Last Updated: June 26, 2026: Galaxy Watch 9 colors are size-dependent — 40mm and 44mm will have different color options — Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 launches in Titanium Gray only — just 2 colors versus 4 on the original Ultra — Ultra 2 will be LTE-only — no Bluetooth-only variant confirmed
One month from today, Samsung takes the stage in London.
July 22, 2026 is Samsung’s biggest Unpacked in years — Galaxy Watch 9, Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Flip 8, and reportedly the first real look at Samsung’s Galaxy Glasses. All in one night.
I’ve been tracking every Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 leak since February 2026 — chip announcements, FCC filings, regulatory databases, design leaks, battery specs, and Samsung’s own health app changes.
Here is the most complete, honest picture available right now, including the brand new design leaks from June 21-22 that most sites haven’t covered yet.
SmartWatchInsight Quick Summary
- Release: July 22, 2026 announcement — early August on sale
- Expected price: ~$349+ (40mm)
- Battery: 382mAh (40mm) / 435mAh (44mm)
- Chip: Exynos W1000 — likely same as Watch 8
- OS: Wear OS 7 + One UI 9 Watch
- New colors: Black/blue, silver/green, beige
- No Classic model
- Release: July 22, 2026 announcement
- Expected price: ~$649–$699
- Battery: ~784–800mAh (35% larger)
- Chip: Snapdragon Wear Elite — confirmed
- 5G: Yes — US and South Korea
- Boxier design, numbered bezel, orange accent ring
- No glucose monitoring confirmed
Tested assessment by Sunil Bhatt, SmartWatchInsight — Updated June 22, 2026
The Chip Situation — Let Me Be Straight With You
This is the most confusing part of the Galaxy Watch 9 story — and I want to clear it up before anything else.
At MWC 2026 in March, Qualcomm confirmed Samsung as a launch partner for the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip.
Samsung’s own InKang Song, who leads mobile technology strategy, went on record saying the new chip will make the “next Galaxy Watch” a better wellness companion.
Here’s the problem: Samsung said “next Galaxy Watch” — not “Galaxy Watch 9” or “Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.” That deliberate ambiguity has created weeks of confusion.
Whether the standard Galaxy Watch 9 also receives the Snapdragon Wear Elite or stays on an updated Exynos chip remains unconfirmed.
Sammy Fans and multiple other outlets have reported both models will use the new Qualcomm chip, while a Notebookcheck leak attributed to tipster Jason C suggested the Watch 9 would retain the Exynos W1000 and only the Ultra 2 would move to Snapdragon.
Based on everything available as of June 22, here is my honest read:
With the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, Samsung is aiming straight for the premium sports market. Check out our Garmin Fenix 9 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 comparison to see if it can truly beat the king of outdoor tracking.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — Snapdragon Wear Elite.
This is confirmed. Multiple sources agree. Qualcomm named the Ultra partnership specifically in follow-up statements.
Galaxy Watch 9 — Most likely Exynos W1000.
PhoneArena and Sammy Fans — two of the most reliable Samsung sources — both report the Watch 9 keeps the Exynos chip.
Leaks indicate the Watch 9 will reuse the same 3nm Exynos W1000 processor as its predecessor. The Notebookcheck tip from Jason C supports this two-chip strategy.
Why does Samsung do this? If the two-chip strategy holds — Exynos W1000 for the Watch 9, Snapdragon Wear Elite for the Ultra 2 — it would mark the first time Samsung has used chip differentiation to distinguish its standard and premium smartwatch tiers. Prior Galaxy Watch generations used the same processor across all models in a given year.
We will not know for certain until July 22. But plan for the Exynos in Watch 9 and Snapdragon in Ultra 2. That is the most credible reading of available information.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 — What We Know
Design and Display
The Galaxy Watch 9 keeps the cushion-round squircle design introduced with the Watch 8. No dramatic visual overhaul — Samsung is evolving, not reinventing.
