The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is not just another smartwatch; it’s a statement in the world of wearable technology. Designed for those who demand the best in durability, performance, and style, this watch is a powerful companion for outdoor enthusiasts, fitness buffs, and tech lovers alike. With its robust design, advanced health tracking features, and extended battery life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra stands out as one of the most impressive devices Samsung has ever produced.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into every aspect of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, exploring its design, features, performance, and how it stacks up against the competition. Whether you’re considering upgrading your current smartwatch or you’re a first-time buyer, this guide will help you understand if the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the right choice for you.
1. Design and Build Quality
Rugged and Stylish
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a beast in terms of design. It features a sturdy titanium case that not only adds to its durability but also gives it a premium feel. The watch is available in various color options, allowing users to choose a style that suits their personality.
The 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display is protected by sapphire crystal glass, making it highly resistant to scratches and impact. The screen resolution of 480×480 pixels ensures that everything from notifications to fitness data is displayed with crisp clarity. The display is also incredibly bright, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight—a feature that is particularly useful for outdoor activities[5].
Built for Adventure
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is designed to withstand the elements. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and diving. Additionally, the watch meets military-grade durability standards (MIL-STD-810G), which means it can handle extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations. This makes it an ideal companion for adventurers who need a watch that can keep up with their rugged lifestyle.
The rotating bezel, a signature feature of Samsung’s high-end smartwatches, is present here as well. It provides a tactile and satisfying way to navigate through the watch’s menus, adding to the overall user experience.
2. Display and User Interface
Stunning Visuals
The Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy Watch Ultra is nothing short of stunning. With vibrant colors and deep blacks, the display makes everything look more vivid and lifelike. The Always-On Display (AOD) feature is also well-implemented, allowing users to glance at the time or notifications without fully waking up the device.
The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, running on Samsung’s One UI Watch 5.0, which is based on WearOS. This combination brings the best of both worlds, offering a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store while maintaining the smooth and polished experience that Samsung users have come to expect.
Customizable Watch Faces
Samsung offers a plethora of customizable watch faces, allowing users to personalize their device according to their taste and needs. Whether you prefer a minimalistic design or a more detailed face with multiple complications, there’s something for everyone. The Galaxy Watch Ultra also supports third-party watch faces, further expanding the customization possibilities[1].
3. Performance and Features
Powerful Hardware
Under the hood, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is powered by the Exynos W930 processor, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. This hardware combination ensures that the watch runs smoothly, whether you’re tracking a workout, navigating with GPS, or using third-party apps. The watch also supports LTE connectivity, allowing you to make calls and send messages directly from your wrist without needing to be tethered to your smartphone.
Advanced Health and Fitness Tracking
Samsung has packed the Galaxy Watch Ultra with a comprehensive set of health and fitness tracking features. It includes heart rate monitoring, ECG (Electrocardiogram), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring, and sleep tracking. The watch also offers stress monitoring and can provide guided breathing exercises to help you manage stress levels.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Galaxy Watch Ultra supports over 100 workout modes, ranging from running and cycling to more specialized activities like hiking and swimming. The watch can automatically detect and start tracking certain activities, such as walking or running, without requiring manual input. The built-in GPS is highly accurate, making it ideal for tracking outdoor activities. The watch also supports route tracking, allowing users to plan and follow specific routes during their workouts[2].
Sleep and Stress Monitoring
Sleep tracking on the Galaxy Watch Ultra is more advanced than ever. The watch can provide detailed insights into your sleep patterns, including time spent in different sleep stages (light, deep, REM). It can also track your sleep quality over time and provide personalized tips to improve your sleep habits.
Stress monitoring is another key feature of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The watch can track your stress levels throughout the day and offer guided breathing exercises to help you relax. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who want to manage their mental health more effectively.
4. Battery Life
Long-Lasting Performance
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is its impressive battery life. Despite being packed with high-end features, the watch can last up to 72 hours on a single charge with typical usage. This is a significant improvement over previous Samsung smartwatches and puts it on par with other high-end competitors.
