samsung’s pricing strategy.