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.

The post Samsung Galaxy Watch9 vs Watch8: Which Should You Buy? 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.

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

As revealed by 9to5Google, the listing names the device as Pixel Watch 5 and gives it the codename “godric.” It also shows 2.8GB to 2.9GB of available memory, which means Google is almost certainly fitting the watch with 3GB of RAM.

That would be the first memory increase in the history of the Pixel Watch range. Every model since the original Pixel Watch has shipped with 2GB.

The processor looks unchanged

The Play Console identifies the system-on-chip as Qualcomm SW5100. It lists four Cortex-A53 CPU cores running at 1.7GHz, paired with an Adreno 702 GPU at 1GHz.

Those figures match the Pixel Watch 4 listing. They also trace back to the Snapdragon W5 platform Google first adopted with the Pixel Watch 2.

There is a little more nuance here than the listing initially suggests. The SW5100 name covers the main application processor used across different Snapdragon W5 generations, so it does not tell us the complete platform configuration.

Google moved to the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 with the Pixel Watch 4. That upgrade retained the same basic CPU and GPU arrangement but added support for Satellite SOS, improved location technology and a newer Cortex-M55 co-processor.

The Play Console does not identify the Pixel Watch 5 co-processor. Google could, potentially, upgrade that part of the platform while leaving the main processor untouched. However, there is no evidence of such a change yet.

As things stand, the safest conclusion is that Pixel Watch 5 will offer little or no conventional CPU and GPU improvement over Pixel Watch 4. Which is a bit of a disappointment.

More memory could be the real upgrade

The jump from 2GB to 3GB of RAM is positive, though. An extra gigabyte gives Wear OS more room for apps, background services and increasingly demanding AI features.

Google has been pushing Gemini deeper into its smartwatch software, and the previously leaked Pixel Watch 5 renders show a new analogue face with a prominent Gemini shortcut. The same design appears in the Play Console image (as shown above), adding another indication that the listing relates to finished hardware rather than an early prototype.

More RAM does not automatically make a processor faster. It can, however, reduce the need to reload apps and allow more services to remain available in the background. That may prove more noticeable in daily use than a modest increase in clock speed.

It could also help Google introduce new Gemini features without making them exclusive to cloud processing. That remains speculation for now, as the listing says nothing about specific AI capabilities.

Samsung has the faster platform on paper

The timing makes Google’s apparent processor decision stand out. Samsung has just launched the Galaxy Watch 9 with Qualcomm’s newer Snapdragon Wear Elite platform.

The 3nm chip uses one Cortex-A78 performance core and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. It also includes dedicated AI hardware, while the watch itself has 2GB of RAM.

That gives Samsung a sizeable architectural advantage on paper. Our earlier look at the Snapdragon Wear Elite explains why it represents a much bigger processor step than the changes Qualcomm made between the two W5 generations.

Real-world performance will still depend on software, power limits and how often a smartwatch needs its fastest cores. A Pixel Watch does not have to win a benchmark contest to feel responsive, but Google may have a harder time explaining a price increase if the core processor barely changes.

The Pixel Watch 5 is expected to launch on August 12 in 41mm and 45mm sizes. Previous leaks suggest the familiar domed design will return, so the combination of 3GB of RAM, software changes and any unannounced co-processor upgrade may have to carry much of this year’s hardware story.

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Enduro 4 now has a codename

We compared the main APK from Garmin Connect 5.27 with the base APK contained inside the older version. The most useful entry is product 5179, which Garmin categorises under fitness, outdoor, golf and wellness. Version 5.27 associates that product number with the internal codename GOBI.

That number is not new by itself. Our previous Garmin Connect 5.26 teardown found an Enduro 4 reference tied to the same internal ID, 5179. The difference is that the direct Enduro 4 name does not appear in the new version. Instead, Garmin now lists 5179 as GOBI, giving us a likely development codename for the watch.

The connection is fairly clean. Garmin used 4575 as the internal product ID for Enduro 3, and the company appears to be preparing Garmin Connect to recognise its successor under 5179.

The number cannot be converted into Garmin’s eventual retail part number or website product ID. Those sit in separate databases, so 5179 is mainly useful as a search key for future firmware files, support pages, image servers and Connect IQ records.

Eight more devices appear

The same registry update introduces eight other product entries. These are BRISTLECONE under product 5169, MARGAY_CARACAL under 5161, BENGAL_SIBERIAN under 5162, PANTHER under 5164, TORR_SNARF under 5143, LEAH_CHEETARA under 5144, WILYCUB_PANTHRO under 5145 and Rogers under 5193.

