Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: hit or flop?

Samsung has presented the Galaxy Watch Ultra in its 2025 version, identical on the outside to its predecessor. The differences seem marginal at first. Was a new version needed at all, and what actually makes the Ultra an Ultra, also compared with the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic?

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The three new things

1. Double the storage: 64 GB instead of 32 GB. That’s interesting for anyone who stores music, podcasts or offline maps on the watch. The Ultra is aimed at outdoor adventurers, mountaineers, extreme athletes and deep-sea divers, and they need more offline maps when they’re out of mobile reception. I’m more of a homebody.
2. New color: Titanium Blue joins Titanium Silver, Grey and White.
3. One UI 8 Watch out of the box: It is based on Wear OS 6 and brings a modernized interface, new AI features and additional health metrics.

The RRP stays at €699, as with the predecessor.

What makes the Watch Ultra an Ultra?

The titanium is light, very robust and corrosion-resistant, which is especially important when diving. The certification to the US military standard covers altitudes up to 9,000 m, humidity, dust and shocks, among other things. Not every smartwatch can do that. The quick button on the left can be assigned individually, for example to start workouts, set waypoints or for the flashlight. The question, as always, is whether you use all of that.

Battery

Everything stays the same here. Samsung quotes up to 100 hours in power saving mode and up to 48 hours in workout power saving mode when only the workout function is running. With normal use and no power saving mode, the Ultra gets two and a half to three days for me. The Galaxy Watch 8 and the Watch 8 Classic were empty after a day and a half at most. The bezel still can’t be rotated, probably because of the military standard certification. What remains is the digital bezel with nice haptic feedback.

The new software

• Gemini on your wrist: Write messages by voice, enter appointments, ask questions or have a route calculated and shown in Google Maps. There are also suggested replies in messages. A comprehensive assistant that never takes a vacation.
• Running coach: It coaches you based on your fitness level to improve distances and speeds when jogging. It works truly outstandingly and is highly recommended for beginners, returners and anyone who wants to get better.
• Vascular load and antioxidant index: For the index, you put your thumb on the sensors on the underside, and the Samsung Health app shows whether you’re eating enough fruit and vegetables. For me, the value barely moves, no matter what I eat. It’s probably still in its build-out phase.
• New bar for running apps: If the timer or Spotify is running, for example, a small icon appears on the display that you use to open the app directly.

The new software will probably come at least to the direct predecessors via update.

Pros and cons

In favor of the Ultra 2025 are the plentiful storage, the bright, scratch-resistant display, the long battery life, the rugged build, the precise dual GPS and the software. Against it are the few hardware changes and the size: it’s quite an alarm clock, and you have to want it on your wrist.

Verdict: Ultra, Classic or Watch 8?

• Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: the best choice for long battery life and maximum ruggedness, or if the outdoor adventure design appeals to you as an expression of your lifestyle.
• Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: for anyone who wants the classic look and a premium feel from the bezel.
• Galaxy Watch 8: the best value for money and a slim, light design.

From the Ultra 2024, switching is only worth it if you need the extra storage or want One UI 8 Watch right away.