Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Discover the complete Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review after 4 months. Check if it’s better than the Apple Watch Ultra, how the battery works, and what features it has.
Table of contents
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra – first contact and impressions
- Build quality and durability of titanium case
- Software, smooth operation and new features
- Advanced sensors: health and fitness at your fingertips
- Battery and battery life – real possibilities
- Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra – Head-to-Head Comparison
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra – first contact and impressions
The very unboxing of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra suggests that we are dealing with a premium class product. The watch comes in a solid, minimalist packaging with a clearly accentuated brand and model name. In addition to the smartwatch itself, the set includes a magnetic charger, documentation and – depending on the store or version – a matching sports strap made of high-quality silicone or composite materials.
Design and build quality
The first touch of the Galaxy Watch Ultra shows extraordinary precision in the finish of details. The watch case is made of titanium (in selected versions), which provides not only a modern look, but also durability for everyday hardships. The sapphire glass used effectively protects the display from scratches, and the classic round dial remains faithful to the watchmaking tradition, which distinguishes the Galaxy Watch from more angular competition.
On the wrist, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra looks elegant and modern, regardless of the user’s style. The design is impressively light – considering the technological advancement of the device – and the watch does not give the impression of being “plastic”. Every element, from the crown to the side buttons, feels solidly designed.
First time on and setup
The process of first starting the Galaxy Watch Ultra has been simplified as much as possible. When the side button is pressed, the watch wakes up instantly, greeting the user with an animated Samsung logo. Setup via the Galaxy Wearable app on your smartphone is very smooth – even non-techies can handle pairing the device and the first steps in the system.
There is an option to connect to both Android phones and – a limitation compared to the Apple ecosystem – no native support for the iPhone. The watch’s interface impresses with its smoothness from the first seconds. The responsiveness of the AMOLED screen is exemplary, and the brightness dynamically adjusts to the ambient conditions, ensuring readability in sunlight and in the dark.
User experience – “wow effect”
Already after the first minutes of use, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra surprises with its ergonomics. The strap is soft and flexible, it does not cause discomfort even during prolonged physical activity or sleep. Attention to detail is also visible in the menu and numerous, customizable dials – both minimalist and more advanced, presenting a range of health and sports data.
Tactile and haptic sensations are at a very high level. The vibrations are gentle but clear – notifications will not escape attention, and at the same time they do not distract you. Water and dust resistant (IP68 and MIL-STD-810H rating), the Galaxy Watch Ultra immediately encourages an active lifestyle without worrying about damage or accidental wetting.
The first contact with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra shows that the brand has learned from previous generations – both in terms of aesthetics, quality of materials and intuitiveness of use. Already at the configuration stage, it is hard not to get the impression that we are dealing with a complete, refined tool for every occasion.
Build quality and durability of titanium case
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra stands out from the competition, especially in terms of build quality and durability of the materials used. At first glance, you can see that the Korean manufacturer paid a lot of attention to design details, and the titanium case is the class of this watch. The use of this material has placed the Galaxy Watch Ultra in the premium segment, alongside the highest-rated models on the market — including the Apple Watch Ultra.
Extreme resistance thanks to titanium construction
Titanium, the case of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, is a material used in aerospace, and medicine due to its unique properties. It is not only lighter than stainless steel, but at the same time much more resistant to corrosion, scratches and strong impacts. In everyday use, this means that the watch can handle both accidental abrasions and more demanding situations – from falls on hard surfaces to intense sports training .
During four months of use, Galaxy Watch Ultra performs excellently even in the most difficult conditions – whether it’s mountain hiking, water sports or everyday work. The case does not show any signs of wear, and its satin structure effectively masks micro-scratches, which usually quickly appear on watches made of steel.
Aesthetics and ergonomics at the highest level
The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s titanium case not only guarantees durability, but also adds an exclusive, modern touch to the watch. The matte finish emphasizes the raw elegance, and the minimalism of the form catches the eye of both fans of sporty design and those who prefer a more classic style. Importantly, titanium does not sensitize and does not react with the skin, so even long hours of wearing the watch does not cause discomfort or irritation.
The ergonomics of the design is another aspect that distinguishes this model. Despite its robustness and durability, the watch is relatively light – even during intensive use, you do not feel any additional weight on your wrist. Contoured edges and a well-fitting strap mount ensure that Galaxy Watch Ultra sits firmly on your hand in any situation, without chafing and ensuring full freedom of movement.
Water, dust and weather resistant
Resistance to external factors cannot be overlooked – the Galaxy Watch Ultra meets the military standards MIL-STD-810H and is IP68 compliant, offering resistance to immersion, dust, extreme temperatures or moisture. The titanium case in combination with sapphire glass perfectly protects the watch movement from damage during everyday activities and extreme expeditions.
In practice, even contact with sea water, mud or snow does not affect the appearance or functionality of the watch. A quick wash under running water is enough to restore the device to its original condition. This makes the Galaxy Watch Ultra the perfect choice for active people who don’t compromise between design and durability.
