As someone who’s no stranger to health and fitness wearables, I’ve had a smartwatch or fitness tracker on my wrist nearly every day for the past five years. I started with various Fitbit models, including the Charge 4, Charge 5, and the Ionic. But since switching to the Apple Watch SE 2, I’ve found little reason to stray. Despite my enthusiasm for staying active—regularly lifting weights and striving for over 10,000 steps a day—I’ve never felt the urge to dive into the world of dedicated sports watches or the recent “ultra” wearable trend. They always seemed like overkill for my needs.
That changed when I got the opportunity to try the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. Curious about what this high-performance smartwatch could offer, I was hopeful it might inspire me to push my workouts further or perhaps even turn me into a more serious athlete. The Galaxy Watch Ultra certainly seems designed with that goal in mind. Its bold orange action button, which bypasses simpler workout modes in favor of Triathlon, Duathlon, and Aquathlon options, immediately signaled that this device was targeting a more serious fitness crowd—one I wasn’t necessarily part of.
Elevating My Routine, but Not My Needs
The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers features like a daily energy score, similar to the fitness tracker Whoop—reportedly favored by Prince William—which focuses on sleep, recovery, and performance analysis. This data-driven approach intrigued me, as it promised to provide insights beyond the capabilities of Apple’s Fitness app. The watch’s sleep score feature, which rates the quality of your sleep based on various factors, was particularly interesting. A score of 85-100 is deemed healthy, while my average of 84 indicated better-than-average sleep quality for my age.
The daily energy score, however, was the standout feature for me. It combines sleep analysis, activity levels, and heart rate data to offer a comprehensive view of your physical and mental energy for the day. While its accuracy varied, the feature did encourage me to be more mindful of my energy levels and make informed decisions about my activities.
A Personal Trainer on the Wrist
When it came to gym sessions, the Galaxy Watch Ultra proved its worth. It felt like having a personal trainer on my wrist, with clear, easily accessible information on a vibrant display. I particularly appreciated the ability to create custom workouts, which allowed me to tailor my sessions precisely. This feature, coupled with intuitive navigation and useful prompts, made the watch a reliable workout companion.
Yet, despite these perks, I found myself returning to basics. While the Galaxy Watch Ultra elevated my exercise experience in the short time I used it, I questioned whether its $649 / £599 / AU$1,299 price tag was justifiable for someone with my fitness needs. My Apple Watch SE, with its straightforward tracking capabilities, felt more than adequate.
The Final Verdict: Functionality Over Frills
Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra made me realize that, as an average fitness enthusiast, I don’t need the advanced features it offers. For someone who is more focused on data accuracy and extreme sports, the Galaxy Watch Ultra would be a valuable investment. Its durability, advanced metrics, and long-lasting battery make it ideal for rigorous activities like long-distance running, hiking, and rock climbing.
However, for everyday use, the Apple Watch SE suits my lifestyle perfectly. It’s cost-effective, meets my basic fitness tracking needs, and integrates seamlessly with my iPhone. While the Galaxy Watch Ultra tempted me with its sophisticated features, it felt akin to owning a Ferrari and never driving it past 40 km/h.
In the end, choosing between the Apple Watch SE and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra isn’t about brand loyalty; it’s about finding a device that matches your needs and lifestyle. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is impressive, but for me, the simplicity and practicality of the Apple Watch SE reign supreme.
