Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades
Galaxy Watch 8 for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena
Galaxy Watch 9: what to expect
What's expected to change vs Galaxy Watch 8:
- Likely a similar squircle design, refinements possible
- Similar 1.47-inch and 1.34-inch display sizes as the ones used on predecessors
- AI-driven health monitoring is possible
- Exynos W1000 (3 nm) chip
- Bigger battery size for the 44 mm version
- The Galaxy Watch 9 is expected to accompany the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 in a summer 2026 release.
Expected price:
- No leaks on pricing yet.
- Could start from $349 as its predecessor.
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 release date
Based on Samsung's usual schedule when it comes to wearables, we're pretty sure the Galaxy Watch 9 will be unveiled alongside Samsung's next foldables in the summer of 2026.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series | July, 2023 | August, 2023 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 series | July, 2024 | July, 2024 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series | July, 2025 | July, 2025 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 | July, 2026* | July, 2026* |
* - probable dates
Normally, Samsung launches its wearables the same month the company announces the devices, with market availability following in about two weeks' time.
Leaks and rumors are scarce currently, but IMEI listings popped up in the beginning of the year. According to records found in the GSMA IMEI database, the company’s new generation standard smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 9, is coming with the model number SM-L345U, which is in line with the previous generation models.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 price
Currently, there are no leaks saying there will be a price increase for the Galaxy Watch 9, which in this case is "no news equals good news." Samsung already bumped up the prices of the last generation, so another price increase is unlikely at the moment.
| Galaxy Watch model | 40/44mm Bluetooth | 40/44mm LTE |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | $299/$329 | $349/$379 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | $299/$329 | $349/$379 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 | $349/$379 | $399/$429 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 9* | $349/$379* | $399/$429* |
*- anticipated price
We have our fingers crossed Samsung will keep the price of the Galaxy Watch 9 the same as the previous generation, namely $349/$379 for the 40mm and 44mm Bluetooth models, respectively, and $399/$429 for the LTE versions.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 design
There are no leaks and rumors concerning the design of the Galaxy Watch 9, but expect renders and press materials to start showing up as the launch date draws near. Early speculations suggest that Samsung will stick to a similar design for the Galaxy Watch 9 as the one used on the past couple of generations - sleek, modern, and stylish.
The rugged and bulky look will be reserved for the Ultra model. The vanilla model will most likely be an evolution and refinement of the squircle design of the last generation, possibly thinner, lighter, and sleeker.
The rugged and bulky look will be reserved for the Ultra model. The vanilla model will most likely be an evolution and refinement of the squircle design of the last generation, possibly thinner, lighter, and sleeker.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 display
The two versions of the Galaxy Watch 9 will most likely stick to the squircle design, meaning they will feature a circular displays. There are no leaks about the exact size and other specs, regarding the display panels, but there's a big chance Samsung might use the same 1.47-inch and 1.34-inch display sizes as the ones used on the previous generation.
The last-gen Galaxy Watch devices sported 3,000 nits of brightness, which is an industry standard now in the smartwatch world, so we will most likely get the same brightness, if not more, on the Galaxy Watch 9. As far as resolution and refresh rate go, we expect them to remain the same as last year: 438 x 438 pixels (~327 ppi density) for the smaller 40 mm model and 480 x 480 pixels (~327 ppi density) for the 44 mm one.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 battery
Recently, the 44 mm version's battery size has leaked. The battery comes with part number EB-BL355BAY and is said to have a 435 mAh rated capacity. Samsung usually advertises the battery capacity higher than the rated one, so this just about means that, at least, the 44 mm variant may have a bigger battery than its predecessor.
The 40 mm battery capacity is yet to leak.
For reference, the last generation featured 435 mAh and 325 mAh cells inside the 44 mm and 40 mm models, respectively, managing around 30 hours at best on a single charge. Those are the typical battery capacities, though, so the rated ones are lower.
For reference, the last generation featured 435 mAh and 325 mAh cells inside the 44 mm and 40 mm models, respectively, managing around 30 hours at best on a single charge. Those are the typical battery capacities, though, so the rated ones are lower.
All in all, Samsung may need to bring some upgrades in the battery department. In our Galaxy Watch 8 review, we found that the smartwatch does need to be charged every day, which may be a hassle for some users. And we also have competitors like the OnePlus Watch 3 that can go up to five days on a single charge, so there's that.
Charging speeds also need some upgrade, but we are yet to hear if Samsung is bringing a change in this department this time. The Galaxy Watch 8, for reference, was behind Apple Watches and Pixel Watches in terms of charging speeds.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 features and software
In terms of sensors, the Galaxy Watch 9 will likely refine the 3-in-1 BioActive chip (Optical Heart Rate, Electrical Heart Signal, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) we're familiar with from the past couple of Galaxy Watch generations.
You can safely expect the Watch 8's personal running coach feature to make a return this time too, as well as the Galaxy AI-powered sleep analysis.
The Watch 8 also brought a new feature called Antioxidant Index. This one may also make it to the successor.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 hardware and specs
The Galaxy Watch 9 is expected to be powered by the same chip as last year, the Exynos W1000. It's a relatively new silicon that Samsung first introduced back in 2024 on the Galaxy Watch 7.
Unfortunately, the timepiece is not getting the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip that leaks indicate is coming to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Of course, this may be related to efforts to differentiate the Ultra 2 from the Watch 9. Recent leaks also corroborate that the Galaxy Watch 9 is coming with the Exynos W1000 chip.
In terms of sensors, the rumor mill is silent currently, so the expectations are for Samsung to stick with the already quite comprehensive set of sensors, including a body impedance one and one that measures the oxidative stress of the body.
Galaxy Watch 9's expected specs:
- CPU: Exynos W1000 (3 nm)
- Connectivity: LTE, Bluetooth
- Battery life: Around 30 hours with Always-on display
- Materials: Aluminum
- Sizes: 40mm and 44mm
- Storage: Yes
- Sensors: BioActive, temperature, antioxidant index
In terms of connectivity, we expect the usual two versions – a Bluetooth-only model and one with LTE connectivity.
Should I wait for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9?
- You should wait for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9if you're on the lookout for the latest and greatest Samsung wearable, and you're prepared to wait a couple of months before pulling the trigger. If you come from an older Galaxy Watch and want to upgrade, the Galaxy Watch 9 is the perfect choice.
- You should not wait for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9if you already own the Galaxy Watch 8, as there probably won't be enough upgrades to justify the purchase. Alternatively, if you're not into Samsung's ecosystem or you want a new smartwatch right now, you should probably look elsewhere.
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