Case and display are the same. The new generation costs noticeably more - for a different chip and a bigger battery.
Short answer
Galaxy Watch9 40 mm - Snapdragon Wear Elite, 390 mAh and Wear OS 7. Galaxy Watch8 40 mm - the same display and case for much less.
Key differences
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 40mm Bluetooth | Samsung Galaxy Watch9 40mm Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.34", Super AMOLED, 438×438 | 1.34", Super AMOLED, 438×438 |
| Chip | Samsung Exynos W1000 | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite |
| Memory | 2 GB RAM / 32 GB | 2 GB RAM / 32 GB |
| Battery | 325 mAh | 390 mAh |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou (L1 + L5) | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou (L1 + L5) |
| NFC | yes | yes |
| Sensors | heart rate, SpO2, barometer, compass, gyroscope, temperature | heart rate, SpO2, barometer, compass, gyroscope, temperature |
| Protection | 5 ATM / IP68 / MIL-STD-810H | 5 ATM / IP68 / MIL-STD-810H |
| OS | Wear OS 6 | Wear OS 7 |
| Compatibility | Android 12+, Google Mobile Services | Android 13+, Google Mobile Services |
| Dimensions, weight | 42.7×40.4×8.6 mm, 30 g | 42.7×40.4×8.6 mm, 31.5 g |
| Price | current prices | current prices |
Specs come from the device pages on Smartphone.ua.
Chips
Exynos W1000 vs Snapdragon Wear Elite.
Battery
325 vs 390 mAh - the Watch9 should last longer.
What's the same
1.34" Super AMOLED 438×438, 2/32 GB, sapphire, 5 ATM and IP68, MIL-STD-810H, 8.6 mm, L1 + L5.
Verdict: who should buy which
- Longer battery and new system - Galaxy Watch9 40 mm.
- Saving money - Galaxy Watch8 40 mm.
FAQ
Do they work with an iPhone?
No, they need Android with Google services.
How heavy are they?
30 and 31.5 g.
Which is cheaper?
The Galaxy Watch8.