The Galaxy Watch 9 will have a 1.34-inch display on the 40mm and a 1.47-inch display on the 44mm, both Super AMOLED with sapphire crystal. Same sizes as Watch 8 — confirmed via FCC filings.
New for 2026 — Colors and Bands:
One more thing before July 22 — the colors are now confirmed.
SamMobile got the details on June 25, and there are a couple of surprises worth knowing before you pre-order.
Galaxy Watch 9 comes in three colors — beige, black with a bluish band, and silver with a green band. The interesting part: the color options are slightly different between the 40mm and 44mm. So if you’ve got your heart set on a specific color, double-check it’s available in your size before clicking buy.
Beige is the one everyone’s talking about. It looks genuinely different from anything Samsung has offered before — warmer, softer, and less “tech gadget” than the usual black and silver options. It appears to be Watch 9 exclusive, meaning you won’t find it on the Ultra 2.
Battery — Real Numbers
A 382mAh battery on the 40mm model, a 23 percent jump over the Watch 8 325mAh cell. The 44mm stays at 435mAh — same rated capacity as Watch 8 44mm.
Here’s the honest battery take: the 40mm improvement is real and meaningful. The 44mm improvement depends entirely on chip efficiency.
If Watch 9 keeps Exynos W1000, the battery gains come from software optimization rather than hardware. If Snapdragon makes it in, expect 30% better efficiency on top of the larger cell.
Either way, the Watch 9 will still need daily or every-other-day charging. It will not match multi-day competitors like Garmin. That hasn’t changed.
Charging speed stays at 10W — confirmed by 3C certification filings. Samsung is not prioritizing faster charging this generation.
Samsung Health App Overhaul — The Real Preview
On June 4, 2026, Samsung’s Global Newsroom announced a major Samsung Health app update rolling out from June 8.
Samsung explicitly said this update “showcases the key health features of its upcoming Galaxy Watch” — the clearest Samsung has come to officially previewing Watch 9 features without naming the device.
Five new health pillars:
Sleep — Smarter sleep analysis with personalized coaching beyond just a score.
Activity — Daily Cardio Load tracking that accumulates physical strain across the day and tells you when to train versus recover.
Nutrition — Integrated food tracking with health metric correlation.
Mindfulness — Stress management and breathing tools.
Vitals — Vitals monitors five overnight signals including heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen, alerting users only when readings fall outside their personal baseline.
Heart Health Score replaces last year’s Vascular Load metric with a single daily number. Fitness Index compares your heart rate, VO2 max, and daily steps against peers. Hearing Health uses the watch microphone to flag dangerously loud environments.
This health platform overhaul is arguably more significant than the hardware changes for most Watch 9 buyers. It works on Watch 8 today — which tells you what to expect from Watch 9 at launch.
To be clear: this would likely show trends rather than exact blood glucose readings. But even that would be a massive leap forward — and it would put Samsung well ahead of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 in the health monitoring race.
Chip — Exynos W1000 (Likely)
If Watch 9 does keep Exynos W1000, the day-to-day experience will feel largely continuous from Watch 8.
Because leaks indicate the Watch 9 will reuse the same 3nm Exynos W1000 processor as its predecessor, day-to-day performance will remain largely unchanged.
What changes is the software. Wear OS 7 built on Android 17, One UI 9 Watch, Gemini AI features, Live Updates, and redesigned widgets — these are software improvements that arrive regardless of chip.
OS — Wear OS 7 + One UI 9 Watch
The Galaxy Watch 9 runs Wear OS 7 with Samsung’s One UI 9 Watch on top. <cite index=”6-1″>That update brings Gemini AI features, Live Updates, and redesigned widgets.</cite>
This is the first Wear OS generation to include Gemini AI natively on the wrist — more capable on-device responses, smarter health coaching, and better notification summaries without pulling out your phone.
Expected Price
No pricing has leaked. On price, leaks have gone quiet. The Galaxy Watch 8 launched starting at $349 for the 40mm Bluetooth model.
