Samsung is preparing to introduce its next-generation smartwatches during the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event on July 22, 2026. According to recent reports from WinFuture, the company is expected to unveil the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, bringing noticeable improvements in battery life, AI-powered health tracking, performance, and durability.
While the Galaxy Watch 9 focuses on delivering a refined everyday smartwatch experience, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and users who want premium features with standalone connectivity. If you prefer lightweight smartwatches, this may not be the ideal choice for you. However, these upgrades are also expected to come with higher pricing compared to the previous generation.
Galaxy Watch 9 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 40mm / 44mm | 47mm |
| Material | Aluminum | Titanium |
| Processor | Exynos W1000 (expected) | Snapdragon Wear Elite |
| RAM | Expected 2GB | 2GB |
| Storage | Standard | 64GB |
| Battery | 382–435mAh | 784–800mAh |
| Display Protection | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | 10ATM + MIL-STD-810H |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, LTE | Bluetooth, LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, UWB |
| AI Features | Health tracking | Advanced AI workout coaching |
| Weight | 33.8 grams | 60.5 grams |
| Target Users | Everyday users | Outdoor & power users |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Launch Date
Samsung is expected to officially announce both smartwatches during the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, 2026. The company is likely to begin pre-orders immediately after the launch event, while global availability is expected to start in early August 2026.
Expected Prices
| Model | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 9 | €409–€489 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | Around €749 |
The Ultra 2 will likely be available with cellular connectivity and 5G support in selected regions.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Gets a More Premium Design
According to leaked renders, Samsung has slightly refined the appearance of both smartwatches. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 features a rugged 47mm titanium case paired with a Sapphire Crystal display for improved scratch resistance. The watch introduces numbered 1–12 hour markings around the bezel, giving it a more premium appearance similar to Samsung’s classic smartwatch lineup. That is not new when we compare it with samsung galaxy watch ultra.
Another noticeable improvement is the redesigned silicone strap. Samsung has removed the deep ridges from the previous generation and replaced them with a smoother, cleaner-looking band that should feel more comfortable during extended wear.
The watch also retains:
Titanium Gray finish
Orange-accented Quick Button
Thin display bezels
Boxier premium design
Sapphire Crystal protection
The rugged construction includes MIL-STD-810H certification and 10ATM water resistance, making it suitable for hiking, swimming, trekking, and other outdoor activities.
Galaxy Watch 9 Keeps the Familiar Design
The Galaxy Watch 9 continues Samsung’s modern squircle design available in 40mm and 44mm sizes.
It uses an aluminum body and will reportedly launch in multiple colors including:
- Beige
- Black/Blue
- Silver/Green
Although the overall design remains familiar, Samsung has refined the color palette and improved the overall finish to give the watch a more premium appearance.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Powered by Snapdragon Wear Elite
One of the biggest changes this year is the processor. Reports suggest Samsung may finally move away from its Exynos chipset for the Ultra series.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra was powered by Samsung’s Exynos W1000 chipset, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to feature Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, replacing the previous Exynos platform.
The new chipset reportedly includes:
- Dedicated AI NPU
- Faster CPU performance
- Improved graphics
- Better battery optimization
- Enhanced on-device AI processing
- The smartwatch is also expected to include:
- 2GB RAM
- 64GB internal storage
These hardware upgrades should make app launching, navigation, workout tracking, and AI-powered health analysis significantly faster. Meanwhile, the standard Galaxy Watch 9 is expected to continue using Samsung’s Exynos W1000 processor, paired with Wear OS 7 and One UI 9 Watch.
Longer Battery Life Is One of the Biggest Upgrades
Battery life has become one of the major priorities for smartwatch buyers, and Samsung appears to be addressing this concern.
Galaxy Watch 9 Battery
| Size | Battery |
|---|---|
| 40mm | 382mAh |
| 44mm | 435mAh |
The smaller model receives approximately a 23% battery increase compared to the previous generation, while Samsung’s software optimization could help extend battery life to nearly two days under typical usage.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Battery
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to include an enormous 784–800mAh battery, making it one of Samsung’s largest smartwatch batteries to date. When it comes to battery life, the HIRREO Smart Watch delivers better performance. Combined with the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, users may experience:
- 60+ hours of normal usage
- 2–3 days between charges
- Better GPS endurance
- Longer workout sessions
- Improved standby performance
For travelers and outdoor users, this could become one of the biggest selling points.
AI-Powered Health Tracking
Samsung continues to expand its health ecosystem with AI-powered features.
Both watches are expected to include:
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking
- Sleep analysis
- Personalized sleep coaching
- ECG support (region dependent)
- Stress monitoring
- Recovery insights
- Fall detection
- Fainting prediction
These features aim to provide users with a more complete picture of their daily health and fitness.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Could Introduce Smarter Workout Coaching
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 may take fitness tracking a step further.
Thanks to its dedicated AI processor, the smartwatch is expected to deliver:
- Real-time workout coaching
- Faster health analysis
- AI-generated training recommendations
- Improved outdoor activity tracking
- Better GPS performance
Some reports also suggest Samsung is testing non-invasive glucose monitoring, although this feature remains unconfirmed and should be treated as a rumor until officially announced.
Better Connectivity for Standalone Use
Connectivity is another area where the Ultra model stands out.
Galaxy Watch 9
- Bluetooth
- LTE
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
- Bluetooth
- LTE
- 5G (selected markets)
- GPS
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 6.0
- Ultra Wideband (UWB)
The addition of 5G connectivity in select regions, including the United States and South Korea, means users could make calls, stream music, navigate maps, and receive notifications without carrying a smartphone.
Emergency Features for Outdoor Adventures
Samsung has also focused on user safety.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 reportedly includes an 86-decibel emergency siren that can be heard from up to 180 meters away. Its feature is also available in samsung watch ultra.
Combined with:
- Quick Button shortcuts
- Rugged titanium body
- Military-grade durability
- 10ATM water resistance
The watch is also clearly aimed at hikers, climbers, cyclists, runners, and adventure enthusiasts.
Should You Wait for Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
If you’re looking for a premium smartwatch with excellent battery life, advanced AI health features, rugged durability, and independent connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 appears to be Samsung’s most capable smartwatch yet.
The combination of a titanium build, Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, 800mAh battery, AI-powered fitness tracking, and 5G support makes it an attractive choice for athletes, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 9 remains a strong option for users who want reliable health tracking, Wear OS 7 features, and a stylish design at a lower price.
Since Samsung is expected to reveal complete specifications during the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, it’s worth waiting for the official announcement before making a purchase decision.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 represents a significant step forward in Samsung’s smartwatch lineup. With a powerful Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, a massive battery, rugged titanium construction, AI-enhanced health monitoring, and standalone 5G connectivity, it is positioned as Samsung’s most advanced smartwatch for 2026.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 9 offers meaningful upgrades in battery life, software, and health tracking, making it an excellent choice for everyday users. Whether you prioritize premium outdoor performance or a balanced daily wearable, Samsung’s new smartwatch lineup is shaping up to offer compelling options for every type of user.