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:
- Exynos W1000 (3 nm) chip
- Some rumors suggest the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip for the wearable
- Bigger battery size for the 44 mm version
- 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 likely
- 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
Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy Watch 9 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 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
Expect market availability for the Watch 9 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (potentially) following in about two weeks' time after the announcement.
There aren't many rumors yet, but some model numbers appeared in a major database earlier this year. Records strongly suggest that Samsung's next standard smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 9, has the model number SM-L345U.
This fits perfectly with the naming style of previous models.
Meanwhile, recently we've had the firmware for the smartwatch spotted online. This indicates Samsung is no longer developing the timepiece but is now testing it, which hints the company's plans are moving according to the rumored timeline. Also, the timepiece was recently mentioned briefly on Samsung's trade-in website.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 price
Rumors and leaks are quiet about the smartwatch's potential pricing thus far. We don't know if the timepiece is going to suffer the same fate as the Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy A devices that recently got their prices hiked (and already-released devices got price hikes too, quietly).
| 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 or more* | $399/$429 or more* |
*- anticipated price
Rising costs for parts and a tough economy are making smartphones more expensive right now. We aren't sure yet if smartwatches will face the same price hikes.
It is worth remembering that Samsung already raised prices for the Galaxy Watch when the Series 8 came out.
We do hope that Samsung keeps the Galaxy Watch 9 at the same price as the current models. That would mean starting at $349 or $379 for the Bluetooth sizes, and $399 or $429 if you want LTE connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 design
We still don't know exactly what the Galaxy Watch 9 may look like. As the release date gets closer, we will probably see some leaked photos or ads, but for now, everything is being kept a secret.
Rumor has it that Samsung will stick with a style similar to the last model: sleek, modern, and very trendy. The Watch 8 introduced a "squircle" shape, which is a mix between a square and a circle. The design is actually very comfortable for everyday wear. That version was also nice and thin with a clean aluminum frame.
If you like a more rugged or chunky look, you'll probably have to check out the Ultra model. The standard Galaxy Watch 9 will likely just be a more polished and refined version of the "squircle" design we saw last time.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 display
We're likely going to see the same squircle design with the Watch 9, meaning circular displays. Leaks are silent thus far on the exact size and other specs of the display panels. 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.
For reference, the Galaxy Watch 8 had a screen brightness of 3,000 nits, which is a common standard for top-tier smartwatches right now. We may see the same brightness again or even a small boost, though we haven't seen any specific leaks about it yet.
As for the screen resolution, we expect things to stay the same as the previous year. That would mean a resolution of 438 x 438 pixels for the small 40 mm model and 480 x 480 pixels for the larger 44 mm version.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 battery
A recent leak has detailed the 44 mm version of the Galaxy Watch 9's battery size. 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's battery capacity is yet to leak, though.
To put the leaked number in perspective, the Galaxy Watch 8 sported 435 mAh and 325 mAh cells inside the 44 mm and 40 mm models, respectively (keep in mind that's not the rated capacity but the advertised one).
To put the leaked number in perspective, the Galaxy Watch 8 sported 435 mAh and 325 mAh cells inside the 44 mm and 40 mm models, respectively (keep in mind that's not the rated capacity but the advertised one).
With this battery cell, the smartwatch offers more or less 30 hours at best on a single charge.
Obviously, 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, especially if you want it to monitor your sleep.
Meanwhile, the competition is heating up with smartwatches like the OnePlus Watch 3. This bad boy can last up to five days on a single charge, by the way.
Charging speed is another area where we'd love to see some progress. So far, we haven't heard if Samsung plans to speed things up this year.
For comparison, the Galaxy Watch 8 actually charged a bit slower than its main rivals, the Apple Watch and the Pixel Watch. Faster charging would definitely be a great addition to the new model. Let's see if it happens.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 features and software
Reportedly, the Galaxy Watch 9 may focus on AI-driven health monitoring and efficiency. The smartwatch is expected to come with One UI Watch 9 based on Wear OS 7. We also expect advanced Galaxy AI integration for the timepiece.
There have been a few rumors online about the Watch 9 gaining non-invasive blood sugar monitoring. However, we haven't seen any proof yet.
This feature has been talked about for years without actually appearing, so it may not be ready quite yet.
On the bright side, you can expect the usual health sensors to return. This includes tools for checking your blood pressure, ECG, skin temperature, and blood oxygen levels.
We also think the helpful running coach from the Watch 8 will be back. Plus, you'll likely get those smart sleep reports powered by Galaxy AI to help you rest better.
The previous model also introduced the "Antioxidant Index" feature. It's very likely this feature will show up on the new watch too, though we're still waiting to hear if Samsung has added any new upgrades to it.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 hardware and specs
Curiously enough, it appears that Samsung may have decided to equip the Galaxy Watch 9 with the same chip as its predecessor, the Exynos W1000. Most recent leaks corroborate that information. It's a relatively new silicon that Samsung first introduced back in 2024 on the Galaxy Watch 7.
However, we already have chips like the Snapdragon Wear Elite. It appears that this processor would be reserved for the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Of course, this may be related to efforts to differentiate the Ultra 2 from the Watch 9.
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: 40 mm 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, as usual.
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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