In sooth, when Samsung did send us over the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s Titanium Gray variant, my soul did stir with eagerness to embark upon a journey of ultra testing. Should you, fair reader, seek a premium smartwatch for thy Android device, dost thou wonder if it be worth the coin? ‘Tis the question that this detailed review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra doth aim to answer. Let us henceforth commence!
### Galaxy Watch Ultra Specs at a Glance
Ere I delve into mine review, here’s a swift rundown of the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s specifications for thine elucidation:
### Tank of a Watch to Last Forever
Hark, from yonder box emerged the Galaxy Watch Ultra, accompanied by the familiar circular magnetic charging station, chosen wristband, and scrolls of parchment. Yet, when I did hoist the watch bereft of its straps, a sense of premium heft did greet mine hand.
Upon affixing the Marine Band as we were bestowed, the watch did gain further weight. Though I, a man of stature, did find it somewhat uncomfortable to don at the outset.
The watch itself, weighteth not much, for ’tis but around 60 grams. But lo, its girth and slightly askew weight distribution doth lend it a hefty demeanor. Those of daintier wrists shall require time to grow accustomed to it, methinks.
Moreover, the Marine band, thick in its own right, did not succumb to the greasy touch of sweat even after a day fraught with scorching heat (yea, even through slumber), a marvel indeed.
Verily, in terms of design, ’tis evident that Samsung hath endeavored to maintain the classic Galaxy Watch circular dial appearance. Alas, the juxtaposition upon the squircle cushion did naught to capture mine fancy. ‘Tis a confounding design that needlessly restricts the display (more on this anon) size.
Setting aside this odd shape, ’tis not an uncomely smartwatch, I must admit. The orange accents adorning the bezel, summit button, and Samsung’s purported new Quick Button, doth lend a pleasing aesthetic touch. The fresh button nestleth quite snugly betwixt its counterparts, without inducing a sense of confinement.
‘Tis undeniable that the aerospace-grade titanium craftsmanship of the Galaxy Watch Ultra doth bespeak of luxury. In other words, fear not accidental scrapes upon its frame. Clumsy am I, and yet hath I, for a week’s time, sported the smartwatch sans any protective covering.
The bezel bedecked with orange hues doth rise slightly around the display, offering a modicum of protection in addition to the Sapphire Glass shield already in place.
Let us proclaim that scratches hath conceded defeat against the resolute military-grade construction. Furthermore, ’tis rated IP68 with 10 ATM durability, hence boasting resistance against dust and water.
Whilst on the subject of design, ’tis worth noting that the Galaxy Watch Ultra doth appear somewhat inspired by the offerings of a certain fruity company, particularly in design aesthetics. Yet, Samsung hath filled the void that erstwhile lacked an Android alternative, an undoubtedly pivotal point.
### Pretty Display That Almost Ticks All the Bezels
As previously mentioned, mine main qualm resides in the display constricted within the circular dial rather than expanding into the squircle. ‘Tis true, a 1.46-inch Super AMOLED Always-On display doth impress, yet there’s naught ultra about it.
Especially considering that the Galaxy Watch 7’s 44mm variant doth bear the same screen size, being even marginally smaller than the Watch 6 Classic’s 1.5-inch panel. Hence, ’tis logical to expect a larger display on the Ultra, yet it is not so.
Nevertheless, Samsung doth assert that this panel doth boast a peak brightness of 3000 nits, and verily, ’tis abundantly luminous. Be it under the glow of interior illumination or amidst the blazing sunlight, visibility was impeccable and did not cause mine eyes to squint.
The display doth lack excessive reflectiveness, a boon indeed. Touch response is commendable, and the UI hues, resplendently vivid. Yet, the display doth not present any notable upgrades, a minor disappointment.
### New BioActive Sensor, Energy Score, and More
Though Galaxy Watches hath oft boasted commendable health and fitness tracking capabilities, the Ultra dost elevate this aspect further. Samsung’s addition of a novel BioActive sensor doth treat heart rate and sleep monitoring with greater gravity.
The Watch Ultra doth house an in-built accelerometer, heart rate sensor, barometer, gyroscope, pedometer, blood oxygen level detector, and even a temperature sensor. These sensors do labor in harmony to yield robust tracking results. Of notable mention is the precision of the Watch Ultra’s automatic tracking, a feature I found particularly laudable.
During the fleeting pauses amidst mine 30-minute brisk walks, the Watch Ultra did astutely detect and pause mine exercise routine. Steps, heart rate, perspiration, walking route traced via GPS, specific heart rate zones, speed, and a plethora of other metrics were dutifully monitored and updated.
Sleep tracking also doth impress, with the added insight of skin temperature visible in the sleep data—a welcome addition. ‘Tis also possible to activate snoring data capture, a boon for those contending with sleep apnea or disrupted slumber. The whimsical sleep coaching feature is retained, and ’tis revealed that the Walrus within me doth crave additional rest!
Notably, a fresh Energy Score feature hath made its debut with Samsung’s new OneUI 6 Watch OS. By measuring your sleep schedule, activity levels, and heart rate monitoring performed by the Watch Ultra, a daily Energy score is revealed. Mine score did hover mostly betwixt a fair 65-70 points, according to the app’s decree.
