It wouldn’t be a phone launch if there wasn’t something else worth talking about, and over at Samsung’s half-year Galaxy Unpacked, there are two other gadgets on display, and not just phones that fold.
For those keeping track at home, it’s a couple of devices made to wrap, but specifically around your wrist, as Samsung accompanies its typical assortment of foldable news with wraparound news in the form of wearables, gadgets that are typically launched together.
Just like how the iPhone launches tend to come alongside Apple Watch models, so too do Galaxy Watch models arrive alongside the Fold phones, and that is happening again.
This year, if you can believe it, the Galaxy Watch hits its ninth-generation in the Galaxy Watch9, while the more durable and sports-heavy Watch Ultra enters its second-gen with the Watch Ultra 2.
An everyday Watch9
Two variants are on the way, and the first of these is built to appeal to most people. Namely those who don’t plan to put their watch through serious stress testing, or heavy water activities and sports.
Unsurprisingly, it’s a direct follow-up to the Galaxy Watch8 before it, and while it’s a new model, it doesn’t seem to feel like a total reinvention. Rather, it’s about little evolutions, namely on screen and chip, it seems.
The Watch9 continues the design approach we’ve seen from Samsung for a while, which basically sits a circular display inside a frame of a softened square. It’s a look that will come encased in aluminium and arrive in both a 40mm and 44mm option, offering a 390mAh battery under a 3000nit screen.
A more durable Ultra 2
A little more impressive, the Ultra 2 is the model to consider if you need serious durability.
Instead of aluminium, this model will sport titanium just like another of the “Ultra”-themed watch models, while the thickness is also cut back slightly, reducing it by about 12 percent.
It also sports an IP69K water resistance rating, able to go down to 10 metres (10ATM) and even getting the “EN13319” certification for diving. Apparently, the moment you start a descent in water, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will track diving information, such as time, depth, and water temperature (but won’t reportedly trigger while simply washing your hands).
Much like its predecessor, the Galaxy Ultra opts for a larger 47mm screen with a much larger battery, doubling what’s in the Galaxy Watch 9 and offering 35 percent more than the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s 590mAh before it. It means there’s 800mAh inside, complete with a brighter display, maxing out at 5000 nits, a brightness level Samsung says is a world-first, making it largely unprecedented in smartwatches.
Pricing and availability
Both models are quite similar under the hood, armed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite processor, plus an assortment of AI-connected sensors. That includes tracking your heart, cardiovascular load, checking vitals, and bringing the information together under what the company calls an “AI-powered health intelligence” system.
“Today we’re launching two distinct wearable options – designed to help Australians meet their health and fitness goals – no matter what they are,” said Kylie Mason, Head of Wearables at Samsung Australia.
“Whether you’re looking to beat a personal best, or just stay active, the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 enable advanced, proactive health tracking to give Australians the tools they need for their journey,” she said.
There are also new bands across the range, while the prices will see the Bluetooth only 40mm Galaxy Watch9 start at $649 with the 4G capable 40mm variant from a hundred more at $749. Respectively, the 44mm Bluetooth model is $699 and the 44mm 4G model is $799.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will only come in a 47mm with 4G, priced at $1299.
Both new wearables will launch in August.
