The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, released in late 2023, represents Samsung’s push into the high-end, adventure-focused smartwatch market. This device aims to compete with rugged offerings from brands like Garmin and Apple’s Watch Ultra, providing a blend of smartwatch features and durability for outdoor enthusiasts.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts a robust and premium design:

 

• • Large 45mm titanium case for durability and lightweight feel

• • Sapphire crystal display for enhanced scratch resistance

• • MIL-STD-810H certified for durability

• • 5ATM + IP68 water resistance, suitable for swimming and diving up to 40 meters

• • Rotating bezel for easy navigation

• • Available in Phantom Black and Silver

Display

 

• • 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display

• • 450 x 450 pixel resolution

• • Always-on display option

• • Peak brightness of 2000 nits for excellent outdoor visibility

The display is vibrant, sharp, and easily readable even in bright sunlight.

Performance and Battery Life

Powered by Samsung’s Exynos W940 chip:

 

• • Smooth performance for apps and watch functions

• • 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage

• • Up to 80 hours of battery life in normal use

• • Up to 120 hours in low-power GPS mode

Fitness and Health Features

The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes packed with sensors and features for fitness enthusiasts:

 

• • Advanced GPS with dual-frequency support for accurate tracking

• • Heart rate monitor with ECG capability

• • Blood oxygen monitoring

• • Sleep tracking with detailed sleep stages

• • Body composition analysis

• • 90+ sport modes including swimming, hiking, and diving

Smartwatch Features

Runs on Wear OS powered by Samsung:

 

• • Compatibility with both Android and iOS devices

• • Wide range of apps available through Google Play Store

• • Samsung Pay for contactless payments

• • Bixby voice assistant

• • LTE connectivity option for calls and messages without a phone

Outdoor and Adventure Features

 

• • Built-in compass and barometric altimeter

• • Route tracking and backtracking

• • Storm alerts and weather forecasting

• • Emergency SOS and fall detection

Pros and Cons

Pros:

 

• • Durable, premium build quality

• • Excellent battery life

• • Comprehensive fitness and health tracking

• • Bright, easily readable display

• • Wide range of smartwatch features

Cons:

 

• • Larger size may not suit all wrists

• • Premium price point

• • Some features work best with Samsung smartphones

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is an impressive entry into the adventure smartwatch market. It successfully combines the durability and features needed for outdoor activities with the smart capabilities expected from a modern wearable. The long battery life, robust build, and comprehensive health tracking make it an excellent companion for fitness enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

While it comes with a premium price tag, the Galaxy Watch Ultra justifies its cost with its versatility and feature set. It’s particularly appealing for Samsung smartphone users who can take full advantage of its integration with the Samsung ecosystem. However, even for non-Samsung users, it presents a compelling option in the high-end smartwatch market.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra may be overkill for casual users, but for those who need a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch that can keep up with an active lifestyle, it’s a top contender. It successfully bridges the gap between traditional smartwatches and dedicated outdoor watches, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users.