Galaxy Watch 8 vs 9: What's New?
When comparing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Galaxy Watch 9, Samsung has retained many of the premium features of its previous-generation smartwatch while introducing key upgrades to performance, connectivity, software, and battery capacity.
Performance: One of the biggest changes is under the hood. The Galaxy Watch 8 uses Samsung's Exynos W1000 3nm chipset, while the Galaxy Watch 9 moves to the Snapdragon SW6100 Wear Elite 3nm platform. Both models feature a penta-core CPU and 2GB of RAM, but the new platform gives the Galaxy Watch 9 updated hardware for the latest generation.
Design & Display: The Galaxy Watch 9 maintains the slim and lightweight design of the Galaxy Watch 8. Based on the 44mm models, both measure 46 x 43.7 x 8.6mm and weigh just 34g. Both also feature a 1.47-inch Super AMOLED display with a 480 x 480 resolution, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, and Sapphire Crystal protection.
Software & Connectivity: The Galaxy Watch 9 runs Android Wear OS 7 with One UI Watch 9, compared with Wear OS 6 and One UI 8 Watch on the Galaxy Watch 8. Bluetooth has also been upgraded from Bluetooth 5.3 on the Watch 8 to Bluetooth 6.0 on the Watch 9.
Battery: Samsung has also increased battery capacity. The 44mm Galaxy Watch 9 features a 445mAh battery, up from 435mAh on the 44mm Galaxy Watch 8. Both models support 10W wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Galaxy Watch 9 Comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 44mm | Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 44mm |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 46 x 43.7 x 8.6mm | 46 x 43.7 x 8.6mm |
| Weight | 34g | 34g |
| Build | Sapphire Crystal glass front, aluminium frame | Sapphire Crystal glass front, aluminium frame |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810H compliant, IP68, 5ATM | MIL-STD-810H compliant, IP68, 5ATM |
| Display | 1.47-inch Super AMOLED | 1.47-inch Super AMOLED |
| Peak Brightness | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits |
| Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels (~327 ppi) | 480 x 480 pixels (~327 ppi) |
| Display Protection | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Operating System | Android Wear OS 6, One UI 8 Watch | Android Wear OS 7, One UI Watch 9 |
| Chipset | Exynos W1000 (3nm) | Snapdragon SW6100 Wear Elite (3nm) |
| CPU | Penta-core | Penta-core (1x2.1 GHz & 4x1.95 GHz) |
| Storage & RAM | 32GB + 2GB RAM | 32GB + 2GB RAM |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE | Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, BioActive, antioxidant index | Heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, BioActive, antioxidant index |
| Additional Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, altimeter, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, altimeter, compass |
| Battery | 435mAh | 445mAh |
| Charging | 10W wireless | 10W wireless |
Galaxy Watch 9 Health & Fitness Tracking
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 continues to provide a comprehensive range of sensors for everyday health and fitness tracking. Its sensor suite includes heart rate monitoring, SpO2, skin temperature sensing, Samsung's BioActive sensor, and antioxidant index functionality.
It also includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, altimeter, and compass, making it well equipped for tracking workouts and outdoor activities. Dual-frequency GPS using L1+L5 is also supported, alongside GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS positioning systems.
Understanding Galaxy Watch 9 Battery Life
The 44mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 comes with a 445mAh battery, representing a small increase over the 435mAh battery found in the equivalent Galaxy Watch 8.
Both generations support 10W wireless charging. Actual battery life will vary depending on settings and usage, including GPS, connectivity, display brightness, health monitoring, workout tracking, and other smartwatch features.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Worth Upgrading To?
For Galaxy Watch 8 owners, the Galaxy Watch 9 is an evolutionary upgrade rather than a complete redesign. The 44mm models share the same dimensions, weight, display size, resolution, storage, RAM, and many of the same health sensors.
The biggest reasons to upgrade are found inside the watch. The move from the Exynos W1000 to the Snapdragon SW6100 Wear Elite, combined with Wear OS 7, One UI Watch 9, Bluetooth 6.0, and a slightly larger 445mAh battery, gives the Galaxy Watch 9 a more up-to-date hardware and software platform.
If you already own a Galaxy Watch 8 and are satisfied with its performance, the improvements may not be essential. However, users upgrading from an older Samsung Galaxy Watch may find the Galaxy Watch 9 a much more compelling option.
Buy Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 in Australia at Becextech
Upgrade your everyday wearable with the latest Samsung Galaxy Watch 9. With its Snapdragon SW6100 Wear Elite chipset, 3,000-nit Super AMOLED display, advanced health sensors, dual-frequency GPS, Wear OS 7, and lightweight design, the Galaxy Watch 9 is built for fitness, health tracking, and everyday connectivity.
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