The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung’s latest addition to its lineup of premium smartwatches, bringing new features and an updated design. Positioned as a flagship device in Samsung’s wearables lineup, this smartwatch is aimed at users who want a versatile device that balances everyday use with outdoor adventures.
In this review, I’ll provide my insights after spending 30 days with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, comparing it to the Galaxy Watch 7 and competitors like the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin multisport watches.
Key Takeaways:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra |
|---|---|
| Case Size | 47.7mm |
| Water Resistance | IP68, 10 ATM |
| Processor | Exynos W1000 (3nm) |
| Battery | 590mAh |
| Display | 1.5-inch Super AMOLED |
Design and Build
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a 47.7mm case size, which gives it a bold and rugged look that’s aimed at those who prefer larger watches. The body is crafted from titanium, known for its strength-to-weight ratio, making the watch feel sturdy without being overly heavy. Samsung uses Grade 2 Titanium, offering better durability compared to regular materials used in many smartwatches.
This makes the Galaxy Watch Ultra ideal for outdoor use. Compared to other models like the Apple Watch Ultra, the thickness is quite competitive, but Samsung has ensured a sleek, premium feel despite its rugged appeal.
Durability
Durability is a key selling point of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. It features IP68 water resistance, meaning it can handle dust and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Additionally, its 10 ATM rating allows it to survive depths of up to 100 meters, making it an excellent choice for swimmers and water sport enthusiasts.
Samsung also boasts MIL-STD-810H certification, meaning it’s built to withstand extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations—making it comparable to some of the best outdoor smartwatches on the market.
Display
The display on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is one of its standout features. It comes with a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, delivering sharp visuals. The screen is protected by sapphire crystal glass, which is incredibly resistant to scratches, ensuring that the display remains pristine, even after rugged outdoor use.
The brightness is another strength, with high outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight. In fact, when compared to competitors like Garmin and Apple, the Galaxy Watch Ultra excels in terms of display sharpness and brightness.
Straps and Customization
The Dynamic Lug System is a unique feature, allowing users to easily switch between different straps. Samsung offers a range of options including the Marine, Trail, and PeakForm straps, which are tailored for different activities. The customization options add versatility, whether you’re heading to the gym or the office.
Features and Functionality
Software
Running on Wear OS 5.0 with One UI 6.0 Watch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a refined software experience. The interface is smooth, and Samsung has introduced its own watch faces, providing a personalized touch. Popular features like Bixby and Google Assistant come pre-installed, alongside a host of Samsung-specific apps, making it an excellent choice for users embedded in the Samsung ecosystem.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The watch includes various health-tracking features, such as:
- Heart rate monitoring: While generally accurate, it struggles slightly during more intense cycling workouts.
- GPS performance: It provides improved accuracy, which is great for runners and hikers.
- Sleep tracking: Accurate with detailed insights into sleep stages.
- Blood pressure monitoring and ECG: These are available, but only for Samsung phone users.
Sports and Activities
Samsung has loaded the Galaxy Watch Ultra with a broad array of workout modes, from running to swimming. There’s even multisport/triathlon support, but the device falls slightly short compared to dedicated multisport watches like Garmin. Cyclists may also find issues with the power meter integration, which isn’t as seamless as expected.
Navigation and Outdoor Features
The watch offers basic GPX route support, allowing users to follow pre-loaded routes. However, more advanced navigation features like turn-by-turn directions are missing. The 85db emergency siren is a great safety addition, alerting people to your location if needed.
Performance
Processor and Hardware
Powered by the Exynos W1000 (3nm) processor, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers smooth performance. With 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, it handles multitasking well, and there’s plenty of space for apps and music.
Battery Life
One of the standout features is the 590mAh battery, which offers impressive longevity. In real-world scenarios, the watch lasts around 2-3 days with regular use and about 1.5 days with GPS-heavy activities. Fast charging is a plus, allowing you to juice up quickly in between workouts.
Accuracy and Reliability
Heart Rate Sensor
The heart rate sensor generally performs well but has been noted to struggle with accuracy during cycling. Compared to chest straps, it tends to be less precise under strenuous activity.
GPS Accuracy
The GPS accuracy is impressive, especially with its dual-frequency capabilities. In open environments like mountains and beaches, the performance is stellar, though urban areas with tall buildings can cause minor fluctuations.
Companion App and Ecosystem
The Samsung Health app remains a central hub for fitness and health data, offering detailed insights into workouts, sleep, and general health stats. Samsung Health Monitor is available exclusively for Samsung phone users, which limits the full functionality for those outside the ecosystem. Nevertheless, the app supports integration with popular third-party services, including Strava and MyFitnessPal.
Comparison to Competitors
When comparing the Galaxy Watch Ultra to the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin multisport watches, it stands out for its display, build quality, and general use. However, it falls behind in advanced sports tracking, where Garmin excels, and lacks some of the polished user experience found in Apple devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Improved GPS accuracy with dual-frequency capabilities.
- Good battery life for a smartwatch with a large display.
- Bright, clear display that performs well in outdoor conditions.
- Solid build quality with premium materials like titanium.
Cons
- Heart rate accuracy issues during more intense activities, especially cycling.
- Limited advanced sports features, making it less ideal for triathletes.
- Restricted features for non-Samsung phone users, reducing its universal appeal.
- Expensive compared to the standard Galaxy Watch 7.
Conclusion
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a solid experience, balancing premium design with useful features. While there are areas for improvement, such as heart rate accuracy and advanced sports features, it remains a strong contender for those in the Samsung ecosystem.
If you’re looking for a durable, high-performance smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is worth considering—just be aware of its higher price point and potential limitations for non-Samsung users.
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