Samsung's new Galaxy Watch Ultra aims to make a splash in the rugged smartwatch market, but its design is raising eyebrows for more reasons than one.
Impressive Water Resistance
The Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts formidable water resistance credentials:
- IP68 rating for dust and water resistance
- Survives submersion in 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes
- 10 ATM rating allows for submersion up to 100 meters in saltwater and chlorinated water
- MIL-STD-810H certification for extreme conditions
These specs position it as one of the most water-resistant smartwatches available, suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. However, Samsung stops short of recommending it for scuba diving, unlike Apple's competing Watch Ultra.
Design Controversy
While the Galaxy Watch Ultra's capabilities are impressive, its design has sparked debate. Critics point out numerous similarities to the Apple Watch Ultra, including:
- A squircle case shape with raised right bezel
- Customizable button in International Orange
- Nearly identical watch band designs and names
- 86dB emergency siren
- Automatic night mode
- Similar gesture controls
This apparent homage to Apple's design is particularly surprising given Samsung's historically unique smartwatch aesthetics, like the popular rotating bezel on previous models.
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| A striking comparison highlighting design similarities between Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple's Watch Ultra, igniting the debate about originality in smartwatch aesthetics |
Potential Motivations
Several theories attempt to explain Samsung's design shift:
- Addressing declining smartwatch sales (down 15% year-over-year)
- Hoping to attract Apple users through visual similarity
- Recognizing efficiency benefits of the rectangular form factor for battery capacity
The Innovation Dilemma
This isn't the first time Samsung and Apple have traded design inspirations, with past lawsuits settled out of court. However, the Galaxy Watch Ultra's similarities feel particularly blatant.
While imitation can sometimes drive innovation, many fans hope Samsung will return to pushing boundaries with original designs in future iterations.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra's impressive specs make it a serious contender in the rugged smartwatch space. However, its familiar look may leave some wondering if Samsung missed an opportunity to truly differentiate itself in this growing market segment.
