Samsung Galaxy Watch9 brings a larger battery, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite processor and a longer software-support period. It is the better watch for most new buyers, but the size you choose makes a surprisingly large difference to the value of the upgrade.

The 40mm Watch9 receives a substantial 20% battery-capacity increase over its Watch8 equivalent. The 44mm version gains just 10mAh, making it much harder to recommend to someone who already owns the previous model.

There is also the Galaxy Watch8 Classic to consider. It retains Samsung’s physical rotating bezel, offers twice the storage of the standard watches and has the same 445mAh battery as the larger Watch9, although it is considerably heavier and still uses Samsung’s older Exynos processor.

Galaxy Watch 9 vs 8 vs 8 Classic specifications

Samsung has changed the processor and battery, but much of the surrounding hardware is familiar. The displays, dimensions, durability ratings, storage capacity and health sensor categories are effectively unchanged between Watch9 and the standard Watch8.

On mobile, swipe across the table to see both watches.

Feature	Galaxy Watch9	Galaxy Watch8	Galaxy Watch8 Classic
Product
Case sizes	40mm and 44mm	40mm and 44mm	46mm
Dimensions	42.7 x 40.4 x 8.6mm 46.0 x 43.7 x 8.6mm	42.7 x 40.4 x 8.6mm 46.0 x 43.7 x 8.6mm	46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6mm
Weight without strap	31.5g or 34g	30g or 33.8g	63.5g
Case and controls	Armor Aluminum, two buttons	Armor Aluminum, two buttons	Stainless steel, rotating bezel and three buttons
Display	1.34 inches, 438 x 438 1.47 inches, 480 x 480	1.34 inches, 438 x 438 1.47 inches, 480 x 480	1.34 inches, 438 x 438
Peak brightness	3,000 nits	3,000 nits	3,000 nits
Processor	Snapdragon Wear Elite, 3nm	Exynos W1000, 3nm	Exynos W1000, 3nm
RAM and storage	2GB and 32GB	2GB and 32GB	2GB and 64GB
Battery	390mAh or 445mAh	325mAh or 435mAh	445mAh
Official battery estimate	Up to 30 hours with always-on display	Up to 30 hours with always-on display	Up to 30 hours with always-on display
GPS	Dual-frequency L1 and L5	Dual-frequency L1 and L5	Dual-frequency L1 and L5
Durability	5ATM, IP68 and MIL-STD-810H	5ATM, IP68 and MIL-STD-810H	5ATM, IP68 and MIL-STD-810H
Launch software	Wear OS 7 with One UI Watch 9	Wear OS 6 with One UI Watch 8	Wear OS 6 with One UI Watch 8
Expected support	Five major Wear OS upgrades, security support into 2031	Expected support into 2029	Expected support into 2029
Band compatibility	Compatible with Watch8 Dynamic Lug bands	Compatible with Watch9 bands	Compatible with Watch8 and Watch9 Dynamic Lug bands
US launch price, Bluetooth	$379.99 or $409.99	$349.99 or $379.99	$499.99
US launch price, LTE	$429.99 or $459.99	$399.99 or $429.99	$549.99

The battery upgrade depends on the size

Battery capacity is the most important difference, but the headline requires some qualification. Samsung has not improved the two Watch9 sizes by anything close to the same amount.

The 40mm Watch9 moves from 325mAh to 390mAh. That is an exact 20% increase and should provide more breathing room for sleep tracking, workouts and notifications on the smaller watch.

The 44mm version rises from 435mAh to 445mAh. That works out to an increase of only 2.3%, which is unlikely to transform how frequently it needs charging.

Most comparisons describe Watch9 as simply having a larger battery. Someone buying the 40mm model, however, benefits more. A 44mm buyer is getting almost the same battery as before.

Samsung still gives the watches a headline estimate of up to 30 hours with the always-on display enabled and 40 hours with it switched off. The larger battery therefore should not be interpreted as a guaranteed 20% improvement in actual runtime.

Early evidence is mixed. A ComputerBild test of the 40mm Watch9 produced a little over 24 hours, despite the larger battery, which was shorter than the publication recorded from its predecessor.

One result cannot describe every combination of settings, workouts and network use. It does show why capacity and endurance should not be treated as interchangeable figures, especially when the new Snapdragon platform may distribute power differently from Samsung’s Exynos chip.

Charging speed has not changed significantly either. Short top-ups remain useful, but Watch9 does not introduce the kind of charging improvement that would alter the daily routine on its own.

Snapdragon Wear Elite is the bigger long-term change

Watch9 replaces Samsung’s Exynos W1000 with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite platform. Both processors are manufactured using a 3nm process, but the Qualcomm chip introduces a different architecture and low-power system.

The Exynos W1000 already makes Watch8 feel responsive during ordinary use. Notifications, Samsung Health, maps and most apps do not suddenly become difficult simply because a newer processor exists.

Watch9 should still have advantages in app loading, voice processing and maintaining performance as Wear OS becomes more demanding. The new platform may also provide Samsung with more room for future on-device health analysis and Gemini features.

Battery efficiency is less certain. The Snapdragon name alone does not guarantee longer endurance, particularly when Samsung’s official runtime estimate has remained unchanged and the first independent results have not shown a clear breakthrough.

The stronger argument for the new chip is longevity. Samsung is promising five major Wear OS upgrades for Watch9, with security support expected to continue into 2031, giving it a longer runway than the Watch8 generation.

For someone who replaces a watch every two or three years, that difference may have little practical value. Anyone planning to keep it for four or five years has a better reason to pay extra for Watch9.

