Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs Watch Ultra: Key Upgrades and New Features
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 during its Unpacked event in London, introducing a significant evolution of its flagship smartwatch despite a visually similar design. The 2026 model, priced at $699 / €749, represents a major step forward in performance, durability, and features compared to the 2025 Ultra, according to SamMobile. The upgrades include a more powerful processor, enhanced display, and improved water resistance, positioning the device as a competitive option in the premium smartwatch market.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 retains the 47mm form factor and LTE connectivity of its predecessor but introduces key hardware and software improvements. The most notable change is the adoption of the Snapdragon Wear Elite (SW6100) chip, replacing the Exynos W1000 from the 2025 model. This shift aligns with Samsung’s broader strategy to integrate Qualcomm’s chips into its wearable ecosystem, offering better performance and energy efficiency. The new SoC is paired with Wear OS 7 and Samsung’s One UI Watch 9, which the company claims delivers smoother multitasking and longer battery life.
Display enhancements are central to the Ultra 2’s redesign. The screen now measures 1.52 inches—slightly larger than the 1.5-inch panel on the 2025 model—and achieves a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, up from 3,000 nits. This improvement ensures better visibility in direct sunlight, a critical feature for outdoor activities. The bezel has also been narrowed, creating a more immersive viewing experience while maintaining the watch’s rugged aesthetic.
Battery capacity has seen a substantial jump, with the Ultra 2 featuring an 800mAh silicon-carbon battery compared to the 590mAh lithium-ion cell in the 2025 model. Samsung emphasizes that this upgrade extends daily usage significantly, though exact metrics remain unconfirmed. The company also highlights a redesigned internal structure that allows for a thinner profile—10.7mm versus 12.1mm—without compromising durability.
Water resistance is another area of significant advancement. The Ultra 2 meets the IP69K rating, the highest standard for dust and water protection, compared to the IP68 rating of the 2025 model. This upgrade enables the watch to withstand high-pressure water jets, making it suitable for extreme environments. Additionally, the Ultra 2 is certified under EN13319, a diving standard, whereas the previous model lacked such certification. The new Marine Band, 26% lighter and 1mm thinner than its predecessor, further enhances comfort during extended wear.
Connectivity options have also been upgraded. The Ultra 2 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 6, surpassing the Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities of the 2025 model. These improvements are expected to enhance data transfer speeds and reduce latency, particularly for streaming audio and syncing with smartphones. Samsung also confirmed that the Ultra 2 will receive five major OS updates, compared to four for the 2025 model, ensuring longer software support.
Health and fitness features are another focal point. The Ultra 2 introduces a “Trail Run” mode and a diving app developed in collaboration with Mares, a marine equipment manufacturer. These additions expand the watch’s utility for adventure enthusiasts, though the diving app is scheduled for a later release. Samsung Health, the platform powering these features, will also gain new metrics and analytics in future updates.
Despite the upgrades, the Ultra 2’s price increase of $50 over the 2025 model has drawn mixed reactions. At $699, it remains competitively priced against Apple’s Watch Ultra 2, which starts at a higher price. However, some analysts question whether the enhancements justify the premium, particularly given the lack of new color options or materials. Samsung has not yet commented on the decision to maintain a single size and connectivity variant, a strategy that has drawn comparisons to Apple’s approach with its smartwatches.
The Ultra 2’s pre-order window opened on July 22, with availability in the U.S. and Europe. The device is expected to ship globally by late August, coinciding with the start of the outdoor activity season. While Samsung has not yet disclosed retail partnerships, the company’s direct sales channel and partnerships with carriers like Verizon and EE are likely to play a key role in distribution.
Industry observers note that the Ultra 2’s improvements reflect Samsung’s focus on refining its wearable ecosystem rather than chasing hardware gimmicks. The company has also hinted at future collaborations with third-party developers to expand the watch’s app ecosystem. However, questions remain about how the Ultra 2 will compete with emerging rivals, including wearable startups and Apple’s upcoming Watch 10.