Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Design and Controls
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the latest addition to Samsung’s smartwatch lineup, and it brings with it a refreshed design that leans heavily on premium materials. Although the circular display is retained, the chassis now adopts a square-ish design with oval corners, giving it a unique aesthetic compared to previous Galaxy Watches. This design choice may divide opinions, as some users might appreciate the new look, while others may find the contrast between the circular display and the square body a bit awkward.
One of the highlights of the design is the ring around the display, which acts as a protective layer against accidental bumps and scratches. The absence of a visible bezel makes the watch look modern and sleek, but it comes with its drawbacks, especially for those who preferred the functionality of the rotating bezel.
Materials and Build Quality
The Galaxy Watch Ultra uses some of the highest-grade materials in the smartwatch industry. The display is protected by sapphire glass, a material known for its scratch resistance, while the body is made from grade 4 titanium, ensuring that the watch is both lightweight and durable. The back of the watch, which houses the BioActive sensor, is made of ceramic and also protected by sapphire glass, further enhancing the watch’s durability. However, the sides of the chassis have a plastic-like finish, which, although it blends well with the overall design, could feel less premium compared to the rest of the materials used.
Weighing 60 grams, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is only slightly heavier than the Watch6 Classic despite its tougher build and larger battery. Samsung has managed to strike a balance between ruggedness and comfort, making the watch suitable for both everyday wear and extreme conditions.
Durability and Certifications
Durability is a key focus for the Galaxy Watch Ultra, as it is designed to withstand harsh environments. The watch meets the MIL-STD 810H military standard, ensuring that it can handle extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations. It also boasts an IP68 certification for water and dust resistance, making it safe for swimming and other water activities. What sets the Galaxy Watch Ultra apart is its ability to survive at depths of up to 100 meters, compared to the 50-meter water resistance of the Galaxy Watch6 series.
In addition to its water resistance, the watch can operate in a wide temperature range, from -20°C to 55°C, and it can function at altitudes of up to 9,000 meters. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers who need a watch that can keep up with their lifestyle.
Colors and Strap Options
Samsung offers the Galaxy Watch Ultra in three colors: Titanium Silver, Titanium Gray, and Titanium White. Each color variant comes with a corresponding strap, and the Titanium Black model features an Orange strap, which adds a pop of color to the otherwise muted design. Other strap options include Dark Grey, Green, and White, giving users plenty of customization choices.
However, one downside to the design is the strap compatibility. The dynamic lug system makes it easy to swap out straps by pressing a small button to release them, but the downside is that standard 22mm straps won’t fit. Users will need to purchase Samsung’s custom straps, which limits options and can be more expensive compared to universal bands. Samsung offers both fabric and metal bands, but these tend to be overpriced compared to third-party options.
The default silicone straps included in the retail package are quite comfortable. They are soft-touch and designed with breathability in mind, making them ideal for workouts and daily wear. However, the straps can feel a bit bulky at times and may be challenging to put on due to their thick design.
Controls and User Experience
One of the most noticeable changes in the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the removal of the rotating bezel, a signature feature of Samsung’s previous smartwatches. In its place, Samsung has introduced a virtual bezel or touch bezel, which allows users to swipe along the edge of the display to navigate menus. While this is a clever solution, it doesn’t quite replicate the tactile feel and precision of the physical rotating bezel. The virtual bezel requires users to touch the display, which can sometimes result in smudges or misclicks, detracting from the overall user experience.
Samsung has tried to improve the navigation experience by adding a Quick Button, which allows users to quickly start a workout or switch between activities without touching the screen. This is a helpful addition, but the placement of the buttons could be better. The Quick Button is located close to the Home and Back buttons, which are placed on the side of the watch. This proximity can lead to accidental presses, especially when you’re trying to navigate quickly.
Although the virtual bezel isn’t as precise as the hardware bezel, Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Watch Ultra with a new haptic motor, which provides excellent feedback. When you interact with the virtual bezel, the haptic feedback gives the impression of rotating a physical wheel, which is a nice touch. However, it lacks the precision and satisfying “click” that the mechanical bezel offered, which many users may miss.
Performance and Features
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is powered by Samsung’s latest wearable technology, ensuring smooth performance across all functions. Whether you’re tracking your fitness, receiving notifications, or using apps, the watch handles it all effortlessly. The BioActive sensor on the back of the watch is designed to provide accurate health data, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep tracking. Samsung has also included advanced tracking features for activities like hiking, swimming, and running.
The battery life of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is another area where it impresses. Despite its larger battery and rugged design, the watch manages to last up to two days on a single charge with moderate usage. Of course, this will vary depending on how you use the watch, but for most users, the battery life should be sufficient for daily wear.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a premium smartwatch that excels in durability, design, and functionality. Its high-quality materials, rugged features, and advanced tracking capabilities make it a solid choice for those who need a smartwatch that can handle tough environments. However, the removal of the rotating bezel and the lack of compatibility with standard straps may be deal breakers for some users.
If you’re looking for a smartwatch that combines ruggedness with premium aesthetics, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is an excellent option. But if you’re someone who valued the rotating bezel and prefers more customization with straps, you might feel limited by Samsung’s design choices this time around.