Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and 7 Review: So Close to Being Truly Ultra

CNET

25 Jul 202410:41

Summary

TLDRThe Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Watch 7 offer a robust and sporty design with improved bioactive sensors for more accurate heart rate monitoring during intense workouts. The Ultra features a bright 3000 nit display and a quick button for easy workout controls, while both watches include sleep apnea detection and run on Wear OS 5 with One UI 6. The Ultra, with its titanium build and larger battery, stands out for serious athletes, but the Watch 7 provides similar functionality at a lower price, making it a compelling choice for most consumers.

Takeaways

🌟 Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra features a rugged design, bright screen, and an array of sports modes.
🏃‍♂️ The redesigned bioactive sensor in both the Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7 is more accurate for high-intensity workouts.
📊 A comparison of heart rate readings from the Ultra against a chest strap showed close accuracy.
🚴‍♀️ Both watches introduce a new FTP test for cycling, but currently, it only works for outdoor bike workouts.
📐 The Ultra is noticeably larger and heavier than similarly sized watches from other brands, especially for smaller wrists.
🔗 The Dynamic lug mechanism on the Ultra is not backward compatible with older watch bands, limiting band options.
🖥 The Ultra's 3000 nit display is highly visible in all conditions, with night mode available on select watch faces.
⏸️ The quick button on the Ultra is versatile, allowing for quick workout stops and activity switches.
🎶 The Ultra can play music through its speaker, including from third-party apps like Spotify.
🔄 The Galaxy Watch 7 is similar to the Ultra but differs in size, price, battery capacity, and construction material.
🛑 The first watches in the US with FDA authorization for sleep apnea detection are the Galaxy Watch Ultra and 7.
🔋 Battery life for the Ultra and Watch 7 varies, with the Ultra having a larger capacity but not quite reaching Samsung's claimed numbers.
🔌 Neither watch supports reverse wireless charging from a Samsung phone due to the redesigned sensor.
📱 Both watches run on Wear OS 5 with Samsung's One UI 6, offering improved gestures and app launching from the always-on display.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?
-The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is focused on a rugged design, a bright screen, and a variety of sports modes, making it suitable for high-intensity workouts and outdoor activities.
How does the redesigned bioactive sensor on the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Watch 7 improve accuracy?
-The redesigned bioactive sensor is supposed to provide more accurate readings during higher intensity workouts compared to earlier Galaxy watches.
What was the outcome of the heart rate sensor test comparing the Galaxy Watch Ultra to a chest strap?
-The heart rate readings from the Galaxy Watch Ultra were found to be very close to those of the chest strap, with an average heart rate of 138 on the Ultra and 137 on the chest strap.
What is the new FTP test on the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Watch 7, and what is its advantage?
-The new FTP (functional threshold power) test is designed for cycling and is a 4-minute test, which is shorter than the traditional 20-minute or hour-long tests, potentially putting less strain on the body.
Why might the new Dynamic lug mechanism on the Galaxy Watch Ultra be a drawback?
-The Dynamic lug mechanism is not backwards compatible with earlier watch bands, limiting the choice of bands until more manufacturers make bands compatible with this mechanism.
What are the notable features of the Galaxy Watch Ultra's display?
-The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a bright 3000 nit display that is easy to see in all situations, and it offers a night mode on select watch faces, enhancing visibility.
How does the Galaxy Watch Ultra differ from the regular Galaxy Watch 7 in terms of size and construction?
-The Galaxy Watch Ultra is only available in a 45mm size and is made of titanium, whereas the Galaxy Watch 7 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes and is made from aluminum or aluminum alloy.
What is the significance of the FDA authorization for sleep apnea detection on the Galaxy watches?
-The FDA authorization for sleep apnea detection on the Galaxy watches indicates that they are the first watches in the US to receive such authorization, allowing them to track relative decreases in blood oxygen levels overnight to detect signs of obstructive sleep apnea.
How does the battery performance of the Galaxy Watch Ultra compare to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro?
-The Galaxy Watch Ultra has the same battery capacity as the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro but with added software tweaks for improved performance, although it did not quite meet the battery life numbers quoted by Samsung in the test.
What are the limitations of the Galaxy Watch Ultra when compared to other high-end sports watches?
-The Galaxy Watch Ultra lacks certain recovery metrics that more serious athletes might need, such as training load features or advanced health indices, which are available on some competitors' watches.
What are some of the software improvements and gestures available on the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Watch 7?
-Both watches run on wear OS 5 with Samsung's One UI 6 watch on top, offering double pinch gestures for controlling music playback and answering calls, a knock knock gesture to launch apps, and improved always-on display functionality.