Watch8 Classic remains a very different proposition

Galaxy Watch8 Classic is not simply a larger Watch8. Its stainless-steel case, physical rotating bezel, additional Quick Button and 64GB of storage give it a distinct identity.

The rotating bezel remains one of Samsung’s best watch controls. It makes scrolling through menus and notifications easy without covering the screen with a finger, and it gives the Classic a more conventional watch-like feel.

There are substantial compromises. The Classic weighs 63.5g before the strap is attached, compared with 34g for the 44mm Watch9, and its 10.6mm case is noticeably thicker than the 8.6mm standard models.

It also uses a 1.34-inch display, the same screen size as the 40mm watches, despite having a 46mm case. The physical bezel occupies space that Samsung uses for additional display area on the 44mm Watch9 and Watch8.

Battery capacity is more competitive. Watch8 Classic has a 445mAh cell, matching the larger Watch9 and slightly exceeding the 44mm Watch8.

Storage doubles from 32GB to 64GB, which is helpful for offline music, apps and downloaded media. It retains the Exynos W1000, however, so buyers do not receive Watch9’s new processor or extended support period.

At its $499.99 starting price, the Classic is difficult to recommend purely on specifications. It makes the most sense when the rotating bezel and stainless-steel construction are features someone actively wants, rather than extras that merely sound useful.

The design has barely changed

Samsung has retained the cushion-shaped case introduced with Watch8. The circular display sits inside a softly squared outer frame, producing a design that falls somewhere between a conventional Galaxy Watch and the larger Ultra.

Watch9 uses the same 40mm and 44mm sizes and the same 8.6mm thickness. The case is slightly heavier, rising from 30g to 31.5g at 40mm and from 33.8g to 34g at 44mm.

Those increases are too small to affect comfort. Both standard watches remain much easier to wear overnight than Watch8 Classic or either Galaxy Watch Ultra generation.

The design continues to divide opinion. Some will find the cushion shape more distinctive than Samsung’s older fully circular cases, while others will see little reason to replace a Watch8 with something that looks almost identical.

Watch9 does introduce Cream as a 40mm color, while the larger version is available in Graphite and Silver. Color availability is a minor buying consideration rather than an upgrade reason.

The displays are effectively identical

Watch9 retains the same display sizes, resolutions and claimed 3,000-nit peak brightness as Watch8. The 40mm models use a 1.34-inch, 438 x 438 panel, while the 44mm versions use a 1.47-inch, 480 x 480 panel.

Both generations use Super AMOLED panels protected by sapphire crystal. Visibility, sharpness and always-on watch faces should therefore look very similar.

The Classic also reaches 3,000 nits, but its physical bezel limits it to the smaller 1.34-inch display. Buyers are trading screen area for tactile control rather than gaining both.

The unchanged displays reinforce the broader upgrade picture. Watch9 improves the platform underneath the screen, but it does not provide a visibly larger, brighter or sharper interface.

Health tracking is mostly about interpretation

Samsung lists the same core sensor categories across all three watches. These include optical heart-rate monitoring, ECG, bioelectrical impedance analysis, blood oxygen, temperature, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, compass and ambient light sensing.

Watch9 launches with additional tools including Vitals, Heart Health Score and Fitness Index. These features organize and interpret signals the watch is already collecting rather than measuring an entirely new type of health data.

Vitals builds a baseline using overnight measurements and looks for changes from someone’s usual patterns. Heart Health Score and Fitness Index apply further analysis to existing cardiovascular and activity information.

That may make the presentation more useful, but it is not a completely new health-sensing platform. Some of these software features are also expected to reach older watches through Samsung Health updates, although availability and timing may differ by device and region.

Watch8 already provides Running Coach, Energy Score, sleep coaching, Bedtime Guidance, Antioxidant Index and Vascular Load in supported markets. The everyday health experience is therefore much closer than Samsung’s Watch9 feature list initially suggests.

The usual restrictions remain. Some health functions require a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone, and ECG, blood-pressure and sleep-apnea features depend on local regulatory approval.

GPS and fitness hardware have not moved far

All three models support dual-frequency L1 and L5 GPS. This was already one of Watch8’s more valuable improvements, particularly when tracking through built-up areas or beneath heavy tree cover.

Watch9 does not introduce a clearly different GPS system in Samsung’s specifications. Any change in route accuracy or power consumption would therefore be more likely to come from software, antenna tuning or the Snapdragon platform than a new headline capability.

The same applies to workout tracking. Samsung Health remains well suited to general fitness, running plans, sleep tracking and daily activity, but Watch9 does not suddenly turn the standard Galaxy Watch into a specialist endurance device.

The more revealing buying debate continues to be Samsung against Garmin rather than Watch9 against Watch8. Samsung is stronger for apps, calls, messaging and everyday phone integration, while specialist sports watches generally provide longer endurance and deeper training analysis.

Watch8 bands still fit Watch9

Samsung has retained the Dynamic Lug System used by the Watch8 generation. Compatible Watch8 and Watch8 Classic bands can therefore be used with Watch9, and Samsung is selling newer bands as compatible across the three models.

That removes a potential hidden upgrade cost for existing owners. Someone who has already bought several Watch8 bands does not need to replace the collection when moving to Watch9.

Galaxy Watch Ultra bands use a different connection and are not interchangeable. The compatibility applies to the standard Watch8, Watch8 Classic and Watch9 Dynamic Lug families.

