Advanced Health and Dive Wearables
Samsung Unveils Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Watch 9 Featuring Advanced Health and Dive Functions
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Key Points
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Mares diving app exclusivity: To unlock full dive features on the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, Samsung requires subscribing to the Mares app (priced at $8.99 per month or $69.99 per year), with a two-year exclusivity deal and initial Mares support not available at ship.
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Ultra 2 is EN13319-certified for scuba diving and carries IP69K dust and water resistance, underscoring its dive-ready capabilities beyond standard wearables.
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Hardware upgrades for Ultra 2 include an 800 mAh battery, a 5,000-nit display, and a 47 mm titanium case that is reportedly about 12% thinner than the previous model.
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Watch 9 expands storage to 32GB base (up from 16GB) and maintains a 3,000-nit display, with 40mm and 44mm variants offered.
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Availability details put pre-orders in markets starting July 22, with general availability on August 7; India pricing has not been announced yet.
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9, its most capable smartwatches yet. The Ultra 2 is a rugged, titanium-cased dive computer with an 800 mAh battery and a 5,000-nit display — the brightest screen on any smartwatch. Pre-orders open July 22, with general availability on August 7. The Ultra 2 starts at $699.99. Tom's Guide called it a watch that turns the Ultra 2 into "a fully-fledged dive computer."
The two watches mark Samsung's clearest split yet between a rugged, sports-focused line and an everyday health tracker. The Ultra 2 targets divers and outdoor athletes. The Watch 9 targets people who want smarter health data in a comfortable package, with 32GB of base storage and 40mm and 44mm size options. Both run on Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, replacing the older Exynos processor, according to How-To Geek.
Ultra 2 Becomes a Full Scuba Dive Computer
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is EN13319-certified — the global standard for scuba dive equipment. It tracks depth, nitrogen levels, water temperature, and dive time in real time. It supports recreational dives down to 40 meters. It also carries an IP69K rating, meaning it resists high-pressure water jets. Phone Arena noted these specs make it a "big-battery, extra-bright, and super-powerful" rugged watch unlike anything else on the market.
To unlock full dive features, users need the Mares app — a dedicated dive computer app built in partnership with the Italian dive gear brand Mares. The catch: the app costs $8.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Samsung holds a two-year exclusivity deal with Mares, so no rival smartwatch will get the app until 2027. Tom's Guide also noted that Mares support will not be available at launch, meaning buyers will need to wait for a software update.
Bigger Battery and Slimmer Body Power Longer Adventures
The Ultra 2's 800 mAh battery is 35% larger than the original Galaxy Watch Ultra, according to Talk Android. Samsung also made the case about 12% thinner, fitting into a 47mm titanium body. The 5,000-nit display stays readable even in direct sunlight. The Snapdragon Wear Elite chip helps the watch run more efficiently, stretching battery life further during long outdoor sessions.
The AI health tools also get a boost. The Ultra 2 tracks Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load, Sleep Apnea detection, and a Fitness Index. These tools give users specific numbers, not just vague trends. For example, the Vitals monitoring feature tracks several health metrics at once and flags anything unusual. Samsung designed these tools to give athletes and health-focused users clear, actionable data.
Watch 9 Brings Steady Upgrades for Everyday Users
The Galaxy Watch 9 is built for people who do not need scuba certification on their wrist. It comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes. Storage doubles from 16GB to 32GB. The display hits 3,000 nits — half as bright as the Ultra 2, but still sharp in outdoor light. Talk Android described the Watch 9 as focused on "comfort and features" rather than extreme sports.
The Watch 9 carries the same AI health tools as the Ultra 2, including Sleep Apnea detection and Heart Health Score. This brings premium health tracking to a more affordable and everyday-friendly package. Samsung has not yet announced pricing for the Indian market. Pre-orders kick off on July 22 in select regions, with full availability beginning August 7.
Samsung Bets on Niche Dive Market to Beat Apple
The Ultra 2's dive features set it apart from rivals in a clear way. Apple's Watch Ultra 2 has no EN13319 certification and no dedicated dive computer app. Samsung is betting that serious divers — and aspiring ones — will pay a premium for a watch that doubles as real dive gear. Phone Arena said Samsung "crushes Apple" with the Ultra 2's battery size and display brightness alone.
The Mares subscription model does add ongoing cost on top of the $699.99 price tag. A full year of Mares access adds $69.99. That means year-one costs for dive features could reach roughly $770. Still, the combination of certified dive hardware and a pro dive app in one device has no direct rival in the smartwatch space right now.
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