Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Ultra 2 Review | New capabilities impress while charging speed could be better

Samsung has recently unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 9, two smartwatches designed to elevate fitness tracking. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 targets outdoor adventurers and performance-driven individuals, boasting durable construction, prolonged battery life, and continuous health monitoring. Conversely, the Galaxy Watch 9 targets health-conscious users who desire effortless, continuous tracking of their activities and sleep.

Both models cost around ₹64,999 and ₹37,999, slightly higher than their predecessors but justified by the enhanced features.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 maintains the circular display and cushion-shaped titanium case characteristic of the Ultra series. The redesign showcases a more streamlined appearance, with the edges blending seamlessly into the case and refined buttons adding a touch of elegance. The watch remains rugged while feeling lighter and more balanced at 61.5 grams. The redesigned Marine Band adds flexibility and comfort during workouts and sleep.

In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 9 adopts a familiar design with a circular face and rounded-square bezel, dubbed the cushion design by Samsung. The dynamic lug system keeps the watch snug to the skin, while the new lighter bands enhance comfort. This watch is ideal for daily use without feeling heavy or cumbersome, certified for IP68 water resistance, 5ATM pressure, MIL-STD-810H durability, and even diving certification (EN13319).

Both watches offer touchscreen and physical buttons for navigation, with the Watch 9 featuring two buttons and the Ultra 2 adding a dedicated Quick Button for workouts and shortcuts. A physical rotating bezel could have made wet-hand or glove usage easier, but the current design still delivers a comfortable user experience.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 boasts a 1.52-inch Super AMOLED display with a claimed brightness of 5,000 nits, ensuring visibility in direct sunlight and vibrant colors. The Galaxy Watch 9 utilizes a Super AMOLED panel in both 1.34-inch and 1.47-inch sizes, featuring up to 438 x 438 resolution and 16 million colours, with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits.

Both devices run Wear OS 7, granting access to a vast array of apps, including Maps, Wallet, Gmail, and Spotify. The Ultra 2 supports LTE connectivity, enabling calls and messages without tethering to a phone.

Both watches utilize Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite, running on 2 GB RAM and 32 GB or 64 GB storage, depending on the model. The Ultra 2 benefits from increased storage, catering to users who prefer relying on the watch for standalone smartwatch features. Fitness tracking on both devices is robust, supporting activities like walking, running, cycling, swimming, and strength training. Automatic workout detection proves reliable, accurately identifying sustained activities without manual input.