Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: A Comprehensive Review
Samsung has redefined its flagship outdoor smartwatch with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, a device designed for those who require more than just step counting. Created for adventurers engaging in trail running, underwater exploration, or multi-day hiking trips, this smartwatch addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor, including battery life, display brightness, and charging speed. In this article, we will explore whether the Ultra 2 lives up to the impressive specifications and marketing promises.
Design: Sturdy Yet Sleek
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 maintains its robust design with a titanium case and scratch-resistant sapphire glass. Available only in a single size of 47mm, the watch can be found in two colors: Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray. Unfortunately, for those seeking a smaller version, the Ultra 2 does not cater to that demographic, though the conventional Galaxy Watch 9 offers alternatives.
A notable change is the construction height, which has been reduced by 12%—from around 12.1mm to 10.7mm. This slimmed-down profile comes with a larger battery, yet the watch still weighs approximately 85 grams, making it feel substantial on the wrist. While this weight may be a concern for some, most users find it to be manageable, and the breathable silicone strap adds to the comfort.
Display: Brightness with Conditions
The Super AMOLED display measures 1.52 inches with a resolution of 498 x 498 pixels, slightly upgraded from the predecessor’s specifications. Most notably, Samsung touts a peak brightness of up to 5,000 nits, 2,000 nits more than the previous iteration. However, it’s essential to note that this impressive figure refers to local peak brightness achieved under optimal conditions and may not reflect the brightness experienced in typical full-screen usage.
In practice, the display remains highly readable even in bright sunlight, further improved by the high contrast ratios and swift responsiveness. However, the extreme brightness can be considered more of a marketing term than a practical everyday benefit for most users.
Performance and Software: The Heart of the Smartwatch
Powering the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite (SW6100), a five-core processor manufactured in a 3-nanometer architecture. It replaces the previously used Exynos processor, along with upgrades to 2GB of RAM and standard internal storage of 64GB. This performance boost is evident as apps launch swiftly, and there’s no noticeable lag while navigating through menus.
Running on Wear OS 7.0 layered with Samsung’s One UI 9.0, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is compatible exclusively with Android devices running version 13 or higher, leaving iPhone users out in the cold.
Battery Life: A Significant Improvement
The non-removable battery shows the most progress, increasing from 590 mAh to a substantial 800 mAh—an impressive 35% increase. Samsung claims a typical battery life of up to 80 hours, albeit with the Always-on Display (AOD) turned off. During testing, we achieved nearly 74 hours of usage while actively monitoring heart rates and GPS during a 40-minute workout.
Charging the device fully takes about 2.5 hours via a provided USB-C charging cable. While the lack of an included power adapter may be inconvenient, the Ultra 2 supports a new high-frequency fast-charging method for quick top-ups.
Outdoor and Health Features: Built for Adventure
The Ultra 2’s prowess shines in outdoor settings. Certified to 10 ATM, IP69K, and the diving standard DIN EN 13319, this smartwatch is also subjected to the MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability standard. The dedicated diving app, developed with diving partner Mares, allows users to utilize the watch as a full-fledged dive computer at depths of up to 40 meters.
For runners, features like trail run detection and hydration alert systems enhance the outdoor experience, while a dual-frequency GPS system ensures precise tracking, even in densely populated areas.
Health Metrics: Boundaries to Consider
Equipped with a BioActive sensor, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 captures heart rates, supports ECG creation, and analyzes body composition. It delivers various insights like sleep apnea detection and vital health metrics, emphasizing that while useful for fitness tracking, this device is neither a medical diagnostic tool nor a substitute for professional medical advice.
Conclusion: The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 signifies a progressive evolution rather than a complete redesign of its predecessor. Significant enhancements such as the 35% larger battery and a sleeker profile demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to improving user experience. The watch excels with its brilliant display, advanced GPS functionalities, and rugged design.
However, users should be aware of the trade-offs. The price point has increased, and full functionality is often limited to Samsung smartphones only. Still, for outdoor enthusiasts and divers within the Android ecosystem, the Ultra 2 stands out as a comprehensive and feature-packed smartwatch.
