The Galaxy Watch Ultra: A Cyclist’s Dream and So Much More
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra occupies a fascinating space in the wearable tech market. While its robust design might initially suggest a dedicated fitness tracker, it’s truly a comprehensive smartwatch that seamlessly blends rugged durability with sophisticated software. It not only looks the part of a fitness companion, but it also delivers an exceptional experience for tracking and recording workouts, especially for activities like cycling.
From a purely smartwatch perspective, the Galaxy Watch Ultra performs admirably. It handles notifications, both essential and non-essential, with ease, acting as a convenient extension of your smartphone. However, its true strength lies in its capabilities as an active tracker. Samsung has invested significantly in refining its workout tracking features over the past few years, transforming a previously limited selection into a vast and customizable system.
Gone are the days of a handful of generic workout options. The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers an impressive array of pre-programmed activities, catering to a diverse range of fitness interests. The list has expanded to include niche activities like disc sports, demonstrating Samsung’s commitment to providing a comprehensive tracking solution for everyone. Beyond the extensive pre-set options, users can now create their own custom workout routines, tailoring the watch to their specific needs and goals. This level of customization allows for highly personalized tracking, maximizing the value and effectiveness of the device.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, particularly for active users, is its dedicated action button. This seemingly simple addition significantly enhances the user experience. This programmable button can be assigned to instantly launch a specific workout, streamlining the tracking process. For instance, you can set the action button to initiate a mountain biking workout with a single press, eliminating the need to navigate through menus and select the activity manually.
The reviewer found that the action button was particularly useful for mountain biking. With a single tap of the orange button, the watch instantly begins tracking the ride, displaying essential data such as duration, distance, and speed. Swiping up on the screen reveals additional metrics like calories burned and heart rate zones, providing a comprehensive overview of the workout in real-time.
The introduction of heart rate zones in One UI 5 Watch with the Galaxy Watch 6 was a game-changer for Samsung’s health suite. This feature allows users to monitor their heart rate during workouts and tailor their intensity to achieve specific fitness goals. For example, maintaining a sustained zone 2 heart rate is ideal for burning fat, while a zone 3 workout is more effective for improving cardiovascular health. The ability to view your current heart rate zone at all times enables you to adjust your effort level and optimize your workout for the desired outcome.
Once the workout is complete, the Galaxy Watch Ultra provides a summary of the key metrics and achievements. However, the real magic lies in the detailed data that is recorded and accessible through the Samsung Health app. Every workout is meticulously logged, with data prioritized based on the specific activity. For mountain biking, the app displays crucial information such as route, miles traveled, pace, and elevation stats.
The workout page in the Samsung Health app is divided into two sections: data and maps/charts. The data page presents a comprehensive list of numerical metrics, including the aforementioned stats. The map and chart section visually represents your route and provides graphs of your speed and heart rate throughout the workout. This wealth of information provides a detailed understanding of your performance and progress.
The reviewer concludes that they cannot imagine riding without the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The presence of the action button makes a significant difference in the ease and convenience of tracking workouts. Its absence on the Watch 7 is noted as a drawback. The ability to quickly start tracking with a single press encourages more frequent and longer rides.
Furthermore, the rugged design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra inspires confidence and allows the user to focus on the activity without worrying about damaging the device. Unlike the more delicate Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, the Watch Ultra is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities. While the Watch 5 Pro offered a degree of ruggedness, the Ultra takes it to another level.
Of course, this premium durability and feature set comes at a price. However, Samsung often offers competitive deals, making the Galaxy Watch Ultra more accessible. At the time of the review, users could acquire the watch for $325 with a trade-in or $419 without. These prices represent a significant value for a device that offers such a wide range of capabilities.
Even though the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a multitude of functionalities beyond workout tracking, its exceptional performance in this area makes it the reviewer’s go-to device. Unless Samsung releases another rugged model in the future, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is expected to remain the preferred choice for its robust design, comprehensive features, and seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem. It’s a testament to Samsung’s dedication to innovation and commitment to providing users with a truly exceptional wearable experience. The Galaxy Watch Ultra isn’t just a fitness tracker; it’s a versatile companion that enhances every aspect of an active lifestyle. Its durability, ease of use, and comprehensive data tracking make it a must-have for anyone who values performance and reliability.