Price may matter more than the specifications

Galaxy Watch9 starts at $379.99 for the 40mm Bluetooth model and $409.99 at 44mm. Adding LTE increases either price by $50.

Watch8 launched at $349.99 and $379.99, making Watch9 officially $30 more expensive at each size. That is a reasonable premium for the Snapdragon processor, larger 40mm battery and longer support period.

Retail discounts create a different comparison. Samsung has already listed Watch8 from around $299.99, and third-party prices may fall further as retailers clear older stock.

At 40mm, paying around $50 to $80 more for Watch9 is defensible because the battery increase is substantial. Once the difference passes roughly $100, Watch8 becomes the stronger value unless long-term software support is especially important.

At 44mm, the older watch becomes attractive sooner. Watch9 adds just 10mAh, so the processor and support period must do most of the work when justifying the extra cost.

Watch8 Classic starts at $499.99, or $549.99 with LTE. At that price, it should be chosen for its bezel, steel construction and 64GB storage rather than on the assumption that “Classic” means universally better.

Trade-in offers can, of course, overturn any of these calculations. So they are worth checking out.

Samsung’s standard watches are not the only models to receive a major update this year. Our full Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs Ultra comparison looks at the larger battery, faster charging, slimmer case and new Snapdragon processor, as well as whether the changes justify upgrading from the original Ultra.

The post Samsung Galaxy Watch9 vs Watch8: How they stack up appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 improves the original with a 35% larger battery, much faster charging, a slimmer body, a brighter display and Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. It is clearly the better watch for a new buyer, but the case for upgrading from an existing Galaxy Watch Ultra is far less convincing.

Worth clarifying, there are actually two original Ultra models

Samsung launched the first Galaxy Watch Ultra in 2024, then refreshed it in 2025. The second release added Titanium Blue and increased storage from 32GB to 64GB, but the processor, battery, display and sensor selection remained virtually unchanged.

This distinction is important when comparing storage. Ultra 2 doubles the capacity of the 2024 model, but it offers no storage advantage over the 2025 Ultra, which already comes with 64GB.

For most of this comparison, the 2024 and 2025 versions can be treated as the same watch. Where storage and colour options differ, the model year needs to be taken into account.

With that in mind, let’s continue.

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs Ultra specifications

The headline specifications point to a substantial hardware update, but not every difference will be equally noticeable in daily use. The larger battery, faster charging and slimmer case should have the clearest impact, while the new processor and brighter display are more likely to feel like useful refinements.

On mobile, swipe across the table to see both watches.

Feature	Galaxy Watch Ultra 2	Galaxy Watch Ultra
Product image
Case size	47.4 × 47.1 × 10.7mm	47.1 × 47.4 × 12.1mm
Weight without strap	61.5g	60.5g
Display	1.52-inch AMOLED, 498 × 498	1.47-inch AMOLED, 480 × 480
Peak brightness	5,000 nits	3,000 nits
Processor	Snapdragon Wear Elite	Exynos W1000
RAM	2GB	2GB
Storage	64GB	32GB in 2024, 64GB in 2025
Battery	800mAh	590mAh
Fast charging	Up to 40% in around 30 minutes	Not supported
GPS	Dual-frequency L1 and L5	Dual-frequency L1 and L5
Water protection	10ATM and IP69K	10ATM and IP68
Diving certification	EN13319	None
US launch price	$699	$649 for the 2025 model

It looks the same but should wear better

From the front, Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 could easily be mistaken for the original. Samsung has retained the 47mm cushion-shaped titanium case, circular display, three physical buttons and distinctive orange Quick Button.

The significant change appears when the watches are viewed from the side. Ultra 2 measures 10.7mm thick, down from 12.1mm, which works out to a reduction of around 12%.

That does not turn it into a small watch. The width and height have barely changed, so it will still dominate a smaller wrist and may feel excessive for sleep tracking.

It should, however, sit closer to the skin and catch sleeves less often. The redesigned Marine Band is also softer and thinner, with an Air Pocket structure intended to help moisture escape.

One detail that has already been reported incorrectly is the weight. Ultra 2 weighs 61.5g without its strap, one gram more than the original, so the watch itself is not lighter.

Samsung’s lighter band may reduce the total weight on the wrist, but that is not the same as making the case lighter. Existing Ultra bands remain compatible, so owners do not need to replace their current collection.

Battery is the biggest reason to choose Ultra 2

Samsung has increased capacity from 590mAh to 800mAh, a jump of around 35.6%. That is easily the largest practical upgrade and the main reason some existing owners are considering replacing their watches.

The official runtime figures create a slightly odd situation. Samsung advertises up to 60 hours with the always-on display enabled and up to 80 hours with it switched off, even though the battery is substantially larger.

As we noted in our earlier look at Samsung’s Ultra 2 battery claims, the extra capacity does not automatically translate into a similar increase in advertised endurance. The brighter display, new processor, LTE modem, health processing and outdoor features may use some of that additional energy.

There should still be more breathing room during normal use. The larger cell should be particularly helpful during GPS workouts, LTE sessions and overnight tracking, where the original Ultra’s battery can feel more restrictive.

The difference may also feel larger for someone upgrading from a 2024 Ultra. A battery that has already gone through two years of regular charging will no longer perform like a new 590mAh cell, so the real comparison may be 800mAh against an ageing battery rather than the original factory specification.

Fast charging could have an equally noticeable effect. Ultra 2 can reach up to 40% in around 30 minutes, while Ultra has slower charging, with no equivalent 30-minute claim.

That makes it easier to top up the watch while showering, having breakfast or getting ready for bed. It also reduces the usual conflict between charging and collecting overnight sleep data.

