Samsung unveils Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 with larger batteries

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at its Galaxy Unpacked event in July 2026, with a strong emphasis on battery life improvements. The new models aim to address one of the most common complaints among smartwatch users: the need for frequent charging.

Consumers who purchase the Galaxy Watch 9 or Ultra 2 will benefit from significantly larger batteries compared to their predecessors. The Watch 9 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, while the Ultra 2 is slimmer than its predecessor yet houses a substantially larger battery. These upgrades directly affect daily users who rely on their watches for health tracking, notifications, and other features throughout the day.

The battery enhancements matter because they reduce the frequency of charging, making the devices more convenient for continuous use. This is particularly important for users who wear their smartwatches overnight for sleep tracking or engage in extended activities like workouts and travel. Improved battery life can also reduce the need for users to carry charging cables or power banks.

Specific details from the launch include the availability of the Galaxy Watch 9 in 40mm and 44mm sizes, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is noted for being slimmer than the original Ultra. Samsung has also introduced trade-in offers for preorders, breaking the typical new-model pricing pattern, as noted by Gizmodo. The Verge and other outlets have reported that the battery is a key focus of these releases.

These new watches follow Samsung's previous Galaxy Watch models, with the Watch 8 serving as the direct predecessor to the Watch 9. The Ultra 2 succeeds the original Galaxy Watch Ultra, which was launched earlier. The company has been iterating on its wearable lineup to compete with other major players like Apple and Garmin.

Looking ahead, the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 are expected to go on sale following the preorder period. Samsung's trade-in offers may encourage upgrades from older models. The long-term impact will depend on real-world battery performance and how these devices compare to competitors in terms of features and price.