what changes (and what doesn’t) in the new generation of Samsung smart watches

Samsung’s latest Unpacked has featured the brand’s three new foldables (yes, in this generation there are three different models), but we cannot forget the smartwatches, because there is a lot to tell. In this article we are going to review the most important differences between the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 with respect to their previous generations.

The differences between the four Samsung Galaxy Watch

More shine and absence of the Classic

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 screen
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 screen

One of the most notable absences in Unpacked has been the absence of the Classic model that we saw in the previous generation and it had a very practical rotating bezel. In this way, the brand has only presented two models: Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2.

between the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 there are no noticeable differences in their screens. We have two again 40 and 44mm configurations that we must take into account depending on the size we want. Where we are going to find differences is in the high range.

Samsung has opted for the same size in the new generation of the Watch Ultra with a single 47 mm configuration. But be careful because while the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 reaches a Brightness up to 5,000 nits. In practice this means that you will be able to see the screen better outdoors.

From Exynos to Snapdragon

At the performance level, things change with the arrival of the new generation, and Samsung has taken a fairly big step by betting on Qualcomm instead of its own processors.

In this sense, while the previous generation (and here we are talking about the Watch8 and Watch Ultra) had the Exynos W1000, the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 incorporate the Snapdragon Wear Elite.

More battery

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Battery
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 Battery

The battery capacity in the Galaxy Watch9 grows very little compared to the previous generation, going from 325 (40 mm) and 435 (44 mm) mAh of the Watch8 to 390 and 445 mAh respectively. Where we do have a change, and quite a big one, is in the high range.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra incorporates a 590 mAh battery, while the new generation arrives with a 800 mAh battery. The difference is notable and, although we will see this in its corresponding analysis, this will have a positive impact on autonomy.

A much more complete sensor

Although in general terms there are no major changes at the sensor level between both generations, there are some very interesting additions in the health section.

The new generation comes with everything that the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra already offered, but they also have the function of sleep apneaswhich is exclusive for Galaxy phones, and the cardiovascular health functions, the physical fitness index and hearing risk alerts.

Price

The previous generation is still on sale, so it can be purchased for a lower price than the previous generation:

  • He Samsung Galaxy Watch9 It has a price from 409 euros (minimum configuration).
  • He Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra It has a price of 749 euros.
  • He Samsung Galaxy Watch8 can be found for a price of 324 euros (minimum configuration).
  • He Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra can be found for a price of 630.85 euros.

Which Samsung Galaxy Watch to choose?

Why choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch8

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 continues to be sold in many stores, and at a very good price. Right now the most notable thing is:

  • Its pricewhich is inferior to its new generation.
  • Your screenwhich does not vary too much from the Watch9.

If you are going to buy a Galaxy Watch, it is important to keep in mind that the new generation right now has an introductory offer. The Watch9 is almost at the same price as the Watch8.


Samsung Galaxy Watch8 – 40mm

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Why choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch9

The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 arrives with certain changes, especially internal. Where it stands out the most is in:

  • Your processorwhich for this generation Samsung has opted for Qualcomm.
  • Your batterywhich grows slightly compared to the previous generation.
  • The new health functions.

Samsung Galaxy Watch9 – 40mm

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Why choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra also continues to be sold at a lower price than the new generation. His key points right now are:

  • performancewhich is still pretty good.

Something to keep in mind is that the new generation is currently on sale with a launch offer, and at a lower price than the Watch Ultra.


Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

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Why choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is the watch that has undergone the most changes. Where it stands out the most is in:

  • Its maximum brightnesswhich is now 5,000 nits.
  • Your processorwhich incorporates the Snapdragon Wear Elite.
  • The batterywhich grows a lot compared to the Watch Ultra.
  • Your new health features.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

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Technical sheet of the Samsung Galaxy Watch

Samsung Galaxy Watch8

samsung galaxy watch ultra

Samsung Galaxy Watch9

samsung galaxy watch ultra2

dimensions and weight

40mm: 40.4 x 42.7 – 30 grams

44mm: 43.7 x 46 mm – 34 grams

47.4 x 47.4 x 12.1mm.

