Samsung returns in 2025 with a refreshed version of its Galaxy Watch Ultra , the most robust and ambitious watch in its catalog. A year after the initial launch, which caused a lot of ink to flow, notably because of its similarities to the Apple Watch Ultra , the Korean brand this time offers a more subtle, but not meaningless, evolution.
After several weeks of intensive use, including sports outings, nights of tracking, and everyday use, it's time to take stock. Has Samsung corrected the flaws of the first version? Does this watch justify its premium positioning at €699? Every detail counts in this iteration, which is as fascinating as it is divisive. On the wrist, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 proves robust and precise, ready to accompany its users in their daily adventures as well as in the most demanding sporting challenges.
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An unchanged design, but a new aesthetic breath of fresh air
From the moment you open the box, it's clear: Samsung hasn't changed the design of its Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. The 47mm square titanium case, which houses a circular screen, remains faithful to the "round in a square" philosophy introduced the previous year. This signature continues to divide: some see it as a stylistic boldness, others as an inspiration too close to the Apple Watch Ultra . But it's by scrutinizing the details that we discover the real visual novelty of this 2025 edition.
The bright orange strap, which caused so much talk in 2024, disappears in favor of an elegant blue strap . This simple cosmetic change completely transforms the perception of the watch. Where orange screamed "extreme sport", blue imposes an assumed versatility , easier to wear whether for a sports outing or for a meeting or a dinner. And for those who already owned the previous version, good news: the straps are fully compatible , avoiding waste and unnecessary expenses. In a tech world too often guided by planned obsolescence, this interoperability deserves to be applauded.
For the rest, Samsung is sticking with continuity. Same solid titanium case, same triple button on the right edge, including a customizable action button, and same protrusion to accommodate a clickable but non-rotating crown. An ergonomic choice that may frustrate those who appreciate the physical rotating bezel like on the Watch 8 Classic, but which remains faithful to the philosophy of the Galaxy Watch Ultra: solidity, robustness, and mastery of detail.
A construction designed for endurance
At 94 grams , the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 isn't about being light. Every gram is there for a reason: titanium plates on the top and bottom, a wide, thick strap, and a solid metal loop. At first glance, this weight commands respect and reflects an uncompromising build.
On the wrist, with a circumference of 17 cm, the watch immediately makes itself felt. Massive and bulky, it will not suit thin wrists. The bracelet, although robust, does not perfectly follow the curve of the wrist, leaving a slight space on the sides which causes a slight swing during sudden movements. The first nights may seem uncomfortable, especially for those coming from a thinner watch, but after a few days of adaptation, you end up forgetting this volume, reassured by the solidity felt with each movement.
And that's where the strength of this design lies: robustness. After two months of intensive use, sports, outdoor activities and even some painting work, the titanium case and the reinforced sapphire crystal remain impeccable. No visible scratches tarnish the whole. The watch complies with the military standard MIL-STD-810H , withstanding temperatures from -20°C to +55°C and altitudes up to 9000 meters.
The 10 ATM certified water resistance allows immersion up to 100 meters in limited conditions: 10 minutes at 100 meters or 1 hour at 1 meter. The watch is therefore ideal for swimming in a pool or splashing around, but regular divers will have to turn to other models for extended sessions.
One detail, however, caught our attention: after a day of intensive painting, a trace lodged in the microscopic gap between the glass and the dial, difficult to remove even with a fingernail. This micro-incident calls into question the finish for a product costing 699 euros, but it in no way affects daily use. The Galaxy Watch Ultra remains an example of solidity and durability, designed to withstand the most demanding adventures.
The screen: the Galaxy Watch Ultra's trump card
If there's one thing that justifies the Ultra , it's the 1.47-inch AMOLED . Its 480 x 480 pixel resolution offers obvious sharpness, but what's really striking is its peak brightness of 3000 nits . A figure that puts the Galaxy Watch Ultra in a league of its own. For perspective, until 2024, the best smartwatches topped out at 2000 nits, and the majority of the market was content with 1000 nits.