Software, smooth operation and new features
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra runs on the Wear OS 4 operating system with the One UI Watch overlay, which is one of the strongest points of this device. Samsung, in partnership with Google, is getting better and better at synchronizing its smartwatches with both the Android ecosystem and its own app portfolio. After four months of daily use, the system is not only intuitive, but above all extremely stable and fast, which translates into genuine enjoyment of the watch.
Updates and security
One of the most important strengths of the Galaxy Watch Ultra software is the speed of introducing updates and the emphasis on the security of user data. Since its release, the device has already received several fixes that not only fix minor bugs, but also introduce new features and improve performance. Regular security updates are invaluable, especially for people who use contactless payments or store sensitive health information on their watch.
Clear interface and smooth operation
The experience of smooth operation is what distinguishes the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Switching between screens, managing notifications or launching applications is done instantly – both by touch and physical buttons. Animations are smooth and the responsiveness of the device remains at a constant, very high level even after intensive use for many weeks. Much of this is due to the modern Exynos W930 processor and optimized RAM.
Personalizing the home screen allows you to instantly customize your watch to suit your needs. Widgets, tiles and function shortcuts can be arranged freely, and switching between them is extremely convenient. This will be especially appreciated by active people who want quick access to health statistics or training functions.
New features – innovations in everyday use
Among the novelties introduced by the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, an important place is occupied by extensive health monitoring – the function of sleep quality analysis along with sleep apnea detection and advanced measurement of heart rate and SpO2 blood oxygen levels. The watch can also automatically recognize types of physical activities, such as walking, running, cycling or swimming, and the new Adventure Mode allows you to record even the most demanding off-road trips with precise GPS tracking and altitude or atmospheric pressure indicators.
An additional breakthrough is the SOS function and fall detection, which automatically alert selected contacts in the event of a dangerous event. For smart home enthusiasts, support for SmartThings devices has also been integrated, and the new Samsung Pay payment system works natively in Poland.
The watch has also gained an improved Always On Display mode, thanks to which the watch face remains legible with minimal power consumption. The battery performance even with extensive functions remains at a very satisfactory level, which is the result of excellent software optimization.
Advanced sensors: health and fitness at your fingertips
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra stands out from the competition with an extremely rich set of advanced sensors and functions that monitor health and physical activity. This watch has been designed for demanding users – not only those who want to track their daily steps, but above all athletes, health-conscious people and fans of advanced training analytics.
Precise measurements with the latest technologies
On board the Galaxy Watch Ultra we will find an updated, multi-functional Samsung BioActive Sensor of the second generation, which combines several key features. This allows the device to simultaneously monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen level (SpO2), blood pressure, body oxygenation and ECG (electrocardiograph), as well as your stress level and skin temperature. The measurement of all these parameters takes place in real time, which allows for quick reactions and adaptation of training or rest to the current needs of the body.
The heart rate monitor works very precisely both at rest and during physical exertion – even during fast-paced sports such as running or cycling, it allows you to track changes in real time. SpO2 and blood pressure measurement are done automatically in the background, however, for more accurate measurements, manual readings can be taken, which are presented in clear graphs in the Samsung Health app.
Advanced sleep and recovery monitoring
Galaxy Watch Ultra takes sleep tracking to a new level with an improved sleep phase and quality detection algorithm. The watch analyzes sleep cycles, detects naps, and recognizes potential disorders such as sleep apnea. With a skin temperature sensor, sleep data is even more accurate and can provide a solid basis for analyzing the user’s recovery and overall health.
Based on overnight measurements, the app provides recommendations for improving the quality of rest, as well as makes it easier to monitor health habits. An advanced notification system reminds you to fall asleep regularly and also warns you if it detects unusual changes in your heart rhythm during sleep.
Support for athletes and active users
Thanks to advanced motion sensors – including a 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope and barometer – the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra can automatically recognize dozens of types of activities, from walking to swimming, climbing or skiing. The automatic start and stop function of the workout means that the user does not have to worry about manually turning on the monitoring, and the second-generation GPS accuracy ensures precise route tracking, even in difficult terrain conditions.
The watch also offers VO2 Max measurement, recovery time forecasting and detailed statistics on VO2 max and training load. The whole thing works seamlessly with external applications, allowing you to export data to other popular sports platforms.
Regular motivation and a healthier lifestyle
Advanced sensors support the user not only in monitoring progress, but also in daily motivation. A system of activity goals, notifications when you go too long without moving, and even recommendations for breathing exercises to improve well-being – these are the elements of the Galaxy Watch Ultra health ecosystem that make it easier than ever to stay fit.
Battery and battery life – real possibilities
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is equipped with a 590 mAh battery, which puts it among the leading smartwatches in terms of declared battery life. However, only daily use for four months allows you to objectively assess whether the real operating time is in line with the manufacturer’s promises. Users often wonder how the watch performs in a variety of conditions and when using extensive functions such as Always On Display, health monitoring or support for multiple applications at the same time.
Modes of use and battery consumption
The Galaxy Watch Ultra allows you to choose between different modes of operation, which significantly affects power consumption. In everyday moderate use – with an active Bluetooth connection, notifications enabled and regular heart rate monitoring – the watch lasts an average of 3.5 to 4 days without recharging. This is a result that surpasses most smartwatches with Wear OS and is very competitive compared to the Apple Watch Ultra, which usually reaches a maximum of 2 days of operation in similar conditions.