Snapdragon Wear Elite is the unknown quantity

Ultra 2 moves from Samsung’s Exynos W1000 to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite. Both use a 3nm manufacturing process, but Qualcomm’s platform introduces a different CPU layout, on-device AI hardware and a redesigned low-power system.

Samsung says apps launch faster and interactions feel smoother. That sounds good, although the Exynos W1000 is already quick enough for normal watch use and early demonstrations do not show an enormous difference.

Efficiency could be more important than raw speed. LTE, GPS, background health tracking and the always-on display place a steady load on a smartwatch, so even modest power savings could improve endurance.

The new chip may also give Samsung more headroom for future health analysis and AI features. We previously looked at Samsung’s switch to Snapdragon Wear Elite, but the final judgement will depend on battery tests, heat, GPS performance and long-term software support.

The display is larger and much brighter

Samsung has reduced the bezel slightly, increasing the screen from 1.47 to 1.52 inches without making the case wider. Resolution moves from 480 x 480 to 498 x 498 pixels, so the difference in sharpness will probably be difficult to spot.

Brightness rises from 3,000 to 5,000 nits. That should improve visibility under strong sunlight and may be useful when glancing at workout data outdoors.

There is some small print behind the 5,000-nit figure, though. Samsung describes it as localised peak brightness under high ambient light, so the entire display will not necessarily sit at that level.

The original Ultra already has a bright screen, which means this is more refinement than rescue operation. It should be most noticeable on exposed trails, bright summer runs and underwater.

Health tracking is not a complete sensor overhaul

Samsung has packed broadly the same sensor categories on both watches, including its BioActive package, skin temperature, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, compass and ambient light sensor. Ultra 2 still supports ECG, body composition, blood oxygen, heart rate and the usual Samsung Health tools.

The company describes the BioActive sensor as upgraded on the Ultra 2 product page, but it does not provide much detail on what has changed internally. The closer fit due to the thinner case may contribute to better readings.

Many of Samsung’s newer health tools are software-led rather than dependent on new hardware. Vitals, Heart Health Score, Fitness Index and other features use signals that Galaxy Watches were already collecting.

Several of these tools were announced before Ultra 2 and are part of Samsung’s wider health platform. Our earlier coverage of the new Galaxy Watch health features explains how Vitals builds a personal baseline from overnight heart rate, HRV, breathing, temperature and blood oxygen.

Diving is the clearest new capability

Both watches carry a 10ATM rating, but Ultra 2 steps up from IP68 to IP69K and gains EN13319 certification. The IP69K rating adds protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets, while EN13319 covers depth and time instruments used for diving.

Ultra 2 can automatically show depth, dive duration and water temperature after entering the water. Samsung rates it for diving down to 40 metres, while more advanced software developed with Mares is scheduled to arrive later in 2026.

This is a real functional difference rather than a specification created for marketing. Anyone who plans to use a Galaxy Watch for recreational diving should choose Ultra 2.

For everyone else, IP69K is reassuring but unlikely to change daily use. The original Ultra is already rated to 10ATM, so Ultra 2 does not increase the headline pressure rating beyond 100 metres.

Trail running gets more attention

Ultra 2 introduces a dedicated Trail Run mode with elevation, climbing progress and terrain-related information. It also adds hydration guidance that estimates sweat loss relative to body weight and suggests when to drink.

This does not mean the watch directly measures hydration or sweat composition. It uses workout and personal data to estimate fluid loss, which can still be useful but should not be confused with a new hydration sensor.

Samsung also retains GPX navigation, dual-frequency GPS and climbing guidance. Those features make Ultra 2 a more credible outdoor watch, especially when combined with the larger battery.

It still approaches the category as a smartwatch first. Garmin and Coros offer deeper navigation, recovery and training systems, while Samsung remains stronger for apps, calls, messaging and integration with a Galaxy phone.

That same division appears repeatedly in owner discussions. People interested mainly in training continue to look towards Garmin, while those who want a watch that can replace more phone functions tend to favour Samsung.

Price could decide the comparison

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 starts at $699 in the US, while the 2025 Ultra launched at $649. A $50 increase looks reasonable considering the upgrades.

The calculation changes once retailers discount the older model. If the price gap reaches several hundred dollars, the original Ultra begins to look much more attractive.

Existing owners are looking at the decision in much the same way. Many appear willing to upgrade only when trade-in offers bring the cost down substantially, while others see no point paying again for a watch that looks and behaves much like the one already on their wrist.

That is probably the right way to approach it. Ultra 2 is better hardware, but the value of those improvements depends heavily on what someone already owns and what the upgrade actually costs.

Buyers who do not need the Ultra’s larger case and outdoor focus should also look at our Samsung Galaxy Watch9 vs Watch8 comparison. It covers the battery changes, Snapdragon Wear Elite processor and whether the standard Watch9 offers enough to justify upgrading from Watch8.

The post Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs Ultra: All the differences explained appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

That does not mean the extra capacity has gone to waste. It does, however, leave Samsung with an obvious question to answer when the first independent battery tests arrive.

The larger battery comes with a catch

The previous Galaxy Watch Ultra used a 590mAh battery, so moving to 800mAh is a substantial change. Samsung has somehow fitted that larger cell inside a 10.7mm case, down from 12.1mm, while also expanding the display slightly to 1.52 inches.

Samsung’s move to the new Snapdragon Wear Elite processor should also improve efficiency. Qualcomm previously claimed its 3nm platform could extend usage by around 30% compared with the preceding Snapdragon generation.

