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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a circular smartwatch wearing a squircle. Its 1.5-inch display remains round, but the 47mm titanium body is a rounded square that Samsung calls Cushion Design. That bold redesign, plus a new orange Quick Button and a 590mAh battery, is the story of this July 2024 hands-on—but the short launch-day session could not prove battery life, GPS accuracy, heart-rate performance, or long-term comfort.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s defining feature is not its battery, GPS, or titanium case—it is the shape. Samsung kept the display circular, but placed it inside a rounded-square outer case that it calls the Cushion Design. The result is a watch that still behaves like a Galaxy Watch while looking, from some angles, much more like an Apple Watch Ultra.
This is a first-look hands-on of the original 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra, not a long-term review. Samsung unveiled it on July 10, 2024, opened U.S. preorders the same day, and began general availability on July 24 at a launch price of $649.99. Battery life, GPS accuracy, workout tracking, and long-term comfort still required independent testing at launch.
A circular screen in a squircle case
Samsung’s conventional Galaxy Watches use a round screen and a round case. The Galaxy Watch Ultra breaks that visual formula without abandoning the circular display. Its 1.5-inch screen remains round, while the surrounding body becomes a rounded square—or “squircle.” Samsung’s official name for the approach is Cushion Design.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThat distinction matters. This is not a square-display smartwatch. Apps, watch faces, and the basic interaction model remain rooted in Samsung’s circular Galaxy Watch platform. The squircle is an external design and structural change rather than a switch to the rectangular interface used by the Apple Watch.
The design is also the source of the Ultra’s strongest resemblance to Apple’s rugged smartwatch. The titanium case, large dimensions, outdoor-oriented strap styling, and orange side button all invite comparison with the Apple Watch Ultra. Samsung’s watch is not simply an Apple Watch clone, however: its screen is round, it runs Wear OS 5 with Samsung’s software layer, and it is intended for Android users.
Large, heavy, and less awkward than expected
The original Galaxy Watch Ultra was sold in a single 47mm size. Its case measured approximately 47.4 x 47.1 x 12.1mm and weighed about 60.5 grams without the strap.
#1 Best Overall
- 47mm - 1.5" Super AMOLED, 480x480px, 590mAh Battery, MIL-STD 810H certified, IP68/10ATM 100m water resistant, ECG certified
- 64GB, 2GB RAM, Exynos W1000 (3nm), Penta-core, Mali-G68 GPU, Android Wear OS 5, One UI Watch 8 with AI Assistant
- Unlock your full potential with Galaxy AI: Track and improve your fitness performance, monitor heart health with precision, get personalized wellness tips, optimize your sleep for better health, stay connected with smart replies, and enjoy music or podcasts on the go—all from your Galaxy Watch.
- Compatible with Android devices Only. Supports Google Pay. 3G: 850/900/1700/2100/1900/2100MHz, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/18/19/20/25/26/28/40/66/71 - eSIM.
- International Model - No Warranty. 100% Unlocked but Most US carriers may not allow International models. Will still work as Bluetooth Watch. Works outside US with all carriers. (Country selection may not be available during setup. Select Any, as Country will updated later after Connecting to WIFI in Settings.)
That makes it noticeably larger and heavier than the Galaxy Watch 7. During the hands-on, the watch did not feel quite as unwieldy as its measurements suggested, partly because the recessed rounded-square design visually disguises some of the bulk when viewed from a distance. That is an event-floor impression, though—not evidence that it will be comfortable overnight or during a full day of exercise on every wrist.
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- Titanium Gray
- Titanium White
- Titanium Silver
Be careful when comparing listings or newer Samsung product pages. Later Galaxy Watch Ultra generations may show different colors, specifications, or storage capacities. Those details should not be silently applied to this original 2024 model.
The orange Quick Button is the real control change
The most useful physical addition is Samsung’s orange Quick Button. It is designed to put workout controls and other frequently used functions within immediate reach, particularly when running, cycling, swimming, or wearing gloves.
During the hands-on, the button could:
- Start or pause a workout
- Mark a lap
- Launch other configured actions
- Activate an emergency siren by holding it for five seconds
Samsung’s support documentation says the button can be assigned to Samsung Health workouts, a stopwatch, flashlight, Water Lock, or no action. The hands-on report described the siren as reaching 85 decibels; that should be treated as Samsung’s stated product capability rather than an independently measured loudness figure.
There is one conspicuous omission: Samsung did not include its traditional rotating bezel, and there is no physical rotating crown. The watch still provides touch controls and the usual side buttons, but users who value tactile scrolling lose the familiar rotational input. Whether that is a serious problem depends on how often you interact with the watch while moving or wearing gloves.
