Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Review: New Features but No Major Upgrade
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 features some impressive health tools, yet its minor upgrades and higher price raise questions about the value of upgrading from the Galaxy Watch 8.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 has entered the smartwatch arena, and while it introduces some appealing health tools, you may want to think twice before considering an upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 8. With a design that remains largely unchanged and no significant enhancements in battery life, this latest model begs the question: are the new features worth the higher price tag?
Key Features of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
After wearing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 for a month, it’s clear that this device builds upon its predecessor with a few notable additions. Among these new features are:
- A faster processor
- A redesigned health app with an emphasis on trend data
- Improved comfort from a softer strap
- The introduction of the new Gemini AI voice assistant, activated by a wrist raise gesture
While these updates may sound enticing, the overall experience feels similar to the Galaxy Watch 8.
Pricing Overview
The Galaxy Watch 9 comes with a noticeable price increase compared to prior models. The starting prices are:
- 40mm model: $379 (Bluetooth) or $429 (LTE)
- 44mm model: $409 (Bluetooth) or $459 (LTE)
For comparison, the Galaxy Watch 8 started at $349 for the 40mm version and $379 for the 44mm version. Samsung's price spike puts it ahead of the Google Pixel Watch 5, which also saw a price increase but remains a strong competitor in the market.
Comparison Table
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 | Google Pixel Watch 5 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $379 | $349 | $399 | $699 |
| Dimensions | 42.7 x 40.4 x 8.6mm (40mm), 46.0 x 43.7 x 8.6mm (44mm) | 42.7 x 40.4 x 8.6mm (40mm), 46.0 x 43.7 x 8.6mm (44mm) | 41 x 41 x 12.3mm (41mm), 45 x 45 x 12.3mm (45mm) | 47 x 47 x 10mm |
| Weight | 31.5 g (40mm), 34 g (44mm) | 30 g (40mm), 34 g (44mm) | 31 g (41mm), 36.7 g (45mm) | 61.5 g |
| Battery Capacity | 390mAh (40mm), 445mAh (44mm) | 325mAh (40mm), 435mAh (44mm) | 332mAh (41mm), 465mAh (45mm) | 800mAh |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters | 50 meters | 100 meters |
| Max Brightness | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits | 5,000 nits | 3,000 nits |
Design and Display
The Galaxy Watch 9 retains the same design elements as the Galaxy Watch 8, offering two size options: 40mm and 44mm. Both models maintain the same dimensions, weight, and water resistance of 50 meters. The screen also delivers a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Unfortunately, the anticipated 'Classic' model did not launch alongside this version, which might be a disappointment for users fond of the clicky bezel feature.
Health and Wellness Features
The health-focused features of the Galaxy Watch 9 stand out significantly. A new 'Vitals' dashboard centralizes important metrics, such as:
- Heart Rate
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
- Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)
- Body Temperature
- Breath Rate
Moreover, the introduction of a 'Heart Health' score—based on various cardiovascular metrics—enables users to gain insight into their long-term heart health. To generate this score, users must wear the watch for four consecutive nights, allowing the device to collect enough data.
Fitness Tracking Performance
As for fitness capabilities, the Galaxy Watch 9 moderately performs during workouts, supporting various activities. However, it does lack some specific tracking modes present in competing devices, such as e-biking and skateboarding. The watch introduces new metrics like 'Cardio Load' and 'Fitness Index score', but the latter is currently exclusive to Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 models.
Battery Life Analysis
Despite the slight increase in battery capacity — up to 390mAh for the 40mm and 445mAh for the 44mm — the Galaxy Watch 9 retains the same battery longevity as its predecessor. Users can expect approximately 30 hours of use from the 40mm model and 40 hours from the 44mm variant. This is notably less than the Google Pixel Watch 5, which offers closer to 48 hours of use per charge, putting Samsung at a disadvantage.
AI Integration with Gemini
One of the standout aspects of the Galaxy Watch 9 is its integration of Google's Gemini AI voice assistant. Users can utilize a wrist raise gesture to activate the assistant, which streamlines tasks from finding local restaurants to answering trivia questions. However, while Gemini proves beneficial for everyday tasks, it may not be a decisive factor for those using older models without the new gesture control.
Conclusion: Should You Upgrade?
While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 introduces useful features, existing Galaxy Watch 8 users may not find enough reason to switch. The overall improvements include a more refined strap and quicker processing power, yet it still lags behind competitors in battery life and some functionality. For those upgrading from older models, the Galaxy Watch 9 may deliver value, particularly for health enthusiasts seeking advanced metrics without a subscription barrier. However, the stiff price increase poses a challenge for many potential buyers.
Key Takeaways
- The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 starts at $379 and introduces new health features but retains the same design as the Galaxy Watch 8.
- Battery life remains unchanged: 30 hours for the 40mm model and 40 hours for the 44mm model.
- New health metrics cover a wide range of data, including a Heart Health score and a centralized 'Vitals' dashboard.
- Despite a small battery capacity increase, the Galaxy Watch 9 does not improve upon the longevity of its predecessor.
- Gemini AI assistant now offers convenient voice control but may not sway existing Galaxy Watch 8 users to upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions