Galaxy Watch Ultra Hands-On Why, Samsung

Hey everyone, it’s Shane Simons here, and today I have something exciting yet puzzling to discuss. I recently got my hands on the Galaxy Watch Ultra review unit, and after a day of using it, I have mixed feelings. There are things I love and others that I just don’t get. So, let’s break it down and discuss what makes this new watch stand out and what could have been better.

The Good News
1. Improved Vibration Motors

The first thing that struck me about the Galaxy Watch Ultra was the vibration motor. Compared to the Galaxy Watch 6, the new vibration motor is a massive improvement. The vibrations are much stronger and more precise. On the older Galaxy watches, the vibrations felt loose, with a trailing effect even after they stopped. With the Watch Ultra, the vibrations are crisp and precise, making it feel much more premium.

2. Raised Bezel Design

Another positive change is the bezel design. The Watch Ultra doesn’t come with a physical rotating bezel like the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, which I initially thought would be a downside. However, the raised lip on the bezel for the digital rotation makes it easy to keep your finger in the right place. This tactile feedback is a significant improvement over the flat digital bezels of previous models.

The Confusing Choices
1. Square Body with Round Face

Now, let’s move on to some design choices that I find baffling. The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a circular screen on a square body. This design choice seems odd because they could have easily gone with a round body to match the round face. While the round face maintains consistency with previous models and supports the digital rotating bezel, the square body feels mismatched. It’s not an ugly design, but it’s not something I understand. Let me know in the comments if you prefer this square body-round face combo or would have preferred an all-round design.

2. Proprietary Watch Bands

Another puzzling choice is the new proprietary watch band style. Samsung’s Galaxy watches have long been compatible with standard 20 to 22 mm watch bands, but now they’ve introduced a proprietary system. While these bands are easy to attach and detach, it feels like a move to make more money on accessories, much like Apple has done for years. To be fair, the proprietary design ensures that different watch bands fit seamlessly around the edge, which is great for extreme athletes who might get dirt and debris stuck in gaps found in older models. However, it would have been nice if Samsung had provided an adapter to use any watch band, not just their own.

3. Limited Band Sizes

On a minor note, the watch bands come mostly in one size. The medium/large band I received leaves a lot of extra space on my wrist, and it would have been nice to have a small or medium size option. Previous Galaxy watch bands typically offered multiple size options, so this feels like a step back.

4. Compass Calibration Issues

One potential major issue is the compass. The default watch face features a compass that occasionally points in the wrong direction, despite recalibration attempts. This might be a software bug that could be fixed with an update, but it’s concerning for a device marketed towards outdoor enthusiasts who rely on accurate navigation.

More Positive Highlights
1. New Processor

On a brighter note, the Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with a new processor, also found in the Watch 7. This is a much-needed upgrade as Samsung’s performance improvements have been incremental over the years. I’m hopeful this will result in a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when waking the watch from its deep sleep mode.

2. Customizable Button and Multisport Feature

The addition of a third customizable button is another welcome improvement. By default, it takes you to all your exercises, and the new Multisport feature allows you to chain multiple workouts into a single session. This is a streamlined approach compared to older models where you had to pause one workout and start another manually.

3. Improved Battery Life

I’m also excited about the improved battery life. My Galaxy Watch 5 Pro consistently gave me over two days of battery life with the always-on display enabled, but that dropped with the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. I’m looking forward to getting multiple days of battery life again with the Watch Ultra.

4. Bright Screen and Adaptive Watch Faces

The Watch Ultra’s screen brightness is excellent, making it easy to see in direct sunlight, which is crucial for outdoor activities. Additionally, new adaptive watch faces change based on ambient light, improving readability in various lighting conditions.

5. Health and Fitness Features

The Galaxy Watch Ultra introduces several new health and fitness features. The Energy score rates your overall health based on various metrics, while the watch can also detect sleep apnea, which is vital as many people are unaware they have it. The watch can measure your AG index, which reflects your biological aging process and gives recommendations on improving it.

6. Galaxy Ring Integration

One unique feature is unlocked when you pair the Watch Ultra with Samsung’s new Galaxy Ring. The two devices communicate to optimize battery life by sharing data and reducing redundant measurements. This intelligent battery management ensures both devices last longer.

A Personal Touch
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Conclusion
Despite some confusing design choices, the Galaxy Watch Ultra has many positive aspects that make it a strong contender in the smartwatch market. From improved vibrations and a new processor to innovative health features and longer battery life, there’s a lot to love. I’m excited to dive deeper into what this watch can do and share more insights with you all.

Remember, if you’re considering purchasing the Galaxy Watch Ultra, check out the pre-order links in the description and pinned comments for the best deals. These affiliate links help support the channel at no extra cost to you.

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