Galaxy Watch9 and Watch Ultra2: New Features, Prices, Buying Guide
Image: Kyu3a / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
In short: The Galaxy Watch9 starts at €409, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 costs €749. Both have been on sale since early August 2026. For the first time, Samsung uses a Qualcomm chip, the Snapdragon Wear Elite with its own AI unit. The Ultra2 gets a battery about 35 percent larger and a display with up to 5,000 nits. There is no Classic model with a rotating bezel this year. Prices rose compared with last year, but retailers now sell the watches for much less.
What is new
The Snapdragon Wear Elite's NPU analyses health and fitness data on the device instead of in the cloud. The watches run Wear OS 7 with One UI 9 Watch; see our Android 17 overview for more on Android.
The Watch9 comes in 40 and 44 mm with Bluetooth or LTE. Netzwelt praised its slim design, comfortable band and accurate health data, but criticised battery life; the 44 mm model stays at 435 mAh. The Ultra2 has an 800 mAh battery, up to 5,000 nits, IP69K protection, 5G RedCap and a 47 mm titanium case.
| Model | Size | Connectivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watch9 | 40 mm | Bluetooth / LTE | €409 / €459 |
| Watch9 | 44 mm | Bluetooth / LTE | €439 / €489 |
| Watch Ultra2 | 47 mm | 5G/LTE | €749 |
The Watch9 costs €30 more than the Watch8 at launch and the Ultra2 €50 more than its predecessor, reportedly due to higher memory prices. Compare retailer prices before buying.
Health and display
A new Galaxy AI health suite calculates a heart health score and a fitness index, mostly on the watch itself. The Watch9 reaches up to 3,000 nits on its 1.34- or 1.47-inch display, the Ultra2 up to 5,000 nits on 1.5 inches. Samsung promises 32 percent more CPU performance from the new chip. A smartwatch does not replace a medical check-up.
Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch?
It depends on your phone. Apple Watch only works with iPhone. Galaxy Watch works with Android, but features such as ECG and blood pressure need a Samsung phone, for example a Galaxy Z Fold8 or Flip8. Compare with the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4.
Who should buy what?
Samsung phone users who want an everyday watch should pick the Watch9; athletes the Ultra2. Watch8 owners mainly gain the new chip. To extend battery life, turn off the always-on display, limit night-time measurements and use LTE only when needed. More in the Galaxy Watch section.
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