Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: This is the upgrade you want

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 The definitive smartwatchWith the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, Samsung has delivered a ton of upgrades. The biggest is the OLED panel, which now goes up to 5,000 nits. You also get a thinner titanium case with a unique squircle design, much bigger battery, and IP69K ingress protection. The best part is that the Watch Ultra 2 isn't any heavier in spite of all the bigger battery. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 Still good - with a caveatThe Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 is identical to the 2024 model, and the only difference is the increase in storage — that's it. Samsung didn't make any changes between the two, and as a result, it's chunky, doesn't have as big a battery, and misses out on the new Qualcomm silicon. If you don't mind the omissions and are able to get it on sale, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 is still a good choice, but I'd suggest getting the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 instead. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Pricing and availability (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 made its debut at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked launch event in London on July 22, 2026, and it is now on sale globally. The smartwatch retails for $699, and that's pretty decent when you consider you're getting 64GB of storage and a ton of new features.The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 launched at $649, the same as its predecessor. Which is understandable as the smartwatch didn't actually bring any new features, and other than double the amount of onboard storage, it was identical to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2024. Thankfully, that's not the case this year.Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Design and features (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Samsung is changing the design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 a little bit; the smartwatch has a squircle case that's made out of titanium, and the design looks a lot cleaner than the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. Samsung is offering the smartwatch in Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray, and we'll need to wait and see if both models are available in all global regions.What I like the most is that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is significantly thinner at 10mm (versus 12.1mm); this was a big pain point with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2024 and 2025 models, and it's good to see Samsung addressing it. Another change has to do with durability; the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 gets IP69K ingress protection, giving it added resilience against dust and water ingress.You still get a massive 47mm case, and I like that Samsung didn't change this. The display is slightly bigger at 1.52 inches thanks to thinner bezels, and the resolution is also a little higher at 498x498 (Ultra 2025 has 480x480). But where the Watch Ultra 2 stands out the most is the overall brightness; Samsung is somehow touting brightness of up to 5,000 nits, and that's a significant boost from the 3,000-nit Watch Ultra 2025.Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Hardware and specs (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)If I had to point to a single upgrade that makes the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 truly stand out, it would be the battery. The smartwatch comes with an 800mAh battery, and this is an area where Samsung absolutely did the right thing. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025's 590mAh battery is decent enough, but the much bigger battery should allow the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to last even longer.Powering the smartwatch is the latest Snapdragon Wear Elite, and this again is a big change; last year's model had the Exynos W1000, and the switch to Qualcomm should deliver better efficiency, boosting battery life even more. The smartwatch gets 2GB of memory and 64GB of storage as standard, and it retains similar connectivity as last year's model, including NFC.Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of AndroidSwipe to scroll horizontallyCategorySamsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025Display47mm 1.52-inch AMOLED, 498x498, 5,000 nits max47mm 1.5-inch AMOLED, 480x480, 3,000 nits maxOSWear OS 7 Powered by Samsung, One UI 9 WatchWear OS 5, Powered by Samsung, One UI 8 WatchChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite, 3nmSamsung Exynos W1000, 3nmMemory & Storage2GB/64GB2GB/32GB, 2GB/64GBConnectivityBluetooth + LTE, Wi-Fi, NFC, dual-band GPSBluetooth + LTE, Wi-Fi, NFC, dual-band GPSDurability10ATM, IP69K water resistance, MIL-STD-810H durability10ATM, IP68 water resistance, MIL-STD-810H durabilityBattery800mAh, 100% charge in 90 min (40% in 30 min)590mAh, 100% charge in 120 minDimensions47.4 x 47.1 x 10mm47.4 x 47.4 x 12.1mmWeight61.5g60.5gColorsTitanium Silver, Titanium GrayTitanium Sliver, Titanium Gray, Titanium White, Titanium BlueSensorsSamsung BioActive, SpO2, heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyro, barometer, altimeterSamsung BioActive, SpO2, heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyro, barometer, altimeterComing to fitness and health monitoring, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 gets Samsung's BioActive Sensor, and it includes all the hardware needed to monitor vitals and daily activity. You get Samsung's Wear OS 7 out of the box with One UI 9 Watch, and there's a lot to like with the software in general. Samsung is the way to go if you want the best Android smartwatch, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 continues that momentum on the software front.Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Which should you buy? (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)There's no doubt in my mind: if you're ready to upgrade to a bigger smartwatch, you need to buy the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. It has exciting upgrades across the board, and the thinner design combined with a bigger battery and brighter AMOLED panel make it a much better choice.The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 is still a decent choice if you're able to get a sizeable discount, but of the two, I'd suggest getting the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — it's just a better all-round smartwatch. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 The definitive smartwatchThe Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 comes with all the upgrades that matter. The bigger battery combined with better internals should allow it to last a lot longer, it gets much brighter, and the design itself is thinner and much more durable. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 Still good - with a caveatThe Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 is still a great smartwatch, but it doesn't quite measure up against the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. But if you're able to get a decent discount, the smartwatch is worthy of consideration. Harish Jonnalagadda is Android Central's Senior Editor overseeing mobile coverage. In his current role, he leads the site's coverage of Chinese phone brands, networking products, and AV gear. He has been testing phones for over a decade, and has extensive experience in mobile hardware and the global semiconductor industry. Contact him on Twitter at @chunkynerd.