Tl;dr: If you want the best of the best, now in Android; get this watch.

I've had the Galaxy Watch Ultra for a month now and in that time I've found it to be the best and most complete Samsung smartwatch. In this review, I'll talk about what I like and what I don't like about this watch in no particular order, hoping that it can shed some light on interesting topics such as design, battery life, and the functionality and precision of its sensors.

First of all, let's talk about Samsung copying Apple. Indeed, the entire concept of an "Ultra" smartwatch first came from Apple and THAT is what Samsung is copying. From the straps to the use of orange on the action button to the siren and night mode; you can clearly see the inspiration that the South Korean company took from the Silicon Valley one. However, what Samsung was really original about was the design of the watch itself. Called "squircle" (square and circle = squircle), the design of this watch is actually inspired by Samsung's Gear Sport. And I understand why they didn't change the circular design, because otherwise they would have to completely redesign the software of their watch to adapt it to the new Ultra. Anyway, companies always copy everything. The Always On Display Apple took from Android, as well as the Widgets on the home screen, or the use of type C cables for charging, and even the first (between Samsung and Apple) to reach the smartwatch market was Samsung with the legendary Galaxy Gear. Two years before the first Apple Watch. Apple even took the word "Ultra" from Samsung and its premium line. Samsung has also taken inspiration from Apple: generally for the worse, such as removing the charger from the phone boxes, leaving the price the same. In short, companies copy each other over and over again but that only means benefits for users by having more options.

Regarding the design of the watch, I think the bezel and the titanium plate on which the watch face rests are a good idea. It is an elegant and whimsical design; because it does not look like your conventional watch and does not pretend to be discreet. Its orange accents give it an almost stealthy but at the same time striking appearance. Depending on the watch face you use (I always try to get one that matches the orange accents), it will turn heads wherever you go. I find it very disappointing that the entire body of the watch is not titanium; it is a very hard and durable plastic but it is not metal. I wouldn't have minded if it were aluminum or something similar, and perhaps because of the antennas (LTE and dual-band GPS) it is necessary to opt for a plastic case but in my opinion it takes away from the seriousness and premium feel of the watch.

I do have to say that the design of the Watch Ultra (and the Buds 3 Pro too, oddly) doesn't feel Samsung... Its hard to explain - but the design choices are so off with what the brand has brought to the table before. I like both of them but again, they don't feel Samsung.

As for battery independence, I am someone who does not like to limit the functions of my devices to have greater autonomy. I do not want to limit the AOD (Always On Display), nor the heart rate metrics, and I am constantly using contactless payments with google wallet and recording walking sessions around the city. So the battery life that I have is relatively short. It can last me from a day and a half to two days. To give an example, I currently have 80% battery, having used it for 6.5 hours and with all the functions active. The app says that I have one day with 14 hours left.

You can extend the battery yes, but by limiting the functions of the watch. Although I did not buy nor do I recommend cutting the functions of the watch in half to have greater autonomy, but again; everyone has different priorities.

As for the OS and processing power; its fast. Its buttery smooth. Its almost flawless. I'm coming from a Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and it's day and night difference. Its like a 70 year old running against The Flash. My old watch used to stutter, lag, sometimes it wouldn't even be able to activate a routine because... Idk it got confused or something. But this watch is amazingly smooth, finally having a good experience while using a Samsung Smartwatch. Can switch modes with ease, start timers, pay, change watch faces... Everything smoothly. Honestly, its quite impressive.

The action button only has 4 options; workout tracking, water lock, torch or a stopwatch. Its nice and all, but I alway say that if you can't do something (digitally) its because it hasnt been designed yet. I feel like we should be able to have a tap, long press, and double tap options for the action button. Otherwise its kinda lacking in my opinion.

Regarding the AGE's index, I did not understand it, its metrics are not clear and it is not really information that is useful to me. I have that feature deactivated.

On the other hand, I found the energy score to be accurate and very useful. It takes into account factors such as quality, consistency and hours of sleep, as well as physical activity from the previous day to give you an energy score and how you can make the most of your day. Whether by exercising more or taking a break.

The accuracy of the heart rate and oxygen saturation sensors are relatively accurate based on other professional measurements made by third parties. In general they can correctly track changes in BPM and 0²sat, but these should be taken as a guide and not as a law. This is because there are many factors that influence a good measurement; if the watch is adjusted correctly, if the sensors are clean, if the hands vibrate or shake (when lifting weights or riding a dirt bike, for example) and so on. Even people with tattoos (in the area where they wear their watch and under the sensors) have pointed out that the readings are wrong. It is important to consider that.

Regarding the dual-band GPS, I have not had such positive results because I generally use it in parks surrounded by trees and tall buildings that affect the signal. Which should not happen. However, third parties have found favorable results so it will depend on the circumstances.

