The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a highly anticipated release, and with rumors swirling, it's time to take a closer look at what upgrades we'd like to see. As an avid smartwatch enthusiast, I've been impressed by Samsung's first rugged flagship, but there are some areas where improvements are needed to justify an upgrade.
Battery Life: The Ultimate Priority
The battery life of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a concern. While it lasts just under three days, it's not a significant improvement over competitors like the Google Pixel Watch 4. The Ultra moniker demands a longer-lasting battery, and Samsung should prioritize this upgrade. A larger battery and a more efficient chipset are rumored, and these changes would be a game-changer. Garmin's adventure wearables offer a week or more of battery life, and Samsung needs to close this gap to justify the Ultra's premium pricing.
Design: A Matter of Taste and Functionality
The current design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a love-it-or-hate-it affair. I personally dislike the squircle shape, which leaves unused space around the display. A circular design with a more rugged aesthetic, similar to the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, would be a welcome change. Additionally, the raised bezel on the current model suggests a rotating feature, which is absent. Adding a rotating bezel would enhance both functionality and personality, making the Ultra feel more distinctly Samsung.
Heart Rate Tracking: Consistency is Key
Heart rate tracking is crucial for a premium fitness tracker. The current Galaxy Watch Ultra can struggle during activities with rapid heart rate changes, and this is where Google's Pixel Watch 4 excels. Apple's consistency in heart rate tracking sets a high bar, and Samsung needs to close this gap. Reliable heart rate data improves workout summaries and the overall wellness tools, making them more valuable to users.
Open Health Features: A Step Towards Broader Compatibility
Samsung's exclusivity of certain health features to Galaxy phone owners is a barrier to entry. Blood pressure monitoring, ECG recordings, and sleep apnea detection should be available to all, not just Galaxy users. Google's health features are not locked to Pixel phones, and this is a trend Samsung should follow. While an overnight change is unlikely, offering broader compatibility would make the Galaxy Watch Ultra more appealing to a wider audience.
Price and Accessibility: A Cheaper, More Approachable Option
The price of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a significant consideration. At $649, it competes with expensive smartwatches, and a Bluetooth-only version with a price reduction would be a game-changer. Samsung could offer a more affordable, secondary option, making the Ultra lineup more accessible and compelling. A cheaper model would also broaden the appeal and justify the premium features for a wider range of buyers.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has the potential to be a remarkable upgrade, but it requires meaningful improvements in battery life, design, heart rate tracking, health feature accessibility, and pricing. These upgrades would make the Ultra a more compelling choice for smartwatch enthusiasts and justify the premium branding.