This light output transforms the outdoor user experience. Under a blazing sun, during a midday bike ride or a run in the middle of summer afternoon, the screen remains perfectly readable without any effort. No more putting your hand on the visor or squinting, the data is displayed with crystal clarity , regardless of the ambient light intensity.
The display's fluidity completes the picture. Transitions are smooth, the touchscreen is ultra-responsive, and navigating the menus becomes a real pleasure. Checking your sports stats, replying to a message, or setting up a widget is intuitive and enjoyable. Without exaggeration, it's probably one of the best screens ever seen on a smartwatch , from any manufacturer, and it alone justifies the premium positioning of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025.
One UI Watch 8: the real revolution of 2025
When you look at the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 , your first instinct is to compare it to the 2024 version. There are few obvious changes here. Samsung has focused its efforts on the software side, however, and the results are spectacular. The watch now runs Wear OS 6 with the One UI Watch 8 , and this update is undoubtedly the most significant change in this iteration.
From the first minutes on the wrist, you can feel the difference. The interface has been completely redesigned for greater clarity and efficiency. The widget system, a point of friction in previous versions, has been completely remodeled. Gone are the saturated screens where each widget took up all the space. Now, they are stackable vertically , allowing you to group several pieces of information on the same screen: morning and evening activity score, sports data, health monitoring, weather, calendar, alarms... Everything is configurable according to your priorities and lifestyle. In daily use, this evolution transforms the experience: you have the impression of having a watch truly adapted to your rhythm.
Notifications better prioritized, and navigating through menus becomes fluid and natural. Those familiar with One UI Watch on previous generations will immediately feel the progress. Samsung has clearly listened to its users to create a more intuitive, more coherent, and visually more modern interface.
Ultimately, this software overhaul profoundly changes the daily use of the watch. The experience becomes more mature, more professional, and paradoxically, more accessible. It's an evolution that, on paper, may seem incremental, but which, on the wrist and over the days, radically transforms the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. We no longer simply wear a connected watch; we interact with a true digital companion designed to accompany every moment of our day.
Configuration: the double pitfall of applications
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 smartwatch on your wrist is like entering a connected world, but with a few pitfalls. To fully utilize the watch, you have to juggle two separate apps on your smartphone: Galaxy Wearable for general setup, initial connection, watch face customization, and button management, and Samsung Health for everything related to health, fitness, and wellness.
This separation is noticeable from the first use. Pairing takes a few minutes, followed by downloading system updates. We understand Samsung's logic, which uses Galaxy Wearable to manage all its accessories, from headphones to tablets . But for a user who only owns one watch, this duality can seem cumbersome and unnecessarily complex. It sometimes feels like you're juggling two worlds instead of enjoying a seamless, unified experience, as some competitors do.
The situation becomes even more complicated with advanced features. While the watch is compatible with all Android smartphones, some measurements like blood pressure or electrocardiogram only work with a Samsung device. For a Pixel or other Android user, these functions remain blocked, limiting the appeal of a product marketed as versatile. The experience remains excellent in terms of basic hardware and software, but Samsung leaves a feeling of incompleteness here, an invisible barrier that reminds us that the Galaxy universe remains a fairly closed ecosystem.
Sports performance: algorithms make the difference
It's on the field that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 reveals the full extent of its improvements. Samsung has reworked its algorithms, and the results are immediately felt on the wrist.
The dual-frequency GPS locks on in seconds, ready to launch an activity without delay. But the real progress lies in the precision. Where the 2024 model was off by a few meters in the city due to reflections on buildings or uneven terrain, this 2025 version reduces the gap to just three meters over five kilometers. To verify, we cross-referenced the data with Strava: no software gimmicks, just near-perfect precision. Whether in the countryside, on a track, or in the heart of a city, every meter counts, and runners and cyclists can now analyze their performance without a second thought .