Dynamic Lug bands are secure, but compatibility matters
The Galaxy Watch Ultra uses a new Dynamic Lug band system. The quick-release mechanism was easy to use during the hands-on, and the release button is recessed to reduce the chance of accidental activation. The lugs also felt secure during the brief testing period.
Do not assume that every Galaxy Watch strap will fit. When shopping for a Galaxy Watch Ultra band, check that the listing specifically identifies the Dynamic Lug system and the Ultra’s 47mm case. Generic Galaxy Watch compatibility is not enough.
Accessory note: A replacement Dynamic Lug band makes practical sense if the bundled strap does not suit your wrist or activity. It is especially important to verify the connector rather than buying solely on width or on a generic “Galaxy Watch” label.
Display hardware: bright and protected
The watch has a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 480 x 480 resolution and sapphire crystal protection. Samsung advertised peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits, a useful specification for outdoor visibility.
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“Up to 3,000 nits” is a peak figure, not a promise that the panel will remain at that brightness continuously in every mode or environment. Actual visibility will depend on automatic brightness behavior, heat, battery settings, direct sunlight, and how long the display needs to stay bright.
Rank #2
- YOUR TRAIL GUIDE ON YOUR WRIST: Navigate challenging trails on your run with path, elevation and pace guidance on your Galaxy Watch Ultra2¹. The smart watch gives you personalized hydration alerts² along the way so you can run and feel your best.
- ONE PERSONALIZED SCORE TO KNOW YOUR HEART BETTER: Get an easy-to-understand view of your overall heart health³ with a single personalized score⁴ and guidance, so you can avoid the guesswork.
- INSTANT AI ASSISTANCE. NO SLOWING DOWN: Every second can be crucial when you're outdoors. With Galaxy Watch Ultra2, you can just raise your wrist, start talking naturally and get instant AI assistance⁵—no wake phrase needed, no slowing down.
- GREAT DURABILITY FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS: From rugged trails to under water, take this fitness watch anywhere as your dependable adventure partner. IP69K and 10ATM rated, it’s dust-tight⁶ and water resistant⁷ up to 100m so you can take on any challenge.
- YOUR BODY SPEAKS. LISTEN WITH VITALS: Understand your body better with Vitals⁹–it’s built to track 5 different health metrics while you sleep, catch shifts from your usual patterns, and also provide tailored guidance based on the insights.⁸
The sapphire crystal should provide better scratch resistance than ordinary smartwatch glass, but it does not make the watch indestructible. Readers who expect repeated contact with rock, metal, or other abrasive surfaces may still consider a 47mm Galaxy Watch Ultra screen protector. That is optional protection—not a correction for a known weakness in the sapphire display.
Exynos W1000, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage
The 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra launched with Samsung’s Exynos W1000 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. Those are the appropriate specifications for this original model.
Some current Samsung comparison pages may list 64GB for a newer Galaxy Watch Ultra generation. That number should not be back-projected onto the 2024 watch. Buyers comparing used, open-box, or remaining-stock units should confirm the exact model rather than relying on the word “Ultra” in a listing title.
Battery claims range from 48 to 100 hours
The Ultra contains a 590mAh battery, the largest battery in Samsung’s Galaxy Watch line at launch. Samsung’s claimed endurance depends heavily on the selected power mode:
| Mode or setting | Samsung’s claimed maximum | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Always-on display enabled | Up to 60 hours | Actual results depend on connectivity, workouts, brightness, and other settings. |
| Power Saving mode | Up to 100 hours | This is not the same as normal mixed-use endurance. |
| Exercise Power Saving mode | Up to 48 hours | Retains heart-rate and GPS tracking while using lower-power GPS behavior. |
Exercise Power Saving is particularly important for endurance athletes. Samsung’s approach retains heart-rate and GPS tracking, but the lower-power GPS behavior may be less accurate than full-power dual-frequency tracking. The hands-on did not independently test any of these figures, so “two-day battery” is too broad unless the operating mode and workout conditions are stated.
A realistic endurance test would need to examine always-on display use, LTE activity, GPS recording time, sleep tracking, brightness, notifications, and the number and type of workouts. Until then, the battery figures are manufacturer claims rather than a universal promise.
Built for outdoor use—but not yet proven as an expedition watch
Samsung positioned the Ultra as its toughest and most outdoor-focused smartwatch. The hardware includes:
- Grade 4 titanium frame
- Sapphire crystal display
- 10ATM water resistance
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- MIL-STD-810H durability positioning
- Dual-frequency GPS
- Dedicated workout controls and an emergency siren
Samsung also listed an operating-temperature range of approximately -4°F to 131°F (-20°C to 55°C) and an operating-altitude range of approximately -330 feet to 29,500 feet (-100 meters to 9 kilometers). Those are environmental specifications, not proof that every feature will operate normally throughout those extremes.