Enabling the Always On Display function reduces this time to about 2.5-3 days, which is still a noteworthy result. With intensive use – using GPS to track training routes, continuous music playback, using LTE (in the version with eSIM) or activating Adventure Mode – the battery lasts about 1.5 to 2 days. In power-saving mode, with limited functionality, the Galaxy Watch Ultra can last up to 8-9 days without charging, which is especially useful on longer trips.
Fast charging – practical solutions
Samsung has also taken care of the convenience of replenishing energy. The Galaxy Watch Ultra supports fast charging, which allows you to charge the battery from zero to 45% in just 30 minutes. A full charge usually takes about 90 minutes, which turns out to be extremely practical with daily use and intense training. The Qi wireless charging option gives you extra flexibility, as you can also charge your watch with a compatible Qi-enabled smartphone charger or power bank.
Intelligent energy management
The watch uses the optimized Wear OS 4 system and the proprietary One UI Watch overlay, which gives you a number of options to personalize power management. The system automatically adjusts the screen brightness, manages background apps, and suggests disabling certain features when it detects rapid battery drain. You can also manually configure the activity level of individual sensors and adjust the frequency of data synchronization to further extend your uptime.
In practice, the Galaxy Watch Ultra impresses with its stability regardless of the battery level – there are no drops in performance, even at very low power levels. This ensures that the watch is always ready for action, both during everyday use and during intense training in difficult conditions.
Comparison with Apple Watch Ultra
When it comes to battery life on a single charge, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is ahead of many competing models, including the Apple Watch Ultra. Apple, despite the use of a large battery and optimized watchOS, usually requires charging every 36-48 hours – especially with advanced features enabled. The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers more independence and convenience for people who don’t want to worry about charging their device every day.
Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra – Head-to-Head Comparison
Design, materials and comfort of use
Both watches represent the premium segment and are aimed at the most demanding users. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, like the Apple Watch Ultra, is made of titanium and equipped with sapphire glass, which makes both models not only very durable, but also elegant in design. The differences can be seen in the shape of the case – the Galaxy Watch Ultra remains faithful to the round dial, which is considered more classic and traditional, while the Apple Watch Ultra opted for a rectangular case, associated with Apple’s distinctive style.
When it comes to comfort, both designs are well-balanced and relatively light for their capabilities. Both the Apple and Samsung sports straps allow for a precise fit on the wrist. In practice, the case of the Apple Watch Ultra can be larger, which for people with smaller wrists can be felt during everyday wear, while the compact and ergonomic form of the Galaxy Watch Ultra works well with both a suit and a sports outfit.
Display and responsiveness
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts a 1.5-inch AMOLED Dual Display, offering high brightness and excellent readability even in direct sunlight. Apple Watch Ultra features a 1.92-inch Retina LTPO OLED display that also provides great visibility and crisp colors. Both watches offer Always On Display mode and exceptional touch responsiveness, while the Apple Watch Ultra attracts attention with very narrow bezels and high pixel density, making the interface seem extremely smooth.
Functionality and operating system
In terms of operating system, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is based on Wear OS 4 with the One UI Watch interface, and the Apple Watch Ultra runs on watchOS 10. Apple provides tight integration with the iPhone ecosystem, which is a big advantage for Apple users, while the Google system allows for comprehensive personalization of watch faces, installation of applications from Google Play, and a wide selection of widgets. The Galaxy Watch Ultra supports Samsung Pay payments, while the Apple Watch Ultra supports Apple Pay. Both models have voice assistants, support for calls, notifications, as well as SOS and fall detection functions.
When it comes to health monitoring, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is ahead of the competition in terms of the number of available sensors – such as advanced temperature measurement, ECG, blood pressure measurement, afib detection, and multi-faceted sleep monitoring. Apple Watch Ultra is as good as ECG and heart rate monitoring, but it doesn’t offer blood pressure measurement and objectively accurate SpO₂ measurement around the clock.
Battery life and charging
One of the key criteria for smartwatch users is the battery life on a single charge. In everyday use, the Galaxy Watch Ultra performs better – in a typical scenario, it lasts 3.5-4 days, while the Apple Watch Ultra typically needs to be charged every 1.5-2 days. Both Samsung and Apple offer fast charging, but the Galaxy Watch Ultra performs better in power-saving mode, allowing up to more than a week of operation with limited use of the features.
Sports features and resistance
Both models offer extensive outdoor features such as high-precision GPS, extreme sports modes, automatic workout detection, and 10 ATM water resistance. Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra meet military-grade resistance standards, so they’re suitable for a variety of sports, from running to swimming to climbing and diving.
Summary
After 4 months of use, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra confirms its high position in the smartwatch market. The device stands out for its robust titanium casing and impressive durability, versatile software and unprecedented precision in health and activity monitoring. The battery life compares favorably to the competition, and the daily smoothness of operation makes using the smartwatch a pure pleasure. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a true alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra, meeting the expectations of even the most demanding users.