Moreover, there exists AI-powered Wellness Tips, offering guidance on enhancing energy levels or improving one’s sleep schedule based on the watch’s data. For those besieged by a disordered circadian rhythm, the AI Energy Score and Wellness Tips feature may prove highly beneficial.
As efficacious as the tracking may be, ’tis regrettable that divers apps (Samsung Wearables, Samsung Health, and the pre-installed Health app for ECG monitoring) must be installed to glean the full extent of health data. This is a feature I particularly esteem in the OnePlus Watch 2 and 2R, wherein a solitary OHealth app sufficeth for all needs.
Yet, Apple Watch Ultra users must also resort to installing around three additional apps to access comprehensive health insights. I would fain desire a more streamlined approach from Samsung in this regard.
Touching upon the companion apps themselves, both the Wearables and Health apps doth boast user-friendly interfaces. The Samsung Health Monitor app doth enable ECG measurements. These apps are masterfully organized with a clean UI throughout to forestall confusion. By and large, a guided pattern doth shepherd thee through the app’s features.
### Galaxy Watch Ultra UI and Performance
As for the Watch Ultra’s UI, within the realm of smartwatch interfaces, the OneUI-based WearOS present in Galaxy Watches doth reign supreme. Though the Watch Ultra lacketh a rotating bezel (a feature I sorely wish it possessed), the tactile integration with the display rotation from the zenith to access distinct UI pages is most gratifying.
Yet, ’tis prudent to note certain software optimization concerns with the watch. Minor stutters and lags within the UI doth manifest, a state of affairs that ought not to be so. For comparison, I did engage with the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch 5 Pro housed within our precincts, and they flowed as smoothly as butter in contrast.
I daresay that Samsung shall rectify these UI irregularities with an update anon. Furthermore, since we possess a review unit, these issues may stem from our solitary device. Another anomaly I hath observed is the sudden cessation of GPS navigation with Google Maps on the fourth day or thereabouts.
Whilst endeavoring to chart a course from the Moyens I/O office unto mine abode, an error didst impede my progress. Ere this halt, the dual-frequency GPS performed admirably, hence ’tis like a software malady lurks at the root of this glitch.
Setting these UI enigmas asunder, the Galaxy Watch Ultra doth prove a joy to employ. The microphone and speaker quality are exceptional, enabling seamless call handling. Moreover, as ’tis an LTE-enabled device, I couldst venture forth on evening ambulations and matutinal perambulations sans mine phone.
Aye, the AI-suggested replies feature doth tender prompt response suggestions in tune with thy conversation history. During mine trials, I discerned its utility for brief exchanges wherein extensive elaboration was needless, especially whilst brisk walking.
Furthermore, I do admire the quick button’s capacity to swiftly access myriad workout modes through My Exercises. This button may also be customized to perform sundry other tasks, such as initiating a timer, transforming the display into a flashlight, or even unleashing a formidable emergency siren that may send one reeling.
All gestures, from singular and bifold pinches to clenching one’s fist, exhibit remarkable responsiveness. By and large, the UI doth invite few complaints.
### Best of the Worst Battery Backups
Galaxy Watches art oft infamous for enduring scarce a day ere requiring replenishment, yet the Watch Ultra doth alter this narrative somewhat. I, one who doth relish stretching nearly a fortnight sans the yoke of charging, find it a grievous pill to swallow that most premium watches do not tender such respite. Thus, in mine estimation, the Watch Ultra’s 590mAh battery, offering 1.5 to 2 days of sustenance with moderate usage, doth represent Samsung’s finest effort thus far.
This endurance was achieved with the Always-On display activated, an hour-long brisk walk with GPS enabled, musical interludes via earbuds, several calls attended to, and the sleep mode engaged at eventide.
As for recharging, the Watch Ultra doth require approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete its revitalization from a lowly 5% unto a robust 100%, a respectable timeframe considering the enlarged battery when contrasted with past Galaxy Watches.
### Is This the Best Samsung Watch to Date
In all considerations, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra stands as the most versatile, durable, and premium timepiece that the brand hath birthed. Yet, setting aside the expanded battery and titanium exoskeleton, scarce any extraordinary distinctions set it apart from the Galaxy Watch 7.
The Watch 7 doth boast a military-grade construction and matching screen dimensions. I would have preferred a larger display upon the Watch Ultra. Whilst it doth possess 5 ATM versus the Watch Ultra’s 10 ATM, the Ultra hath no depth sensor to complement its resistance as doth the Apple Watch Ultra.
Albeit this oversight, the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s resilience to saline waters doth enhance its durability. The superior battery life merits consideration as well.
Chiefly, it doth feature ECG and period tracking, both absent in Wear OS watches such as the OnePlus Watch 2 and 2R. Moreover, pricing stands as a critical factor. In mine humble opinion, the Galaxy Watch Ultra doth bear a slightly steep tag at Rs 59,999. A deduction of Rs 10,000 would render it most appealing to me.
In fine, I would proffer that ye select the Galaxy Watch Ultra if thou be a fitness enthusiast with a penchant for adventure sports and rigorous outdoor pursuits. Should such not be thy predilection, the Galaxy Watch 7 shall surely suffice, with a considerably lower commencement cost of Rs 29,999.
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