The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a highly anticipated release, and with rumors swirling, it's time to consider what upgrades we'd like to see. As an avid smartwatch enthusiast, I've tested the original Galaxy Watch Ultra and compared it to its competitors, so I have a good idea of what works and what doesn't. Here's my take on the top five upgrades I'd like to see in the upcoming release.
1. Battery Life: The Ultimate Upgrade
If Samsung wants to make a significant impact with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, it needs to focus on battery life. While the current model lasts just under three days, it's not enough to justify the 'Ultra' branding. Google's Pixel Watch 4 can also stretch to three days, and Garmin's adventure wearables can last a week or more. Samsung needs to make a meaningful stride in battery life to justify the premium price and branding. I genuinely won't consider upgrading unless this is addressed.
2. Design: A Fresh Take
The current squircle design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is unique, but it's not to my liking. I'd prefer a return to the classic circular aesthetic, as seen in the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, with a focus on ruggedness. The current design doesn't make the most of the screen real estate, and the raised bezel on the Ultra model feels like a missed opportunity. A redesign could add functionality, personality, and a more distinct Samsung feel.
3. Heart Rate Tracking: Consistency is Key
While the Galaxy Watch Ultra performs well for casual workouts, it struggles with rapid heart rate changes. Google's Pixel Watch 4 and Apple's Apple Watch Ultra have shown what's possible in this area. More reliable heart rate data is crucial for workout summaries and wellness tools. Samsung needs to close the gap to be taken seriously as a premium fitness tracker. Consistency in heart rate tracking is a dealbreaker for me.
4. Open Health Features: Breaking Free
Samsung's exclusivity with certain health features is a significant issue. Blood pressure monitoring, ECG recordings, and sleep apnea detection are locked to Galaxy phone owners, which feels unjustified. Google's health features are available across its devices, so Samsung should aim for broader compatibility. I won't invest in another expensive wearable if these features are restricted to a specific phone brand. It's time for Samsung to break free from this exclusivity.
5. Price and Accessibility: A More Affordable Option
The current Galaxy Watch Ultra is priced at $649, which is competitive but not without pressure. A Bluetooth-only version with a price reduction would be a game-changer. It would give Samsung an edge over Apple and provide a more accessible entry point. While a significant price slash is unlikely, a cheaper, secondary option would make the Ultra lineup more appealing to a wider audience and a more compelling value proposition.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has the potential to be a game-changer, but it needs to address these key upgrades. Battery life, design, heart rate tracking, health feature accessibility, and pricing are all critical factors that will determine whether I, and many others, will upgrade. Samsung has the opportunity to make a strong statement with this release, and I'm eager to see how they respond to these demands.
