Last updated: July 23rd, 2026 at 22:02 UTC+02:00
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The fine-tuning pays off.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Max Jambor / SamMobile
Samsung's new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 might not look very different at first glance. But even though it's not entirely original, Samsung found interesting ways to optimize and fine-tune the 2026 smartwatch for a more comfortable wearing experience.
The funny thing is that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 itself is marginally heavier than the original 2024/2025 model, by about 1 gram. Yet, it's also significantly thinner. It sounds paradoxical, but it will make sense once you find out about the battery capacity. Spoiler alert! It's a lot denser this year.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has a 10.7mm profile, down from the original model's 12.1mm. That's the biggest change, but Samsung also redesigned the wrist strap.
The new silicone Marine Band is 26% lighter and 34% (1mm) thinner, plus it feels softer. Combined with the thinner watch itself, the redesigned strap should make the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 a better fit for all wrists.
Max Jambor / SamMobile
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 – Source: Max Jambor / SamMobile
If we think more in the abstract, we could say Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 also raises the comfort bar in less direct ways unrelated to its design. It's thinner, sure, but it's also easier on the eyes, even outdoors under intense sunlight.
That's owed to the new, record-breaking display with 5,000 nits of brightness. Samsung says the screen offers “crystal-clear visibility” even in the most challenging lighting conditions.
Comfort also means not having to charge your device too often. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has a massive 800mAh battery, up from the predecessor's 590mAh, but Samsung hasn't mentioned anything concrete about battery life yet.
It could go either way: The larger battery may result in longer endurance, or Samsung may be using the extra capacity to power the brighter display and faster chipset. We'll find out soon enough.
Even in the least exciting case, if the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 delivers the same battery life as the original, it's still an incredible feat, considering the slimmer body and brighter screen.
If the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 sounds like your kind of smartwatch, you can order it for $699.99 / €749 — unless discounted. It's available in a single 47mm LTE configuration.
First Samsung device: SGH-A800
Mihai is a blogger and column writer at SamMobile. His first Samsung phone was an A800 which took a lot of beating, and a part of him still misses the novelty of the clamshell design. In his free time, he enjoys watching shows, documentaries, and stand-up comedy; listening to music, taking walks, and occasionally playing old(er) video games.