60.5 grams

40mm: 42.7 x 40.4 x 8.6 mm – 31.5 grams

44mm: 46 x 43.7 x 8.6 mm – 34 grams

47.4 x 47.1 x 10.7mm

61.5 grams

screen

Super AMOLED

40mm: 1.34 inches, 438 x 438 pixels

44mm: 1.47 inches, 480 x 480 pixels

sapphire crystal

Maximum brightness: 3,000 nits

1.5 inch AMOLED

Resolution 480 x 480

Maximum brightness of 3,000 nits

Always On Display in full color

Super AMOLED

40mm: 1.37 inches, 438 x 438 pixels

44mm: 1.47 inches, 480 x 480 pixels

Always On

Up to 3,000 nits

sapphire crystal

1.52 inch Super AMOLED

Resolution 498 x 498 pixels

Always On

Up to 5,000 nits

sapphire crystal

processor

Exynos W1000

Exynos W1000

Snapdragon Wear Elite

Snapdragon Wear Elite

ram memory

2GB

2GB

2GB

2GB

internal storage

32GB

32GB

32GB

64GB

Sensors

Samsung BioActive Sensor

temperature sensor

Accelerometer

Barometer

Gyroscope

Geomagnetic sensor

Light sensor.

Samsung BioActive Sensor

Accelerometer temperature sensor

Barometer

Gyroscope

Geomagnetic sensor

light sensor

Dual band GPS (L1+L5)

Samsung BioActive Sensor

temperature sensor

Accelerometer

Barometer

Gyroscope

Geomagnetic sensor

Light sensor.

Samsung BioActive Sensor

temperature sensor

Accelerometer

Barometer

Gyroscope

Geomagnetic sensor

Light sensor.

Battery

40mm: 325mAh

44mm: 435mAh

590mAh

40mm: 390mAh

44mm: 445mAh

800mAh

buttons

2x side button

2x side button

2x side button

2x side button

rotating crown

compatibility

Android 12 or higher

1.5 GB of RAM or more

Android 11 or higher with more than 1.5 GB of memory

Android 13 or higher

1.5 GB of RAM or more

Android 13 or higher

1.5 GB of RAM or more

operating system

Wear OS 6

One UI 8 Watch

Wear OS 5

One UI 6

Wear OS 7

One UI 9 Watch

Wear OS 7

One UI 9 Watch

OTHERS

Auto Brightness

AoD mode

Heart rate monitoring
Sleep monitoring

SpO2 monitoring
Stress monitoring

vascular load

Antioxidant index

Bioelectric impedance

Fall detection

Notifications
Music control

Microphone

Speaker

More than 100 sports modes

Google Gemini

Google Play

Sleep Analysis
SpO2 measurement
Electrocardiogram
Blood pressure measurement

sleep apnea

AGE Index

Quick access button

emergency siren

Auto Brightness

AoD mode

Heart rate monitoring

Sleep monitoring

SpO2 monitoring

Stress monitoring

vascular load

Sleep pain

Hearing

Bioelectric impedance

Fall detection

Notifications
Music control

Microphone

Speaker

More than 100 sports modes

Google Gemini

Google Play

Auto Brightness

AoD mode

Heart rate monitoring

Sleep monitoring

SpO2 monitoring

Stress monitoring

vascular load

Sleep pain

Hearing

Bioelectric impedance

Fall detection

Notifications
Music control

Microphone

Speaker

More than 100 sports modes

Google Gemini

Google Play

PRICE

From 324 euros

From 630.85 euros

From 409 euros

749 euros

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 – 40mm

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Samsung Galaxy Watch9 – 40mm

The price could vary. We earn commission from these links


Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

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Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

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Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary.

Images | Samsung

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