Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 hands-on: Same time and time again

Damien Wilde | Jul 22 2026 - 6:07 am PT

There are a number of reasons why Samsung dominates Wear OS, and the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 exemplify that once again this year – here’s what you need to know.

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Blocky by nature

Let’s get the obvious out of the way early. The Galaxy Watch 9 is practically identical to last year’s model, save for a few minor quality-of-life changes and a chipset bump. If you loved that design, then you are well catered for here. If you were on the fence, then maybe you need to wait until Google drops the Pixel Watch 5 in just a few weeks’ time for a better idea of what the two biggest Wear OS options will be for later.

The “air pocket” strap felt lighter, but I worry this might end up being a sweat channel if you wear the Watch 9 while working out or exercising. Credit to Samsung for at least trying to think of making changes here. The straps feel more pliable and comfortable due to the weight reduction.

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Chassis changes are minimal, but there is room for a larger battery in both 40mm and 44mm models. These now sit at 390mAh and 445mAh respectively. Almost a 20% increase on the smallest model, but a mere 10mAh increase for the 44mm version. I think this might be a great year for anyone wanting a more compact wearable, given those gains.

The main event is the updated and improved Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 – which I kept incorrectly calling the Watch 9 Ultra. I think you’d forgive me as the design changes now make it look more in-keeping with the boxy aesthetic that now signifies the “Galaxy Watch” lineup.

I can’t say I have much of an opinion on how a rugged watch “should” look, but I guess Samsung has done a decent job without encroaching on the Watch 8 Classic too much. The flatter profile is a cleaner aesthetic, and while you’re not getting the much-loved rotating bezel, at least there is no confusion, like maybe the original Galaxy Watch Ultra added with the colorful bezel edge. It looks better integrated, which is what I’m trying to say, rather than being stuck on or glued in place.

The lack of colors might be a bigger problem, as you can only pick up the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in silver or gray with no white model this time around. I like that it’s simplified, but a matte black option, akin to the Apple Watch Ultra, would have been incredibly sleek. Maybe we’ll get a future updated color sometime later down the line, akin to the blue option that was released last year.

Samsung says the Ultra 2 is 12% thinner than the previous version, and despite that decrease, manages to pack in an 800mAh battery. As a rugged wearable, that is a big plus, but I couldn’t get a read on what that means for multi-day battery life on this new version.

Another of the major changes is the vastly improved maximum brightness of the Watch Ultra 2. It hits a, frankly, staggering 5,000 nits at its peak. Now, I tested this wearable out in a fairly dim environment, but it was eye-searing when I turned it up to the maximum level. I have no doubt that you will have zero, and I mean zero, issues checking time, vitals, or basically anything else for that matter on this watch.

I could wax lyrical about Samsung’s display prowess all day, but just know that it’s exceptional here once again. The Watch 9 is similarly impressive. It’s not quite as bright as it’s brightest. Samsung says around 3,000 nits is the peak. I think that should be good enough for the “average” owner in most cases.

Putting the AI into fitness

Because the Bioactive sensor appears to have seen little to no upgrades this time around, there’s a huge push from Samsung to highlight some of the new fitness modes on the Watch Ultra 2 alongside new metrics that you can track on the latest devices.

Thanks to the improved IP69K rating and EN13319 diving certification, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 boasts some impressive underwater capabilities aimed directly at divers. It knows when it is submerged now, too, which engages the water lock. Later this year, Marz will even bring more metrics like descent speed and decompression guidance to the Watch Ultra 2. This would be a first for Wear OS watches.

There’s also enhanced trail running tracking with real-time route guidance possible using GPX files. This feels more like an “ultra” feature that rugged wearables should be adding to get hardened fitness buffs to look at devices like the Watch Ultra 2. I think the hydration guidance function is a great use of AI, as it uses more metrics to help you stay fully hydrated. That’s better than a generic reminder notification.

Raise to talk is coming to the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2. It works by deciphering if you are pulling your wrist up to check the time or closer to your mouth to start talking to Gemini. The Pixel Watch has had this for a little while, so it’s good to see some parity for the Galaxy Watch lineup.

Initial thoughts

Samsung continues to put out solid wearables to pair with a Galaxy phone, foldable or any other Android device, for that matter. The upgrades from last year are still front and center, and compared to the Pixel Watch, there’s an element of rugged quality that probably makes the Galaxy Watch 9 one of the best for all situations.

The blockier shape isn’t for everyone, though, which means if you hated the shift 12 months ago, then you’ll hate it again. I feel like it’s just a nice bump to an otherwise reliable Wear OS watch.

I’m still not entirely convinced that most people will gain anything drastic beyond extended battery life from the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 versus any other wearable. That said, there are some good improvements over the two-year-old original model. It’s thinner, lighter, has a bigger battery, and a few more fitness tricks packed in.

Overall, these watches are just nice improvements. Nothing more, nothing less, and that should mean a better buy than last year for the second year running. Stay tuned for a full review in the coming weeks to see if that does track.

Pre-orders for the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 have opened with various deals, including enhanced trade-ins and free gift cards.

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