INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra4 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 1:01 PM IST
In creating its first smartwatch designed specifically for
athletes and adventurers, Samsung combined everything it had, pushing its capabilities to the maximum
The result is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, which, though not a first-of-its-kind, introduces several segment-first features
Launched alongside the mainstream Galaxy Watch 7, the Ultra model is niche, suited to a few who understand and appreciate its utility.Design
and DisplayClick here to connect with us on WhatsApp
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra features a circular display housed within a boxy case,
resulting in thick borders around the screen
While not intended as a style statement, the bulk around the display is purposeful, providing cushioning to protect the display and enhance
a brightness level of up to 3,000 nits, ensuring legibility even under direct sunlight in harsh outdoor conditions
This makes it one of the brightest smartwatch displays available, surpassing many in terms of visibility during outdoor activities
However, the display can be unreliable when wet, sometimes struggling to function properly if there is water on it or when operated with wet
features a rotating crown-like design
Unfortunately, the rotating bit does not function, not even within the app drawer
However, the button itself is customisable, allowing users to assign it to specific functions or create multi-sport workouts by combining
The watch also features two additional buttons for confirmation and back functions.Software and User Interface
The Galaxy Watch Ultra runs
on Google WearOS but is layered with Samsung's One UI, creating a user experience that feels distinctly Samsung
notifications, and swipe left for tiles
This system is intuitive, though some software features are only fully functional on Samsung phones, limiting the experience for users with
non-Samsung Android devices.Health and Fitness
Samsung has taken extra steps to ensure the Galaxy Watch Ultra lives up to its name in
health and fitness tracking
A significant new feature is the "Energy Score," which tracks sleep, heart rate, activity levels, and other metrics to generate a score
While the accuracy of this score is questionable, it serves as a motivational tool, encouraging users to improve their daily habits, such as
getting better sleep and taking periodic breaks for breathing exercises.
Heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking are accurate on the
Galaxy Watch Ultra, with the data being displayed in an easy-to-understand format via the Samsung Health app
This health app is comprehensive, offering insights that go beyond basic fitness metrics to help users achieve better health outcomes
However, wearing the Galaxy Watch Ultra to bed can be uncomfortable due to its thick and heavy form factor, even though its battery life can
easily last through the night
Other notable health features include ECG, irregular heart rhythm notifications, and blood pressure monitoring, ensuring the watch covers a
wide spectrum of health metrics.Battery Life
Even with all the features and high brightness levels, the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers an
impressive three-day battery life on a single charge
This is a notable achievement for a smartwatch with such a feature-rich offering
Charging is fast, but it uses a proprietary cradle, limiting compatibility with third-party chargers.
Compared to other smartwatches in
the same segment, Samsung has managed to balance performance and battery life, a challenge for many manufacturers with feature-packed
wearables.VerdictThe Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is arguably the best WearOS smartwatch available, but it is not designed for everyone
Its strengths lie in its rugged and durable design, excellent battery life, and the versatility of the WearOS platform, which provides
access to a wide range of third-party apps
athletes, adventurers, and those who need a durable, long-lasting wearable, the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers on most fronts
Priced at Rs 59,999, it justifies its cost with premium features, but its niche appeal means it will resonate only with a select group of
users.First Published: Oct 02 2024 | 1:01 PMIST
