As a fitness enthusiast and technology enthusiast, I was looking forward to the opportunity to try out the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. After a month of intensive use both while running and in daily life, we would like to share our impressions about this new smartwatch and its impressive new features.
Sturdy design and beautiful display
Galaxy Watch Ultra features a 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display with an impressive resolution of 480×480 pixels. The screen is protected by an extremely durable sapphire crystal glass that provides excellent scratch and impact resistance. The watch’s titanium frame provides incredible strength while remaining relatively lightweight. This means no additional screen protectors or covers are required. These materials are strong enough to withstand impacts and scratches.
The watch is also water resistant to 100 meters and meets military standards, making it ideal for use in harsh environments and various extreme sports activities.
New bioactivity sensor: superior heart rate accuracy
Samsung has upgraded the bioactive sensor and the difference is noticeable. When tested against a chest strap (considered the gold standard for heart rate monitoring), the watch gave completely accurate results. Even during intense running sessions, deviations were minimal. This means you can trust the data your watch provides, helping you plan your workouts more effectively.
Advanced fitness features: not just for professional athletes
The new Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with a variety of advanced fitness features to improve your training.
1. Multisport mode: Perfect for triathlons and mixed training, this feature allows you to switch between activities during your workout without having to fiddle with settings. You can also create personalized workouts that combine up to three different activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or even walking, strength training, and yoga.
2. Race mode: Want to compete against your past performance? This watch allows you to compete against your previous time on the same running or cycling route. Real-time distance and time comparisons are displayed to motivate you to beat your personal best.
3. Dual frequency GPS: This enhanced GPS system improves location tracking accuracy. Particularly useful for running or riding on rough terrain or in crowded urban areas.
4. Track over 90 different workouts: This watch can detect and track various physical activities. This includes common exercises like running, cycling, and swimming, as well as less common exercises like rock climbing, water skiing, and even juggling.
5. Custom interval training: Plan complex interval workouts like running, walking, weight lifting combined with walking/running, etc. directly on your watch. Define goals for work and rest times, number of repetitions, and even heart rate and pace for each segment.
6. Advanced performance analysis: After each workout, the watch provides detailed analysis including data such as heart rate zones, average pace, and cadence (running and cycling).
health tracking
This watch not only focuses on your fitness performance but also monitors your overall health.
1. Sleep Apnea Detection: This new feature has also been approved by the FDA and could potentially save lives. This watch monitors your blood oxygen levels while you sleep and alerts you to potential signs of sleep apnea. After two nights of monitoring, it generates a detailed sleep quality report and flags your risk of sleep apnea. If a risk is detected, it is recommended to consult a doctor and undergo further testing.
2. Energy index: This will help you balance activity and rest. This watch analyzes your daily activity, sleep quality, stress level and provides a daily energy score. Based on your score, you will receive suggestions for training intensity. For example, if your energy score is low, your watch may recommend a rest day or light exercise.
3. Measurement of AGEs: New feature to measure metabolic health. AGEs (advanced glycation end products) are molecules formed during oxidative processes in the body and are associated with aging and chronic diseases. This watch uses advanced optical sensors to estimate your AGE levels. This feature is still in its early stages and a little confusing, but it’s expected to become a useful tool for tracking metabolic health in the future.
4. Stress monitoring and breathing exercises: This watch tracks your stress levels throughout the day based on changes in your heart rate. If high stress levels are detected, it will suggest breathing exercises to help you relax.
5. Tracking your menstrual cycle: For women, this watch allows you to comprehensively track your menstrual cycle. You can enter data manually or let the watch predict your cycle based on previous patterns. It also provides predictions of ovulation day and next menstrual period.
6. Blood pressure measurement: With the Samsung Health Monitor app, the watch can also measure your daily blood pressure. It is important to note that an initial calibration with a real medical blood pressure monitor is required before first use.
7. Monitoring blood oxygen levels: This watch measures your blood oxygen level, an important indicator of your overall health. Take measurements on demand or enable continuous monitoring while you sleep.
8. Body composition tracking: Using a BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) sensor, the watch estimates your body composition. It provides data on body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass, making it especially great for tracking changes in body composition over time, such as with strength training and diet.
Advanced smartwatch features
1. Pay and listen to music without using your phone: Galaxy Watch Ultra supports LTE for calls and messages without the need for a phone. You can make payments using the Google Wallet app and handle calls using the built-in microphone and speaker (high quality).
2. Apps and Software: Running Wear OS, this watch has access to the Google Play Store, so you can enjoy a wealth of apps designed for smartwatches, including Google Maps, Spotify, and WhatsApp (though messaging is a little trickier). You can. There are also extensive customization options for watch faces and widgets.
3. Safety features: It detects falls and sends automatic alerts to emergency contacts, as well as an SOS button for quick emergency assistance.
4. Other useful features: Digital compass, barometric altimeter, control of smart home devices via SmartThings, ability to store boarding passes, movie tickets, coupons, and more.
Battery life: too short
Galaxy Watch Ultra has a larger and more efficient battery compared to its predecessor. Battery life varies depending on usage. With normal use, the battery will last up to 3 days, perhaps slightly longer. However, with more intensive use, such as activity tracking or sleep monitoring, the duration drops to around 24-48 hours.
And it’s a little frustrating. It takes approximately 2 hours to charge your watch from 0 to 100%. Once you get used to the seamless integration of your watch into your daily life, it’s hard to let go of your watch for an entire day, or even a day and a half to two hours.
Conclusion: Should you buy it?
The new Galaxy Watch Ultra (officially sold by Sany Communication) is definitely an impressive product. It offers a great combination of advanced fitness features, essential health monitoring tools, and durable design. So if you’re looking for a smartwatch that can handle intense workouts while also serving as a tool for daily health management, it’s definitely a solid choice.
However, all these great features come with a hefty price tag of around 2,600 NIS. While it’s cheaper than its main competitor, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it’s still not exactly budget-friendly.
If you don’t need all the advanced features and don’t mind compromising on appearance, you can choose the standard model in the series, the Galaxy Watch 7 (priced at around NIS 1,395), or you can also choose a cheaper brand. can.
