On the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra test – every eye has its own charm

It couldn't be called anything other than the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. It is the spiritual successor to the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, which was the last to bear the Pro designation. It's bigger, more durable and accurate - in short, the best Samsung watch ever. There is much to praise and also quite a few areas where criticism is in order.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra price?

• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: €699

Available in white, silver and black. In comparison, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was €899 at launch, and the Huawei Ultimate was €799. It has some advantages, but it's not cheap, so it has to prove itself.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra - Appearance is very subjective

The recipe is very simple. Samsung took the Galaxy Watch7 as a base and said “I want a watch that feels more imposing and robust” and the Galaxy Watch Ultra was born. In the meantime, they entered Apple's territory, which is why the two Ultras are very similar, both in appearance, in the choice of colors, buttons and straps. They are almost identical even with the condition of using only their ecosystem if you want to use all functions. Samsung is less strict about this, but it's still more than a recommendation that you already have a Samsung phone and a Samsung account.

I am not an advocate of this limitation, but it is their choice and in all likelihood the analysis has shown that it will pay off for them. Any Android phone (with the exception of Huawei's) is enough to access the very basic functions, in this respect they are better than Apple, which has not yet enabled this. In other words, there is a workaround where you first pair the Apple Watch Ultra with the iPhone, and then a few tricks await you and you can use it in the Android environment, but this is far too complicated for the everyday user.

Then we come to the appearance where we will split into two camps. You can be part of me who doesn't like the look of the watch due to too many kitschy elements and clumsy design, although this means that it is also a very durable watch. Or you may be the opposite and like the bold colors and the contrast of round and square elements. I might have a different opinion if I tried a different color, which at least according to the pictures look more elegant.

What is not subjective is the high-quality execution and selection of materials. The display is made of sapphire crystal, the body is made of titanium, and the strap is made of strong silicone and made from recycled plastic, so it gets a few bonus points for eco-friendly. The screen has a beautiful AMOLED panel, but it's the same as the Galaxy Watch7, so don't expect the more expensive watch to be any more special in this area. The size is also the same (1.5 inches; 37.3 mm), which I don't mind, because I think the larger diagonal is unnecessary. What matters more is how the system utilizes the given surface, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has no problem with.

The case is ready for amateur diving, has a water resistance rating of IP68 and a standard of 10 ATM, but does not have a dive computer, as for example in the Apple Watch Ultra. Samsung also advises not to expose the watch to more dynamic water sports, such as surfing. In a few years, when the seals start to loosen, I'd be even more careful about taking her into deep water.

Overall, the feel is very good while wearing. It's not the lightest and thinnest watch out there, but despite its very clunky appearance, it works well on the wrist. I've worn much more comfortable watches, but again, it's not so bad that I'd call it uncomfortable. But at the beginning, especially at the expense of the orange strap, you will definitely get more surprised looks and comments.

On the right side of the case, there are both classic buttons for controlling the system, but there is also a third Quick button, which we can change what it will do, for example quick access to a specific application/exercise, jump to another training profile, on for example, if you turned on triathlon mode, or something similar. I have come across a few cases on the forums that have had issues with buttons falling off, but these are apparently isolated cases. However, you can pay attention to possible loose buttons and then skip any water activity so that you don't lose the button forever.

Responsive, transparent, accurate and functional, but…

The system (Wear OS 5) was always responsive, it is known that they used a more powerful processor that easily followed my commands. It has 32 GB of space in case you want to download music (via the app on your phone), which is very important, at least for me, because I don't always have my phone with me during exercise.

There are a lot of supported sports, including some redundant ones, as with all smartwatches. The transparency of the data on the screen is good, I didn't need the app for most things. What I would like them to improve in the future is more accurate perception of what I'm doing. For example, in the gym you usually change between different activities (running, lifting weights, squatting...) and on the Galaxy Watch Ultra you have to manually choose what you are doing at that moment for each exercise, while the competition can already understand what is happening. They can also detect breaks, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra, at least in a fitness environment, is more interested in the entire course of exercise and general information such as calories, energy values and the like.

When running, I was pleased with the variety of data: cadence, vertical oscillation, which leg I put more stress on, and the like. Cyclists will appreciate the FTP measurement, and hikers the TrackBack function to return to the starting point.

Dual band GPS worked well. There was very little deviation when compared to the actual routes run/walked. Notifications came without delays and from all selected applications. The selection of additional applications is large and quite a few are even useful. The function of measuring the energy value (Energy Score) seems to me to be more of a fantasy than something really useful. At certain moments she guessed my mood, but mostly she was too optimistic.

All health functions are available: heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, EKG, body structure, stress... As always, these should serve as guidelines rather than irrefutable proof.

There is also another "but". The battery is not exactly a record-breaker. It is better than the Samsung Galaxy Watch7, similar to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but still significantly worse than the most durable watches. Without the screen always on and with moderate use (exercise a day, occasionally browsing data...) it lasted me about 2 days, maybe half a day more. With regular use of GPS and an always-on screen and moderate use, a day less. Judge whether this is enough for your use or whether you don't mind having to charge it for 2-3 days.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra – It doesn't have many flaws

As said, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the best Samsung watch and also one of the better Wear OS watches. For most, the Galaxy Watch7 will be a better choice due to its much lower price with very similar functionality.

It has good sports functions and measurements, but it lacks that i-point to compete with sports watches such as Garmin or Suunto. Those looking for the best endurance will also prefer to reach for other watches.

The watch is most attractive to those who are already embedded in the Samsung ecosystem and need the additional features that the Galaxy Watch Ultra has, and of course the prestige that usually comes with the purchase of such watches.