Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: A Comprehensive Review
💪 Rugged Design and Bright Display 💪
Samsung has finally introduced a Galaxy watch that lives up to the "Ultra" name with a rugged new design, a big, bright screen, and a host of sports modes. We'll put it to the test in various aspects and see how it stands up against its predecessor and other competitors.
🛠️ Build and Design
The Galaxy Watch Ultra features a rugged design that aims to cater to the more adventurous and demanding users. Made from titanium, it stands out in terms of durability. However, it does come at the cost of weight and size.
The watch measures 47 mm, which might be overwhelming for users with smaller wrists.
My wrist is 152 mm for reference, and I did feel the noticeable bulk.
If you prefer a more comfortable option without compromising on features, the regular Galaxy Watch 7 might be the way to go.
The Dynamic Lug Mechanism introduced with Ultra is innovative but not without its drawbacks. This new mechanism is not backward compatible with older watch bands. Until more manufacturers start making compatible bands, you are limited to the options launched alongside the Ultra.
🌟 Display Quality
The Ultra's 3000 nit display is one of its standout features. The bright screen ensures visibility in various lighting conditions, whether you are out under the blazing sun or in a dimly lit room.
Night mode is available on a selection of the Ultra-specific watch faces, adding to the user experience.
The screen is super easy to read in all settings, making it a versatile companion for different activities.
🏃♂️ Fitness and Sports Features 🏃♀️
🔬 Bioactive Sensor Accuracy
Both the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Galaxy Watch 7 come with a redesigned bioactive sensor aimed at providing more accurate readings for high-intensity workouts.
Putting the Sensor to the Test:
I tested this at CrewFit during a spin class and wore a chest strap for comparative purposes. After an intense workout, I had the following observations:
Plotting the heart rate data from the Ultra against the chest strap data showed surprising accuracy.
The average heart rate readings were almost identical: 138 bpm on the Ultra and 137 bpm on the chest strap.
There were some minor discrepancies during sudden spikes in heart rate, but overall, the sensor did impressively well.
🚴 FTP Test for Cyclists
Samsung has also introduced the Functional Threshold Power (FTP) test for cycling with both the Ultra and the Galaxy Watch 7. However, this feature currently only works in outdoor cycling mode.
The Ultra has a 4-minute FTP test, which contrasts with the traditional 20-minute or hour-long tests. This shorter test can reduce strain on your body during workouts.
This test provides valuable insights for cyclists looking to measure and improve their performance.
It’s hoped that Samsung will expand this feature to include indoor cycling workouts in future updates.
📏 Size, Price, and Battery Life 📏
⚖️ Size and Weight
Size and weight can be significant factors when choosing a wearable.
The Ultra’s heftier size and weight might make it uncomfortable for some users, especially those with smaller wrists.
In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers two more manageable size options: 40 mm and 44 mm.
💰 Price Considerations
Price is another crucial factor to consider. While the Ultra justifies its higher price with premium features and durability, the Galaxy Watch 7 provides a more affordable option with many of the same functionalities.
🔋 Battery Capacity and Performance
Battery life is one of the most awaited tests for any smartwatch enthusiast.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra:
Boasts a 590 mAh battery, the same as the previous rugged model, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
Samsung claims up to 60 hours of battery life with the Always-On Display (AOD) on, 100 hours with power-saving mode, and 48 hours with exercise power-saving mode. However, real-world testing often tells a different story.
In my experience, the Ultra managed about 47 hours of runtime with AOD on, falling slightly short of the 60-hour claim. Exercise power-saving mode used about 3% battery per hour, giving me around 33 hours in total.
The Galaxy Watch 7:
Comes in two sizes with different battery capacities, both smaller than the Ultra.
With the 40 mm size, I got about 34-35 hours of runtime, even with sleep tracking enabled.
This is a slight improvement over previous models in the Galaxy Watch series, making it a compelling option for everyday use.
🏊 Sleep Tracking and Health Monitoring 🏊
🛌 Sleep Apnea Detection
Both the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7 are the first in the US to receive FDA authorization for sleep apnea detection.
This feature tracks relative decreases in blood oxygen levels over two nights to detect signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Notifications are sent to your phone if any signs of sleep apnea are detected.