The optical heart rate sensor follows the same logic of excellence. Compared to the Polar H10, the watch displays a difference of only one beat per minute over ten measurements, even during full effort. Whether the watch is worn on the left or right wrist, at rest or climbing hills, the reliability is impressive. Athletes who previously refused to wear a chest strap can finally train with reliable and usable , manage their heart rate zones and calibrate the intensity of their sessions.
Activity tracking is comprehensive and informative . Samsung Health offers an infinite number of sports profiles: running, cycling, swimming, weight training, multisport for triathlon, and even a built-in running coach. Each session can be set with distance, duration, and calorie goals, automatic laps, complex intervals, or even a virtual pacer to maintain a precise pace. Voice guidance punctuates the effort with clear instructions: "Start by warming up gently," "You are in zone 3," "Change your pace."
After the workout, a veritable wealth of information opens up. Distance, duration, pace, heart rate, and VO2 max, as well as biomechanical measurements: ground contact time, vertical oscillation, muscle stiffness, stride regularity, and more. And Samsung doesn't stop there. The app analyzes this data and suggests targeted exercises to correct identified weaknesses. Too much vertical oscillation? Three specific exercises to reduce it. Insufficient muscle stiffness? Jumping and descending programs to develop it.
The watch goes even further by estimating the amount of perspiration evacuated and recommending the amount of water to drink to compensate, up to nearly a liter after 40 minutes of intense running. These details make the difference in optimizing recovery and transforming each outing into a real learning experience. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 is no longer just a measuring tool, it is a digital coach on the wrist, capable of guiding the athlete towards real and measurable progress .
Mapping: the persistent black spot
Unfortunately, not everything is perfect on the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. The onboard mapping remains its Achilles heel. Samsung has opted for a display of gray roads on a black background, and the contrast is seriously lacking. Even with a screen capable of 3000 nits, it's difficult to clearly distinguish the details of the route, making the experience frustrating for a watch designed for the outdoors and extreme sports.
GPX route tracking works on the principle of vibration at each change of direction, alerts if you deviate from the route, turn-by-turn voice guidance. But map readability remains the major weak point, especially when trying to navigate technical trails or unfamiliar areas. Third-party apps like Strava unfortunately don't do any better on this compact screen, a limitation that affects the entire Wear OS ecosystem.
For classic urban navigation, Google Maps is a bit of a lifesaver. The maps are more readable and allow you to reach a starting point without having to take out your smartphone, a practical advantage when cycling or in the city.
Another drawback for demanding athletes: the watch doesn't allow you to directly pair external Bluetooth sensors, such as a heart rate monitor or a cycling power meter, with Samsung Health profiles. You have to use third-party apps downloaded from the Play Store to get around this limitation. For a watch that claims to be Ultra and performance-oriented, this is a significant handicap compared to Garmin, Polar, or Coros, which integrate these accessories natively. The experience remains excellent in many respects, but when it comes to mapping and sensor compatibility, Samsung still has a long way to go.
Health monitoring: Samsung in a leading position
Beyond sports, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 stands out for its health tracking, an area in which Samsung has taken a lead over other Android watches. After several weeks of intensive testing, we can say that the watch doesn't just measure: it accompanies, advises and motivates .
sleep tracking is particularly impressive. Every morning, a discreet vibration wakes you up and presents you with a detailed score with personalized tips for better sleep. The watch analyzes each stage of sleep—light, deep, and REM—as well as nocturnal movements, oxygen saturation, skin temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. But Samsung doesn't limit itself to a single night: it evaluates the regularity of your cycles over several days , giving a comprehensive view of your circadian rhythm and the overall quality of your sleep.
The fun aspect of this tracking is a real success. The application offers daily missions to gradually improve your sleep: go to bed before midnight, avoid screens 30 minutes before, keep a cool bedroom. Each mission completed is validated and your profile is assigned a totem animal , making the experience both personal and motivating. The watch can even detect sleep apnea, a real medical asset to alert you to a potential problem and encourage you to consult a specialist. Sleeping with such a massive watch takes a few nights to get used to, but the quality and relevance of the data make the effort largely acceptable.