A small increase is possible given industry-wide cost pressures — Samsung already raised Galaxy S26 prices. Expect $349 as the floor, accept $379 as a realistic outcome.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — The Real Upgrade
New Design — Boxier and Bolder
This is the most significant new leak from the last 48 hours. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is not a cosmetic refresh.
The ultra variant is slightly more boxier with Classic-like numbering (1-12), thinner bezels, better side buttons area, quick button colour reduced to an orange outline.
The numbered bezel is borrowed from the Watch Classic — giving the Ultra 2 a more traditional watch aesthetic while keeping the rugged squircle case.
Thinner bezels mean more usable screen area. The Quick Button keeps its orange identity but with a subtler ring rather than a full orange button.
One thing that has not been confirmed: whether the numbered bezel rotates. The Classic’s rotating bezel was one of its most loved interaction features.
If Samsung brings rotation to the Ultra 2’s numbered bezel, that’s a major usability upgrade for one-handed operation.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a different story. Samsung is simplifying the lineup this year — only Titanium Gray is confirmed. That’s two colors total, down from four on the original Ultra. If you were hoping for white or black like the first Ultra offered, those options don’t appear to be coming back for this generation.
Chip — Snapdragon Wear Elite (Confirmed)
The Ultra 2 is expected to debut Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite, announced at MWC 2026 in Barcelona. The chip is built on a 3nm process — the same node as the Exynos W1000 in the Watch 8 — but the architecture is substantially different.
The Snapdragon Wear Elite introduces a big. LITTLE design for the first time in Qualcomm’s wearable lineup: one prime core running at 2.1 GHz handles demanding tasks, while four efficiency cores at 1.95 GHz handle background workloads.
A dedicated AI chip that can run models with up to 2 billion parameters right on your wrist, working through about 10 tokens every second. 30 percent more battery life than the last generation, plus a 50 percent charge in around 10 minutes.
This is genuinely exciting. The dedicated Hexagon NPU for on-device AI means Gemini AI processing, health data analysis, and sleep coaching all happen on the watch — faster, more private, and without depending on your phone.
To understand just how significant that is, check out our breakdown of how the current Galaxy Watch Ultra stacks up against the toughest rugged smartwatches on the market.
Battery — 784–800mAh
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is reported to carry a battery of approximately 784 mAh — compared to 590 mAh in the original Galaxy Watch Ultra, which launched in 2025, representing a roughly 35 percent increase.
Combined with the Snapdragon chip’s 30% better power efficiency, this could push the Ultra 2 to 3+ days of regular use — a meaningful leap from the original Ultra’s 36-hour real-world performance.
Even conservative estimates put Ultra 2 at 60+ hours in standard use. That starts to challenge Garmin’s battery dominance at the premium end — not surpass it, but meaningfully close the gap.
5G Connectivity
One connectivity rumor is now officially dead.
Earlier leaks suggested Samsung might offer a Bluetooth-only variant of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for European markets — similar to how Apple prices Apple Watch lower without cellular. That’s not happening.
SamMobile confirmed on June 25 that the Ultra 2 launches in a single connectivity configuration: Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + LTE. Every Ultra 2 buyer gets cellular built in.
There’s no cheaper option. That keeps the price higher but also means you’re getting the full watch no matter which retailer you buy from.
Glucose Monitoring — Still Not Confirmed
Non-invasive glucose monitoring has been rumored for the Ultra 2 for months. As of June 22, 2026, it has not appeared in any regulatory filing, firmware code, or named source confirmation. Do not buy the Ultra 2 based on this feature. If it arrives, treat it as a bonus.
