Last updated: July 23rd, 2026 at 08:45 UTC+02:00
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Built to be tougher and go deeper.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Max Jambor / SamMobile
Thanks to a few durability upgrades, the new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 sounds like Samsung's most rugged smartwatch yet. It sets new standards, and most impressively, it's now rated for diving. Samsung has even partnered with leading diving equipment brand Mares to develop an exclusive Diving app.
Like the original Ultra, the new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has a shock-resistant titanium casing and a sapphire crystal display. However, it's slimmer and, unlike the original model, carries an IP69K rating (up from IP68) and EN13319 certification.
Here's what these ratings mean and how Samsung tested the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to earn them and a few others.
Note: The Diving app won't be available at launch. Samsung says it is expected to arrive later this year.
Similar to the original Ultra, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is IPX8-rated for water resistance based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
Some of you might recall that Samsung advised against taking the original Watch Ultra scuba diving, in fast-moving water such as rivers, or while engaging in high-pressure water sports like jet skiing.
But unlike the original, the new Ultra 2 is also IPX9K-rated against powerful water jets. It's built tougher and has better water resistance.
Meanwhile, the IP6X rating ensures dust resistance. Samsung says the Watch Ultra 2 earned this rating based on lab tests conducted by a third party. During testing, 2kg of talc powder per cubic meter was blown into a chamber containing the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for two hours.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is the first in the series to obtain EN13319, a standard for diving depth gauges and depth-and-time measuring devices used by divers.
In other words, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is not only water-resistant, it's dive-ready.
This water-resistance rating corresponds to 100 meters according to ISO22810. In practical terms, that's the maximum depth the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is rated to withstand.
The test was conducted in 5% salt water and water containing 4 ppm chlorine.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has obtained the MIL-STD-810H certification. It's a standardized testing protocol developed by the U.S. military to evaluate a device's durability under a wide range of conditions.
In this case, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has been tested for high and low temperatures, altitude, humidity, immersion, salt fog, dust, vibration, drops, and more.
On a final note, based on results from internal tests conducted by Samsung, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 can withstand temperatures ranging from -20 to 55 degrees Celsius while worn on the wrist.
As always, real-world conditions can differ from controlled lab tests. Water resistance can also diminish over time. In a footnote, Samsung says that if the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has been exposed to seawater, you should rinse it with freshwater and dry it afterward. This helps preserve the watch's water resistance over time.
All in all, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 sounds like an excellent smartwatch for adventurers and anyone with an active lifestyle. Samsung has also supported coral reef restoration efforts and developed Ocean Mode for underwater photography on Galaxy phones, so making the Watch Ultra 2 dive-ready feels like a natural step.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 became available for pre-order on July 22 and Samsung scheduled it for an August 7 global release.
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.
