Updated

Updated · Samsung Global Newsroom · Sep 8

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Watch9 With 5-Signal Health Tracking and Bigger Batteries

Updated

Updated · Samsung Global Newsroom · Sep 8

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Watch9 With 5-Signal Health Tracking and Bigger Batteries

Q: Despite claims of extreme durability, why were some of the Ultra2's highly anticipated navigation and dive features missing during initial real-world testing?

They were missing largely because Samsung launched the Ultra2’s rugged hardware before some headline software tools were fully ready for reviewers. Real-world testers said the watch’s adventure promise was credible on the hardware side: stronger titanium build, EN13319 dive certification, 10 ATM water resistance, brighter display, bigger battery and improved GPS. But some of the most anticipated outdoor features were not yet fully enabled during early reviews. For navigation, reviewers reported that certain trail-search and mapping tools were incomplete at launch. Samsung had said users would be able to search nearby trails directly from Google Maps, but that feature was not available in initial testing, forcing some reviewers to sideload GPX files from a phone instead. Turn-by-turn guidance worked, but the simpler trail discovery experience was not ready. For diving, the issue was even clearer. Samsung promoted recreational dive support and depth tracking, but the full dedicated diving app, developed with Mares, was scheduled for release later in the year. Early testers therefore could not fully evaluate advanced dive functions such as expanded underwater tracking and related software features. So the gap was not mainly about the watch failing durability claims. It was that launch-era software and partner app support lagged behind the hardware, leaving some marquee navigation and dive functions unavailable or incomplete in initial hands-on use.

3 articles · Updated · Samsung Global Newsroom · Sep 8

Regional reviewers said Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch line shifts from passive tracking toward proactive wellness guidance, with the Watch9 flagging early warning signs across five health areas.
Five-signal Vitals monitoring measures heart rate, heart-rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature and blood oxygen during sleep to build a personalized baseline and trigger deviation alerts.
Galaxy Watch Ultra2 drew praise for rugged titanium construction, diving capability, more accurate GPS and longer battery life, while reviewers also noted a slimmer, more comfortable fit.
Galaxy Watch9 was highlighted as a lighter daily-wear health companion with a slimmer design, larger battery and AI-driven insights aimed at preventive health management.
Samsung is positioning the two-watch lineup at both adventurers and everyday wellness users, adding a 60-day free Strava trial to broaden appeal.

Sources

Samsung Global Newsroom20h ago

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 & Watch9 Reviewed by SEA & Oceania Experts

Samsung Global Newsroom20h ago

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9: What Tech Experts in Southeast Asia & Oceania Have to Say – Samsung Newsroom Philippines

BW Businessworld1m ago

I Used The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 And It Changed My Perspective About What Smartwatches Can Actually Do - BW Businessworld

5 Sources

Can the Galaxy Watch9's new AI-driven health alerts truly predict medical issues before they happen, or will they just increase user anxiety?

With a $700 price tag, does Samsung's rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra2 actually outperform dedicated dive computers, or is it just premium marketing?

Despite claims of extreme durability, why were some of the Ultra2's highly anticipated navigation and dive features missing during initial real-world testing?