With just two days to go before Samsung officially unveils its next-generation smartwatches at Unpacked, an extensive leak has provided what may be our most detailed look yet at the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The information, shared by prominent leaker Evan Blass, includes marketing images, specifications, and color options that confirm several earlier rumors and introduce new surprises.

Galaxy Watch 9: A refined wearable with a powerful new chip

The Galaxy Watch 9, Samsung’s flagship smartwatch for the masses, is set to receive a significant internal upgrade. According to the leaked materials, it will be powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor from Qualcomm. This marks a continuation of Samsung’s shift away from its in-house Exynos chipsets, a move that began with the Galaxy Watch 7 series. The Snapdragon Wear Elite promises improved performance, better energy efficiency, and enhanced connectivity features, positioning the Watch 9 to compete more effectively with the Apple Watch Series 10 and other premium wearables.

The leak also confirms three color options for the Galaxy Watch 9: Cream, Silver, and Graphite. These choices suggest Samsung is aiming for a more neutral palette that appeals to a broad audience, moving away from the bolder colors seen in previous models like the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. Accompanying band options will likely allow for personalization, though specific band colors were not fully detailed in the leaked images.

Health and fitness tracking remain a core focus. The marketing materials highlight several features, including Sleep Apnea detection—a capability that was introduced on the Galaxy Watch 7 series using regulatory approvals from the US FDA. The Watch 9 will also include an Energy Score, Sleep Score, Vitals monitoring, and a Running Coach that provides real-time guidance and performance analysis. These tools leverage the new processor’s AI capabilities to offer more personalized insights, similar to features found on the Google Pixel Watch 3 and the latest Apple Watch.

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: A rugged beast with major battery and brightness upgrades

For users who demand durability and extreme performance, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 builds upon the rugged foundation of its predecessor. The leaked images confirm a titanium construction, which offers a premium feel and superior strength while reducing weight. Notably, Samsung claims the Watch Ultra 2 is 12% thinner than the original Galaxy Watch Ultra, making it more comfortable for daily wear without sacrificing toughness.

One of the most significant upgrades is the battery capacity. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will pack an 800mAh battery, a substantial increase from the 590mAh cell in the first-generation model. This boost, combined with the efficient Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, could push battery life to multiple days even with heavy usage, potentially rivaling the Garmin Fenix 8 series in longevity.

The display also sees a dramatic improvement. Peak brightness jumps from 3,000 nits on the original Ultra to 5,000 nits on the Watch Ultra 2, making the screen easily readable in direct sunlight—a critical feature for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and athletes. This matches the brightness levels of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, setting a new standard for smartwatch displays.

Durability ratings are equally impressive. The Watch Ultra 2 will carry an IP69K certification, which signifies protection against high-temperature, high-pressure water jets—a step above the standard IP68 water resistance found on most smartwatches. This makes it suitable for use in industrial environments and extreme water sports. Combined with its MIL-STD-810H compliance, the Watch Ultra 2 is built to withstand everything from saltwater immersion to desert sandstorms.

A look back: The evolution of Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup

To fully appreciate these upcoming devices, it helps to understand Samsung’s journey in the smartwatch market. The company first entered the modern smartwatch space with the original Galaxy Gear in 2013, though early models ran Tizen OS. The shift to Wear OS began with the Galaxy Watch 4 series in 2021, a collaboration with Google that revitalized the platform. Since then, each generation has refined the formula: the Watch 5 introduced the BioActive sensor and improved sapphire crystal displays; the Watch 6 added a rotating bezel on the Classic model and a larger screen; the Watch 7 and Watch Ultra debuted the Exynos W1000 chip and advanced health sensors.

Now, with the Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2, Samsung is doubling down on Qualcomm’s chipset expertise. The Snapdragon Wear Elite (rumored to be a custom version of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2) brings a 4nm process node, dedicated AI engine, and support for the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E standards. This not only improves performance but also enables new health algorithms that can detect atrial fibrillation, blood pressure trends (with calibration), and even stress levels based on heart rate variability.

Industry context and competition

The timing of this leak is critical. Samsung’s Unpacked event on July 22 is expected to be one of the biggest product announcements of the year, likely including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and possibly the Galaxy Ring 2. The smartwatch updates come at a time when the wearables market is increasingly competitive. Apple continues to dominate with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, while Google’s Pixel Watch 3 has gained traction. Garmin remains a leader in fitness-focused devices, and Chinese brands like Huawei and Xiaomi are expanding their offerings.

The Galaxy Watch 9’s new chip and refined design aim to attract both Android loyalists and iPhone users who might consider switching ecosystems. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 directly targets the adventure and sports segment, taking on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin’s Fenix and Enduro lines. The combination of a thinner titanium body, massive battery, and ultra-bright display gives Samsung a compelling argument for outdoor enthusiasts who want a smartwatch that can handle anything.

What to expect at Unpacked

Beyond the watches, Samsung is likely to announce the new Galaxy Buds Pro 3 and possibly a new Galaxy Tab S10 series. However, the smartwatches are expected to be the star attractions for health and fitness fans. Pre-orders are expected to open immediately after the event, with shipping dates likely in early August. Pricing rumors suggest the Galaxy Watch 9 will start at around $349 (matching the Watch 7’s launch price), while the Watch Ultra 2 could hit $649 or higher due to its premium materials and larger battery.

As we approach the official announcement, the leaked materials give us a clear picture of what Samsung has in store. The Galaxy Watch 9 offers a powerful, polished experience for everyday users, while the Watch Ultra 2 pushes boundaries in durability and endurance. Both devices represent Samsung’s commitment to refining the smartwatch formula, leveraging the best available hardware and software to deliver a superior wearable experience.

Source: Android Authority News