Samsung introduced two new smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2, during the Galaxy Unpacked event in July in London. These models cater to different lifestyles and activities, with the Galaxy Watch9 designed for everyday use and health monitoring, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is built for extreme sports and outdoor adventures. Both devices became available for purchase on August 7 and are eligible for trade-in bonuses, a free trial of the fitness app Strava Premium, and interest-free financing in 20 installments through Boulanger. The choice between the two models is not about superiority but rather about matching the user's specific needs—whether it's daily health tracking or high-performance outdoor activities.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, a first for Samsung smartwatches, offering improved GPS accuracy and faster performance. It features an 800 mAh battery, a 35% increase from the previous model, and a titanium case that is both thinner and more durable. Its screen reaches up to 5,000 nits of brightness, the highest in any smartwatch, making it readable even in direct sunlight or at high altitudes. The watch includes advanced diving functions developed in partnership with Mares, a diving equipment brand, such as tracking ascent and descent rates, calculating decompression times, and monitoring depth and water temperature. It is certified to withstand harsh conditions with IP69K, 10ATM, EN13319, and MIL-STD-810H ratings. Additional features include trail tracking for elevation and terrain analysis, and a Hydration Reminder that estimates sweat loss and suggests how much to drink to prevent dehydration.
The Galaxy Watch9 is thinner than its predecessor and includes a lattice-structured Sport band for improved wrist comfort, available in 40 and 44 mm sizes. Its screen reaches up to 3,000 nits, slightly less than the Ultra2, but still adequate for outdoor use. It retains the iconic design of the Galaxy Watch8 and uses the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor, ensuring smooth performance despite its more affordable positioning. Designed as a constant health companion, the Watch9 focuses on well-being, from tracking sleep patterns to monitoring recovery after physical activity.
Both models use AI to enhance well-being tracking, including FDA-validated sleep apnea detection, which analyzes two consecutive nights to identify signs of moderate to severe sleep issues. They also feature Vitality, a system that learns the user’s baseline health metrics during sleep, such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels, to alert them if there are significant changes. Additional features include a daily cardiovascular health score, a training load indicator to prevent overtraining, and a Hearing Protection function that warns of potentially harmful sound levels. These features rely on Samsung’s BioActive sensor, along with an accelerometer, barometer, and gyroscope for accurate data collection.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is priced at €749, with up to €100 trade-in bonus for an old watch and 60 days of free Strava Premium access. The Galaxy Watch9 is priced at €409, with up to €50 trade-in bonus and the same Strava trial. Both models can be purchased in interest-free installments over 20 months. These promotions are available until September 29.
Samsung Unveils Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 with Diverse Features and Trade-In Offers
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