
Samsung took the wraps off its newest smartwatches at the Galaxy Unpacked event in July 2026. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and the Galaxy Watch9 are here, and the company is betting big on health.
The message from Samsung is clear: these watches are not just for telling time or checking notifications. They are designed to be your health companion on the wrist.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is the successor to last year's rugged outdoor model. It keeps the tough titanium build and the bright display that made the original popular. The Watch9, on the other hand, is the mainstream flagship. It is sleeker, lighter, and aimed at everyday users who want a full-featured smartwatch without the bulk.
Both models run on the latest version of Wear OS, with Samsung's One UI Watch skin on top. The software experience is largely identical across the two, with the main differences lying in hardware and durability.
The biggest talking point from the event is a new health sensor that can detect when you are about to fall ill. Reports indicate the watches can spot early physiological changes—like shifts in heart rate variability or skin temperature—that often precede sickness. Samsung is calling it a proactive health alert system.
This is not the first time a wearable has offered such a feature. Other health trackers in the market have attempted similar predictions. But Samsung's implementation appears to be more integrated, using multiple data streams from the BioActive Sensor array to flag potential illness before symptoms become obvious.
Users will receive a notification suggesting they rest, hydrate, or consult a doctor. The feature is opt-in and processes data locally on the watch for privacy.
Samsung has improved battery efficiency on both models. The Watch Ultra2 promises up to 80 hours on a single charge with typical use, while the Watch9 can last about 60 hours. Fast charging support means a 30-minute top-up can give enough juice for a full day.
Wireless charging pads that came with previous Galaxy Watches remain compatible. The company did not introduce a new charging standard this time.
The Watch9 gets a slightly larger display with thinner bezels, making the screen-to-body ratio the highest on any Samsung smartwatch to date. The Watch Ultra2 retains its signature flat-protected screen with a raised bezel for impact resistance.
Both watches are IP68 certified and meet MIL-STD-810H standards for durability. The Ultra2 adds a 10 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for scuba diving.
Colour options include classic black, silver, and titanium grey for the Ultra2. The Watch9 comes in more vibrant shades like cream, pink gold, and graphite.
Samsung has kept the price points competitive. The Galaxy Watch9 starts at Rs 29,999 for the Bluetooth variant, while the LTE model costs Rs 33,999. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is priced at Rs 49,999 for the base model.
Pre-orders open immediately after the event, with general sale expected to begin in the first week of August 2026. Customers who pre-order get a free extra band and six months of Samsung Health premium.
The market will now watch how consumers respond to the illness detection feature. If it works as advertised, it could set a new standard for what a smartwatch can do for preventive healthcare.