Put those changes together and you might expect a noticeable increase in Samsung’s advertised runtime. Instead, the company is once again quoting up to 100 hours in power saving mode and 48 hours while tracking exercise with power saving enabled.

Galaxy Watch owners picked up on that almost immediately. The main question in early discussions was what the extra 210mAh is doing if the published endurance figures have not increased.

One possible answer is the display. Ultra2 can reach a claimed 5,000 nits under strong ambient light, up from 3,000 nits, while the slightly larger panel also has more pixels. Samsung may have used some of the added capacity to support that screen without reducing battery life.

The processor, new health tools and expanded sports tracking could also increase power demands. Still, an 800mAh smartwatch battery is unusually large, so it will be interesting to see whether Samsung is simply being conservative with its estimates.

A stronger watch with a familiar shape

Ultra2 adds more than a larger battery. It now supports Trail Run tracking with elevation, climbing progress and terrain information, while Nutrition Alert uses estimated sweat loss to provide hydration guidance during activities.

Samsung has also pushed the watch further into diving territory. Ultra2 carries IP69K, 10ATM and EN13319 ratings, and it can automatically show depth, dive time and water temperature. A more advanced diving app developed with Mares is due later this year.

Storage doubles from 32GB to 64GB, while Bluetooth moves to version 6.0. These are useful additions, particularly for someone buying their first Galaxy Watch Ultra.

The difficulty is that Ultra2 still looks very similar to the previous models. That became another recurring theme among existing owners, alongside disappointment with the initial trade-in offers available in some markets.

Many people said they would keep their 2024 Ultra for another year. Others questioned why Samsung appeared to value the 2024 and 2025 versions similarly when calculating trade-ins, although launch-day offers can change quickly.

That reaction does not make Ultra2 a weak product. It suggests Samsung has made a better Ultra for new buyers, rather than creating a compelling reason to replace a recent one.

Watch9 gets more subtle improvements

The regular Galaxy Watch9 may have the cleaner everyday story. It comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, uses the same Snapdragon Wear Elite processor and reaches 3,000 nits of brightness.

The smaller version receives the more useful battery increase, moving from 325mAh on the Watch8 to 390mAh. Samsung has kept the case at 8.6mm thick, which should make it a more practical option for smaller wrists without sacrificing comfort. The larger model moves from 435mAh to 445mAh, so its improvement will depend more heavily on processor efficiency.

Many health features are not exclusive

Samsung is also introducing Vitals, Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load, Fitness Index and hearing protection tools. The company continues to push the Galaxy Watch as a device that interprets health data rather than simply collecting it.

Several of these features will also reach older models through One UI 9 Watch. Daily Cardio Load and Fitness Index, for example, will work with the Galaxy Watch7 and newer devices once they receive the software.

That leaves hardware as the main reason to buy this generation. Ultra2 offers the biggest specification jump, but the 40mm Watch9 may deliver the improvement that more people notice every day.

Galaxy Watch9 starts at £349, which is £30 more than last year’s model. Even so, the smaller version finally gets a battery that looks better suited to sleep tracking, workouts and normal smartwatch use without making the watch noticeably bulkier.

The post Samsung’s Ultra2 battery upgrade comes with an awkward catch appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

The AI toggle comes with a heavy warning

As first reported by How-To-Geek, the setting appears inside Samsung Health’s privacy controls under the label “Consent to the use of health data for AI training and modeling.” It sits alongside separate permissions covering other data. Some Samsung Health users are finding the AI training consent switched on after accepting the app’s latest privacy notice.

On the surface, this looks like a normal opt-in control. Users can move the switch off when they do not want their health information used to develop Samsung’s AI systems.

The next screen changes the picture. After the consent is withdrawn, Samsung Health displays a warning saying the user will no longer be able to sync health data with their Samsung account!

It also states that health data will be deleted unless Samsung must retain it under applicable law. Any legally retained information will then be erased when the required retention period ends.

So this is not really just a simple AI toggle. You can say no to Samsung using your data for AI training, but you may also lose cloud syncing and some of your stored health history. Not good.

The exact process may depend on where you live and which privacy rules apply. Users in other regions may see different wording, a separate consent process or no AI training switch at all. Samsung does not make those regional differences particularly clear inside the app.

Some important details remain unclear

The warning is still pretty vague. It does not say whether only data stored on Samsung’s servers will be deleted or whether anything saved locally in Samsung Health could disappear too. It also leaves open the question of which tracking features still work without account sync.

That is not a small detail for long-time Galaxy Watch users. Samsung Health can hold years of activity, sleep, heart rate and body composition data, along with medication details, health records and cycle tracking information.

Samsung’s US consumer health privacy statement says users can withdraw consent where the law allows it. Once they do, Samsung should stop the related collection, use and sharing of their health data. The app also includes options to download or erase personal information.

Downloading data first looks sensible

Anyone planning to withdraw consent should download a copy of their Samsung Health information before confirming the change. The option appears in Samsung Health under Settings, followed by Download personal data.

The downloaded archive gives users some protection if the withdrawal process removes their synced history. It also provides a clearer picture of what Samsung Health has stored before the account connection changes.

The larger problem is not that Samsung asks for permission to train AI. A separate toggle is better than hiding that use inside a general privacy policy.

The problem is the apparent connection between declining AI training and losing cloud syncing or stored data. Consent can technically remain optional while still becoming difficult to refuse in practice.