The combination is promising for hikers, runners, cyclists, and other outdoor users. But a short hands-on cannot establish navigation quality, mapping usefulness, GPS accuracy against a reference device, battery performance on a multiday route, or sensor reliability in cold, heat, water, and difficult terrain. Specialist outdoor watches remain a relevant comparison until those questions are tested.
Health and fitness features go beyond basic step counting
Samsung introduced an updated BioActive sensor with 13 LEDs, more than on earlier Galaxy Watch models. Samsung claimed that high-intensity workout heart-rate accuracy improved from 88% on the Galaxy Watch 6 to 94% on the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7 series. Those percentages are Samsung-reported claims, not independent test results.
Rank #3
- 47mm - 1.5" Super AMOLED, 480x480px, 590mAh Battery, MIL-STD 810H certified, IP68/10ATM 100m water resistant, ECG certified
- 64GB, 2GB RAM, Exynos W1000 (3nm), Penta-core, Mali-G68 GPU, Android Wear OS 5, One UI Watch 8 with AI Assistant
- Unlock your full potential with Galaxy AI: Track and improve your fitness performance, monitor heart health with precision, get personalized wellness tips, optimize your sleep for better health, stay connected with smart replies, and enjoy music or podcasts on the go—all from your Galaxy Watch.
- Compatible with Android devices Only. Supports Google Pay. 3G: 850/900/1700/2100/1900/2100MHz, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/18/19/20/25/26/28/40/66/71 - eSIM.
- International Model - No Warranty. 100% Unlocked but Most US carriers may not allow International models. Will still work as Bluetooth Watch. Works outside US with all carriers. (Country selection may not be available during setup. Select Any, as Country will updated later after Connecting to WIFI in Settings.)
The Ultra’s fitness platform includes:
- Heart-rate zones
- Aerobic and anaerobic threshold measurements
- A Functional Threshold Power test for cyclists
- A Race feature that compares a current run or ride with a previous effort using GPS
- Sleep tracking and sleep coaching
- Energy Score
- ECG and irregular-heart-rhythm notifications
- Body composition measurements
- Cycle tracking
Samsung described the Functional Threshold Power assessment as taking approximately four to ten minutes. That may appeal to cyclists who want a quick estimate without a dedicated cycling computer, although independent testing would be needed to determine how useful or repeatable the result is.
Sleep-apnea detection and other health tools
The watch supports sleep-apnea detection for eligible users without a prior diagnosis, subject to Samsung’s country, device, software, regulatory, and compatibility requirements. It should be treated as a health-monitoring or wellness feature—not as a medical diagnosis or a substitute for professional evaluation.
The same caution applies to ECG, irregular-heart-rhythm notifications, blood-pressure-related tools, and other health features. Availability varies by market and may also depend on the paired phone, Samsung Health, software version, and regulatory clearance.
Android and Samsung ecosystem requirements
The Galaxy Watch Ultra was offered in Bluetooth and LTE configurations and was designed for Android smartphones. Samsung directs users to the Galaxy Wearable and Samsung Health apps, and the watch works most seamlessly with Samsung’s own ecosystem.
Do not assume iPhone compatibility simply because the watch resembles an Apple Watch Ultra. This Wear OS generation should be evaluated against the specific phone and software compatibility requirements for the market in which it is being purchased.
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Samsung also positioned the Ultra alongside the Galaxy Ring. Samsung said that using the two devices together could combine health data and extend Galaxy Ring battery life by up to 30%. That is an ecosystem advantage for existing Galaxy Ring owners, not a requirement for using the watch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Launch price and buying context
The U.S. launch price was $649.99. Contemporary coverage compared that with the then-current $799 Apple Watch Ultra price, making Samsung’s watch $150 less expensive at launch. That comparison is historical; it should not be read as a current price comparison.
If you are shopping now, identify whether a listing is for the original 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra, confirm whether it is Bluetooth or LTE, check the seller and condition, and verify that it has not been replaced by a newer Ultra generation. The original model’s 32GB storage and 2024 color selection are useful clues, but the model number is safer than the product name alone.
For a watch intended for regular outdoor use, a compatible replacement band may be more useful than buying generic accessories. A charger can also be a practical purchase for travel or a second charging location, but verify that a Galaxy Watch Ultra charger or dock explicitly supports this model before ordering.
Charging note: Because compatibility can vary between Galaxy Watch charging accessories and listings, check the manufacturer’s model support rather than assuming that any wireless smartwatch puck will work properly.
