Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review
- by Tom's Guide
- Jul 30, 2024
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(Image: © Future) Many features require Samsung phones
(Image credit: Future)
Although the Galaxy Watch Ultra is technically compatible with any Android smartphone, a majority of the best features require you to own a Samsung phone. For example, to use the FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection and ECG readings, you need to download the Samsung Health Monitor app.
Irregular heart rhythm notifications and all Galaxy AI features, such as the Energy Score and Wellness Tips, require a Samsung phone with up-to-date software. But then to use the new Double Pinch gesture (yes, comparable to the one Apple debuted with the Apple Watch Series 9 last year) you need to have a Samsung smartphone running One UI 6.1.1. At launch, that only includes the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, so I couldn't use the Z Fold 5 that I normally use for Android watch testing.
Thankfully my colleague let me borrow his Z Flip 6 review unit to try it out, but I don't think customers should be encouraged to buy a new phone just to be able to use their new smartwatch's features from day one.
Limited use for water sports
(Image credit: Future)
Although I am not personally a deep sea diver, I've enjoyed speaking to Apple Watch Ultra users in recent years about how the watch functions as a dive computer. Despite the Galaxy Watch Ultra being rated for similar depth abilities, it's not actually suitable for things like waterskiing and yes, diving. 'Not suitable' is Samsung's own words from the press release:
"Galaxy Watch Ultra is water resistant with an IP68 rating based on the lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters fresh water for up to 30 minutes. It is not suitable for high-pressure water activities and diving."
Considering the first Galaxy Watch Ultra image that pops up on Samsung's website is the watch bubbling in water, I would say the limitations are a serious miss. Sure, if you're just going swimming in a pool or ocean for a bit, the Galaxy Watch Ultra can track that workout. But many smartwatches can do the same for hundreds of dollars less.
Similar performance to the cheaper Galaxy Watch 7
(Image credit: Future)
Given this Galaxy Watch's "Ultra" branding, I was hoping it would get some more "Ultra" features — specifically, those that you can't get on the Galaxy Watch 7 flagship. Think about the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. the standard S24: while it's true they all have the same Snapdragon the Ultra model gets better cameras and included S-Pen.
I don't know that the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers enough to create a true distinction between the Galaxy Watch 7. They have the same 3-nanometer processor, same BioActive sensor, same Wear OS 5 software with One UI, same Galaxy AI features, and same Double Pinch gesture. It's just in a different package, albeit a nicer-looking package. Are looks enough to justify spending $650 vs. $300? Everyone has their own priorities, but for me, even one exclusive feature would help the Ultra's case.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review: Verdict
Although I'm skeptical whether the Galaxy Watch Ultra is truly more premium than the Galaxy Watch 7 enough to justify the higher price, it's still a successful smartwatch. Perhaps I wouldn't be so tough on it in this review if it didn't beg to be compared to the Apple Watch Ultra. Yet between the athletic design and longer battery life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the Apple Watch Ultra for Samsung users.
Still, at $649, it's an investment. As I've noted, it delivers in the design category, and Samsung Health with all its features is a very fulfilling fitness-tracking experience. Being accustomed to smartwatches that only last a day on a full charge, the Galaxy Watch Ultra's multi-day battery life is a selling point.
I don't foresee the Galaxy Watch Ultra reaching the same popularity as the Apple Watch Ultra, especially not among non-athletes. My biggest question is if this watch is just a one-off, or if we'll get a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 next year.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Price Comparison
$18.06
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