To enable this feature, you must use the Samsung Health Monitor app, which is exclusive to Galaxy phones.
💤 Comprehensive Sleep Tracking
Both watches offer a range of sleep tracking features, including sleep stages, blood oxygen levels, and a sleep score to help you understand your sleep patterns better.
Energy Score:
This is another useful feature that balances your overall activity and rest to provide insights into your recovery and energy levels.
However, the lack of advanced recovery metrics might be a drawback for serious athletes.
Competitors like Garmin and Apple offer more comprehensive recovery tools, which might be something to consider if you’re looking for a watch that caters to more detailed athletic training.
⌚ Advanced Functionalities ⌚
🎶 Music Playback and Controls
One of the standout features is the ability to play music directly from the watch, even through third-party apps like Spotify.
This feature is a game-changer for those who like to leave their phone behind during workouts.
With the built-in 32 GB of storage, you can have your music library right on your wrist.
📳 Gesture Controls
Both watches come with advanced gesture controls, offering a more hands-free experience.
Double Pinch: This gesture allows you to control music playback, answer and hang up calls, and dismiss alarms. It’s not enabled by default, so you’ll need to turn it on in the settings.
Knock-Knock Gesture:Activated by tapping your fingers together, this gesture can be customized to launch an app of your choice. I set mine to launch the flashlight, making it super handy for quick use.
📡 GPS and Connectivity
Both the Ultra and the Galaxy Watch 7 use dual-frequency GPS using L1 and L5 bands, ensuring better accuracy and performance in various environments. This is a valuable feature for outdoor enthusiasts and those who rely on precise location tracking for their activities.
🛠️ Hardware and Software 🛠️
⚙️ Processor and Storage
Both the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7 are powered by the new Exynos 3 nanometer processor, offering improved performance and energy efficiency.
With 32 GB of storage, you have ample space for apps, music, and other data.
The new processor does feel faster in everyday use, although some apps still exhibit occasional lag.
🔄 Wear OS and One UI
Both watches run on Wear OS 5 with Samsung's One UI 6 Watch on top, offering a familiar yet refined user experience.
The Always-On Display is now more interactive, allowing you to launch apps directly from complications without waking the screen first.
The touch bezel, although still a bit finicky, is another aspect of the user experience. While it’s a step forward from previous models, it still lacks the precision of a physical rotating bezel.
📉 Limitations and Areas for Improvement 📉
💥 High-End Features
While the Galaxy Watch Ultra excels in many aspects, it does fall short in some areas compared to other high-end sports watches.
Recovery Metrics:
For serious athletes, the lack of comprehensive recovery metrics might be a dealbreaker.
Competitors like Garmin offer more detailed insights into training load and recovery, which can be crucial for optimizing athletic performance.
🤔 AGES Index
The Advanced Glycation End Products (AGES) index is another feature that seems promising but lacks clarity.
This index supposedly indicates metabolic health, giving you a measure of whether you are on the higher or lower end of the spectrum.
However, understanding this metric can be confusing. There's no clear guidance on what constitutes a "good" or "bad" reading.
Future software updates might provide more insights into this feature, but as of now, it remains underutilized.
🔌 Charging and Compatibility
Reverse wireless charging from a Samsung phone is not supported on these new watches, which is a disappointment for users accustomed to this convenience.
However, you can still use the USBC Puck charger, which can be plugged into your phone to charge the watch.
🔍 Final Verdict 🔍
📊 Ultra vs. Galaxy Watch 7
After going through the myriad of features and testing both the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Galaxy Watch 7, here's what stands out:
The Ultra: Designed for the adventurous and those who need the utmost durability and advanced sports functionalities. While it offers impressive features, its size, weight, and price might be deterrents for some people.
The Galaxy Watch 7: A more versatile and budget-friendly option that retains many functionalities of the Ultra, making it the better choice for most users. It’s also more comfortable for everyday wear, especially for those with smaller wrists.
In conclusion, both watches have their unique strengths and some shared limitations. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is an excellent choice for those who need a rugged and feature-rich smartwatch, while the Galaxy Watch 7 provides a more balanced combination of features, comfort, and affordability.
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I hope this comprehensive review helps you make an informed decision about which Samsung Galaxy Watch is right for you!