Rank #4
- WHY GALAXY WATCH ULTRA: Longest-lasting battery yet.¹* Advanced health and sleep tracking features.* Personalized Running Coach.* Durable titanium casing.* 10ATM Water Resistance.⁹* Dual-frequency GPS.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.⁶*
- A BATTERY BUILT FOR ENDURANCE: Have the confidence to adventure off-grid with a battery that can keep up with you. Galaxy Watch Ultra features our longest-lasting battery yet,¹ so you can go to the extreme for days on end without needing to recharge.
- YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS THE NIGHT BEFORE: Fuel tomorrow’s performance with a great night’s sleep, thanks to Advanced Sleep Coaching² - now improved with even more ways to help you sleep smarter.
- BUILT FOR THE LONG RUN: Whether you’re on a trail or a track, unleash the winning runner within using Running Coach³ on Galaxy Watch Ultra. It analyzes factors⁴ such as your age, weight, oxygen levels and heart rate to guide you through your run.
- UPDATES THAT GIVE YOU THE EDGE: Navigate the wild more easily with Now Bar⁵ and an improved user experience. Now Bar conveniently puts the info you use the most - like weather, timers, directions and more - right on your main Watch screen.
What this hands-on can—and cannot—tell you
Established at launch
- Samsung made a major external redesign rather than merely enlarging its conventional round watch.
- The display is circular, while the case is a rounded square.
- The Quick Button is central to the Ultra’s workout and safety concept.
- The 47mm case and approximately 60.5-gram body make it a large, heavy Galaxy Watch.
- Samsung supplied ambitious battery, brightness, durability, GPS, and sensor claims.
Still unanswered after the hands-on
- How long the battery lasts under mixed daily use.
- How accurate dual-frequency GPS is against a reference device.
- Whether the heart-rate claims hold up during independent high-intensity testing.
- Whether the watch remains comfortable overnight or during long workouts on smaller wrists.
- Whether the squircle case produces a practical packaging benefit users can feel.
- How the Dynamic Lug system holds up after months of strap changes.
- Whether the Ultra is a better choice than a regular Galaxy Watch, Apple Watch Ultra, Garmin, or another outdoor smartwatch for a particular activity.
Verdict: Samsung changed the silhouette before proving the trade-off
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is an unusually bold redesign. Samsung retained the circular display that makes a Galaxy Watch look and feel like a Galaxy Watch, then surrounded it with a tougher, more rectangular body. The Quick Button, large battery, bright display, dual-frequency GPS, titanium construction, and outdoor health features give the watch a coherent purpose beyond cosmetic change.
But the same design creates the central question. The 47mm case is large, the watch is heavy, the rotating bezel is gone, and the most impressive battery figures depend on power-saving modes. Samsung’s sensor and endurance claims also needed independent testing. The hands-on established that the Ultra is different; it did not establish that the new shape, size, and price make it better for every Galaxy Watch buyer.
If you want Samsung’s most rugged, feature-rich 2024 watch and have a wrist that can accommodate its size, the Ultra is a compelling new direction. If you prefer a traditional round case, tactile bezel control, smaller dimensions, or proven long-distance battery performance, the regular Galaxy Watch line—or a specialist outdoor watch—may remain the more sensible choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Galaxy Watch Ultra have a square screen?
No. The original 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra has a circular 1.5-inch display. Its outer case is rounded-square, which Samsung calls Cushion Design.
How long does the 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra battery last?
Samsung claimed up to 60 hours with the always-on display enabled, up to 100 hours in Power Saving mode, and up to 48 hours in Exercise Power Saving mode. The launch hands-on did not independently test those figures.
How much did the original Galaxy Watch Ultra cost?
The original model launched in the U.S. at $649.99 on July 10, 2024, with general availability beginning July 24, 2024. Current prices and availability may differ, and newer Ultra generations should not be confused with the 2024 model.
How big and heavy is the Galaxy Watch Ultra?
It uses a 47mm case measuring approximately 47.4 x 47.1 x 12.1mm and weighs about 60.5 grams without the strap. It is substantially larger and heavier than the Galaxy Watch 7.
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Yes, but the watch was designed for Android phones and works most seamlessly within Samsung’s ecosystem. Compatibility should be checked for the specific phone, market, and software version; do not assume iPhone support.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra is a circular smartwatch in a squircle case, not a square-screen Galaxy Watch. Its Quick Button, 590mAh battery, titanium construction, bright display, and outdoor-focused features are substantial changes, but this launch-day hands-on could not verify endurance, accuracy, or long-term comfort. Its appeal depends on whether you value the Ultra hardware enough to accept the 47mm size and the loss of Samsung’s rotating bezel.
