Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: A Rugged Powerhouse
We spent a week with the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Discover its new battery, dive-ready features, and if its massive size is right for your wrist.
The tech world has a new contender for the ultimate rugged smartwatch. After spending nearly a week with the newly announced Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, I have developed a clear picture of what makes this iteration a significant step forward, along with one lingering concern.
Upgraded Performance and Durability
Building on the foundation of its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 arrives with refined features designed for extreme environments. It boasts a massive 800 mAh battery—a 35% increase in capacity—that I have found can comfortably last for 72 hours, far exceeding the 48-hour life of the original model. Furthermore, the display is now brighter than ever, hitting 5,000 nits, which ensures perfect visibility even under the harshest direct sunlight.
Finally, a Dive-Ready Computer
A standout addition to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is its genuine utility for water sports. While the original Ultra suggested it was rugged, the second generation is officially qualified for diving. Through a partnership with the Mares app, the watch transitions into a sophisticated dive computer, providing depth monitoring and essential safety-stop alerts.
Advanced Health and Fitness Insights
Samsung has packed the watch with new holistic health features. The new 'Vitals' dashboard centralizes heart rate, HRV, SpO2, and respiratory metrics, while the 'Cardio Load' and 'Fitness Index' scores provide actionable data for athletes to monitor their recovery and performance trends over time.
The One Drawback: Is it Too Large?
Despite the technological leaps, the form factor remains the one point of contention. While it is slightly thinner than the original, the footprint remains identical at 47.4mm. For users with smaller wrists, the watch can feel undeniably bulky. However, Samsung has introduced a more flexible and comfortable strap, which significantly improves the daily wearing experience compared to the previous model.
Final Verdict
At $699, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is positioned as a direct competitor to the Apple Watch Ultra 3. While it comes with a modest price increase over the last generation, the improvements in battery life, display brightness, and diving capabilities make it a formidable option for Android users who prioritize durability.
