Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 bet big on battery - The Verge

What the report says

The Verge reports that Samsung has announced the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, positioning this year’s smartwatch updates around longer battery life, improved efficiency and expanded health tracking. The watches were unveiled on July 22 as part of Samsung’s Unpacked 2026 announcements, with preorders beginning the same day and shipping expected from August 7.

According to The Verge, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 rises by $50 to $699.99 and now includes an 800mAh battery, up from 590mAh in the original Ultra, while also using a thinner 47mm case. It adds a 5,000-nit display, narrower bezels, a trail-running mode with GPX route support, elevation guidance, estimated finish time and hydration alerts based on algorithmic estimates. Samsung is also adding diving-related ratings and plans a Mares diving app later this year.

The standard Galaxy Watch 9 increases by $30 to $379.99. Its design is described as largely similar to last year’s Watch 8, but it moves from Samsung’s Exynos processor to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite, a chip expected to help with power efficiency and AI features. Battery sizes are also modestly larger, with the 40mm model getting a 390mAh battery and the 44mm version rising to 445mAh.

The Verge says both models add preventive health tools, including Vitals baselines, a Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load and a Fitness Index comparing different fitness areas against other Samsung users. The updates suggest Samsung is trying to close gaps with rivals in health and endurance, though the improvements arrive alongside higher prices.