Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Review: A Game-Changer in the Smartwatch Market

 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has made a grand entrance, arriving in three separate boxes: one for the watch itself, one for the "S/M/L" band, and a larger outer box. Alongside the watch, you get a USB-C to wireless charging puck.

Design and Build

The standout feature of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is its striking resemblance to Apple's Watch Ultra 2. However, beyond the similar buttons, orange accents, and strap color, the Galaxy Watch Ultra distinguishes itself with unique design elements. The watch boasts a square case housing a circular bezel and screen, in contrast to the rectangular display of the Apple Watch Ultra.

One significant difference is the absence of a physical rotating bezel. This has been a contentious point among Galaxy Watch enthusiasts, but Samsung has compensated with a software-based rotating bezel that operates by moving your finger along the edge of the screen.

 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

New Button Configuration

The Galaxy Watch Ultra features three buttons on its side, with the middle button designated as the new "Quick button." By default, this button opens the workouts menu, which can initially feel unnatural as you might instinctively reach for it as a home button. Interestingly, there’s an expectation for this button to rotate, which it doesn’t.

Impressive Vibration Strength

One of the notable features of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is its powerful vibration strength, offering a noticeable feedback experience.

Size and Comfort

Upon unboxing, the Galaxy Watch Ultra might appear large and heavy, especially without the strap. However, once worn, it feels balanced and comfortable on the wrist, making its initial size seem less imposing.

 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

Performance: Exynos W1000 SoC

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is powered by the new Exynos W1000 SoC, delivering a significant performance boost. The watch operates smoothly and quickly, offering a noticeable improvement over the Galaxy Watch6 series.

 

Fitness and Health Tracking

The Galaxy Watch Ultra excels in fitness and health tracking, offering an extensive array of features. From heart rate monitoring to advanced workout tracking, the watch is designed to cater to fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The watch supports seamless connectivity with a variety of devices, enhancing its functionality. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making it a versatile choice for users.

Battery Life and Charging

The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers impressive battery life, capable of lasting through multiple days of use. The included USB-C to wireless charging puck ensures convenient and fast charging, keeping the watch ready for use.

Software and User Interface

Samsung's Wear OS powers the Galaxy Watch Ultra, providing a user-friendly interface and a wealth of apps and customization options. The software-based rotating bezel adds a unique touch to the navigation experience.

Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2

While the Galaxy Watch Ultra shares some design similarities with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the two devices offer distinct experiences. The square case with a circular screen and bezel, along with the software-based rotating bezel, sets the Galaxy Watch Ultra apart. Performance-wise, the Exynos W1000 SoC gives the Galaxy Watch Ultra an edge in smoothness and responsiveness.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 (left) vs. Apple AirPods Pro 2 (right)

Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Galaxy Watch6 Series

Compared to the Galaxy Watch6 series, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a significant upgrade in performance and features. The new Exynos W1000 SoC ensures faster and smoother operation, making it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking top-notch performance.

Release Date and Pricing

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is set to be released soon, with pricing expected to be competitive with other premium smartwatches on the market. While exact pricing details are yet to be confirmed, the watch is anticipated to offer good value for its advanced features and performance.

Full Specs

Attribute	Specification
Release Date	July 24, 2024
Weight	60.5 g (2.15 oz)
Dimensions	47.4 x 47.4 x 12.1 mm (1.87 x 1.87 x 0.48 in)
Build	Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame (grade 4)
SIM	eSIM
Water Resistance	IP68 / 10 ATM certified (100m water resistant up to 10 min)
MIL-STD 810H Certification	Yes
ECG Certification	Yes
Display Type	Super AMOLED
Display Size	1.5 inches
Display Resolution	480 x 480 pixels (~327 ppi density)
Protection	Sapphire crystal glass
Always-On Display	Yes
Operating System	Android Wear OS 5, One UI Watch 6
Chipset	Exynos W1000 (3 nm)
CPU	Penta-core
GPU	Mali-G68
Internal Storage	32GB
RAM	2GB
Memory Card Slot	No
Camera	No
Loudspeaker	Yes
3.5mm Jack	No
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band
Bluetooth	5.3, A2DP, LE
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
NFC	Yes
Radio	No
USB	No
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, altimeter, compass, SpO2, body temperature, water temperature, BioActive
Battery Type	Li-Ion 590 mAh, non-removable
Charging	10W wireless (Qi)
Colors	Titanium Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium White
Models	SM-L705F, SM-L705N, SM-L705U
SAR EU	0.11 W/kg (head), 0.36 W/kg (body)
Price	$649.99 / €699.00 / £2,248.20

A Top Contender in the Smartwatch Market

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra emerges as a strong contender in the smartwatch market, offering a unique design, powerful performance, and a wealth of features. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a tech-savvy user, the Galaxy Watch Ultra promises to deliver a premium smartwatch experience.

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