The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung’s latest and most ambitious smartwatch to date. Designed for those who demand power, durability, and premium performance, this watch pushes the boundaries of what a wearable can do. But with a hefty price tag of £599, the big question remains — is it really worth it?
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After two weeks of real-world testing, we dive deep into this Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review to uncover whether this rugged powerhouse truly lives up to the hype.
Design and Build Quality
A Bold, Rugged Look
There’s no denying that the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a large smartwatch. Coming in at 47mm, it’s built for wrists that can handle a bold presence. While it might look oversized on slimmer wrists, the design screams durability and toughness.
Samsung combines a grade 4 titanium chassis with sapphire crystal glass, making it nearly indestructible against scratches and accidental bumps. After two weeks of daily wear — including several unintentional knocks against walls, desks, and door frames — the watch still looks brand new.
Military-Grade Durability
The Galaxy Watch Ultra has passed MIL-STD-810H certification tests, proving its resistance to extreme humidity, vibration, and temperature fluctuations. It can survive as low as -20°C and as high as 55°C. The watch is also IP68 water and dust resistant, with 10ATM pressure resistance, meaning it can handle scuba diving, swimming, or even a rugged mountain hike.
Style Meets Substance
Available in gray, white, and silver, the watch features a striking Tango orange strap on the gray model — eye-catching yet functional. The silicone material is breathable and comfortable for 24-hour wear, whether you’re working out or sleeping.
Samsung’s new Dynamic Lug System allows for easy strap swapping, though it’s limited to Samsung-made straps.
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Display Quality
The 1.5-inch AMOLED display shines — literally — with a 3,000-nit brightness that makes it one of the brightest smartwatch screens on the market. Whether you’re under the blazing sun or in a dimly lit room, visibility is superb.
Night Mode and Always-On Display
Samsung includes a Night Mode watch face that automatically switches to red and black tones in dark environments, protecting your eyes from glare. However, activation can take several minutes in low-light conditions.
The screen also features excellent viewing angles and razor-sharp resolution, ensuring notifications, messages, and workout stats look crystal clear.
Buttons, Controls, and Navigation
The Galaxy Watch Ultra includes three main controls:
- A bright orange Action Button, fully programmable for quick access to workouts or features like the torch or stopwatch.
- Two standard Home and Back buttons.
- Long-press options for emergency functions like the siren feature or Bixby voice assistant.
A Missing Feature: Rotating Bezel
One surprising omission is Samsung’s signature rotating bezel, a fan-favorite navigation tool from previous Galaxy Watches. Users must now rely solely on touch gestures or rim swiping, which can get messy during sweaty workouts.
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Interface and User Experience
The Galaxy Watch Ultra runs on Wear OS with Samsung’s signature One UI Watch 6 overlay. Navigation feels intuitive, smooth, and responsive — thanks to the new Exynos W1000 chipset, Samsung’s first 3nm processor for wearables.
App Ecosystem
With Google Play Store access, you can download apps like Spotify, Audible, WhatsApp, and Calm. Messaging, call handling, and notifications are seamless. The tiny on-screen keyboard performs surprisingly well, but voice input remains the easiest method for quick replies.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Advanced Sensors for Accurate Tracking
Samsung has upgraded the BioActive sensor system, tripling the number of LEDs to improve accuracy. Heart rate, SpO2, stress levels, and ECG readings are precise and consistent, even during intense workouts.
The dual-band GPS offers exceptional accuracy, maintaining a strong signal even in crowded urban areas.
Workout Features
The Galaxy Watch Ultra supports dozens of fitness activities, including running, swimming, cycling, hiking, and gym workouts. It can automatically detect walking and running sessions and track them without manual input.
A few standout fitness features include:
- Track Back Mode – retraces your route when hiking or exploring new areas.
- Race Mode – compares your current run against previous performances in real time.
- Multiport Workouts – lets triathletes customize their sessions for multiple activities.
Sleep and Recovery Insights
Sleep tracking on the Galaxy Watch Ultra is detailed, measuring sleep stages, snoring, and overall rest quality. After a week, users receive a “sleep animal” profile based on habits — a fun and motivational touch.
Samsung Health also offers personalized tips for improving rest, although they’re mostly common-sense suggestions like maintaining consistent sleep schedules.
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Battery Life and Charging
Despite its “Ultra” name, battery life is solid but not extraordinary. With typical use — including always-on display, notifications, and light workouts — the Galaxy Watch Ultra lasts around 2.5 days on a single charge.
Power-saving modes can extend battery life significantly, and Watch Only Mode delivers weeks of uptime by disabling smart features.
Recharging takes about two hours using the magnetic dock, which is compact and travel-friendly.
Smart Features
- Contactless payments via Samsung Pay
- Calls and messages directly from the watch
- Voice assistant support (Bixby)
- Music playback and control
- Emergency siren and fall detection for safety
The fall detection feature is particularly useful for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone prone to stumbles — ideal for those “late-night pub walks.”
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Performance and Speed
The Exynos W1000 chip ensures smooth performance across apps, widgets, and menus. Minor stutters occasionally appear during rapid swiping, but overall responsiveness is impressive.
App loading times are fast, and multitasking feels snappy for a smartwatch.
Pros and Cons: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Pros:
- Premium titanium and sapphire build
- Excellent 3,000-nit AMOLED display
- Accurate health and GPS tracking
- Fully customizable Action Button
- Extensive fitness features
Cons:
- No rotating bezel
- Limited strap compatibility
- Average battery life for its size
- Pricey compared to competitors
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a premium smartwatch built for adventure, durability, and precision. It’s a perfect match for fitness enthusiasts, outdoor explorers, and tech lovers who want a rugged yet stylish wearable.
However, its bulky size, lack of a rotating bezel, and moderate battery life might deter some users. Still, if you’re looking for a smartwatch that can truly handle anything — the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers on its promise.
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FAQs About Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
1. Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra worth the price?
Yes — if you prioritize durability, fitness tracking, and build quality. However, for casual users, the standard Galaxy Watch 7 may offer better value.
2. How long does the Galaxy Watch Ultra battery last?
It lasts approximately 2.5 days with moderate use, or up to several weeks in Watch-Only Mode.
3. Can you swim or dive with the Galaxy Watch Ultra?
Absolutely. It’s water-resistant up to 10ATM, making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and shallow diving.
4. Does it support third-party apps?
Yes. Through the Google Play Store, you can install apps like Spotify, WhatsApp, and Google Maps.
5. Is there a smaller size option available?
No. The Galaxy Watch Ultra only comes in a 47mm size, designed for larger wrists.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Review: the Conclusion
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra lives up to its “Ultra” name in build, features, and performance. It’s a durable, capable, and stylish smartwatch that handles everything from extreme conditions to everyday life. If you can live without the rotating bezel and don’t mind its size, this watch is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants the ultimate blend of power, style, and endurance in a wearable.
Sophia Oliver is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in technology reviews, delivering in-depth and unbiased insights into the latest gadgets, devices, and software. Her content helps readers stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving tech world.
Sophia’s reviews are known for their clarity and balance, offering both pros and cons to give readers a full picture before making a purchase. She covers smartphones, laptops, smart home devices, wearables, and emerging tech products.
Her mission is to simplify technology for everyday users, while also offering valuable insights for tech enthusiasts who seek detailed performance analysis. Sophia’s work inspires confidence in readers to make informed choices in a fast-paced digital marketplace.