The timing is handy, with Galaxy Unpacked set for July 22. Samsung is expected to show off new Galaxy Watches and more health AI, so this privacy question may soon get even bigger.

The post Samsung Health users face an awkward choice over AI training appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

Two Galaxy Watches look likely

The regular Galaxy Watch 9 should be the main model for most buyers. Leaked renders suggest Samsung is sticking with the rounded display inside the cushion-style case introduced with the current generation, rather than returning to a cleaner circular body.

That will split opinion. Some users still prefer the older Galaxy Watch look, but Samsung seems to be treating the newer shape as the base design for the range now. Expect the usual smaller and larger case sizes, along with Bluetooth and LTE versions.

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 looks like the more visible hardware update. Leaks point to a slightly boxier case, slimmer bezels and a cleaner side button, with the orange accent reduced to an outline rather than covering the full button.

The Ultra 2 is still expected to keep the round screen inside a squircle-style case. Rear markings shown in leaked images point to GPS, LTE, Sapphire Crystal, a 47mm case and 10ATM water resistance, so Samsung is clearly keeping it in the rugged smartwatch lane.

One detail stands out. Current leaks do not show a Galaxy Watch 9 Classic. This is despite earlier talk that Samsung might bring back another rotating bezel model this year.

Health features may carry the launch

Beyond hardware, we are expecting some software upgrades. Samsung has already previewed several next-generation Galaxy Watch features, including Vitals, Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load and Fitness Index.

Vitals is Samsung’s take on the overnight readiness-style summaries now common across wearables. It looks at signals such as heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature and blood oxygen, then flags changes from the user’s normal baseline.

Daily Cardio Load is the more fitness-focused addition. It measures accumulated cardiovascular strain and recommends training targets and rest periods, which should make Galaxy Watch more useful for people who actually train rather than simply count steps.

Fitness Index could also help if Samsung keeps it clear and actionable. The feature uses workout data, heart rate, VO2 max and daily steps to show where fitness is improving or slipping.

Samsung’s next watches may also move to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite platform. Qualcomm has already said the next-generation Galaxy Watch will use the new 3nm chip, which brings an NPU for on-device AI and better power efficiency.

That could matter more than the case design. If Samsung wants more AI health features, smarter coaching and smoother watch performance, the chip underneath needs to keep up without hurting battery life.

A watch launch hiding inside a foldable event

Samsung’s official Unpacked teaser still leans heavily toward foldables. That is not a surprise, as new Z Fold and Z Flip models will probably dominate the stage.

For wearable tech geeks, though, Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 are the products to watch. You’ll be able to watch a life stream of the event on Samsung’s website or its YouTube channel.

The post Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 look set for July 22 appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

The confirmation came from Samsung’s head of digital health, Dr Hon Pak, who told Forbes: “We are working on the next generation.”

Samsung stopped short of calling it the Galaxy Ring 2. But that is almost certainly what the device will become. It is the first official confirmation that a successor is on the way.

Expect evolution, not a complete redesign

Samsung is already pumping the brakes if you are hoping for a totally wild rethink of the smart ring. Pak basically admitted there is only so much you can actually change with the hardware since all these little devices use pretty much the exact same sensors. That means we are looking at basic, incremental upgrades like slightly better tracking accuracy and a bit more battery life rather than a massive overhaul.

It appears, the real push will be going into software, AI, and the whole health platform. This just proves the ring is meant to be a tiny piece of a bigger connected puzzle instead of a standalone gadget. If you want to get the absolute most out of it, you will pretty much need to pair it up with a Galaxy Watch and a Samsung phone anyway.

iPhone support may finally happen

One interesting development concerns iPhone compatibility. While Pak did not completely spill the beans on iOS support, he dropped some hints that Samsung has some news cooking that iPhone fans are going to love. If they actually make that move, it will kill off a big annoyance of the current ring, which completely locks out anyone without an Android phone.

On the minus side – Samsung refused to rule out introducing a subscription in the future. Nothing has been decided yet, but the company is clearly keeping that option open as it expands its health services.

Legal issues and launch timing remain question marks

Just because Samsung finally admitted a sequel is coming doesn’t mean we will see it anytime soon. They are still totally bogged down in that messy patent fight with Oura, something we discussed in our previous coverage. That whole legal headache is bound to mess with both their timing and launch strategy.

Predicting an exact arrival date is pure guesswork right now. We see absolutely zero reliable leaks or regulatory filings. Even the usual factory floor gossip is completely silent. This situation aligns with reports from ET News claiming a launch this year is a total pipe dream, pushing the real target to early 2027.

The Galaxy Ring 2 is definitely happening, but Samsung is changing its playbook. They are stepping away from chasing major hardware upgrades. Instead, the focus shifts to building a much tighter health platform around the device. We will be waiting a while for this one.

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]]> https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/29/samsung-galaxy-ring-2-2027/feed/ 0 https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/20/samsung-galaxy-watch-9-rumour/ https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/20/samsung-galaxy-watch-9-rumour/#respond Fri, 19 Jun 2026 22:56:39 +0000 https://gadgetsandwearables.com/?p=17594946 An unofficial Galaxy Watch 9 image has triggered a fresh argument over Samsung’s smartwatch design direction. The image is not

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]]> An unofficial Galaxy Watch 9 image has triggered a fresh argument over Samsung’s smartwatch design direction. The image is not an official Samsung teaser, but the reaction shows users are still split over the company’s move toward a squircle case.

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The mock up that started the talk

An unofficial image circulating on Reddit triggered a fresh wave of discussion about the upcoming Samsung watch line. The picture shows three dark smartwatches under a generic series title, looking like an official teaser at first glance.

