Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Review: If You Can’t Beat

Samsung has made a bold statement with its latest flagship smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, priced at $649.99. Launched on July 10th, this smartwatch unabashedly takes inspiration from the Apple Watch Ultra. In fact, the similarities are so striking that when the announcement dropped, social media users couldn’t resist side-by-side comparisons, wondering where they’d seen this design before. But does this heavy borrowing of Apple’s blueprint result in a better smartwatch for Android users, or does it leave Samsung struggling to maintain its unique identity?

The Apple Blueprint

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Galaxy Watch Ultra does feel like Samsung looked at the Apple Watch Ultra and checked off every feature it lacked in its previous Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. While that sounds like a recipe for success, it also raises a question: where is Samsung’s signature touch?

Samsung smartwatches have always been known for their distinct flair, particularly with the physical rotating bezel that added a unique charm (sadly missing here). But with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, it’s clear that Samsung decided to focus more on matching Apple than standing out. It’s a decision that results in a highly capable Android smartwatch but also one that feels less original.

Standing in Apple’s Shadow

Having worn the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on one arm and the Galaxy Watch Ultra on the other, the differences are noticeable, but the similarities are hard to ignore. The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a circular face set within a squarish case, a 3nm processor, upgraded BioActive Sensors for advanced health tracking, and FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection. However, the feature list reads like Apple’s, right down to the orange shortcut button, water resistance, and multisport tracking.

What sets the Galaxy Watch Ultra apart from Apple’s Ultra are a few Samsung-specific perks like sleep apnea detection and better integration with Android devices. However, Apple still outshines Samsung in areas like usability and depth tracking for divers. These differences underscore that while the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a stellar device, it can’t quite shake off the feeling that Apple does it better.

Squaring the Circle: Design and Comfort

One of the most polarizing aspects of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is its squircle design — a mix between a square and a circle. For years, Samsung watches have leaned heavily into circular designs, making this shift all the more striking. The official reason for this design is increased durability, though the previous Pro models were plenty rugged without it.

In practice, the design choice feels more like an attempt to mirror Apple’s aesthetic than a genuine improvement. The square case is also bulkier and less comfortable, especially for those with smaller wrists. Finding a good fit can be tricky, with the watch either too tight or annoyingly loose. Samsung’s orange strap, while durable, adds to the overall clunkiness.

Battery Life and Gestures

Battery life is a significant upgrade over the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, thanks to a 590mAh battery and improved power-saving modes. On average, users can expect around 70 hours per charge with heavy GPS usage and an always-on display, with potential for more under lighter use. While it doesn’t hit Samsung’s 100-hour estimate, it’s a notable step up from previous models.

Samsung also brings back the double pinch gesture, a simple yet effective control mechanism. Though it lacks the contextual versatility of Apple’s implementation, it remains a handy feature for everyday tasks like dismissing notifications or snapping photos.

Health Tracking: The Good, the Bad, and the Gimmicky

Samsung introduced a few new health metrics with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, including the Energy Score and an experimental AGEs index to gauge metabolic health. However, the AI-driven advice isn’t always reliable, and the AGEs metric feels more like a gimmick than a useful feature. Sleep apnea detection is promising but requires a snug fit that can be difficult to achieve with the Ultra’s bulky design. The most impactful improvement is the addition of dual-frequency GPS, which significantly enhances tracking accuracy for outdoor activities.

The Verdict: An Android Answer to the Apple Watch Ultra

There’s no denying that the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the most feature-rich Android smartwatch available today. It’s a perfect fit for those who want a powerful, long-lasting smartwatch with robust third-party app support. Yet, it’s hard not to feel that Samsung lost a bit of its own identity in chasing Apple’s success. The Ultra excels in functionality, but the charm that once defined Samsung’s wearables has been muted.

For Android users who want a high-end smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the best option out there. But it’s bittersweet to see Samsung adopt a “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” mentality. As they refine their strategy, one can only hope that future iterations will reclaim some of the uniqueness that made Samsung’s previous watches stand out.

