Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 continue the company's push to strengthen its position in the Android smartwatch market, with improvements focused on performance, artificial intelligence, battery life, health tracking and overall user experience. While the two watches target different segments, Samsung has used the latest generation to refine the hardware and software experience rather than relying solely on major design changes. The Ultra2 is positioned as the premium option for users seeking advanced fitness and outdoor capabilities, while the Watch9 is aimed at a broader audience looking for a refined everyday smartwatch.
A major change comes from Samsung's decision to use Qualcomm's 3-nanometer Snapdragon SW6100 Wear Elite platform. The new chip delivers up to five times faster single-core performance and up to seven times faster graphics compared with older wearable platforms such as the Snapdragon Wear W5+. It also includes a dedicated Hexagon neural processing unit for on-device AI and offers up to 30% improved power efficiency. The hardware upgrade is particularly noticeable when launching and switching between applications, while Google's Gemini can process tasks on the watch more quickly because of the additional AI processing capability.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 retains the rugged design language of its predecessor but receives a significant reduction in thickness. Its chassis has been slimmed from 12.1mm to 10.7mm, making it more comfortable to wear despite a substantial increase in battery capacity. The battery has grown from 590mAh to 800mAh, representing an increase of more than 30%. The watch is built with titanium and is available in Titanium Silver and Titanium Grey, while Samsung also offers accessories such as Marine Band and PeakForm bands in different colours. The Ultra2 is priced at ₹64,999 in India.
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The Galaxy Watch9 takes a simpler approach while retaining the refined design of its predecessor. It is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, with Samsung offering multiple band options for users who want to customise the appearance. The most noticeable hardware improvement is the larger battery, although the increase also adds around 2 grams to the watch's weight. The Watch9 starts at ₹37,999, while LTE models are priced from ₹41,999. Compared with the Ultra2, it is positioned as a more accessible option for users who want Samsung's latest smartwatch platform without paying for the company's premium outdoor-focused model.
Samsung has also expanded the health and fitness capabilities of the new watches. The updated suite introduces features such as trail running on the Galaxy Watch Ultra2, daily cardio load and a fitness index designed to provide a broader understanding of a user's physical condition. Instead of simply collecting individual measurements, the system attempts to interpret health and activity information together and establish a baseline based on the individual user. After monitoring the wearer for a period, the watch can provide suggestions based on observed patterns rather than comparing every user against a generic ideal level of fitness. Battery performance is also a major strength, with the Ultra2 capable of approaching seven days of use on a charge under certain conditions, while sleep tracking reduces that figure to just under five days.
Samsung's latest watches therefore represent an evolution of its smartwatch strategy rather than a complete redesign. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 occupies a relatively unique position in India's Android smartwatch segment, combining premium construction, longer battery life, brighter display technology, health tracking and on-device AI. Its display can reach 5,000 nits, making it particularly useful outdoors and even functioning as a practical light source. The Galaxy Watch9 faces stronger competition from devices such as the Google Pixel Watch 5, and existing Galaxy Watch8 owners may have fewer reasons to upgrade immediately. However, with promised software support for five years, improved processing and a broader health platform, Samsung is continuing to build a smartwatch ecosystem designed around long-term use.
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