The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 boasts significant upgrades across the board, making it the clear choice for those seeking a top-tier smartwatch in 2026. It features a larger battery, a brighter AMOLED display, faster internals, and a surprisingly thinner profile than its predecessor. The 47mm titanium case offers an exquisite look and feel.

In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 9 offers iterative improvements, retaining a similar design to last year. Its main advantage is sharing the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite platform with the Ultra 2. While it includes a slightly larger battery and the same thin and light form factor, Samsung's focus is on software enhancements, like a new health dashboard and advanced fitness metrics, which are also present on the Ultra 2.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $699, reflecting its premium features, larger battery, and titanium construction. The Galaxy Watch 9, available in 40mm and 44mm, starts at $379 for the Bluetooth model, making it a more affordable option. Both devices were unveiled on June 22, 2026, and are available for pre-order globally.