All except Rogers carry the same fitness, outdoor, golf and wellness categories as GOBI. That combination is normally associated with Garmin watches that support a broad mix of sports, outdoor navigation and health features, rather than simple activity trackers.

The naming pattern is difficult to ignore. Six of the entries use feline references and appear to form two groups of three. Products 5143, 5144 and 5145 use names linked to ThunderCats characters, while products 5161, 5162 and 5164 use real cat breeds or species.

One possible explanation is that these six entries belong to the future Fenix 9 family. Garmin commonly releases its Fenix watches in three case sizes, while also separating AMOLED and MicroLED models into different internal product records. Two groups of three could therefore represent three sizes across two display or charging configurations.

That remains speculation, as the APK does not mention Fenix 9 by name. The matching categories, coordinated codenames and closely grouped product numbers do suggest the six devices belong to one wider hardware programme rather than six unrelated watches.

BRISTLECONE appears separate from the feline group, although its outdoor-focused categories suggest another capable Garmin watch. Rogers is the odd one out, as Garmin assigns it only fitness and wellness categories, which could point to a simpler wearable or accessory.

Software changes are also included

Garmin Connect 5.27 is not only about new hardware records. The update also adds the new Garmin Connect Essentials section, which lets users place selected health and training stats at the top of the Home screen.

Garmin has also reworked parts of the device setup process, with new flows for primary wearable selection, sleep schedules, Wi-Fi, backups and firmware updates. There are further changes around Garmin Coach, including expanded triathlon support, along with smaller updates to Pulse Ox reports, workout syncing and activity screens.

APK teardown note

This article is based on an APK teardown. Code found inside an app can reveal features or devices that are under development, but there is no guarantee they will appear in a future public release.

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Three new features lead the update

Let’s start with the new “Advance Up” navigation view in the Map app. Zepp Health does not provide much explanation in the release notes, but the wording suggests a map orientation that keeps the direction of travel towards the top of the screen.

That should make routes easier to follow while running, hiking or cycling. It also fits nicely with the large displays found on these watches, particularly the Balance Ultra and Balance 3.

Global automatic dive detection has also been added for Diving workouts. Owners will no longer need to manually start the relevant activity every time they enter the water, although it remains to be seen how quickly the watch recognises the beginning and end of a dive.

The third new feature turns the watch into a Bluetooth speaker for phone audio. Once connected, media playing on the phone can be routed through the watch speaker.

Running and navigation get some attention

Zepp Health has also adjusted the Running Lactate Threshold algorithm. The company says the change should improve accuracy, although users may need several threshold runs before it becomes clear whether the resulting estimates have shifted.

This is a relevant change for the Amazfit Balance 3, which already offers a fairly deep collection of training and recovery features for its price. Better lactate threshold calculations would make those tools more useful to runners following structured plans.

Track Run mode has received a unit display adjustment for people using the imperial system. Oddly, the release notes state that distance-related information will continue to appear in metric units, so this does not sound like a complete conversion to miles.

The data carousel shown after pausing a workout has also been reordered. That is a small interface change, but it could reduce the amount of swiping needed to reach commonly checked workout information.

Navigation gets one more tweak when the user reaches a destination. Zepp Health says it has refined the interface on that screen, although it has not detailed exactly what has changed.

A shared update across the range

Distributing the same package across Balance Ultra, Balance 3 and Cheetah 2 Ultra makes sense. All three run Zepp OS 6 and share many of the same sports and mapping tools, even though Zepp Health positions them slightly differently.

The Cheetah 2 Ultra has received several substantial additions last month, including Zepp OS 6 and expanded HYROX features. Firmware 6.2.104.6 continues that pattern, but focuses more heavily on navigation and general usability.

This is not a huge update, but the feature mix is useful. Automatic dive detection broadens the outdoor credentials of all three watches, while the map view and lactate threshold changes should be more relevant to everyday training.

The post Balance Ultra, Balance 3 and Cheetah 2 Ultra get an outdoor feature boost 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.

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Garmin is buying more than two apps

As detailed in the press release, around 120 employees from the two businesses will join Garmin, although the companies have not disclosed the financial terms.

TrainingPeaks has spent more than two decades building tools for endurance athletes and professional coaches. It handles training calendars, structured workouts, performance analysis and coaching relationships, with a particularly strong following among runners, cyclists and triathletes.