Galaxy Watch 9 vs Ultra 2 — The Real Differences
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 9 | Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Exynos W1000 (likely) | Snapdragon Wear Elite ✅ |
| Battery | 382–435mAh | ~784–800mAh |
| Design | Cushion-round, same as Watch 8 | Boxier, numbered bezel |
| 5G | No | Yes — US/South Korea |
| Build | Aluminum | Titanium |
| Durability | 5ATM + IP68 | MIL-STD + 10ATM |
| Colors | Black/blue, silver/green, beige | TBC |
| Expected price | ~$349+ | ~$649–$699 |
| Who it’s for | Everyday Samsung users | Athletes, adventurers, power users |
| Colors | Beige, Black/Blue, Silver/Green | Titanium Gray only |
| Variants | Bluetooth + LTE options | LTE only — single variant |
If you’re currently on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and wondering whether to upgrade, the Watch 9 is shaping up to be exactly the generational leap you’ve been waiting for.
No Galaxy Watch 9 Classic — It’s Official
The Galaxy Watch Classic line started with Watch 4 and has shipped every year since — including the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in July 2025. Missing from both databases at this stage means a July launch is essentially off the table.
This is not a rumor anymore. FCC and CMIIT filings — the final regulatory step before any device launches — show no Classic model number whatsoever. The rotating bezel line ends with the Watch 8 Classic.
If you loved the Classic’s rotating bezel, the closest thing Samsung is offering is the Ultra 2’s numbered bezel — and even that may not rotate.
Release Date and What Happens Next
Samsung Unpacked: July 22, 2026, London
The Watch 9 and Ultra 2 share the stage with Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Flip 8, and Galaxy Glasses. Samsung has not officially confirmed this date — but based on Samsung's prior cadence, retail availability would follow approximately two to three weeks after announcement.
Based on Watch 8’s pattern (announced July 9, on sale July 25), expect Watch 9 and Ultra 2 in stores by early August 2026. Pre-orders open July 22 the moment Samsung’s stage presentation ends.
Should You Buy Galaxy Watch 8 Now or Wait?
Wait — 30 days is nothing.
Galaxy Watch 8 prices are already softening ahead of the announcement. That’s a reliable early signal. And the Watch 9 brings enough meaningful changes — new health platform, updated colors and bands, improved battery on 40mm, and Wear OS 7 — to justify waiting 30 days if you’re buying Samsung.
The one exception: If you find the Galaxy Watch 8 at a significant discount right now — say $100+ off — and you need a watch immediately, it remains an excellent device. Just know what you’re giving up.
For Ultra buyers specifically: The Ultra 2 is a genuine hardware step up with Snapdragon, bigger battery, and 5G. If you own the original Galaxy Watch Ultra, the Ultra 2 is the first real reason to upgrade.
If you’re trying to decide whether to hold out or grab the current generation now, our best budget smartwatches under $200 guide covers some genuinely strong options that won’t leave you feeling like you missed out.
Buy This If You Are…
✅ A Samsung Galaxy phone user upgrading from Watch 6 or older — Watch 9 is the right move
✅ An outdoor athlete who wants the best Samsung can make — Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
✅ Someone who hated charging the original Ultra every 36 hours — Ultra 2’s 784mAh changes this
✅ A US user who wants cellular independence from their phone — Ultra 2 with 5G
Don’t Buy This If You Are…
❌ A Galaxy Watch 8 owner — chip and hardware improvements don’t justify the upgrade
❌ An iPhone user — neither watch works properly with iOS
❌ Someone who needs multi-week battery life — Garmin Enduro 3 is still the answer
❌ Hoping for glucose monitoring — not confirmed, don’t count on it
Already know the specs? See how the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 compare head to head — including price, battery, and who should buy which.
Internal Links — Related Reading
- Samsung vs Apple comparison: Galaxy Watch 9 vs Apple Watch Series 12 (2026)
- Full Android smartwatch context: Best Android Smartwatches 2026
- Garmin Fenix 9 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (2026): Which One Actually Wins?
- Galaxy Watch 9 vs Apple Watch Series 12 (2026): Which One Should You Actually Buy?
FAQ
When does Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 launch?
Samsung Unpacked is reported for July 22, 2026 in London. Samsung has not officially confirmed this date, but FCC and CMIIT regulatory filings cleared mid-June — consistent with prior launch timelines. Retail availability follows approximately two to three weeks after announcement, pointing to early August 2026.
