Samsung has officially released the Galaxy Watch9, introducing a series of hardware and software updates aimed at improving daily battery life and fitness tracking. The 40mm model now features a 390mAh battery, providing a 20% increase over the Galaxy Watch8 and 30% over the Watch7, which allows for more continuous use without frequent charging.
Performance is handled by the new Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, which is intended to speed up app transitions and workout tracking. This release also debuts the Raise to Talk feature, allowing users to interact with Gemini directly by lifting their wrist and speaking, reducing the need to manually navigate menus.
Health tracking capabilities are now more integrated. New tools like Vitals track sleep patterns against a baseline, while the Heart Health Score combines lifestyle data into a single metric for cardiovascular awareness. Fitness Index and Daily Cardio Load help users determine the intensity of their workouts based on recovery needs.
Wearability is addressed through a refined design and a new Sport Band. The device uses an air-pocket structure to reduce weight, while the Dynamic Lug System keeps the sensors in closer contact with the skin for consistent data. Pre-orders are currently open, with general availability starting August 7.