Syed Imran Haider 
Samsung has launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra in competition with Apple Watch Ultra. It is a smartwatch that is aimed at fitness fans with a love for the outdoors. The watch marks a new direction for the company’s smartwatch family.
Design and Build
One look at the Galaxy Watch Ultra and you can immediately see that it looks like its competitor. It boasts a square and large chassis, which makes it different from the Galaxy Watch 7. The case has curved edges and is squarer and wider than Apple’s device, as it measures about 47mm. Samsung has opted to use Grade 4 titanium, which means it is a premium device, but is not hefty.
It is only available in one case size, so it might not be appropriate for those with slender wrists. The strap options are also similar to Apple Watch Ultra, as you can choose from Marine, PeakForm and Trail. You can clip the strap from the watch case with a simple button-style lug system. There are three physical buttons on the right, one of which is crown-style. Samsung has dubbed it the Quick Button.
However, it only looks like a crown and does not function like one. You cannot use it for scrolling; the touchscreen is the only way to go about it. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is undoubtedly very tough. It has a sapphire crystal glass that protects against scratches and it is the most waterproof watch Samsung has introduced.
Screen and Audio
The Ultra comes with a Super AMOLED touchscreen that measures 1.5 inch and has a 480×480 resolution. The screen is bright and slick and you will find it very responsive. It comes with a speaker and microphone, as it supports LTE connectivity.
It means that when you use Google Assistant or Bixby Assistant, you can also hear answers. While the speakers are not exceptional, they do have good volume and offer a crisp sound. The microphone is also decent.
Software
The Ultra runs on Wear OS 5.0, the latest software in the market. Samsung has added its Exynos W1000 3nm processor to keep the watch running smoothly.
Fitness and Tracking
Samsung wants Ultra to appeal to serious athletes and this is evident from the features it has incorporated. It comes with dual-frequency GPS used for improving outdoor tracking accuracy. You can also track multiple sports in a single workout session. The navigation and mapping features are quite decent, but lacking in terms of other sports and fitness watches.
The BioActive sensor is handy for optical tracking for blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels. You will also come across ECG sensors, along with a body composition analysis mode. As a sports watch, Galaxy Watch Ultra is acceptable and works as a decent fitness tracker, but nothing exceptional.
The Verdict
If you are looking for the Android version of Apple Watch Ultra, you can give Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra a try. While it does try its level best, it is lacking in a few areas, but it is the company’s nicest smartwatch currently available.