The energy score completes this health approach. Each morning, the watch calculates a score out of 100 based on your sleep, recent activity, stress, and other physiological parameters. A high score indicates it's time to head out for an intense session; a low score suggests focusing on recovery and light training. This indicator helps you better plan your efforts and avoid overexertion.
The weak point comes from the fact that this score remains fixed all day. Unlike Garmin's Body Battery , we don't see the impact of an effort or a stress peak in real time. The day's evaluation is based on the previous night, and we have to wait until the next day to integrate the new data. This is a limitation that can be confusing, especially for users accustomed to dynamic and reactive monitoring, but the overall concept remains powerful and relevant for anticipating one's form and managing one's performance .
A dizzying array of sensors
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 smartwatch impresses with the number and diversity of its sensors, a true concentration of technology on the wrist. It includes continuous heart rate, SpO2 blood oxygenation, skin temperature, ECG, a bioelectrical impedance sensor for body composition, a barometric altimeter, a compass, a stress sensor, AGE and antioxidant indices, as well as menstrual cycle tracking. A configuration that far exceeds what most competitors offer.
The body composition is particularly impressive. By simply placing two fingers on the side buttons for a few seconds, the watch estimates fat mass, muscle mass, and water mass. The results are consistent and reproducible: for example, 23.9 kg of muscle, 8.9 kg of fat, 39.7 kg of water, or 14.1% body fat. This is not a substitute for a DEXA scan or professional impedance measurement, but it is a reliable indicator for tracking changes in your physical condition over the months.
For blood pressure and ECG , two limitations appear. You need a Samsung smartphone to access these features, and blood pressure measurement requires a medical blood pressure monitor to calibrate the watch. The ECG, on the other hand, remains simple to use: you just have to remain still for five to ten minutes, without medical calibration. This is a more accessible approach than many competing solutions.
AGE and antioxidant indices remain more vague. Their interpretation and the concrete actions to be taken are unclear, even with the documentation provided. We feel that Samsung has ambitiously multiplied the number of sensors, but without always providing appropriate educational support.
To complete the health picture, the app offers guided breathing exercises , a daily mood journal, and relaxation content. This holistic approach, which doesn't just collect data but actually supports the user, sets Samsung apart from its often more passive competition. The Galaxy Watch Ultra doesn't just measure: it advises, guides, and motivates, and this is what transforms the daily experience.
Autonomy: the eternal Achilles heel
If there's one thing that's been the biggest frustration with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 , it's battery life. With its 590mAh battery, the largest in Samsung's lineup and 60% more powerful than the classic Watch 8, the watch still struggles to last more than two to three days under normal use.
Official figures advertise 80 hours with the screen automatically turning off, 60 hours in always-on mode, and 100 hours in drastic power saving mode. In GPS use, Samsung promises up to 48 hours. In real-life situations, the reality is more pragmatic. After a night of sleep tracking, 40 minutes of GPS running in the morning, and 1 hour 20 minutes of cycling in the afternoon, with notifications active and the screen in adaptive brightness, the watch went from 100% to 8% in just 36 hours. Without intensive GPS, you can expect a maximum of 2 to 3 days with the screen off, or 2 days in always-on mode.
After just 11 hours of use, the battery was already at 64%. By 7 p.m., after the second GPS session, it was down to 31%. Power consumption during sports activities is clearly significant. It's worth noting that this is an improvement over the 2024 model, which barely lasted two days. The One UI Watch 8 now allows it to last just over two days, with 30% battery remaining.
But for a watch labeled "Ultra," compared to Garmin, Coros, or Suunto, this isn't enough. The latter easily last 7 to 10 days, some several weeks with moderate use. Ultra-trailers, multi-day hikers, and extreme adventurers won't be able to count on this watch for extended battery life. It remains suitable for regular athletes practicing sessions of a few hours, not for multi-day expeditions on their own.