The Apple Blueprint (Continued)

Samsung’s decision to closely follow Apple’s formula with the Galaxy Watch Ultra isn’t surprising — Apple’s Ultra has set a new standard in the rugged smartwatch category. Samsung undoubtedly recognized that the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, while capable, didn’t measure up in terms of versatility and feature depth. But by chasing Apple so closely, Samsung may have overlooked an opportunity to innovate in ways that align more naturally with Android users’ preferences.

Performance and Software Synergy

One area where the Galaxy Watch Ultra shines is performance. The Exynos W1000 processor and Wear OS 5 ensure smooth and responsive usage, even with demanding apps or multitasking. Pairing it with the Galaxy Ring further elevates the ecosystem experience, creating a comprehensive health-tracking suite that integrates seamlessly across devices.

Samsung’s One UI 6 Watch brings a familiar interface that Android users will feel at home with, but it also limits some of the watch’s unique potential by sticking closely to what Apple has already done. The added versatility of third-party apps is a big win for Android users, though, as it allows for greater customization and specialized tracking features that aren’t always available in Apple’s more controlled environment.

Apple Comparison Fatigue

Despite all the similarities, it’s essential to remember that the Galaxy Watch Ultra is built for a different ecosystem. The device thrives in the Android space, offering features that cater specifically to Android users, like better integration with Google services and advanced health features that require a Galaxy phone. However, constant comparisons to Apple detract from what Samsung has achieved here — creating a genuinely powerful smartwatch for Android users who want more than just a fitness tracker.

That said, some usability quirks and design choices leave a lingering sense of “almost but not quite.” For example, syncing custom routes or using features like night mode still feel more intuitive on Apple’s Ultra. These minor annoyances don’t break the experience but serve as reminders that even when Samsung mimics Apple’s playbook, it doesn’t always execute as cleanly.

Is the Galaxy Watch Ultra Right for You?

If you’re an Android user looking for a premium smartwatch with top-tier health tracking, rugged design, and long battery life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a strong contender. It excels in delivering a multisport experience while integrating effortlessly into Samsung’s expanding ecosystem. For Android users, especially those invested in the Galaxy lineup, this watch fills a void that other options like the Pixel Watch or Garmin’s wearables might not completely satisfy.

However, if you’re someone who values originality in design and distinctiveness in user experience, the Galaxy Watch Ultra might leave you wanting. It’s a great watch, but one that’s undeniably shaped by a desire to compete directly with Apple. The lack of Samsung’s once-signature rotating bezel and the introduction of design elements that echo Apple’s choices hint at a broader shift — a departure from what made Samsung’s smartwatches stand out in the first place.

The Future of Samsung Wearables

The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s success will likely influence how Samsung approaches its wearable strategy going forward. The Galaxy Watch lineup now mirrors Apple’s offerings more closely than ever, with the introduction of the Galaxy Watch FE and Galaxy Watch 7 filling in lower-tier options. The question remains whether Samsung will continue down this path of blending into Apple’s shadow or eventually find a way to bring back the unique character that once defined its wearables.

This shift leaves loyal Samsung users with mixed feelings. On one hand, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a robust, feature-packed smartwatch that meets almost every need an Android user might have. On the other, the charm and quirks that made Samsung’s wearables a distinctive alternative to Apple’s offerings seem to be fading.

Conclusion: An Impressive Yet Familiar Offering

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers on almost every front, making it the best choice for Android users who need a smartwatch that can handle demanding activities while offering deep health insights. It’s a well-rounded device with impressive specs, strong battery life, and comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities. But in pursuing the goal of becoming the “Apple Watch Ultra of Android,” Samsung has sacrificed some of its originality.

Ultimately, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a solid purchase for anyone in the Android ecosystem, especially those who want a smartwatch that can do it all. Yet, as Samsung increasingly aligns itself with Apple’s design philosophy, it raises the question: will future wearables continue to innovate, or simply follow the leader? Time will tell, but for now, the Galaxy Watch Ultra remains a compelling, if somewhat familiar, choice for Android users.