TrainHeroic covers the strength side. Its platform allows coaches to create programmes, manage clients and deliver workouts remotely, while athletes can buy plans through its training marketplace.

Together, they give Garmin something it has never quite had before. Garmin already collects huge amounts of workout and recovery data, but these platforms sit above that data and help athletes decide what to do next.

The Garmin connection already runs deep

This is not a case of Garmin buying a completely unfamiliar service. TrainingPeaks already has a close integration with Garmin Connect, allowing planned running, cycling and swimming workouts to sync to compatible Garmin devices.

Completed activities then travel back to TrainingPeaks for analysis. Sleep, HRV, resting heart rate and Body Battery data can also feed into the platform.

That makes the acquisition fairly logical. Garmin now owns one of the main services coaches use to interpret the information coming from its watches and bike computers.

The tricky part is that TrainingPeaks does not only serve Garmin users. It also works with Apple, Polar, COROS, Wahoo, Suunto, Amazfit and other platforms.

Garmin will need to maintain that broad compatibility if it wants coaches and athletes using rival hardware to remain comfortable with the service. Turning TrainingPeaks into a Garmin-first platform could quickly undermine much of what made it valuable.

Strength training could see the biggest improvement

Garmin’s endurance tools are already extensive, while its strength features still feel less developed. The company has expanded Garmin Strength Coach and introduced more adaptive fitness plans, but logging gym sessions and following detailed programmes can still feel clumsy.

TrainHeroic gives Garmin access to established strength-programming tools, exercise demonstrations, coach dashboards and progress tracking. A deeper integration could eventually make strength workouts easier to build, follow and review on Garmin devices.

TrainingPeaks Virtual is another interesting part of the deal. The indoor cycling service, previously known as indieVelo, gives Garmin a foothold in the same broad market as Zwift and TrainerRoad.

This acquisition is unlikely to produce a major new watch feature straight away. Longer term, it could help Garmin own much more of the planning, coaching and analysis that happens around its devices.

Connect Plus questions are already appearing

The early social media discussions around the acquisition quickly turned to Garmin Connect+. Some users are already wondering whether more advanced coaching plans will eventually become part of Garmin’s subscription service.

That concern is understandable. A recent Garmin Connect app teardown found references to coaching plans that require Connect+, covering cycling, fitness, triathlon and other categories.

Garmin has also been steadily expanding the paid side of Connect. TrainingPeaks and TrainHeroic could eventually provide more content and coaching tools for that subscription, although Garmin has not announced any immediate changes.

For now, there is no indication that TrainingPeaks or TrainHeroic pricing will change. Garmin has also not said the platforms will be merged into Garmin Connect or Connect+.

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CIRQA tracks heart rate continuously, but during a workout the free Garmin Connect screen appears to show only average heart rate, not your current live reading. To see live heart-rate data in the workout interface, Garmin wants users to pay for Connect+.

A basic number goes missing

The issue was highlighted by DC Rainmaker during his early testing of CIRQA. Start an activity through Garmin Connect without a subscription and the app gives you elapsed time and average heart rate, but not the live number most people would actually want to check during exercise.

That is a strange restriction for a $199 screenless heart-rate band. The phone effectively becomes the display, particularly during gym sessions, indoor cycling, strength workouts or runs where someone wants to stay inside a target heart-rate range.

Garmin has already built the fuller Live Activity interface. Connect+ adds a heart-rate graph, heart-rate zones and guided workout content, all of which make more sense as paid extras. Hiding the basic current reading is much harder to explain.

Garmin’s wording adds to the confusion

The situation gets more awkward because Garmin says users can see basic activity data in Garmin Connect, including current heart rate and time. On the same product page, the company describes live graphs and heart-rate-zone information as Connect+ features.

That wording suggests the live number should remain free while the graph and zone visualisations sit behind the subscription. Based on the early testing and discussion from CIRQA owners, that does not seem to be how the app currently behaves.

It is not clear whether this is a launch bug, unfinished software or a deliberate Connect+ restriction. Garmin needs to clarify it because the current experience does not match the way the feature is described.

There is a workaround – kind of…

CIRQA can broadcast live heart rate to a compatible Garmin watch, Edge cycling computer or another supported device. That should work well for existing Garmin users who want to wear CIRQA during the day and use a separate device as their main training screen.

We touched on that ecosystem advantage in our Garmin CIRQA vs Fitbit Air comparison. It does not help someone who bought CIRQA specifically to avoid wearing a sports watch and expected Garmin Connect to provide the display during workouts.

