Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review: if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em
After Samsung announced the $649.99 Galaxy Watch Ultra on July 10th, I saw a few posts floating around on Threads. The gist was the same. Each post had two images: on the one side, there was the Apple Watch Ultra, and on the other, the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Hmm, users wondered. Where have we seen this before?
It’s harsh, but it was my exact first thought as well. While there are stylistic differences, it’s painfully obvious that Samsung made a list of everything the Apple Watch Ultra had that the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro — Samsung’s first attempt at a more rugged smartwatch — didn’t. It then went down the list, ticking off each feature one by one. By and large, that was a successful strategy. This is a great Android smartwatch. Arguably, it’s the best Android smartwatch.
More specifically, the Ultra’s successes don’t always feel earned. Samsung smartwatches have always had their own unique flair (usually in the form of a physical rotating bezel, which is sadly missing here). Yes, there were some Samsung-y quirks, but it gave the watches character.
Some of that quintessential Samsung-ness is still there. But it’s also undeniable that Samsung overhauled its wearable strategy to be the Apple of Android. My nerdy lil’ heart isn’t broken over it. But it does sting.
In Apple’s shadow
After wearing the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on one arm and the Galaxy Watch Ultra on the other for the last two weeks, it’s easier to say what they don’t have in common. Unlike Apple’s watch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra has a circular face (though it’s set in a squarish case). There’s no digital crown. It has FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, a 3nm processor, and an upgraded 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor, which measures EKGs, body composition analysis, and other heart rate data. (Apple has EKGs and heart rate, but it’s still on a 5nm chip, and Masimo’s lawsuit has thrown a wrench in its sleep apnea efforts.) Naturally, the Galaxy Watch Ultra runs One UI 6 Watch and Wear OS 5 instead of watchOS.
Author
Michael Davis
Michael Davis is a dedicated content creator at The Bizz Global, focusing on Business, Finance, Technology, and Lifestyle. With a knack for breaking down complex topics, Michael ensures that readers stay informed and engaged with the latest industry trends. His passion for clear and concise writing makes him a trusted voice in the field.
