Samsung

Wearable technology has shifted dramatically over the past few years, moving away from simple step counters toward comprehensive daily health management tools that blend quietly into our lives. With pre-orders having launched on 22 July 2026 ahead of an official Australian release date on 14 August 2026, Samsung’s latest flagship wearable makes its debut with a clear focus on refined comfort and deeper wellness insights. Priced from an Australian Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of $649 for the entry-level 40mm Bluetooth variant, with the larger 44mm option starting at $699 and cellular LTE models commanding a A$100 premium, this device aims to refine what everyday smartwatch tracking should feel like on the wrist. At first glance, the familiar round silhouette remains intact, but closer inspection reveals subtle ergonomic tweaks that make a noticeable difference during all-day wear. The 40mm version measures 42.7 mm by 40.4 mm with a slim 8.6 mm thickness, tipping the scales at a lightweight 31.5 grams, while the roomier 44mm edition measures 46 mm by 43.7 mm at 34 grams. Crafted with a sleek aluminium casing, the exterior retains the brand's signature cushion frame, designed specifically to sit closer against the skin. This close fit is enhanced by a redesigned Dynamic Lug System and a new Sport Band with internal air pockets that reduce friction and gap spacing, ensuring continuous sensor contact without pinching. Above the casing sits a vibrant Super AMOLED display—measuring 1.34 inches on the smaller model and 1.47 inches on the larger—capable of reaching a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Whether you are running under the blazing midday Australian sun or checking notifications in a dimly lit cinema, legibility is crisp and effortless. Durability has always been a key requirement for tech destined to endure active lifestyles, and this wristpiece does not skimp on structural integrity. Rated to IP68 for dust and fresh water submersion, alongside a 5 ATM rating that allows for swimming at depths up to 50 metres, it also meets the rigorous MIL-STD-810H military specifications to withstand thermal shock, dust, and physical impacts. Beneath the sleek exterior lies a significant internal upgrade: the move to Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite processor paired with 2GB of memory and 32GB of built-in storage. Operating on Wear OS 7 with One UI 9 Watch overlay, the performance feels snappier and far more fluid when swiping between widgets or launching health applications. Powering the 40mm model is a 390 mAh battery, while the 44mm casing houses a larger 445 mAh cell, providing enough stamina for a full day of activity, sleep tracking, and continuous background monitoring. Where the real transformation happens, however, is in how the upgraded BioActive sensor captures and interprets biological signals. Combining optical heart monitoring, electrocardiogram functionality, and bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition, the hardware works alongside an ambient temperature sensor to track subtle physiological fluctuations. A new overnight Vitals feature quietly records heart rate variability, skin temperature, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen levels while you rest, giving you a comprehensive snapshot of your physical recovery before your morning alarm goes off. Sleep tracking has been expanded with detailed coaching programs that break down sleep stages and consistency, turning raw sleep data into actionable guidance for better daily energy levels. Beyond nighttime wellness, daytime active guidance receives a boost with a new Heart Health Score that evaluates sleep patterns, body mass index, and vigorous exercise to provide holistic cardiovascular feedback. Outdoor enthusiasts and runners benefit from a built-in Running Coach that learns individual stride dynamics and cardio capacity, helping athletes pace themselves accurately during training sessions. Daily utility is equally well catered for, highlighted by a hands-free voice feature powered by Google Gemini—allowing users to set reminders, query schedules, or command smart home gear simply by raising their wrist and speaking. By combining unobtrusive ergonomics, robust outdoor durability, and deeply personalised health insights, Samsung has crafted a balanced, highly capable wrist companion that effortlessly supports both active pursuits and quiet moments of recovery. This description was generated with the help of AI and last updated July 2026.