Samsung's new Galaxy Watch 9 features a lighter design and updated health tracking, including hydration alerts.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch 9 on Wednesday during the Galaxy Unpacked event. The new smartwatch is designed to be a more comfortable, style-minded alternative to the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. During a test run in London, the device demonstrated new health-monitoring capabilities, including a hydration tracking feature.

Design and Display Features

The Galaxy Watch 9 is smaller and lighter than the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, featuring a silver case and white band. The device utilizes a 3,000-nit super AMOLED display with a flattened design, which is intended to make viewing information like pace and text messages easier during exercise.

Hydration and Health Tracking

The watch includes a nutrition function that provides hydration alerts based on water loss during workouts. During a 40-minute run, the watch alerted the user that they had lost 0.5% of their water and recommended drinking one cup of water. Users can configure these alerts within the watch app. Additionally, the device tracks various biomarkers, including heart health, cardio, and blood pressure scores.

Potential AI Health Integration

While the watch currently tracks extensive health data, there is potential for future integration of an AI health coach within the Samsung Health app. Such a feature could provide context and plain language explanations for health data, allowing users to ask specific wellness questions. Samsung has indicated it is taking a cautious approach to developing AI-powered health tools to ensure clinical testing and data security.