The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra continues to push the boundaries of what a premium smartwatch can offer. With its rugged design, large AMOLED display, and powerhouse internals, it’s a device built not just for tech enthusiasts, but for athletes, outdoor adventurers, and anyone who wants a more capable smartwatch experience. In 2025, Samsung introduced a refreshed version of the Ultra—not a radical reinvention, but a refinement of one of its most ambitious wearables to date.
Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025): What’s New and Notable
Samsung officially unveiled the 2025 Galaxy Watch Ultra at its July 9 Unpacked event. While the core hardware remains similar to the 2024 model, the new version brings meaningful updates that enhance everyday usability, performance, and style.
- Double the Storage: The internal storage has jumped from 32GB to 64GB, with about 50GB usable. That’s a major win for users who like to store offline playlists, podcasts, maps, or health data without relying on their phones.
- New Titanium Blue Finish: A sleek Titanium Blue color joins the existing Silver, White, and Gray options, giving users a bold new look without sacrificing the durability of the original titanium case.
- Wear OS 6 + One UI 8 Watch: The watch now ships with the latest Wear OS 6 and Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch skin. This combo brings improved animations, better health metrics, a refreshed UI, and most notably:
- Gemini AI assistant, which replaces Google Assistant.
- Antioxidant Index for more advanced health tracking.
- Running Coach and Bedtime Guidance features to help build better fitness and sleep habits.
🛠️ Hardware Specs (Same Build, Smarter Software)
While many were expecting a more radical redesign, Samsung opted to keep the tried-and-tested form factor from the 2024 version:
- Case Size: 47mm titanium build
- Display: 1.5-inch Super AMOLED (always-on)
- Battery: 590mAh with multi-day battery life under normal use
- Processor: Exynos W1000 (same as last year)
- Durability: 10ATM water resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification, dual-frequency GPS, and BioActive Sensor Suite
This makes it a powerhouse for endurance athletes and everyday users alike, with excellent build quality, responsive performance, and comprehensive fitness tracking.
💰 Price and Availability
The 2025 Watch Ultra is priced the same as last year’s model:
- United States: $649.99
- Europe: ~€699
Pre-orders are now open, with shipping beginning July 25. Samsung is also offering trade-in deals up to $250 for qualifying devices—including last year’s Watch Ultra—but many users and reviewers feel that the upgrade may not be worth it unless you’re coming from an older watch.
🔄 Should You Upgrade?
If you’re using a Galaxy Watch 5 Pro or anything older, this is a compelling step forward—especially with the added storage, AI-powered features, and sleek new finish. But if you already own the 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra, here’s a quick breakdown:
✅ Worth It If You:
- Need more internal storage for offline use
- Want full access to One UI 8 features now
- Love the new Titanium Blue finish
- Value Gemini AI over Google Assistant
❌ Skip It If You:
- Already have the 2024 Ultra—it gets most of these features via software update
- Don’t need the extra storage
- Were hoping for new hardware like better battery life or new sensors
🆚 Competing With Apple Watch Ultra
Samsung is clearly targeting the same premium outdoor-focused audience as Apple. The Watch Ultra boasts similar ruggedness, battery endurance, and GPS accuracy, but it stands out with its compatibility with Android phones, better AMOLED display performance in sunlight, and the new Gemini integration—giving it a smart edge in the AI-powered wearables race.
📦 Final Thoughts
The 2025 Galaxy Watch Ultra isn’t a complete overhaul, but it smartly refines what was already one of the most capable smartwatches on the market. If you’ve been holding out for a robust, all-purpose smartwatch with deep fitness tools, top-tier display tech, and extended battery life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) should be at the top of your list.
If you’re already using the 2024 version? You might want to wait for the next big leap—likely coming in 2026. But for everyone else, this is Samsung’s most polished smartwatch experience yet.
Key Takeaways
- The Galaxy Watch Ultra features a new processor and UI that improve performance and user experience for both everyday and adventure use.
- Extended battery life and larger size make this Samsung’s most capable smartwatch for fitness tracking and outdoor activities.
- The current Ultra model sets a high bar for premium Android-compatible smartwatches with its comprehensive feature set and accurate tracking.
Design and Display Innovations
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra represents a significant evolution in smartwatch design, blending durability with aesthetic appeal. The device introduces several key innovations that set it apart from previous Galaxy Watch models while maintaining Samsung’s signature circular style.
Materials and Build
The Galaxy Watch Ultra features a premium titanium design that significantly enhances durability while keeping the watch lightweight. This premium material choice represents a step up from the aluminum and stainless steel used in standard Galaxy Watch models. The watch introduces a new “cushion design” that builds upon Samsung’s iconic circular face while adding extra protection to the display during extreme activities.
The innovative Dynamic Lug System improves both functionality and comfort. This system allows for more secure strap attachment while maintaining a comfortable fit for various wrist sizes.
Water resistance has also been improved, making the Ultra more suitable for swimming and water sports than previous models. The physical buttons are designed to be easily accessible even when wearing gloves, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
AMOLED Display and Rotating Bezel
The Ultra maintains Samsung’s high-quality AMOLED display technology, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The screen provides excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, with adaptive brightness that responds to changing environments.
Samsung has preserved the popular rotating bezel interface, a distinctive feature that sets Galaxy watches apart from competitors. This mechanical control method allows users to navigate menus and applications without obscuring the display with fingerprints.
The display is protected by sapphire crystal glass, offering superior scratch resistance compared to earlier models. One UI 6 takes full advantage of the display capabilities, with redesigned widgets and complications that provide information at a glance.
