Samsung's latest premium smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, offers a host of impressive features and customization options, but its battery life may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Powerful Hardware in a Rugged Package
The Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts Samsung's 3nm Exynos W1000 SoC, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. Its 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display is protected by sapphire crystal glass, offering a crisp 480x480 resolution. With an IP68 rating and 10 ATM water resistance, it's built to withstand the elements.
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| The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra placed atop the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus, showcasing its robust design and features |
Customization and Convenience
Running Wear OS 5 with Samsung's One UI Watch 6 overlay, the Ultra offers extensive customization options:
- Customizable watch faces with multiple complications
- Gesture controls for quick actions
- Ability to remap buttons and change default apps
- NFC payments via Google Pay or Samsung Pay
The watch also includes health monitoring features like ECG and blood pressure measurements, though these may require a Samsung phone for full functionality.
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| Customizing the watch face on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, showcasing its extensive features |
Impressive Safety Features
One standout feature is the Siren Mode, which emits a loud alarm audible up to 180 meters away when activated, potentially useful in emergency situations.
Battery Life Concerns
Despite its impressive specs, the Galaxy Watch Ultra's battery life is a significant drawback. With the always-on display active, it struggles to reach three days of use. Even with power-saving features enabled, it falls short of competitors in this price range.
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| The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra on a charging puck, indicating a low battery level, emphasizing battery life concerns |
Price and Value Proposition
At RM3,399 (approximately $720), the Galaxy Watch Ultra sits in the premium smartwatch category. While it offers a robust feature set, the short battery life may make it difficult to justify the price for some consumers, especially when compared to longer-lasting alternatives from other brands.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra presents a compelling package of features and customization options for those deeply invested in the Samsung ecosystem. However, potential buyers should carefully consider whether the advanced functionality outweighs the need to charge the device frequently.
