Samsung is in the process of beta-testing One UI 9 Watch on several older Galaxy Watches, but the Galaxy Watch 4 isn't among them. In fact, the Galaxy Watch 4 series no longer receives any firmware updates.
Support for the Galaxy Watch 4 has officially ended, so now seems like the best time to upgrade, especially if you value the option to trade-in your Watch 4 for a discount on a newer model. These are your best Samsung options.
Galaxy Watch 9 (2026)
The Galaxy Watch 9 is Samsung's latest model — alongside the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. It's the cheapest 2026 Samsung smartwatch you can buy and comes with every one of the latest Samsung Health and fitness tracking tools.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 | Source: Max Jambor / SamMobile
In terms of hardware, the Galaxy Watch 9 is thinner, uses stronger materials, and boasts better specs all around. Some examples include:
Super AMOLED 1.47-inch 3000 nits display with sapphire crystal protection.
3nm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip.
32GB of storage and 2GB of RAM.
Newer, faster, better connectivity features, including Bluetooth 6.0 and dual GPS for more accurate location tracking.
390mAh (40mm)/445mAh (44mm) battery.
More importantly, the Galaxy Watch 9's modernized Cushion Design (its squarer shape) allows for a more secure wrist fit, which in turn improves tracking accuracy.
Furthermore, apart from shipping with the latest One UI 9 Watch OS, the Galaxy Watch 9 also has all the latest Samsung Health tracking features that are missing on your Watch 4, including:
Some, but not all, of Samsung's latest Health features will become available on the Watch 8 through the One UI 9 Watch update. Here's what you're getting and missing right now.
Hearing (sound exposure monitoring): Not supported.
Vitals tracking: Supported with One UI 9 Watch.
Daily cardio load: Supported with One UI 9 Watch.
Vascular load: Supported.
Antioxidant index: Supported.
AGEs index: Supported.
As for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, it's pretty much the same story, except this model has a physical rotating bezel. So if you intend to upgrade from a Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, the 8 Classic should feel both familiar and newer.
This is your top choice this year. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 boasts the same capabilities as the regular Watch 9, but everything comes wrapped in a tougher shell.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is Samsung's first dive-ready smartwatch, with an EN13319 rating.
It's also the only Samsung smartwatch with an IP68/IP69K rating. It is highly water-resistant, even when exposed to powerful streams and water jets, and can submerge up to 100 meters for 10 minutes.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | Source: Max Jambor / SamMobile
Furthermore, if you're craving hardware improvements, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is equipped with a long-lasting Silicon-Carbon 800mAh battery that dwarves the Watch 4's 248mAh/361mAh unit.
The cherry on top is the Ultra's third button. Most Samsung smartwatches have two, but the Ultra series has three. The extra one is called a Quick Button, and you can press it to quickly initiate workouts, launch apps, or activate the Emergency Siren.
Conclusion: Which Galaxy Watch 4 upgrade should you choose?
A lot of it depends on your budget. If you want the latest and greatest, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is it.
If you want the latest and greatest in a slimmer package without the extra water-resistance and diving capabilities, that's the Galaxy Watch 9.
However, the Watch 8 can be a good budget upgrade if you can live without one or two of the latest features. And of course, assuming you can find it at a discount.
Lastly, if you love the physical bezel on your Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, you don't have that many choices. The Watch Ultra 2's bezel is just for show and doesn't rotate or control the UI. Right now, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is your only option if you must have the physical rotating bezel.
Whichever smartwatch you decided to buy next, make sure you check out potential trade-in discounts you might be able to obtain from Samsung in your region.
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