Samsung · Reviewed by ITSub잇섭 · Published 2026-07-27
Based on a review by ITSub잇섭 (accessed 2026-07-27).
Based on this review alone: worth considering for new snapdragon wear elite processor (for some tasks), but initial boot and app loading speeds can be slower than previous models despite the new processor is a real trade-off.
The reviewer concludes that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 offers worthwhile improvements like a thinner design, increased battery, and new diving features, making it a potentially valuable upgrade for specific users. However, the Galaxy Watch 9 lacks significant changes to justify its increased price, and existing users of previous models are advised against upgrading.
This review covers the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, comparing them to their predecessors. It focuses on changes in processor performance, design, display, health features, and diving capabilities, alongside a detailed look at the new software.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Ultra2 offer a mixed experience, with the Watch9 providing minimal upgrades that make it a dubious recommendation for existing users, while the Ultra2 brings more substantial and appealing enhancements. Despite a new Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, initial boot and app loading speeds can surprisingly be slower compared to older Exynos models in some tests. The Ultra2, however, is 12% thinner, boasts a larger 1.52-inch screen with 5000nit peak brightness, and features a 35% larger battery, making it a more significant upgrade. If you prioritize substantial hardware improvements and specialized features like advanced diving capabilities, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 offers value, although its dedicated diving app is not available at launch. Existing Galaxy Watch users, especially those with a Watch8, might find the Watch9's incremental changes and increased price insufficient to justify an upgrade; consider other options or wait for future iterations.
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The Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 are the first Galaxy Watches to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, replacing Samsung's Exynos W1000.
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The new Snapdragon processor supports UWB and 5G, but the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 models do not include UWB and only support LTE, not 5G.
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Direct comparisons showed the Watch 8 had faster boot and initial UI response, while app launch speeds were mixed and scroll speeds similar, indicating no significant overall performance gain for Watch 9.
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The Ultra 2 had a slower boot speed but a significantly smoother button feel. Compass response was faster, but overall app and UI performance didn't feel drastically improved.
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The Ultra 2 is specified to be 12% thinner, has a slightly larger 1.52-inch screen (up from 1.47 inches), and features a redesigned bezel with numerical markings, making it more flat on the sides.
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The Ultra 2's display brightness increased from 3000 nits to 5000 nits, improving outdoor visibility. The new silicone default band also offers a more comfortable fit.
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The reviewer tried on the new Ultra 2 silicone band and found it to be very soft and comfortable, a definite improvement over the previous model's band.
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The Ultra 2 integrates the infrared temperature sensor into the central sensor for better skin contact and moves the barometer sensor upwards. It also features improved GPS tracking accuracy, likely due to the new Snapdragon processor.
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The Ultra 2's battery capacity increased by approximately 35%, from 590mAh to 800mAh. It also supports high-frequency fast charging, capable of reaching 40% in 30 minutes.
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The Ultra 2 received an IP69K water and dust resistance rating, designed for high temperature and pressure water jets. However, the reviewer's hands-on test showed that the automatic diving computer app did not activate upon immersion, as the dedicated diving app is scheduled for release in late 2024. Basic depth, dive time, and water temperature measurement were possible when enabled.
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The Watch 9's battery capacity increased by about 20% for the 40mm model and 2% for the 44mm model. The default silicone band has also been redesigned with a central line.
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The Watch 9 allows Gemini to be launched simply by raising the wrist, unlike the Watch 8 which required a voice command. Bluetooth has also been upgraded from 5.3 to 6.0.
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The new One UI 9 Watch operating system provides more information on screen. The Samsung Health app has been completely redesigned, becoming cleaner, more compact, and visually appealing.
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New health features include Heart Health, Bio-signs, Physical Fitness Index, and Daily Aerobic Load. These are supported on One UI 9 and later, and on Watch Ultra and Watch 7 or newer devices.
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The Galaxy Watch 9 starts at 499,000 KRW and the Ultra 2 at 969,100 KRW, representing a significant price increase. The Watch 9, for example, saw an additional 80,000 KRW increase over the Watch 8's price hike.
Despite integrating a new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, benchmark tests for boot speed, UI responsiveness, and app launch times revealed that the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 did not consistently outperform their predecessors. Some initial responses were even slower, while others were comparable or slightly faster, leading to a mixed overall performance impression.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 features a 12% thinner profile and a slightly larger 1.52-inch screen, up from 1.47 inches. The bezel design has been updated with numerical markings. Additionally, the display brightness has been significantly boosted from 3000 nits to 5000 nits, which is expected to greatly improve outdoor visibility.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 boasts a substantial 35% increase in battery capacity, from 590mAh to 800mAh, compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, it introduces high-frequency fast charging, allowing the device to charge up to 40% in just 30 minutes.
While the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has an IP69K water resistance rating and is designed for diving, the automatic diving computer application is not functional at launch. The reviewer's test confirmed it does not activate automatically upon immersion. Basic functions like depth, dive time, and water temperature can be tracked if enabled, but the full diving app is slated for release in late 2024.
Compared to the Watch 8, the Galaxy Watch 9's main improvements include an increased battery capacity (approximately 20% for the 40mm model and 2% for the 44mm model). It also introduces a redesigned silicone band, allows for direct Gemini voice assistant activation by simply raising the wrist, and upgrades its Bluetooth connectivity to version 6.0.
The new Galaxy Watch models come with the One UI 9 Watch operating system, which provides a more compact and information-dense interface. The Samsung Health app has undergone a complete redesign, offering a cleaner and more visually appealing user experience. New health monitoring features include Heart Health, Bio-signs, Physical Fitness Index, and Daily Aerobic Load, enhancing comprehensive wellness tracking.
The reviewer notes a significant price increase for both models. While the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2's improvements in thinness, battery, and diving capabilities might justify its higher cost for specific users, the Galaxy Watch 9's substantial price hike (an additional 80,000 KRW over the Watch 8's increased price) is considered difficult to recommend given its minimal changes from its predecessor.
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The reviewer examines the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, comparing their changes against previous models. Key updates include a new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, although initial performance tests show mixed results. The Ultra 2 specifically gets a thinner design, larger screen, improved display brightness, better silicone band, enhanced GPS, and a significantly larger battery with fast charging. It also introduces an IP69K rating for diving, though the dedicated app is slated for a later update. The Watch 9 sees battery improvements but otherwise is very similar to its predecessor. Both models feature an updated One UI 9 Watch and revamped Samsung Health app with new health metrics. The reviewer notes a substantial price increase for both.
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This page converts ITSub잇섭's review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 & Ultra2 into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.
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