The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra represents a significant evolution in Samsung's wearable technology, combining premium build quality with advanced features for both casual users and fitness enthusiasts. As US Black Friday 2024 approaches, this flagship smartwatch has become even more attractive with substantial price reductions, making it an compelling option for those seeking a high-end smartwatch experience.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy Watch Ultra features a distinctive squircle titanium design with a 47mm case size. Its circular display is protected by durable sapphire glass and can achieve an impressive 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The watch maintains a traditional analog watch aesthetic while incorporating modern smartwatch capabilities. The device comes with IP68 and 10ATM water resistance ratings, ensuring durability across various environments.
Key Features:
- Titanium construction
- Sapphire glass protection
- GPS tracking
- Health monitoring
- Energy Score system
- Virtual rotating bezel
- LTE connectivity (on selected models)
Performance and Software
Powered by the new 3nm Exynos W1000 SiP, the Watch Ultra delivers exceptional performance in daily use. It runs on One UI 6.0 Watch layered over Google's Wear OS 5, providing a responsive and intuitive user experience. The interface demonstrates smooth navigation and quick app launches, with no noticeable lag or performance issues.
Key Specifications:
- Display Size: 47mm
- Water Resistance: IP68 and 10ATM
- Processor: 3nm Exynos W1000 SiP
- Operating System: One UI 6.0 Watch (Wear OS 5)
- Peak Display Brightness: 3,000 nits
- Battery Life: ~2 days (with AOD off)
- Current Price: $490 (US Black Friday 2024)
Health and Fitness Features
The Watch Ultra excels in health tracking capabilities, featuring enhanced sensors for accurate heart rate monitoring and GPS positioning. The new Energy Score feature provides a comprehensive analysis of sleep time, daily activities, heart rate variability, and other metrics. This consolidation of health data offers more practical insights compared to competing systems. However, one notable limitation is the inability to connect external sensors, which may disappoint serious athletes.
Battery Life and Practicality
While not matching the endurance of dedicated sports watches from brands like Garmin or Suunto, the Galaxy Watch Ultra manages to achieve approximately two days of battery life with the always-on display turned off. This performance matches the Apple Watch Ultra 2, representing a reasonable compromise between smart features and longevity.
Price and Value Proposition
Currently available on Amazon for $490 ahead of US Black Friday, with some models like the Titanium Gray version offered at even lower prices, the Galaxy Watch Ultra presents strong value for its feature set. This pricing makes it an attractive option for users seeking a premium smartwatch experience without reaching the price point of competing ultra-premium models.
Customization and User Experience
The Galaxy Wearables app provides extensive customization options, allowing users to adjust watch face complications, organize apps, and modify Quick Panel settings. While the traditional rotating bezel has been replaced with a virtual alternative, the implementation remains practical and user-friendly.