But that is not what it is. The image appears to be editorial artwork from a tech site, not a leaked internal asset from Samsung or an official teaser. It should, therefore, not be treated as an early reveal of the Galaxy Watch 9.

Samsung just teased Galaxy Watch 9 Series
by u/Budget_Hamster4422 in GalaxyWatch

The reaction is still telling. Some long-time Galaxy Watch owners immediately focused on the case shape rather than the possible specs. A few said they would rather keep older round models than move further into Samsung’s newer squircle design language, while others argued that the current Ultra-style look is more comfortable and distinctive than it appears in pictures.

That split says more than the image itself. Samsung’s newer design direction still has not fully settled with the user base. Owners are not just waiting for better battery life, new health metrics or cleaner software. They also want to know whether the Galaxy Watch line is still going to look like a traditional watch, or whether Samsung is now fully committed to a more hybrid square-round identity.

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What the certification data tells us

We do not have an official announcement yet, but regulatory filings give us a clear view of the upcoming hardware footprint. Certification reports confirm that regular models will arrive in both 40mm and 44mm sizes.

We also see paper trails for a second generation Ultra model. This means Samsung wants to maintain a distinct split between everyday devices and heavy duty hardware.

The classic model is where the narrative gets blurry. While older code references hinted at a version with a rotating bezel, recent certification filings completely ignore it. The paperwork focuses entirely on the standard and Ultra models.

Until better evidence surfaces, we have to treat the physical bezel as a major uncertainty. I predict that Samsung might bench the classic design entirely this cycle to force adoption of the newer shape. This is a risky move that could alienate traditional buyers who love the physical click.

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Software upgrades meet physical resistance

Samsung already previewed an impressive suite of next generation health features to build anticipation. The upcoming update introduces advanced metrics including vascular load, an antioxidant index, and personalized bedtime guidance.

These tools should provide valuable context on cardiovascular strain and sleep recovery. They represent a nice step forward from simple step counting and basic sleep tracking.

However, excellent software cannot compensate for hardware that people dislike on their wrists. Consumers do not buy these devices based on data sheets alone. A watch serves as a highly visible personal accessory that you wear all day.

That leaves Samsung with a clear challenge for Watch 9. The next watches are likely to arrive around the usual July window with new health tools in tow, but the design may decide how warmly long-time Galaxy Watch users receive them.

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]]> https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/20/samsung-galaxy-watch-9-rumour/feed/ 0 https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/04/samsung-health-update-2/ https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/04/samsung-health-update-2/#respond Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:01:05 +0000 https://gadgetsandwearables.com/?p=17594500 Samsung Galaxy Watch users can look forward to several new features, including Vitals, Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load and

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]]> Samsung Galaxy Watch users can look forward to several new features, including Vitals, Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load and Fitness Index. The update starts rolling out from June 8.

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Samsung wants the watch to do more with overnight data

Let’s start with Vitals. This looks at five overnight signals while you sleep: heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature and blood oxygen. Samsung says it then compares those readings against your own resting baseline.

Wearables are usually at their best when they compare you against yourself rather than some generic population average. A higher resting heart rate or lower HRV may not say much on its own, but it can become more useful when it appears alongside changes in temperature, breathing rate and blood oxygen.

Samsung says Vitals will only notify users when it detects notable deviations. We’ve seen this feature implemented by other brands, so better late than never.

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Heart Health Score builds on Vascular Load

Samsung is also introducing Heart Health Score, which expands on the Vascular Load feature it introduced last year. The new score combines sleep, stress, activity and body composition data into a single daily readout.

That sounds broad, but it fits where the wearable market is heading. Companies are trying to turn separate metrics into simpler guidance. Garmin has Body Battery and Training Readiness. Fitbit now leans heavily on Daily Readiness and Cardio Load. Oura has Readiness and Resilience-style trends. Samsung now wants its own version of that bigger-picture health snapshot.

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Cardio Load and Fitness Index bring Samsung closer to sports watches

Daily Cardio Load is another addition. It measures accumulated cardiovascular strain and uses that to suggest training targets and rest times.

Samsung is also adding Fitness Index. This uses metrics such as heart rate, VO2 max and daily steps, then compares performance against peers. It is designed to highlight strengths, weaknesses and suggested goals.

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The Samsung Health app is getting a cleaner layout

Beyond that, the app itself is being reorganised around five main areas: Sleep, Activity, Nutrition, Mindfulness and Vitals. Samsung says the Home screen will bring daily wellness tips and Energy Score into a more central view.

Samsung is also improving Antioxidant Index with trend charts and daily history logs. AGEs index is getting automatic overnight measurements, giving users a longer view of lifestyle-related patterns. There is also a new Hearing Health feature, which uses Galaxy Watch ambient noise monitoring as part of the wider Galaxy ecosystem.

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This is a clear preview of the next Galaxy Watch

Samsung is not naming the next Galaxy Watch model in this announcement, but the timing makes the message fairly clear. These features are being shown ahead of the company’s next wearable launch, and Samsung wants health AI to be part of the story.

The broader direction is easy to understand. Smartwatches already collect enough health signals to overwhelm most people. The next step is not more graphs. It is better interpretation, cleaner context and fewer pointless alerts.

Source: Samsung Global Newsroom

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]]> https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/04/samsung-health-update-2/feed/ 0 https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/05/09/samsung-withings-sync/ https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/05/09/samsung-withings-sync/#respond Sat, 09 May 2026 16:28:33 +0000 https://gadgetsandwearables.com/?p=17593897 Samsung and Withings have announced a partnership that lets Galaxy Watch data and Withings health data move between their apps.

