Samsung is combining the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 with major updates to its smartwatches. The company introduced the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, which are more powerful and have new artificial intelligence capabilities.
both watches have moved from Samsung’s Exynos chips to Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Wear Elite, promising faster performance (particularly for on-device AI), greater efficiency, and support for newer wireless technologies like Bluetooth 6.0.
The biggest hardware improvements are coming to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. You now get a much larger 800 mAh battery compared to the 590 mAh of the original Ultra, despite a 47mm titanium case that is 12 percent thinner, thanks to reworked internal parts. You can also expect a brighter 5,000 nits display (up from 3,000 nits), which is combined with stricter IP69K water and dust resistance to make it outdoor-ready.
The Galaxy Watch 9 has a modestly improved 390 mAh battery on the 40mm model (up from 325 mAh). 445 mAh in the 44m design (versus 435 mAh) and a 3000 nits display. It uses the same “squircle” aluminum casing as last year, but you now get 32GB of base storage compared to 16GB previously.
Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2: Samsung Health, Diving and Trail Run
AI is your physical trainer and daily assistant
Samsung is complying with the Health App Review he teased over a month ago. Paired with the Galaxy Watch 9 or Ultra 2, the software offers AI-based insights into your activity, nutrition, sleep, and overall health. You’ll receive recommendations for exercise and rest days, and an overall heart health score that combines activity, sleep, and stress to measure your well-being.
Very similar to Google fitbit airThe goal is to translate the raw data from your Galaxy Watch into something you can act on, not just statistics. There is concern that Samsung make you train AI with your databut that is not surprising when it will rely on the activity of the owners to perfect its training.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 adds software tailored for its adventure-minded audience. It can automatically share live diving data, such as depth and water temperature, when you enter the water, and an upcoming diving app co-developed with Mares (launching later this year) will track additional statistics such as ascent/descent speed and safety limits. As with equivalent Apple Watch Ultra features, this won’t completely replace a dedicated dive computer, but it could help with serious diving.
On land, a Trail Run function monitors climbing progress, elevation and terrain effect. Samsung is also adding a live hydration guide that recommends water based on estimated sweat loss relative to your weight.
Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 price and release date
A tough economy is also affecting smartwatches
Whether you like it or not, the same thing. component price increases The issues affecting the Z Fold and Z Flip are also spreading to wearable devices. The Galaxy Watch 9 starts at $380 for a 40mm Bluetooth model (up from $350) or $430 for LTE. Unfortunately, there is no classic version with a rotating bezel. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 starts at $700, a significant jump from last year’s $650.
Pre-orders begin today and both models will be generally available on August 7.
as with most smartwatch updatesThere’s little reason right now to upgrade to the Galaxy Watch 9 if you already own last year’s model. The chip change could help, but the Watch 8 runs quite smoothly and could gain software features through updates.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is more attractive. The much larger battery could be useful if you regularly take multi-day camping trips or are training for marathons and still need plenty of power. You might also appreciate the extra brightness for sunny days. Still, this is easier to justify if you’re coming from the first Ultra or a lower-end Galaxy Watch.
