A few years ago, I bought the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro because of its rugged design features and long battery life. I skipped the Watch 6 series due to the lack of similar capabilities. This year, Samsung released the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which seemed perfect for my needs and active lifestyle. I have been testing the Galaxy Watch Ultra for the past two weeks, and it has quickly become my favorite Android smartwatch.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is priced at $649 and comes in three color and band options. It has a stylish design, impressive safety features, and a long-lasting battery. However, it is only available in one size, which may not be suitable for people with smaller wrists.
I paired my orange Galaxy Watch Ultra with my Galaxy S24 Ultra, creating a seamless connection between the two devices. While setting up the watch, I had to install and sync several apps like Samsung Health, Health Monitor, and Galaxy Wearables. Although this process was a bit tedious, it allowed me to customize the watch face complications, app screen organization, and tile ordering through the Galaxy Wearables app.
The design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra features a squarish outer case with a round display, which I found appealing. Despite the absence of a physical rotating bezel, the virtual rotating bezel functioned well by swiping around the edge of the watch face. The watch looks more like a traditional analog watch and fits comfortably on my wrist.
During testing, the GPS positioning on the Galaxy Watch Ultra was accurate, matching the performance of other GPS sports watches. The heart rate tracking and running dynamics were also precise, thanks to the multiple sensors embedded in the watch. However, the inability to connect external sensors like heart rate straps and bike speed/cadence sensors was a significant limitation for serious athletes.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers several utilities and features, including a built-in calculator and safety siren functionality. The Energy Score feature rates various health metrics, providing a comprehensive summary of my health and fitness levels. The battery life of the watch lasts for about two days with the always-on display turned off, making it a suitable option for power users and enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a great smartwatch with advanced features and capabilities. While it has some limitations such as the lack of external sensor support and shorter battery life compared to GPS sports watches, it is a suitable option for users looking for a versatile and stylish wearable device. Samsung has made significant improvements with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, bringing it closer to meeting the needs of active individuals and tech enthusiasts like myself.
