Yes, you can make and receive phone calls directly from the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The watch has its own microphone and speaker, so you can answer an incoming call, call a contact, or dial a number without taking your phone out of your pocket. However, there is an important difference between the Wi-Fi and LTE versions. The Wi-Fi models can handle calls when they remain connected to your smartphone. The LTE models can make and receive calls using their own cellular connection, allowing you to leave your phone behind.
I tested the calling features and setup on the Galaxy Watch, including making calls, receiving calls, accessing contacts, and switching between SIM cards. Here is how everything works in real-world use.
Can Galaxy Watch 9 Make Phone Calls?
Yes. Once the Galaxy Watch 9 is connected to your smartphone, you can use the Phone app on the watch to make calls. You can open the Phone app, choose a contact, select a number, and start the call. You can also use the keypad if you want to dial a number manually.
The watch uses its built-in microphone and speaker for the conversation, so you don’t need to hold your phone. You can also receive incoming calls on the watch. When a call comes in, the caller information appears on the watch, and you can answer directly from your wrist.
For short calls, this is surprisingly useful. For example, if your phone is in another room, inside a bag, or you are busy doing something with your hands, you can simply answer the call from the watch instead of searching for your smartphone.
How Calling Works on the Wi-Fi Galaxy Watch 9
The important thing to understand about the Wi-Fi Galaxy Watch 9 is that it does not have its own cellular connection. That means the watch depends on your smartphone for normal cellular calling.
As long as the watch is connected to your phone, you can make and receive calls through the watch.
In practical terms, the watch acts as a convenient calling interface for your smartphone. You can use the watch’s display, microphone, and speaker, while the phone provides the cellular connection.
This also means you should not expect the Wi-Fi model to replace your phone when you leave the phone at home.
If you walk away from your smartphone and the watch loses the required connection, normal phone calling will not continue in the same way as it would on an LTE model.
So, if your main requirement is simply being able to answer calls without taking your phone out, the Wi-Fi model can do the job.
If you want to leave the phone behind, you need LTE.
Can You Make Calls From Watch Contacts?
Yes.
Your contacts can be available directly on the Galaxy Watch after it is connected to your smartphone.
You don’t need to manually type every phone number into the watch.
Open the Contacts app, find the person you want to call, select the contact, and tap the call option.
This is particularly convenient because you can start a call without first opening your smartphone.
You can also create a new contact directly from the watch when the relevant option is available.
For everyday use, this makes the calling experience feel much more natural than simply treating the watch as a notification screen.
How to Make a Call Using Two SIM Cards?
Dual-SIM support is another useful feature if your smartphone has two active SIMs.
When making a call from the Galaxy Watch, you can choose which SIM should be used.
For example, you might use one SIM for personal calls and another for work.
Instead of taking your phone out every time you want to change the calling SIM, you can switch the active SIM from the watch before placing the call.
In my testing, the SIM selection can be accessed while preparing to make a call. You can tap and hold the active SIM icon and select the other SIM.
After choosing the required SIM, you can place the call normally.
This is a small feature, but it can be particularly useful for people who regularly use two numbers.
What Is Call Quality Like on Galaxy Watch?
The Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 have built-in speakers and microphones, allowing you to hold a conversation directly from your wrist.
For a normal indoor call, this setup can be perfectly practical.
However, the experience depends heavily on your surroundings.
If you are somewhere quiet, using the watch speaker is convenient. But in a busy street, crowded office or other noisy environment, talking through the watch speaker may not be ideal.
There is also a privacy issue.
Anyone nearby may be able to hear the conversation because the audio comes through the watch’s speaker.
That’s where Bluetooth earbuds become useful.
Can You Use Galaxy Buds for Calls?
Yes. You can connect compatible Bluetooth earbuds or headphones to the watch.
Once your earbuds are connected, you can handle the call from the Galaxy Watch while using the earbuds for audio.
This gives you a much more private calling experience.
It is especially useful when you are outside or somewhere with a lot of background noise.
Instead of holding your wrist near your face and talking to the watch, you can simply use your earbuds as you normally would.
Can Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Make Calls Without a Phone?
Yes, but you need the LTE version.
Unlike the Wi-Fi model, the LTE Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 can connect to a cellular network using its mobile connectivity.
This allows you to make and receive calls even when your smartphone isn’t nearby, provided the cellular service has been properly activated and is available.
This is one of the biggest practical differences between Wi-Fi-connected calling and standalone LTE calling.
If you go for a run, walk, workout, or short trip and don’t want to carry your phone, LTE can make the watch considerably more useful.
How to Activate LTE Calling
If you have an LTE Galaxy Watch, you first need to activate its mobile service.
The exact process depends on your carrier and region.
Generally, the setup is handled through the Galaxy Wearable app on your smartphone. You can enter the watch’s mobile or cellular settings, select the relevant carrier, and follow the activation instructions.
The watch then receives cellular service through its eSIM.
Once activation is complete, the watch can use its own cellular connection when your phone isn’t nearby.
However, carrier support is important here. LTE functionality, plan requirements, and activation procedures can differ depending on the carrier and country.
So, buying an LTE watch alone does not necessarily mean you can immediately make standalone calls. You also need compatible cellular service.
Galaxy Watch 9 Wi-Fi vs LTE for Calling
The easiest way to think about the difference is this:
Wi-Fi model: Your smartphone needs to remain connected for normal phone calling.
LTE model: The watch can use its own cellular connection when your smartphone isn’t nearby.
Both versions can give you access to calling features when properly connected.
The difference is how independent the watch can be from your phone.
If you almost always carry your smartphone, Wi-Fi may be enough. You can answer calls, make calls, access contacts, and use the watch’s microphone and speaker without taking your phone out.
But if you want to leave your phone at home while running, exercising, or going somewhere nearby, LTE makes much more sense.
What About the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is positioned differently because it is offered with cellular connectivity rather than being a simple Wi-Fi-only alternative.
That means the Ultra 2 is designed to provide a more independent experience when you activate its cellular service.
For someone who specifically wants standalone calling and connectivity, this removes one of the biggest limitations of a Wi-Fi-only smartwatch.
However, you still need to consider your carrier, cellular plan, and coverage before relying on the watch as your primary communication device away from your phone.
Should You Buy Wi-Fi or LTE for Calling?
If your main reason for buying the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is to answer calls without constantly taking your phone out, a connected Wi-Fi model can be enough.
You can make calls, receive calls, access contacts, and talk through the watch’s built-in microphone and speaker.
But if your goal is true phone-free calling, LTE is the important feature.
With an activated cellular plan, an LTE Galaxy Watch can remain connected even when your smartphone is somewhere else.
After testing these calling features myself, the biggest takeaway is simple: the Galaxy Watch is not limited to showing incoming call notifications. You can actually handle the call from your wrist.
The important part is understanding the connectivity difference before buying.
If your phone is normally with you, Wi-Fi-connected calling covers the basics. If you want the freedom to leave the phone behind, choose an LTE model and make sure your carrier supports the required service.
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