If attention is a metric of success, then the Galaxy Watch Ultra must already be a hit. Samsung's first Ultra smartwatch gained much attention even before it was unveiled, mostly due to early leaks and because it looked drastically different from other Galaxy smartwatches.
Some people called it ugly. Others called it an Apple Watch clone, which, in my eyes, is quite a bit of a stretch. In fact, I think the Ultra is not enough of an Apple Watch clone, as I don't think circular displays match Wear OS and One UI Watch very well, and I was hoping for a rectangular screen. But that's another matter.
As far as the real and final design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is concerned, I found myself liking the looks of this smartwatch more and more after Unpacked. Samsung definitely is onto something.
I can't say I wasn't worried when I first saw the first leaked renders depicting the Galaxy Watch Ultra. On the one hand, I was a bit disappointed because I was hoping that Samsung's next smartwatch would have a rectangular display.
On the other hand, those early renders probably weren't doing justice to the final product. Thankfully, I refrained from making up my mind based solely on early images. I wanted to give the real thing a try, and I'm very happy that I did. Because the Galaxy Watch Ultra deserves much more than a dismissal based on early leaks.
Rugged, reliable, ready for anything
After seeing the real Galaxy Watch Ultra, I can happily admit those early worries about its design were for naught. The Ultra might be my favorite Galaxy Watch to date — even more so than the Classic series.
And even if you want to pull out the “beauty is subjective” card, I think we can at least all agree that the real thing looks a lot better and more intricate than the early renders suggested.
As to what I like about it, I enjoy the Ultra's color combinations, the intricate design of the wrist strap, and how the watch can look stylish and sporty at the same time. This probably means it has embraced the “squircle” design formula to a relatively high degree of success.
More than anything, I like how it looks like the kind of watch that begs to be worn by an explorer. Samsung captured that energy in one sentence: “Rugged, reliable, ready for anything.”
I think the sequel — if there will be one — will look even better
As much as I like how the Galaxy Watch Ultra looks, I don't think it is perfect. I like most things about it and can appreciate its uniqueness and newness. However, I must say that, in my eyes, it somehow manages to look like a 1st-generation device, and I don't mean that as a compliment.
Maybe I just haven't gotten used to it entirely and need more time with it. Or perhaps the sequel, if there will be one, will reveal, through comparison, whatever isn't quite right with this original model.
I can't pinpoint why the Galaxy Watch Ultra gives off this impression, and it is not a deal breaker, but that impression exists nonetheless. Maybe it's the width or shape of the circular (non-rotating) bezel that throws me off a little bit. Whatever it is, it makes me wonder even more about what a sequel to the Ultra could look like, premature as it may be to do so.
More after our Galaxy Watch Ultra hands-on video…
At the end of the day, I like that Samsung is trying something new with its wearables. Admittedly, I'm not a big fan of the design formula employed by the standard Galaxy Watch. I own a Galaxy Watch 5, and aside from some minor adjustments and color differences, the Galaxy Watch 6, Watch 7, and Watch FE look very alike. I find them bland and almost uninspired. Plus, once you get used to them sitting on your wrist, they kind of start looking like toy watches. So, the Ultra is a nice change of pace if nothing else.
I can't say with certainty that the Galaxy Watch Ultra won't have the same effect as the basic watches and won't start looking toy-like once you get used to them. But at least the Watch Ultra looks a lot more dynamic and not as boring. And, in the end, it calls to me. I like its quirkiness, but I understand why some people might not.
At the end of the day, I'm happy Samsung tried something new for its wearable lineup, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the Galaxy Watch Ultra and where this new path might lead.
Am I going to buy the Galaxy Watch Ultra and use it as a daily driver? I probably would if I could find a good trade-in offer for my Galaxy Watch 5, but those aren't really a thing in my market, so I might end up skipping this one or waiting for a discount.
