"Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Ultimate Smartwatch Review – Is It Worth $649?"
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by Unboxify,
3 min reading time
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Review: A Giant Leap for Smartwatch Kind 🏆
The future of Samsung smartwatches is here with the **Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra**. Tech enthusiasts and fitness fanatics are eager to know if it lives up to its hefty price tag of $649 (£599, AU$1,299). After extensive testing over a week, we delve into whether this smartwatch is worth splurging on.
Price and Availability 💰
The **Galaxy Watch Ultra** is Samsung's most expensive watch yet but still sits below the **Apple Watch Ultra** and some high-end **Garmin** watches like the Garmin Epix Pro.
- **Price**: $649 USD, £599 GBP, AU$1,299
Design and Build Quality 🏗️
Robust and Premium Build 💎
The watch shares its design with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, featuring a 44 mm round AMOLED screen. The casing is made from **scratch-proof titanium**, and thick silicon bands are partly crafted from recycled plastics.
- **Waterproof Ratings**: IP68 and 10 ATM
During our tests, including a surfing session, the watch held up exceptionally well. However, its size might be off-putting for some, earning mixed feedback for its imposing presence.
Buttons and Navigation 🔘
Samsung’s useful two-button system is complemented by a new quick button, which can be programmed for handy shortcuts like starting workouts.
Features and Functionalities ⚙️
Innovative Bioactive Sensor Array 📊
Samsung packed the Galaxy Watch Ultra with an upgraded bioactive sensor array, allowing for:
- **Heart rate monitoring**
- **Blood oxygen levels**
- **Heart rate variability**
- **Body composition analysis**
The body composition tool performed accurately in our tests, matching up closely with smart scale measurements.
Seamless Integration with Samsung Ecosystem 📱
The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers seamless integration with Samsung smartphones, including features like serving as a camera viewfinder.
Workout Capabilities 💪
The watch excels in workout tracking, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts:
- **Multisports tile** for disciplines like Triathlon
- **Advanced running metrics**: Real-time graph of running symmetry
However, it does not offer real-time maps or directions during workouts, and the swiping for navigation can be cumbersome.
Battery Life 🔋
The **Galaxy Watch Ultra** promises up to 100 hours of battery life in low-power mode, but with features like always-on display and GPS tracking active, expect it to last only a few days.
Performance Evaluation 🏃
During a 5K run around London's Hyde Park, the watch accurately tracked:
- **Heart rate zones**
- **Cadence**
- **Elevation gain**
The GPS accuracy met our expectations based on comparisons with the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Pros and Cons 🏅❌
Strengths 💪
Robust build quality with premium materials
Accurate bioactive sensors
Seamless integration with Samsung ecosystem
Comprehensive workout metrics
Weaknesses 👎
Large and potentially uncomfortable design
Short battery life with full features active
Lacks real-time maps for workouts
High price point
Final Verdict 🎯
The **Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra** is arguably the best Samsung watch ever. It excels in build quality, workout functionalities, and integrates smoothly with other Samsung devices. However, its polarizing size and battery limitations may be a dealbreaker for some.
Who Should Buy It? 🤔
- **Existing Samsung watch users** and **sporty Android fans** looking for a robust and feature-packed smartwatch should consider the Galaxy Watch Ultra. However, might want to wait for a discount if the current price feels too steep.
By striking a balance of advanced metrics, design, and functionalities, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra promises a stellar, albeit imperfect, addition to your tech arsenal. 🏅