Does Galaxy Watch 9 have Snapdragon Wear Elite chip?
This is the most contested question right now. Qualcomm confirmed the chip is coming to “the next Galaxy Watch” at MWC 2026, but Samsung has not specified which model. Most credible current leaks suggest the Snapdragon Wear Elite goes to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 only, with Watch 9 retaining the Exynos W1000 chip from Watch 8. We will know for certain on July 22.
What is the Galaxy Watch 9 battery life?
The 40mm model gets a 382mAh cell — 23% larger than the Watch 8’s 325mAh. The 44mm stays at 435mAh — same capacity as Watch 8. Real-world improvement depends heavily on the chip — if Exynos stays, gains come from software optimization. Expect daily or every-other-day charging.
What is new about Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 design?
The Ultra 2 is described as “slightly boxier” than the original Ultra. It adds Classic-style numbering (1-12) on the bezel — whether that bezel rotates is unconfirmed. Thinner bezels, improved side buttons, and the Quick Button now has an orange accent ring rather than a full orange button.
Is there a Galaxy Watch 9 Classic?
No. No Classic model number has appeared in FCC or CMIIT regulatory databases — the final step before any device launches. The Galaxy Watch Classic line effectively ends with the Watch 8 Classic.
What colors does Galaxy Watch 9 come in?
Leaked colors include beige (possibly Watch 9 exclusive), black with a bluish band, and silver with a green band. New band designs accompany both Watch 9 and Ultra 2.
Does Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 have 5G?
Yes — in the US and South Korea. The Ultra 2 uses 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability), a narrowband 5G standard designed for wearables. European models get 4G/LTE, with a Bluetooth + Wi-Fi only option also available.
Does Galaxy Watch 9 or Ultra 2 have glucose monitoring?
Not confirmed for either model. Despite months of speculation, non-invasive glucose monitoring has not appeared in any regulatory filing or credible named source confirmation. Do not factor this into your buying decision.
Should I buy Galaxy Watch 8 now or wait?
Wait. July 22 is 30 days away. Galaxy Watch 8 prices will drop after the Watch 9 announcement. Unless you need a watch urgently right now, waiting 30 days is always the right call when a confirmed successor is this close.
How does Galaxy Watch 9 compare to Apple Watch Series 12?
Both launch in the same summer/fall 2026 window — Galaxy Watch 9 on July 22, Apple Watch Series 12 in September. Galaxy Watch 9 is the answer for Android users. Apple Watch Series 12 is the answer for iPhone users. They do not meaningfully work with each other’s phone ecosystem. See our full comparison for the detailed breakdown
What colors does the Galaxy Watch 9 come in?
Three colors — beige, black with a bluish band, and silver with a green band. Color options vary slightly between the 40mm and 44mm sizes, so check your size before ordering. Beige is expected to be Watch 9 exclusive — you won’t find it on the Ultra 2.
What colors does the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 come in?
Titanium Gray only — just two color options total. That’s a significant step back from the original Ultra, which launched in four colors. Samsung is clearly simplifying the Ultra 2 lineup this year. If you were hoping for white or black like the first Ultra, those aren’t coming.
Does the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 come in a Bluetooth-only version?
No — and this is worth knowing if you were hoping for a cheaper cellular-free option. Earlier rumors pointed to a Bluetooth-only European variant, but SamMobile confirmed on June 25, 2026 that the Ultra 2 launches in one configuration only: Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + LTE. Every Ultra 2 buyer gets LTE built in, whether they need it or not.
Disclaimer: All specs and features mentioned are based on leaks, regulatory filings, and analyst notes as of June 22, 2026. Nothing is official until Samsung announces on July 22.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Sources: GSMA IMEI Database listings via Smartprix · Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite announcement, MWC 2026 · Samsung Canada trade-in leak via SammyGuru · Chip strategy leak via leaker Jason C on X, reported by Notebookcheck
