Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Review by a Top Smartwatch Expert

In the rapidly evolving world of smartwatches, Samsung has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and technology. With the release of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, the brand aims to set a new benchmark in the wearable tech industry. This comprehensive review will delve deep into every aspect of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, providing an expert analysis that goes beyond the surface to help you understand what makes this smartwatch a game-changer.

Design and Build Quality: A Masterpiece on Your Wrist

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a testament to the brand’s commitment to premium craftsmanship. The watch features a sleek and robust design, crafted from high-quality materials that exude luxury and durability. The case is made from aerospace-grade titanium, providing a lightweight yet sturdy frame that can withstand the rigors of daily wear.

• Materials: Aerospace-grade titanium
• Display: Sapphire crystal glass
• Water Resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM)
• Dimensions: 45mm case diameter
• Weight: 50g (without strap)

The combination of titanium and sapphire crystal glass not only makes the Galaxy Watch Ultra durable but also adds a touch of elegance to its appearance. The 45mm case strikes a perfect balance between size and comfort, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.

Display: Crystal Clear Brilliance

The display is arguably one of the most critical aspects of any smartwatch, and Samsung has left no stone unturned with the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The watch boasts a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display with 450 x 450 pixels resolution. This results in a pixel density of 400 PPI, ensuring every detail is rendered with stunning clarity.

• Display Type: Super AMOLED
• Size: 1.5 inches
• Resolution: 450 x 450 pixels
• Pixel Density: 400 PPI
• Brightness: Up to 1000 nits

Whether you’re checking notifications under the bright sun or navigating through apps in a dimly lit room, the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s display remains bright and legible. The always-on display feature is another standout, allowing you to glance at the time and essential information without needing to wake the watch.

Performance: Power-Packed for Every Task

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is powered by the latest Exynos W920 processor, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. This hardware combination ensures that the watch performs smoothly, whether you’re multitasking between apps, tracking your workouts, or making calls.

• Processor: Exynos W920
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 32GB
• Operating System: Wear OS powered by Samsung
• Connectivity: LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC

The Galaxy Watch Ultra runs on Wear OS, powered by Samsung, which brings the best of both worlds: Google’s extensive app ecosystem and Samsung’s intuitive user interface. The watch is also equipped with LTE connectivity, allowing you to make and receive calls, send texts, and stream music without needing your phone nearby.

Health and Fitness Tracking: Your Ultimate Companion

Samsung has packed the Galaxy Watch Ultra with a plethora of health and fitness tracking features, making it an indispensable tool for those who lead an active lifestyle. The watch includes advanced sensors that monitor everything from your heart rate to your blood oxygen levels.

• Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous tracking with alerts for high/low heart rates
• Blood Oxygen Monitoring (SpO2): Track your oxygen saturation levels
• ECG: Electrocardiogram feature for heart health monitoring
• Sleep Tracking: Detailed analysis of sleep stages and patterns
• Stress Monitoring: Real-time stress level tracking with guided breathing exercises
• GPS: Built-in GPS for accurate distance and pace tracking
• Workout Modes: Over 100 workout modes, including running, cycling, swimming, and more

One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is its ECG functionality, which allows users to take an electrocardiogram right from their wrist. This feature, coupled with continuous heart rate monitoring, provides valuable insights into your heart health, helping you stay on top of your wellness goals.

Battery Life: All-Day Power and Beyond

Battery life is a crucial factor in any smartwatch, and Samsung has ensured that the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers exceptional endurance. The watch is equipped with a 500mAh battery, which provides up to 72 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on your usage patterns.

• Battery Capacity: 500mAh
• Battery Life: Up to 72 hours
• Charging: Wireless charging, fast charging supported

With moderate use, including notifications, fitness tracking, and occasional calls, the Galaxy Watch Ultra can easily last two to three days. For those who use the watch more intensively, such as with LTE enabled or continuous GPS tracking, the battery life will naturally be shorter but still impressive for a device with such a powerful display and feature set.

Smart Features: Beyond the Basics

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is not just a fitness tracker; it’s a full-fledged smartwatch that brings a host of smart features to your wrist. From managing your notifications to controlling your smart home devices, the watch offers a seamless experience that integrates with your digital life.

• Notifications: Receive and respond to messages, emails, and app notifications
• Calls: Make and receive calls directly from the watch
• Voice Assistant: Bixby, with support for Google Assistant
• Music: Stream music from Spotify, download playlists for offline listening
• Payments: Samsung Pay with NFC support for contactless payments
• Smart Home Control: Integrate with SmartThings to control connected devices

The inclusion of Samsung Pay is particularly noteworthy, allowing you to make contactless payments directly from your wrist. This feature, combined with the watch’s LTE capabilities, means you can leave your phone and wallet at home and still stay connected and in control.

Software and User Experience: Polished and Intuitive

Samsung has refined the user experience on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, offering a polished and intuitive interface that is both easy to navigate and highly customizable. The Wear OS platform provides access to a vast array of apps, while Samsung’s customizations add valuable features that enhance usability.

• Operating System: Wear OS powered by Samsung
• Interface: One UI Watch 4
• Customizability: Extensive watch face options, customizable widgets, and shortcuts
• App Store: Access to Google Play Store and Galaxy Store for apps

The integration between the Galaxy Watch Ultra and other Samsung devices is seamless, allowing for features like Auto Switch, which automatically connects the watch to your Galaxy phone or tablet. Additionally, the watch supports gesture controls, enabling you to perform actions like answering calls with a simple wrist movement.

Durability and Water Resistance: Built for Adventure

For those who lead an adventurous lifestyle, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is designed to withstand the elements. The watch is MIL-STD-810G certified, meaning it has passed rigorous testing for durability in extreme conditions.

• Durability: MIL-STD-810G certified, shock-resistant
• Water Resistance: 10 ATM (up to 100 meters)
• Dust Resistance: IP68 rating

Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, swimming in the ocean, or simply going about your daily routine, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is built to handle it all. Its water resistance rating of 10 ATM makes it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and even shallow diving.

Pros and Cons: The Verdict

Pros:

• Premium Design: Aerospace-grade titanium and sapphire crystal glass offer a luxurious and durable build.
• Stunning Display: Super AMOLED display with high resolution and brightness.
• Comprehensive Health Tracking: Advanced sensors for heart rate, ECG, SpO2, sleep, and stress monitoring.
• Strong Performance: Exynos W920 processor with ample RAM and storage.
• Excellent Battery Life: Up to 72 hours on a single charge with fast wireless charging.
• Rich Smart Features: LTE connectivity, Samsung Pay, music streaming, and smart home control.
• Rugged Durability: MIL-STD-810G certification and 10 ATM water resistance.

Cons:

• Price: The premium materials and features come at a high cost, making it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
• Size: The 45mm case may be too large for those with smaller wrists.
• Limited Compatibility: Some features may be restricted when paired with non-Samsung smartphones.

Conclusion: Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Worth It?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is undeniably one of the most advanced smartwatches on the market, offering a perfect blend of style, functionality, and durability. It’s a powerhouse of a device that caters to both tech enthusiasts and fitness aficionados, providing a comprehensive suite of features that enhance your daily life.

If you’re in the market for a premium smartwatch that does it all, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a worthy investment. Its high price tag is justified by its top-tier build quality, extensive health and fitness tracking capabilities, and seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem. However, if you have a smaller wrist or are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you might want to explore other alternatives.

In the end, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra stands as a testament to Samsung’s innovation and commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology in a wearable form. Whether you’re upgrading from an older smartwatch or stepping into the world of wearables for the first time, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is sure to impress.