The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: A Beefy Watch For the Data-Driven Athlete
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a watch for those who want everything. It’s packed with features, a durable design, and long battery life, making it a tempting choice for athletes who want a comprehensive fitness tracker. But the Ultra’s large size and data-heavy approach may not be for everyone.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Two-day battery life, even during intense workouts.
- Detailed and customizable Ultra-exclusive watch faces.
- Comfortable for long-term wear.
Cons:
- It’s a very large watch.
- Not many features exclusive to the Ultra.
- Lacks the rotating bezel found on the Galaxy Watch Classic.
The Ultra: A Beefier Galaxy Watch 7
Priced at $650, the Galaxy Watch Ultra represents a significant step up from the base Galaxy Watch 7, offering several key improvements. It boasts:
- Enhanced battery life: The Ultra’s 590 mAh battery can easily last for two days, even with frequent workout sessions, putting it ahead of the Watch 7’s 300 mAh or 425 mAh batteries.
- Rugged build: The Ultra features a more durable shell and screen, designed to withstand the rigors of extreme activities. It’s also water-resistant to 100 meters, making it perfect for swimmers and divers.
- Advanced health tracking: The Ultra sports a revamped sensor array, enabling features like sleep apnea detection and AGEs (advanced glycation end products) tracking. These features, though not unique to this model, are significantly improved.
Going Head-to-Head with the Apple Watch Ultra
Naturally, comparisons to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are inevitable. Both are high-end sports watches, vying for a similar audience. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra undercuts the Apple Watch Ultra’s $800 price tag but adds features like blood oxygen sensing and sleep apnea tracking that the Apple Watch lacks due to ongoing patent disputes.
The Ultra: A Mountain on Your Wrist
While the Ultra boasts impressive features, its size makes it a noticeable presence on the wrist. The 47mm watch face and 12.1mm thickness can feel bulky for casual wear, and its design can snag on clothing and objects.
Missed Opportunity: The Absence of a Rotating Bezel
The Ultra’s large display necessitates touch controls for navigation. While the Watch 7’s navigation system has been improved, the lack of a rotating bezel – a feature beloved by many Galaxy Watch Classic users – is a missed opportunity. The absence of a physical bezel makes navigating the Ultra’s interface less intuitive and efficient.
A Data-Driven Approach
The Ultra is designed to track and analyze your every move, from your heart rate to your sleep patterns. It’s highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the watch face to display the data most important to you. But this data-heavy approach can quickly become overwhelming for those who aren’t interested in detailed performance analysis.
Battery Life: A Standout Feature
The Ultra’s battery life is excellent. It easily lasts for two days with frequent use and workout sessions. While reverse wireless charging from a Samsung phone is not supported due to the redesigned BioActive Sensor, the battery’s longevity allows you to go longer periods without needing to plug in.
Overall: A Solid, But Questionable Choice
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a solid sports watch with excellent battery life, detailed health tracking, and a robust design. But its large size and data-heavy approach may not be a suitable fit for everyone.
Here’s a breakdown of who the Watch Ultra might be for:
- Serious athletes who want comprehensive health tracking and performance analysis.
- Outdoorsy individuals who need a durable watch capable of handling extreme conditions.
- Users with large wrists who don’t mind a watch that makes a statement.
However, if you’re looking for a watch with a more subtle design, less data-driven approach, or prefer a more affordable option, the Galaxy Watch 7 might be a better fit.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a watch for the committed athlete. It excels in areas like battery life and health tracking, making it a worthy competitor in the high-end smartwatch market. But its bulky size and data-centric philosophy might leave some users wanting more.