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]]> Samsung and Withings have announced a partnership that lets Galaxy Watch data and Withings health data move between their apps. Samsung Health can pull in weight, body fat percentage and BMI from Withings devices, while Galaxy Watch step data can show up inside the Withings app.

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What is actually new

The public announcement is mainly about bringing more attention to a connection that sits on top of Android’s existing Health Connect setup. Samsung Health has supported Health Connect for a while, and Withings already had Android support paths for sharing data with other health apps.

The difference now is that Samsung and Withings are promoting the link directly. Samsung is also attaching a US offer to it, with eligible Galaxy Watch buyers able to receive a Withings Body Smart scale.

But make no mistake. This is not a full merger of every Samsung and Withings health metric. It is a targeted sync around activity and body measurements.

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Why this is useful

The obvious pairing is Galaxy Watch plus a Withings scale. The watch tracks steps through the day, while the scale adds weight and body composition readings at home. The French outfit has the best smart scales on the market.

There are limits, though. Heart rate and sleep are both supported by Samsung Health and Health Connect at a technical level, but the public Samsung and Withings material does not confirm that those metrics are part of this new cross-sync. The same goes for blood pressure, even though Withings sells blood pressure monitors and Health Connect supports blood pressure records.

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Health Connect is doing the quiet work

The likely flow is not Galaxy Watch talking directly to the Withings app. It is more likely Galaxy Watch data moving into Samsung Health on the phone, then through Health Connect, then into Withings. Withings data follows the same kind of route back toward Samsung Health.

That is useful because Health Connect gives Android users a central place to manage permissions. It also means users can choose which apps can read or write certain health records, instead of handing over everything at once.

There is still some friction. Users need the right app versions, Health Connect permissions need to be enabled and older Android phones may require the separate Health Connect app. Watch data may also depend on when the Galaxy Watch syncs back to the phone.

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Why Samsung and Withings both want it

For Samsung, the partnership makes Samsung Health look more complete without the company having to build every health device itself. Galaxy Watch already gives the company daily activity data, but a scale is still the better tool for weight and body composition trends.

For Withings, the benefit is access to Samsung’s smartwatch audience. If Galaxy Watch step data can feed into the Withings app, the app becomes more useful to people who may own a Withings scale but wear a Samsung watch.

There is also a service angle here. Both companies benefit if users keep returning to their health apps, checking trends and connecting more devices. That can support longer-term engagement and, potentially, paid health features around the data.

Source: Samsung, own research

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]]> https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/05/09/samsung-withings-sync/feed/ 0 https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/05/07/samsung-galaxy-watch-fainting/ https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/05/07/samsung-galaxy-watch-fainting/#respond Thu, 07 May 2026 08:26:09 +0000 https://gadgetsandwearables.com/?p=17593811 A Galaxy Watch may one day give users a few minutes to sit down before a fainting episode hits. Samsung

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]]> A Galaxy Watch may one day give users a few minutes to sit down before a fainting episode hits. Samsung says a clinical study using Galaxy Watch6 data predicted vasovagal syncope up to five minutes in advance, with 84.6 percent accuracy at 90 percent sensitivity.

This is not a feature you can turn on today. But it is one of the more interesting examples of where smartwatch health tracking could go next, especially for people who deal with sudden fainting episodes and the injury risk that comes with them.

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Why fainting prediction is different

Vasovagal syncope happens when heart rate and blood pressure drop suddenly, often after stress, pain, heat, standing or sitting for too long or another trigger. The episode itself usually passes quickly, but the fall can be the real problem.

That is why a few minutes of warning could be useful. It could give someone enough time to sit down, lie down or call for help before losing consciousness.

Samsung says up to 40 percent of people experience vasovagal syncope at some point in life. It also says around one third experience repeat episodes, which makes this less niche than it might sound at first glance.

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What the study actually showed

The research team studied 132 patients with suspected vasovagal syncope during induced fainting tests. They used Galaxy Watch6 to collect biosignals through the optical PPG sensor, then analysed heart rate variability using an AI model.

The model predicted impending fainting episodes up to five minutes in advance. Samsung says the result came with 84.6 percent accuracy, 90 percent sensitivity and 64 percent specificity.

That mix is worth reading carefully. High sensitivity means the system caught most upcoming episodes. The lower specificity means false alerts remain an issue, which would need work before this could become a polished consumer warning system.

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Why Galaxy Watch6 is the interesting part

The study used a commercial smartwatch rather than a lab-only device. That is the key point here, because it suggests common wrist hardware may already capture enough signal to support this kind of prediction with the right algorithm.

That does not mean every Galaxy Watch6 suddenly becomes a fainting detector. It means Samsung and its clinical partners have shown that the raw data from the watch can support the concept under controlled study conditions.

There is also a practical angle. Smartwatches already sit on the wrist all day, so a warning system like this would not need users to wear a specialist device if the feature ever reached real-world deployment.

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Still a research result, not a finished feature

Samsung is framing the work as part of a shift from post-event care to preventive health. That is fair enough, but there is a long gap between a clinical study and a consumer feature that people can rely on.

The next steps would likely involve larger studies, real-world testing and regulatory questions. False alerts would also need careful handling, because a fainting warning that triggers too often could become something users ignore.

Still, this is a strong direction for smartwatch health tech. Many wearable features track what has already happened, while this points toward watches that warn before something happens.

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