Samsung Unpacked 2026: New Galaxy Watches Take Aim at Apple
Each year, Samsung unveils new smartwatches, and this year is no exception. At the 2026 Unpacked Event held in London, Samsung introduced two models that aim to challenge Apple’s dominance in the smartwatch market: the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
Galaxy Watch 9: A Subtle Upgrade?
The Galaxy Watch 9 may look similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 8, but significant improvements lurk beneath the surface. The battery life has increased, with the 40mm variant now featuring a 390 mAh battery—roughly 20% higher than the previous model. The 44mm version boasts a 445 mAh battery, extending usage time considerably.
Moreover, the watch retains its impressive display brightness of 3,000 nits and a suite of health monitoring tools, including:
- BioActive sensor (ECG, heart rate, BIA body analysis)
- Accelerometer and Gyroscope
- Skin temperature sensor
- Barometer and Altimeter
- SpO2 oxygen measurement
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Dual-frequency GPS
Changes extend beyond hardware to include software enhancements. Users can now engage voice commands to control music, check messages, or interface with Google Gemini, making it easier to interact with the device on-foot.
Software and Accessory Updates
This year sees Samsung introducing new accessories as well, including stylish sports bands priced around 50 euros. The fabric band also comes in fresh colors, enriching the customization options for users.
Pricing starts at 409 euros for the 40mm Bluetooth model, rising to 459 euros with LTE support. The 44mm model begins at 439 euros for the Bluetooth version, while the LTE variant costs 489 euros.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: A Diver’s Dream
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 aims to impress with its new diving mode, developed in collaboration with diving equipment experts Mares. Unlike its predecessor, which lacked dedicated diving functionality, the Ultra 2 promises real-time tracking of dive metrics such as depth, duration, and water temperature.
For land enthusiasts, a new trail running tracking mode is available, catering to a wide range of outdoor activities.
Enhanced Hardware Features
This model also reduces its profile, with the thickness dropping by 12% to 10.7mm while maintaining robust features. The display reaches an impressive 5,000 nits, ensuring optimal visibility in various conditions.
Notably, both the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 transition to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite SW6100 processors, replacing Samsung’s Exynos line, promising faster performance and reduced response times.
The Ultra 2’s battery capacity has seen a significant upgrade from 590 mAh to 800 mAh, enhancing longevity for demanding activities. Users can expect a full suite of health tracking sensors, similar to the Galaxy Watch 9.
Pricing and Availability
Starting in colors Gray and Silver, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is priced at 749 euros with LTE, offering no alternative size choices. Accessories such as the new Marine and Peakform bands add a stylish flair for around 80 euros.
In summary, Samsung continues to innovate in the smartwatch arena with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, demonstrating its commitment to competing in a market dominated by Apple. Both devices offer substantial upgrades and new features that will undoubtedly appeal to fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy users alike.