Color Variants and Accessories
The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes in several finishes, including a distinctive Titanium White option that gives the device a premium, sophisticated appearance. This color option complements the watch’s outdoor-focused positioning while maintaining a stylish look.
Samsung offers a variety of band options specifically designed for different activities. These include lightweight sport bands for fitness, leather options for casual wear, and rugged bands for outdoor adventures.
The ecosystem of accessories extends to specialized watch faces that highlight the Ultra’s features. Third-party compatibility has been improved, allowing for a wider selection of bands and accessories than previous Galaxy Watch models.
Samsung has also introduced interchangeable bezels, letting users customize their Watch Ultra’s appearance without compromising its durability or functionality.
Health and Fitness Capabilities
The Galaxy Watch Ultra elevates health and fitness tracking with comprehensive features that monitor your wellbeing around the clock. Samsung’s premium smartwatch combines powerful sensors with intelligent software to provide users with detailed insights about their physical condition.
Advanced Health Tracking
The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes equipped with Samsung’s latest Bioactive Sensor technology that enables comprehensive health monitoring. This all-in-one sensor measures heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and can even perform ECG readings to detect irregular heart rhythms.
One of the most notable health innovations is the potential sleep apnea detection capability. The watch can monitor sleep patterns and breathing disturbances that might indicate this serious condition.
The Samsung Health app presents these metrics in easy-to-understand formats. Users receive a detailed Sleep Score that evaluates quality of rest based on duration, cycles, and disruptions.
The watch also tracks stress levels throughout the day and suggests breathing exercises when tension rises. Blood pressure monitoring (where available) provides another critical health metric for users concerned about cardiovascular health.
New Fitness Features and Sports Modes
Galaxy Watch Ultra positions itself as a serious sports watch with expanded fitness capabilities. It offers specialized sports modes for activities ranging from running and swimming to hiking and cycling.
The watch introduces personalized heart rate zones that adjust to individual fitness levels. After just a 10-minute initial assessment, it creates custom zones to optimize workouts based on your specific cardiovascular capacity.
A new race yourself feature lets users compete against their previous performances. This self-competition mode tracks metrics like pace and distance to help improve results over time.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Ultra includes enhanced GPS capabilities and route tracking. Runners benefit from advanced metrics like ground contact time, stride length, and running power to improve technique.
Strength training modes count reps automatically and track workout intensity across different muscle groups.
Battery Longevity and Energy Score
The Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers impressive battery performance with up to 48 hours of typical use. The device includes an Exercise Power Saving Mode that extends battery life during workouts while still tracking essential metrics.
The innovative Energy Score feature provides users with insights about their physical condition and recovery needs. This metric combines various health data points to evaluate overall energy levels and help users determine when to push harder or prioritize rest.
Battery optimization uses AI to learn usage patterns and adjust settings accordingly. This smart power management ensures the watch remains operational during long outdoor adventures or multi-day trips.
The Ultra’s endurance is particularly valuable for tracking extended sleep cycles without requiring nightly charging. This enables more comprehensive overnight health monitoring, including continuous heart rate tracking and detailed sleep stage analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has generated significant interest among tech enthusiasts and fitness buffs. Users have many questions about its features, performance, and how it compares to previous models.
What new features have been introduced in the latest Galaxy Watch Ultra model?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra introduces several cutting-edge features that set it apart from previous models. It offers enhanced durability with a titanium case and sapphire crystal display.
The watch includes advanced GPS capabilities with dual-frequency support for more accurate tracking during outdoor activities. This provides precision for hikers, runners, and explorers.
Samsung has also implemented new health sensors that can track more metrics than before, including improved sleep tracking and stress monitoring capabilities.
How does the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra perform in terms of battery life and endurance?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra demonstrates impressive battery performance, with most users reporting approximately two days of use between charges. This is consistent with what users experienced with the Galaxy Watch 6.
Battery longevity varies based on usage patterns, with LTE connectivity and extensive fitness tracking reducing overall battery life. The watch includes power-saving modes to extend usage when needed.
Samsung has implemented faster charging technology, allowing the watch to reach a significant charge in less time compared to previous models.
What are the price points for different variants of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?
The base model of the Galaxy Watch Ultra starts at a premium price point, positioning it as Samsung’s high-end wearable offering. Different configurations affect pricing.
The LTE-enabled version costs more than the Bluetooth-only model. This version allows for standalone connectivity without requiring a phone nearby.
Color options and band selections may also impact the final price, with some premium bands sold separately as accessories.
Can you compare the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra with its predecessor in terms of design and functionality?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra represents a significant design evolution with its more rugged, adventure-focused aesthetic compared to the more traditional look of the Galaxy Watch 6.
The Ultra features additional physical controls, including a customizable button that can be programmed for quick access to frequently used functions. This improves usability during activities.
Screen brightness has been improved for better outdoor visibility, addressing a common concern with previous models. The larger display also shows more information at once.
How has the user interface and overall user experience improved in the latest Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra runs on an optimized version of Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI Watch overlay. Navigation feels smoother and more intuitive than previous iterations.
App loading times have decreased noticeably, creating a more responsive experience. The watch also supports more third-party applications than ever before.
Voice commands and dictation accuracy have improved, making hands-free control more reliable in various environments and conditions.
What are the health and fitness tracking capabilities available in the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers comprehensive fitness tracking with over 90 workout modes. It automatically detects and tracks common activities like walking, running, and swimming.
Advanced metrics include VO2 max estimation, running form analysis, and recovery recommendations. These features help users optimize their training and prevent injuries.
The watch provides continuous heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level measurement, and ECG capabilities where available. Sleep tracking has been enhanced to provide more detailed insights about sleep quality and patterns.
