At the same Galaxy Unpacked presentation in London where Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8, the company showed two new smartwatch models: Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. A good deal of time has passed between the previous and current generation, and it’s time to break down what’s new in the latest devices.

Samsung has released new smartwatch models

What’s Changed in Galaxy Watch 9 Compared to Watch 8

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is an evolutionary update without a concept change. Samsung kept the Watch 8 design and focused on improving the internals and health features.

Key changes compared to the previous generation:

  • new Snapdragon Wear Elite processor (3 nm) replacing the Exynos W1000 — CPU 32% faster, GPU 19% faster;
  • larger battery: 390 mAh vs. 325 mAh for the 40 mm version, 445 vs. 435 mAh for 44 mm;
  • Bluetooth 6.0 vs. 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 4 in the previous generation;
  • the watch is 17% lighter thanks to a new strap with air chambers;
  • support for 5 Wear OS updates instead of 4.

Galaxy Watch 9 specifications:

  • screens: 1.34 inches (40 mm) and 1.47 inches (44 mm), Super AMOLED, 3000 nits;
  • Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, 3 nm, 5 cores;
  • 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage;
  • dual-band GPS L1+L5, Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, optional LTE;
  • MIL-STD-810H, IP68, 5ATM;
  • Wear OS 7 / One UI 9 Watch, 5 OS updates.

Weight: 31.5 g (40 mm) and 34 g (44 mm). Colors: Graphite, Cream, Silver.

Health and AI in Galaxy Watch 9

The new model received many interesting health features

Samsung emphasized health as the key focus of the Galaxy Watch 9 smartwatch. Five key monitoring features:

  • Vitals — continuous monitoring of basic health indicators with notifications when deviations from the norm are detected;
  • Heart Health Score — cardiovascular health assessment with personalized recommendations;
  • Daily Cardio Load — workout optimization based on load and recovery;
  • Fitness Index — comparison of your metrics with people of the same age group;
  • Hearing — warnings about dangerous noise levels and hearing reports.

Galaxy Watch 9 buyers get 60 days of Strava and 2 months of iFIT for free. These are specialized health monitoring apps.

Galaxy Watch 9 Price in Russia

The Galaxy Watch 9 price in Russia varies depending on the size of the model you choose:

  • 40 mm — 28,999 rubles;
  • 44 mm — 30,999 rubles.

Prices haven’t increased compared to last year, which looks pleasant against the backdrop of the memory crisis and general rise in tech prices. However, this only applies to launch prices, since the Galaxy Watch 8 has already dropped to 17,000 rubles.

So technically, while the prices have remained at the same level relative to launch, the previous model still looks like a better deal if you’re not chasing innovative features.

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — What’s Changed

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a flagship watch with serious upgrades. Samsung didn’t just refresh the design but added professional diving equipment functionality.

These are the most technologically advanced watches to date

Key improvements over the first Ultra:

  • 1.52-inch Super AMOLED display, 5000 nits (66% brighter than its predecessor);
  • world’s first watch with Snapdragon Wear Elite (3 nm): CPU +32%, GPU +19%;
  • 800 mAh battery — 35% larger than the Galaxy Watch Ultra, the largest capacity in Galaxy Watch history;
  • case is 12% thinner and 26% lighter, strap is 34% thinner;
  • IP69K + 10 ATM water resistance + EN13319 certification for professional diving;
  • 2 GB RAM and 64 GB storage — twice the storage of Watch 9;
  • Bluetooth 6.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, LTE, NFC.

A separate story is the collaboration with diving equipment manufacturer Mares. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 automatically tracks dive time, depth, and water temperature. This is no longer just a “water-resistant watch” but a professional dive computer on your wrist.

The new “Raise to Talk” feature lets you summon Gemini with a gesture — bring the watch to your face and say your request without pressing any buttons. Colors: Titanium Gray, Titanium Silver. A silicone Marine Band is included. Peakform Band and Trail Band are also available separately.

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Price in Russia

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 price in Russia is 49,999 rubles.

For the price of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, buyers get the most technologically advanced watch in Samsung’s history: the world’s first Snapdragon Wear Elite in a watch, the largest Galaxy Watch battery ever, a professional dive computer developed with Mares, and a 5000-nit display.

Galaxy Watch 9 or Watch Ultra 2 — Which to Choose

Simple selection logic that everyone can understand:

  • buy Galaxy Watch 9 if you need everyday smartwatches with good health monitoring at a reasonable price. 29,000–31,000 rubles for a Snapdragon Wear Elite, Wi-Fi 6, and 5 years of updates is a fair deal;
  • buy Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 if maximum battery life, outdoor screen brightness, professional protection, and diving matter to you. At 49,999 rubles, these are the best Android watches on the market right now.

Both options run on the same Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, come with Wear OS 7 and One UI 9 Watch, and receive updates for 5 years. The difference lies in the level of protection, battery capacity, and the range of sports capabilities. If you don’t dive and don’t need extreme protection — Watch 9 covers all your needs and saves you 20,000 rubles.