Charging fast charger, the difference remains limited: 43 minutes to go from 64% to 100%. After a 12-minute shower on its base, you only recover 4% of battery. Power saving mode allows you to extend battery life, but at the cost of greatly reduced functionality: limited notifications, no continuous heart rate measurement. At 5% battery, the watch switches to "watch only" mode, retaining only the time display and losing all its connected functions.
In short, battery life remains the Galaxy Watch Ultra's main weakness. Samsung has made progress, but it still doesn't rival the outdoor heavyweights and remains a choice for everyday sports use rather than extreme adventures.
Apps and voice assistants
With the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 , Samsung is leveraging the openness of Wear OS to deliver a rich and flexible ecosystem. The Google Play Store is directly accessible from the watch, allowing you to install third-party apps: Strava and Komoot for outdoor routes, Deezer and Spotify for music, and many more. This is the fundamental advantage of Wear OS over proprietary systems: universal compatibility with the Android ecosystem, which gives you almost total freedom in choosing apps.
Voice assistants are also part of the experience. We find Bixby, Samsung's in-house assistant, quite limited and perfectible, but especially Google Gemini , which impresses with its accuracy. Voice recognition in French is remarkable, even for complex sentences. For simple commands like "what time is it" or "start a 5-minute timer," everything works perfectly. For more contextual requests, like finding a nearby restaurant, the watch can sometimes be hesitant. Nevertheless, when it comes to understanding and correctly executing French, Gemini is flawless, making daily use fluid and intuitive.
The integration of these assistants and access to third-party apps illustrates the strength of Wear OS: a smartwatch that adapts to your needs rather than locking you into a closed ecosystem. This is a real plus for those who want to combine sports, navigation, and connected life on their wrist.
Contactless payment: convenience on your wrist
What struck me from the very first use was the fluidity of contactless payment with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. Google Wallet is natively integrated, and honestly, it's life-changing. You raise your wrist to check the time, and presto, the bank card is already ready. All that's left to do is hold the watch close to the terminal, and the transaction is completed almost instantly. Nothing to take out of your bag, nothing to rummage through your pockets, it's ultra-practical for morning coffee or a quick run after work.
I also tested Samsung Pay, but clearly, for us in France, it's not the same fluidity or universal compatibility. With Google Wallet , it's simple, fast and reliable. Frankly, this kind of functionality transforms the watch from a simple sports accessory into a real everyday assistant. We get used to it so quickly that we can't imagine going out without it.
SOS function: enhanced security
As soon as you discover the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025's SOS function, you immediately feel a real sense of security. A long press on the action button and the watch triggers an 86-decibel emergency siren, loud enough to be heard 100 meters away according to Samsung. But that's not all: it can also automatically dial 112, the European emergency number.
I tested it in simulation, and the effect is striking: the vibration, the shrill sound, and the potential emergency call offer a real feeling of protection. For those who go alone on trails, in the mountains or hiking , it's an additional assurance, almost invisible but incredibly reassuring. And even if, of course, we hope never to have to activate it for real, knowing that it's there completely changes the way we approach the adventure.
A typical day with the Galaxy Watch Ultra
To really understand what the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 brings to the table, you need to follow it throughout a full day.
We start the night before: 11 p.m. , the watch is unplugged at 100% battery, alarm set for the next day. In the morning, at 7:30 a.m. , the alarm vibration is powerful enough to wake up without disturbing the partner. The screen displays the night's sleep score, phase distribution, average skin temperature and blood oxygenation. A totem animal appears according to the sleep profile, accompanied by personalized advice to improve the following night. The energy score for the day is displayed at 69/100, suggesting a moderate rather than intensive session. The daily sleep missions are checked or not depending on what has been respected.
At 9 a.m. , I set off for a running session scheduled in Samsung Health. The “Run 10 km in 8 weeks” program begins: 5 minutes of warm-up, 30 minutes at 8 km/h and 5 minutes of recovery. The GPS connects in a few seconds and the ultra-bright AMOLED screen remains perfectly readable in direct sunlight. The voice guides the user: “Start by warming up gently”. The data fields display elapsed time, distance, current pace, heart rate, heart zone and elevation gain. Even with 7 fields per screen, everything remains readable thanks to the quality of the screen.
