5 features that make Galaxy Watch Ultra the best smartwatch from Samsung

1. Titanium frame with Quick button

The Galaxy Watch Ultra features a new polarizing design with a familiar round dial inside a square case. This allows for a larger battery, but it also makes the watch look extremely similar to the Apple Watch Ultra, especially with the orange strap, and somewhat detracts from the circular design flair that the watch has. Samsung is famous.

However, the new Grade 4 titanium bezel is a welcome addition and makes the watch much more durable and resistant to harsh conditions. In fact, the Galaxy Watch Ultra can survive in temperatures as cold as -20°C to as hot as 55°C.

Sadly, the fan-favorite rotating bezel is no more; It now has a versatile Quick button (similar to the customizable Action button on the Apple Watch Ultra) that lets you instantly start your favorite workouts. You can also map the Quick button to launch any app or trigger an emergency alarm to call for help by pressing and holding the button for 5 seconds.

2. Battery life up to 100 hours

5 features that make Galaxy Watch Ultra the best smartwatch from Samsung Picture 1

The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a 590mAh battery, identical to the Watch 5 Pro from 2022. According to Samsung's claims, it can deliver up to 100 hours of battery life in Power Saving mode and 48 hours in Exercise Power Saving mode, more than enough even for highly demanding users.

Keep in mind that these results were tested by Samsung in the lab under ideal conditions and therefore actual battery life may vary depending on your usage.

3. Maximum brightness 3,000 Nits

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung's brightest smartwatch with a maximum brightness of 3000 nits so outdoor visibility is absolutely not an issue. For reference, Samsung's flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra has a maximum brightness of 2,600 nits.

Like the Apple Watch Ultra, the Galaxy Watch Ultra's screen automatically switches to Night Mode, turning the interface red to reduce eye strain and make it easier to read in the dark. However, the screen size remains the same at 1.5 inches for both the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra.

4. Water resistant up to 100 meters

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In addition to the IP68 rating, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is also 10ATM certified, which means it can survive in 100 meters of water for up to 10 minutes. So you can rest assured that the watch can accompany you when swimming or diving and will still work well even in heavy rain.

However, you should then rinse and dry the watch. Unlike the Apple Watch Ultra, Samsung's product does not have a depth sensor.

5. AI-powered healthcare features

The Galaxy Watch Ultra also has some AI features not found on the standard Galaxy Watch 7. For example, the Personalized HR Zone feature monitors your heart rate and helps you run at optimal intensity. This feature becomes active after you run continuously for more than 10 minutes at a speed of 4km (2.48 miles) per hour or faster.

Another feature called FTP (Functional Threshold Power) estimates maximum pedal power when cycling based on your heart rate. It requires you to connect the power meter to your Galaxy phone and will automatically activate after 4 minutes of cycling at a moderate to high intensity level.

Overall, Samsung has positioned the Galaxy Watch Ultra as a direct competitor to the Apple Watch Ultra, and its slightly lower price ($649) is very attractive indeed. That means it's not for everyone and should only be on your wish list if you're a fitness enthusiast or athlete and need these extra features.

David Pac

Update 16 July 2024