Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 review: Health data overload, but built for the future

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 review highlights the health data overload that comes with the new smartwatch, but acknowledges its forward-thinking design. The ZDNET review found that the Galaxy Watch 9 offers a few under-the-hood improvements, including a new processor, additional health metrics, and a longer battery life on the 40mm device.

The reviewer commends the Galaxy Watch 9 for being a great first smartwatch for Android users with a Samsung phone, but notes that it may not be necessary to upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 7 or 8 just yet, unless a longer battery life is desired. The Galaxy Watch 9 arrives with Google's Wear OS 7 and Samsung's One UI 9 Watch, featuring Health Score, Fitness Index, and Daily Cardio Load.

The smartwatch provides a blend of short-term and long-term insights, allowing users to monitor daily cardio load and track changes into a longitudinal metric.

The reviewer tested the Galaxy Watch 9's heart-rate monitor against a gold standard chest strap, finding that the device's heart rate data was within 3 beats per minute of the chest strap's measurement and within 1 beat per minute for the maximum heart rate. The smartwatch's hydration guidance proved helpful during workouts, alerting users to hydrate based on exertion levels.

The Galaxy Watch 9 boasts a 30-hour battery life with the always-on display enabled, with the reviewer's tests confirming a runtime of around 36 hours and 30 minutes. However, the reviewer expresses disappointment with the charging time, noting that it takes around an hour and 20 minutes to recharge the device from 0%. The reviewer compares the Galaxy Watch 9 to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 8, and concludes that it is a suitable choice for first-time buyers and Android users, particularly those already invested in the Samsung ecosystem.