At 9:40 a.m. , return after 5.34 km in 39 minutes , average pace 7:18/km, peak at 4:54/km, max heart rate 187 bpm for an average of 157 bpm. The watch provides advanced measurements: correct asymmetry, good ground contact time, vertical oscillation and stiffness to improve. The application suggests specific exercises to correct these weak points. Perspiration is estimated at 561 ml , and the watch recommends drinking 841 ml of water .
At 10am , the battery is at 64%, after only 11 hours including a night's sleep and 40 minutes of GPS. A quick shower at 10:15am only recovers 4% battery after 12 minutes of charging on the dock.
At the office at 11:30 , the watch filters notifications, letting only important calls and messages through. Galaxy AI offers contextual quick replies, which allows you to leave your smartphone in your bag without losing essential information. At 12:30 , pay for lunch with Google Wallet , directly from your wrist, convenient and seamless.
At 2 p.m. , bike ride with a GPX route transferred to the watch. To reach the start, Google Maps guides directly via the watch . Once on the route, the local map indicates the route to follow with vibrations and visual or audible alerts in case of deviation. After 1 hour 20 minutes of cycling and 22 km , return home: the screen remained on at full brightness the entire journey, very readable but energy-consuming.
At 7 p.m. , battery status: 31% after 2 hours of cumulative GPS. For an "Ultra" watch, this is clearly insufficient for prolonged use. At 7:30 p.m. , body composition measurement: 23.9 kg of muscle, 8.9 kg of fat, 39.7 kg of water, BMI 20.6. The application offers advice on how to improve these metrics. The daily health tracking displays heart rate, stress, steps taken, calories burned, with a clear and detailed presentation.
At 11 p.m. , back to bed and automatic sleep tracking. The watch is bulky at first, but after a few nights, you get used to it. The next day at 11:17 a.m. , there is only 8% battery left. In 36 hours with two GPS sessions, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is running out of steam. For a watch labeled "Ultra," this is disappointing. A standard Galaxy Watch 7 would have lasted slightly less time, and a Garmin would still have 70% battery remaining.
This day perfectly illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of the watch: precise sensors, complete health monitoring, bright and readable screen , but limited battery life which severely restricts its use for extreme adventurers or long GPS sessions.
Apple Watch Ultra Copy? Let's Sort Fact from Fiction
Since its launch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra has often been accused of copying the Apple Watch Ultra. We'll sift through this to separate the facts from the hype.
The fluorescent orange strap: it's true that Apple popularized it on its Watch Ultra, but fluorescent colors have been around in the diving watch world for decades for visibility at sea. Samsung didn't invent anything, and neither did Apple. And for the 2025 version, out goes the orange, in comes the blue: proof that it wasn't an identity choice but purely aesthetic.
The action button: Yes, Samsung is borrowing the name and the idea of a customizable side button, and yes, the orange color is reminiscent of the Apple Watch. But beyond the name, it's just a configurable shortcut, a feature that has been present on many sports watches for a long time. You can criticize the name choice, but it's not functional plagiarism.
The square design: This one makes more sense than it does Apple. A round case wastes internal space, especially when you have to accommodate a large battery and bulky components. Garmin, Huawei, Amazfit, and others do the same. Samsung, on the other hand, keeps a round screen in this square case, faithful to the Galaxy Watch's DNA.
The term "Ultra": Apple didn't invent it. Dozens of premium products use it across all sectors. And in the field, neither watch is really made for ultra-athletes: 2-3 days for Samsung, 36-48 hours for Apple under intensive use. True ultra-trailers turn to Garmin, Coros, or Suunto for long-lasting battery life.
Ultimately, yes, there are some marketing and aesthetic similarities, but fundamentally, they are two different watches. The Apple Watch Ultra is iOS-first with its own strengths, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra shines on Android thanks to Wear OS and its software compatibility. To say that Samsung has made a "carbon copy" is clearly an exaggeration.