The watch also supports fast charging, allowing you to get a full day’s worth of battery life with just a quick 30-minute charge. This is particularly useful for users who are always on the go and don’t have the time to wait for their device to charge fully[4].
Power-Saving Mode
For those who need even more battery life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a power-saving mode that can extend the battery life by limiting certain features and functionalities. This mode is ideal for long trips or situations where charging may not be readily available.
5. Connectivity and Smart Features
Seamless Integration
The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers seamless integration with Android smartphones, particularly those from Samsung’s Galaxy lineup. Features like Samsung Pay, Bixby voice assistant, and SmartThings integration are all present, allowing users to control smart home devices, make payments, and interact with their digital assistant directly from their wrist.
The watch also supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring that you can stay connected even when your smartphone is out of reach. With LTE support, you can leave your phone at home and still receive calls, messages, and notifications, making it a truly standalone device.
WearOS and App Support
Running on WearOS, the Galaxy Watch Ultra provides access to a wide range of apps available on the Google Play Store. This includes popular fitness apps like Strava and MyFitnessPal, as well as a host of other productivity and entertainment apps. The integration with Google services, such as Google Assistant and Google Maps, enhances the overall functionality of the device.
WearOS also ensures that the Galaxy Watch Ultra receives regular software updates and security patches, keeping the device up-to-date with the latest features and improvements[6].
6. Comparison with Competitors
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra
The most direct competitor to the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the Apple Watch Ultra. Both watches are designed for outdoor enthusiasts and offer similar features, such as advanced fitness tracking, durable build quality, and LTE connectivity. However, there are some key differences that may sway your decision.
The Apple Watch Ultra has a slightly more refined user interface and a larger app ecosystem, thanks to the Apple App Store. However, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers better battery life and is more affordable, making it a better value for money. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is more compatible with Android devices, while the Apple Watch Ultra is limited to the Apple ecosystem.
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Garmin Fenix 7
Another competitor is the Garmin Fenix 7, which is known for its rugged design and advanced outdoor features. The Fenix 7 offers superior GPS accuracy and a wider range of specialized outdoor tracking features, making it the preferred choice for serious adventurers.
However, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a more polished user experience, with a brighter display, better smart features, and a more versatile design that can transition from the trail to the office. The Galaxy Watch Ultra also supports a broader range of third-party apps, thanks to WearOS, making it a more versatile device overall[3].
7. Pricing and Availability
Competitive Pricing
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is priced competitively, considering its high-end features and rugged design. It is available in various configurations, with options for different strap materials and colors. While it is more expensive than the standard Galaxy Watch models, it is still more affordable than some of its direct competitors, such as the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin Fenix 7.
Availability
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is widely available through Samsung’s official website, major electronics retailers, and online platforms like Amazon. Samsung also offers various financing options, making it easier for users to purchase the device without paying the full price upfront. Additionally, Samsung frequently offers trade-in deals and discounts, which can further reduce the cost of the watch.
8. Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable and rugged design: The titanium case and sapphire crystal glass make the watch highly resistant to damage.
- Excellent battery life: Up to 72 hours of usage on a single charge.
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking: Includes heart rate monitoring, ECG, SpO2, and sleep tracking.
- Bright and vibrant display: The 1.5-inch Super AMOLED screen is easy to read in all lighting conditions.
- WearOS integration: Access to a wide range of apps and services from the Google Play Store.
Cons
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Apple: While WearOS offers many apps, it still lags behind the Apple App Store in terms of quantity and quality.
- Bulkier design: The rugged build comes with added bulk, which may not appeal to users with smaller wrists.
- Expensive: While competitively priced, it is still more expensive than standard smartwatches.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is an outstanding smartwatch that caters to a specific audience—those who need a durable, feature-rich device that can handle the demands of an active lifestyle. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a fitness fanatic, or simply someone who wants a powerful and stylish smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers on all fronts.
Its combination of rugged design, advanced health tracking, and seamless integration with the Android ecosystem makes it a top contender in the smartwatch market. While it may not be the perfect choice for everyone, especially those who prefer a more compact design, it is undoubtedly one of the best options available for anyone looking for a high-performance smartwatch that doesn’t compromise on style or functionality.
