The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a highly anticipated release, and as an avid smartwatch enthusiast, I have some strong opinions on what Samsung should focus on to make it a must-buy upgrade. Here's my take on the key areas that need improvement, with a healthy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Battery Life: The Ultimate Dealbreaker
In my opinion, the single most crucial aspect of any smartwatch is battery life. The Galaxy Watch Ultra currently lasts just under three days, which is respectable but not exceptional. Google's Pixel Watch 4, despite not being marketed as an adventure-focused device, can also stretch to roughly three days. However, Garmin's adventure wearables can last a week or more, setting a high bar for the industry.
Samsung needs to make a significant leap in battery life to justify the Ultra moniker. I don't expect them to match Garmin's record-breaking endurance overnight, but a meaningful improvement is essential. If the Ultra 2 doesn't comfortably exceed the three-day mark without relying on battery-saving tricks, it risks becoming a dealbreaker for many potential buyers, including myself.
Design: A Matter of Taste and Functionality
The Galaxy Watch Ultra's squircle shape is a bold design choice, but it's a matter of personal preference. I, for one, am not a fan. The classic circular design of earlier Samsung smartwatches had a certain charm, and I'd love to see a ruggedized version of that aesthetic. The current design also doesn't maximize the available space, leaving me wondering if a larger screen could have been accommodated.
A rotating bezel, reminiscent of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, would add both functionality and personality to the Ultra lineup. The raised bezel on the current model already suggests rotation, making its absence feel like a missed opportunity. A ruggedized rotating bezel could be a unique selling point and a defining feature of the Ultra 2.
Heart Rate Tracking: Consistency is Key
While the Galaxy Watch Ultra performs adequately for casual workouts, it struggles with rapid heart rate changes, like during interval training. Google's Pixel Watch 4 and Apple's Apple Watch Ultra have shown that Samsung has room for improvement in this area. More reliable heart rate tracking is crucial not only for workout summaries but also for the overall accuracy of wellness tools.
Samsung's health features are impressive, but their value is directly tied to the quality of the data they rely on. If the Ultra 2 doesn't close the gap in heart rate tracking, it risks becoming just another smartwatch in a crowded market.
Breaking Free from Samsung Exclusivity
The exclusivity of certain health features to Samsung phone users is a recurring frustration. Blood pressure monitoring, ECG recordings, and sleep apnea detection are just a few examples of tools that should be accessible to all smartwatch users, regardless of their smartphone brand.
Google's approach with the Pixel Watch 4 demonstrates that advanced health features don't need to be tied to a specific smartphone ecosystem. Samsung should aim to offer broader compatibility, making its health tools more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Price and Accessibility
The current Galaxy Watch Ultra carries a premium price tag of $649, which is a significant investment for a smartwatch. While it offers LTE connectivity, many buyers don't require this feature, making the device's value proposition less compelling.
A Bluetooth-only version of the Ultra, with a reduced price, would be a game-changer. It would give Samsung a competitive edge and make the smartwatch more accessible to a broader market. However, I understand that a drastic price cut is unlikely, so a cheaper, secondary model would be a step in the right direction.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has the potential to be a remarkable smartwatch, but it needs to address these key areas to stand out in a competitive market. Samsung must focus on battery life, design, heart rate tracking, exclusivity, and pricing to make the upgrade irresistible to enthusiasts like myself.