Who is this Galaxy Watch Ultra really made for?
After several weeks of intensive use, one thing is clear: this watch is excellent, but it's not for everyone. Its positioning is paradoxical, caught between ultra-sporty ambitions and the reality of a versatile smartwatch.
It's perfect for you if...
Looking for an ultra-durable watch for your regular outdoor activities? The titanium case, reinforced sapphire crystal, and military certification offer you complete peace of mind. You can forget it on your wrist without worrying about bumps, scratches, or immersion.
You do a lot of outdoor sports (cycling, running, hiking) and an ultra-bright display is a top priority. The Galaxy Watch Ultra's 3000 nits deliver unmatched readability in direct sunlight. You'll no longer be squinting to check your stats on a summer afternoon.
You're already part of the Samsung ecosystem and looking for the best possible integration with your Galaxy smartphone, Galaxy Buds, and tablet. The ecosystem works remarkably well together, with exclusive features (ECG, blood pressure) and seamless connectivity via SmartThings with your connected home devices.
You want cutting-edge health tracking with personalized coaching. Samsung offers one of the most comprehensive and informative tracking systems on the market: detailed sleep, body composition, energy score, corrective exercises for running... It's not just passive measurement, it's active support for progress.
You exercise regularly (several times a week) with sessions lasting 1 to 3 hours, but you're not an ultra-trailer or triathlete who sets off on their own for several days. The 2-3-day battery life is sufficient for this use, and the smartwatch's versatility is a real plus for everyday use.
You appreciate the versatility of Wear OS : Google Maps on your wrist, Play Store to install what you want, Google Wallet to pay, Gemini for voice assistance... This openness is impossible on sports watches with closed systems.
It's NOT for you if...
You have a slim wrist (less than 16 cm). With its 47 mm case and 94 grams, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is massive. It won't be comfortable and will likely protrude from your wrist in an ungainly manner.
Battery life is your number one criterion . If you're doing multi-day trail runs, 3-4 day mountain hikes, 12+ hour ultras, or simply hate charging your watch every other day, move on. A Garmin Fenix, Enduro, or Coros Apex/Vertix will offer 7-20 days of battery life.
Looking for a discreet and lightweight watch for comfortable sleeping? The standard Galaxy Watch 7 or Watch 8 (30 grams vs. 94) will be infinitely more comfortable, while offering 80% of the same features.
You don't have a Samsung smartphone and want access to all the features. With another Android, you lose ECG and blood pressure measurement. With an iPhone, it's simply incompatible. At this price, you might as well have access to all the features.
Onboard mapping is essential for your activities. The Galaxy Watch Ultra's maps are frankly poor, unreadable even at 3000 nits. If you're hiking in the mountains with complex navigation, a Garmin with real topographic maps will be essential.
You want to pair external sensors (heart rate monitor, cycling power meter) directly with the Samsung Health app. This is not possible natively; you have to use third-party apps. For demanding sports use with accessories, Garmin/Polar/Suunto remain superior.
Value for money is your priority . At €699, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is expensive, especially when the Watch 7 (now €150-200) or the standard Watch 8 (€380) offer 80-90% of the same specifications with just a less robust case.
Comparison with the Galaxy Watch 2025 range
In 2025, Samsung will offer a complete range that extends from the accessible watch to the extreme watch, and choosing your model comes down to defining your priorities.
The Galaxy Watch 7, the successor to the 2024 model, remains available for around €150-200. It shares the same Exynos W1000 processor, bioactive sensors, and Wear OS with One UI with the Watch 8, which will soon receive an update to version 8. Its limitations? A slightly thicker, less modern design, and only 32GB of storage compared to 64GB on some 2025 models. For €200, it easily covers 80% of your needs, offering excellent value for money.