Some might argue that a screenless tracker does not need live data. That misses the point. A screenless band does not remove the need for feedback, it simply moves that feedback to another screen.

When we first covered the early Garmin CIRQA listing, one of the obvious questions was how much Garmin would place behind Connect+. Most of the main health and recovery experience remains available without paying, which is good, but live workout heart rate is about as basic as exercise data gets.

Garmin could fix this neatly by keeping the current heart-rate number free and reserving graphs, zone breakdowns and guided sessions for Connect+. That would better match its product wording and make the subscription split much easier to understand.

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Zepp OS 6 reaches three Amazfit watches

The move to Zepp OS 6 is the main part of this update. It brings all three outdoor watches onto Zepp Health’s latest software platform, along with its revised interface, navigation changes and updated system features.

The screenshot shows firmware version 6.2.104.6 with a download size of 24.59MB. Version numbers and package sizes may vary slightly between models, but the feature list appears to be shared across the T-Rex 3, T-Rex 3 Pro and Ultra 2.

Zepp Health has focused its release notes on the new training functions rather than listing every visual change included with Zepp OS 6. Owners may therefore notice smaller interface adjustments once the installation is complete.

As usual, the rollout may not reach every account or region at the same time. The update can be checked manually through the device section of the Zepp app.

More training features move onto the watch

A new Training Calendar app allows users to view training plans created in the Zepp app directly on the watch. There is also a new Training Library entry inside the workout list, offering access to more built-in courses from the phone app.

HybridCharge can now be added to a workout data page. This lets users view their current HybridCharge status during an activity, rather than checking it only before or after training.

Workout records also gain support for linked equipment. Running shoes and other gear can be added in the Zepp app and then attached to individual activities, making it easier to track usage over time.

The Shortcut Key can now launch a designated workout directly. This should be handy for people who regularly start the same activity and do not want to scroll through the full workout menu each time.

A few smaller improvements

Zepp Health has adjusted the workout record page and expanded the personalisation options available within notification settings. The update also includes changes to Battery Saver, although the release notes do not explain exactly what has been altered.

iPhone users can now sync heart rate variability data to Apple Health after granting permission inside the Apple Health app. General bug fixes and stability improvements complete the update.

Zepp OS 6 is clearly the biggest change, but the added training features give owners a few practical reasons to install it straight away. Training Calendar, equipment tracking and live HybridCharge data should all prove useful for people who regularly train with the T-Rex 3, T-Rex 3 Pro or Ultra 2.

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Garmin has started rolling out a new Essentials section in Garmin Connect alongside today’s CIRQA launch, but it has not yet reached every phone. The good news is that anyone impatient can already switch it on through the Garmin Connect web dashboard and see exactly how it works.

The new section sits at the top of the Garmin Connect home screen and gives four recovery and health metrics their own large cards. These are Sleep Score, Body Battery, Training Readiness and HRV Status.

Each card shows the latest result without requiring much digging. Selecting one opens the corresponding page with the more detailed trends, explanations and historical data Garmin already provides elsewhere in Connect.

The mobile rollout is still uneven

Essentials is appearing with Garmin Connect version 5.27 on both Android and iOS, although availability appears to depend on whether the latest app release has reached your account and region. Once installed, the setting can be found under Settings and then Home Settings.

I checked both platforms in the UK, and version 5.27 was not yet available on either of them at the time of writing. That is fairly normal for a staged app rollout, but it means some users may see screenshots of Essentials before the update reaches their own phone.

There is no need to keep refreshing the app stores, though. The same layout has already appeared in Garmin Connect on the web, where it can be enabled immediately.

How to enable Garmin Connect Essentials on the web

Sign in to the Garmin Connect website and open Settings. Select Home Settings, then switch on the Essentials toggle near the top of the page.

Return to the home screen and the four new cards should appear above the existing In Focus section. There is also an Edit Essentials option for changing the stats displayed within the row.

Garmin CIRQA has no display, so nearly every useful interaction happens after opening Garmin Connect. It is probably why the company saw the need to display a few headline stats right at the outset.

Garmin officially launched CIRQA today as its first screenless smart band, with continuous health tracking, up to 10 days of battery life and no Garmin subscription required. It is similar to Whoop in looks, but has a physical button and multi-functional LED. Check out our overview on how it compares to the Fitbit Air.

Essentials is a small addition, but it gives the new device a more obvious landing point inside Garmin Connect. Mobile access should follow as version 5.27 spreads more widely, while the web dashboard provides an easy preview in the meantime.

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