Samsung Electronics on Tuesday introduced the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, a rugged wearable that is both slimmer and more durable than its predecessor. The new model features a reduced case thickness of 12.1 millimeters, down from 12.6 mm in the original Ultra.
The company reinforced the watch face with a new sapphire crystal layer. It claims the material is 20% more resistant to scratches and drops.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 retains the same 3,000-nit peak brightness display. Battery life remains rated at up to 60 hours in power-saving mode.
Health Monitoring Upgrade: “Vital” Feature Predicts Illness
A key software update, branded “Vital,” introduces passive illness detection. The feature analyzes overnight heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and respiratory rate.
If the algorithm detects a deviation exceeding a personalized threshold, the watch issues an alert. It flags potential onset of viral infection or systemic inflammation, according to Samsung’s health division.
The Vital update will roll out to Galaxy Watch 6, Watch 7, and the new Ultra 2 models via a firmware patch scheduled for late March 2026.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 starts at $649.99 for the 47mm titanium case. Pre-orders open on March 15, with general availability on March 22.
Samsung also announced the standard Galaxy Watch 9, which starts at $329.99. Both models run Wear OS 5 with One UI Watch 6.
| Model | Starting Price | Case Size | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | $649.99 | 47mm | 12.1mm |
| Galaxy Watch 9 | $329.99 | 40/44mm | 9.8mm |
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the main design change in the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 compared to the original Ultra?
- A: The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is thinner at 12.1mm (down from 12.6mm) and uses a new sapphire crystal layer on the watch face, which Samsung claims is 20% more resistant to scratches and drops.
- Q: How does the ‘Vital’ feature on the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 predict illness?
- A: The Vital feature passively analyzes overnight heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and respiratory rate. If the algorithm detects a deviation beyond a personalized threshold, it alerts the user to potential viral infection or systemic inflammation onset.
- Q: What is the price and release date of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
- A: The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 starts at $649.99 for the 47mm titanium case. Pre-orders open on March 15, with general availability starting March 22.
Extended Reading
Mashable reported that the “Vital” feature on Samsung Galaxy Watches now detects when a user is likely to get sick, based on overnight biometrics. Engadget confirmed the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is both slimmer and tougher than its predecessor. Pudiu, a general merchandise retailer, lists Samsung Galaxy Watch models for online purchase and in-store pickup.