The standard Galaxy Watch 8, at €380 in the Bluetooth version (40 or 44 mm), represents the most balanced choice. Its very lightweight aluminum case (30 g), its modern design, its 3000 nits AMOLED screen and all the health sensors make it comfortable day and night. Its battery life remains around 2 days, identical to the other models, but its versatility and comfort make it the best choice for 90% of users.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, at €580 in 46mm, focuses on elegance and tradition. Its heavier stainless steel case, the very pleasant to use physical rotating bezel, and an additional button appeal to classic watch lovers. The screen is slightly smaller (1.3″ versus 1.47″ on the standard 44mm), but the slightly larger battery (445 mAh) offers 10 to 15% more battery life. With 64 GB of storage, it's the choice for those who want a stylish presence on the wrist while retaining all the connected functions.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra, at €699 in a 47mm case with LTE included, pushes all the limits. Its ultra-rugged titanium case, 1.5″ screen, reinforced sapphire crystal, 590 mAh battery, military certification, 10 ATM water resistance, three physical buttons, and an 86 dB SOS siren are all designed for ruggedness and the outdoors. Battery life can reach 3 to 4 days, 60% better than other models, but remains below that of dedicated outdoor watches. This watch is aimed at those who want a product that can withstand everyday wear and extreme activities, and who have the budget to do so.
In short, your choice depends on your priorities: tight budget = Watch 7, versatility and comfort = Watch 8 standard 44 mm, elegance and tradition = Watch 8 Classic, extreme robustness and outdoor = Watch Ultra.
✔ The exceptional 3000 nits screen , the best on the market.
✔ Ultra-strong titanium construction with military certification.
✔ Remarkable GPS and cardio accuracy , at the level of the best.
✔ Very comprehensive health monitoring with truly useful personalized coaching.
✔ One UI Watch 8 fluid , modern and ergonomic.
✔ and versatile Wear OS ecosystem
✔ Significant improvement in autonomy vs 2024 (+20-30%).
✖ 2-3 days of battery life is insufficient for an “Ultra” watch.
✖ Slow charge (1h30 for full charge).
✖ On-board mapping unusable (lack of contrast).
✖ Significant volume and weight (94g, not suitable for everyone).
✖ Mandatory double application (Wearable + Health).
✖ Certain functions reserved for Samsung smartphones (ECG, blood pressure).
✖ Unable to pair external Bluetooth sensors natively.
✖ High price (€699) compared to the Watch 7 (€200) or Watch 8 (€380).
Conclusion of the test
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 is a watch that won't leave you indifferent. It packs a punch on the technical front: titanium , sapphire crystal , 3000 nits AMOLED screen ultra-precise GPS and heart rate sensors premium watch , designed for the demanding user.
But its positioning is paradoxical. It dreams of being ultra-sporty and robust, ready for extreme outdoor activities... except that its 2-3 day battery life doesn't keep up . True ultra-trailers and multi-day adventurers will have to turn to Garmin, Coros or Suunto. On the other hand, for regular sports use , a few outings per week, or simply to benefit from cutting-edge health monitoring and an open Android ecosystem , it excels.
The improvements over 2024 are incremental but concrete: more accurate GPS , near-perfect heart rate sensor , smoother One UI Watch 8 , slightly better battery life. The screen remains a gem of readability , even in full sunlight, and the construction inspires confidence.
The flaws, however, are still present: still limited battery life , slow charging, poor mapping, reliance on a Samsung smartphone for certain functions, significant weight, and a high price . It's not a watch for everyone, but for those who accept these compromises, it offers a highly satisfying experience.
In short, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 shines in the middle: too smartwatch for ultra-athletes, too sporty for simple watch lovers, but perfect for the tech-savvy regular athlete who wants the best health tracking and a solid watch on the wrist.
Who's it for? Those who want ruggedness, an exceptional display, and advanced health tracking within the Samsung ecosystem, willing to charge every 2-3 days.
Avoid if... You're looking for long battery life, a slim wrist, a discreet watch, or you don't have a Samsung.
It's a watch with personality, and even with its limitations, it more than deserves to be in the top Android watches of 2025 .
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