Introduction
Samsung has unveiled its latest lineup of foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, alongside a refresh of its wearable devices. The new offerings include the Galaxy Watch Ultra2, available in a single 47mm size, and the Galaxy Watch9, which comes in both 40mm and 44mm variants. The absence of a Galaxy Watch9 Classic has raised some speculations, but Samsung's announcement patterns suggest it may arrive in the future.
This year's models maintain similar styling to their predecessors, with designs that have garnered mixed reactions. Rather than focusing on aesthetics, Samsung seems to prioritize internal upgrades in both models.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Hands-On Review
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is designed for a different audience. With a 47mm dial, its dimensions of 47.4 x 47.1 x 10.7mm make it quite substantial, even for users with larger wrists.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Specs Overview:
- Body: 47.4x47.1x10.7mm, 62g; Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame (grade 4); IP68/IP69K dust and water-resistant (immersible up to 100m/10ATM for 10 min), MIL-STD-810H compliant, ECG certified, 40m swimproof/diving (EN13319).
- Display: 1.52" Super AMOLED, 5000 nits (peak), 498x498px resolution, 9:9 aspect ratio, 327ppi.
- Chipset: Snapdragon SW6100 Wear Elite (3 nm).
- Memory: 64GB, 2GB RAM.
- OS/Software: Android Wear OS 7, One UI Watch 9.
- Battery: 800mAh; 10W wireless.
- Connectivity: LTE; eSIM; Wi-Fi 5; BT 6.0; NFC.
- Misc: Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, altimeter, compass, SpO2, body and water temperature sensors.
The Ultra2 is slightly slimmer than its predecessor, reduced by 1.4mm, contributing to a more comfortable fit. While the body may seem bulky, Samsung claims that "advanced internal re-engineering" has reduced overall thickness by 12%. The new bands are reportedly softer and lighter for improved comfort.
With a slightly heavier weight, the Ultra2 is still a substantial watch, primarily aimed at users who require robust functionality. In terms of durability, it features enhanced ratings with IP68/IP69K certification and the new EN13319 for diving, allowing users to track essential diving metrics through an exclusive Ultra2 Dive app expected later this year.
Left: Galaxy Watch Ultra2 • Right: Galaxy Watch UltraWhile changes to the build are minimal, the display has grown from 1.5 inches to 1.52 inches. It also boasts enhanced peak brightness at 5000 nits, a significant upgrade for visibility in challenging conditions.
The battery capacity has seen a substantial increase to 800mAh, up from 590mAh, offering improved usability during intensive activities. The Ultra2 also replaces the in-house Exynos W1000 chipset with a more advanced Snapdragon SW6100 Wear Elite, which is expected to enhance speed and efficiency in health monitoring.
The Watch Ultra2 maintains familiar sensor capabilities while enhancing connectivity features, now supporting GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS for positioning. The Ultra2 is available in Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray, with various band options to suit different preferences.
Samsung Galaxy Watch9 Hands-On Review
Samsung continues to use unusual shapes for its wearables, with the Watch9 presented as a "cushion silhouette." This model is offered in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm, featuring the same build as the previous generation, including an aluminum frame and sapphire crystal. It retains an IP68 certification, allowing immersion in water up to 50m/5ATM.
Samsung Galaxy Watch9 Specs Overview:
- Body: 42.7x40.4x8.6mm, 31.5g / 46.0x43.7x8.6mm, 34g; Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame; MIL-STD-810H compliant, IP68.
- Display: 1.34" / 1.47" Super AMOLED, 3000 nits (peak), 438x438px / 480x480px resolution, 9:9 aspect ratio, 327ppi.
- Chipset: Snapdragon SW6100 Wear Elite (3 nm).
- Memory: 32GB, 2GB RAM.
- Battery: 390mAh / 445mAh; 10W wireless.
- Connectivity: LTE; eSIM; Wi-Fi 5; BT 6.0; NFC.
- Misc: Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, altimeter, compass, SpO2, temperature (skin), BioActive.
Changes are less pronounced in the Watch9, as it retains the same chassis and minor battery enhancement. However, both sizes continue to offer excellent display brightness, rated around 3000 nits, and support for an Always On Display mode.
Similar to the Ultra2, the Watch9 features a new Qualcomm Snapdragon SW6100 Wear Elite chipset for improved connectivity, including dual-band Wi-Fi ac and Bluetooth 6.0. The variety in color options is wider for the Watch9, with additional finishes for different sizes, adding to its appeal for diverse consumer preferences.
First-party band options include a thinner Sports Band, the Misty Band with a stylish two-tone design, and a lightweight Fabric Band.