Regarding watch bands, I've tried both the marine and alpine loop (ahem, trail band) and I honestly couldn't say which one I like more. The marine band feels sturdy and secure, while also being very flashy and gorgeous. Honestly, I take this one clubbing and partying the most. As for the trail band, I really like it; it looks stealthy and elegant. Its material is really stretchy; however, I've encountered some problems. Maybe it's me having to get used to it, but I see some red marks as if the band were too tight... Only that I could easily fit another three fingers when I stretch it between my wrist and my watch... Vertically. I don't know why that is, but it feels more like a relief when I take it off. Which is sad because I think I do like this one more aesthetically.

Finally; the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a watch that Samsung designed for high-performance athletes committed to their sport. However, I think it's also a watch for those looking for the best of the best in Android smartwatches. The adventurous and elegant design, especially of its Black and White editions, make it a must-have candidate for all kinds of situations, whether deep in the jungle, the sea or the tundra, as well as in meetings, outings and other social events.

Lmk if you have any questions. I'll do my best to answer them

My only concern, forget price and everything is comfort. There's not that much of a feature gap other than the GPS and battery life either.

So I've not been wearing a watch ever since the pandemic, and before I used to wear the largest watch 4 variant (i think it's 45 g).

Now the watch 7 is apparently 30g and ultra at 60, is there a very big difference in comfort? I'm imagining that since I find the 4th gen light, I'd barely notice the 7th and that might be better to wear asleep? For reference I'm 6'2 and do 10-15kg bicep tricep workouts.

So I'm guessing the weight wouldn't matter as much as just the comfort of wearing to the bed.

Edit: I guess I'm off to the store tommorow to try em out.

In the USA with a trade in of my watch 6, I got the Watch ultra for about $340 and the watch 7 44 mm for $70. I have both in hand and am trying to decide why I should keep the Watch Ultra, previously had the Watch 4 Classic, Watch 5 Pro, Watch 6 44mm....

Positives for the Ultra::

• 25% larger battery

• More interesting style (depending on your tastes)

• an extra button?

Same:

• Screen Size

• Processor

• Everything else.

Cons:

• Heavier

• Thicker

• Larger case with no additional screen

• Much more expensive

What am I missing here?

Hey all, check out my thoughts on the Watch Ultra over the Watch 7 😄

I made this post in another thread, but figured it'd be easier to find here, and could be stickied as it is edited over time if it adds value.

I spent a lot of time researching functional differences (since reviewers are useless, and Samsung's own product page skips some things), and here's what it comes down to. Basically the Ultra only has 4 improvements and 1 pseudo-improvement over the Watch 7:

• A few additional sports tracked.

• Waterproof to 10 atmospheres vs 5 on the Watch 7 (but only rated for 10 minutes at 100m and ONLY in freshwater, and not to the same ISO standard used by normal diving watches, so perhaps marketing only)

• 590mAh battery vs 300/425mAh on the Watch 7 (battery life estimates from real users are all over the map on both devices)

• Users below have reported the speakers/mics are improved over the base Watch 7 including a louder 85dB siren.

• An extra button (I can't imagine 99% of people will care about this as a major feature)

But those benefits come with some major tradeoffs:

• A +$300 price jump

• A doubling of the weight

• This is subjective, but that awful design (some folks love it though) even though it is supposedly a copy of the Galaxy Sport Active.

• Oh, and the Ultra is not compatible with all of the 20mm lug watch bands going back 8 years like EVERY other Samsung watch. No idea what they were thinking there.

Notes:

• I'm seeing conflicting info that the Watch 7 may also have dual-band GPS, which would take yet another item out of the Pros for the Ultra.

• I'm not listing titanium casing as a functional advantage, because that's largely marketing hype. No one has had issues with bashing the side of their watch in, and if they did, the sapphire screens on both models would likely crack first. Plus, it increases cost and weight. Sure, some may prefer the feel of that metal, but that's a style preference, and not functional.

• A couple folks mentioned better haptics below, but haven't found confirmation on official product pages that it is specific to Ultra vs the 7.

I've been a Galaxy Watch owner for a while now, firstly with the Active 2, then the Galaxy Watch 4, and currently a Watch 6, all with LTE. Now unfortunately, my Watch 6 has had an unfortunate accident, (RIP), and I'm now looking at either the Watch 7 or the Ultra. It seems that the biggest difference between the GW7 & Ultra, aside from size and looks, is the battery life, brightness and water depth. I do run a bit, so GPS is important to me, something the GW6 wasn't exactly the best at, and I've watched and read a lot of mixed reviews of both GW7 & Ultra.
How do you guys find the GPS? I know the next Gen watches are coming out later this year, but honestly happy to buy now, and possibly upgrade later.

Should I just stick with the 7, or spend the extra and go the Ultra?