According to the source review from Tom's Guide, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 builds on its predecessor with significant upgrades including a much brighter screen, longer battery life, and enhanced water resistance that qualifies it for diving activities. The review is based on nearly a week of hands-on testing, offering a balanced perspective on the smartwatch’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Brighter 5000 nit display enhances outdoor visibility
- Up to 3 days battery life with fitness tracking
- New dive capabilities via dedicated partner app
Product angle
The Tom's Guide review reports that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 advances key features such as screen brightness, battery capacity, and water resistance compared to the original model. Its 1.52-inch AMOLED display achieves a max brightness of 5,000 nits, making it one of the brightest wearable screens and easier to read in direct sunlight than the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 integrates new health monitoring metrics including a Cardio Load score and Fitness Index, expanding its fitness tracking capabilities.
Battery improvements are notably significant, with the watch using about 35% of its charge over 24 hours during active use, implying up to 72 hours per full charge. Samsung has also addressed previous limitations around water resistance by equipping the Ultra 2 with dive readiness supported by a partnership with the Mares diving app, enabling it to serve as a legitimate dive computer with safety features like stop alerts.
Best for / avoid if
This smartwatch suits active users and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize a rugged, bright, and feature-rich wearable that supports extended workouts and underwater activities. Its advanced health insights and durable design also appeal to fitness-focused consumers looking for comprehensive wellness tracking. Those upgrading from earlier Samsung models or Android-compatible smartwatches will find it a compelling option at a moderately increased price.
Potential buyers with smaller wrists may find the 47.4 mm case size cumbersome, making it less comfortable or visually disproportionate. Users who favor a more compact or fashion-oriented smartwatch or prefer the latest Apple ecosystem may want to consider alternatives as the Ultra 2 is designed primarily for durability and outdoors use rather than subtle everyday wear.
Pricing and alternatives to check
Priced at $699, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 carries a modest $50 premium over the original Ultra model. This positioning places it $100 below Apple’s comparable Watch Ultra 3, providing strong competitive value among top-tier smartwatches. Samsung’s more conventional Galaxy Watch 9 line offers similar features at lower price points ranging from $379 to $459 for those seeking less ruggedness with an everyday wearable.
Buyers may also want to explore alternatives like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if they prefer tighter integration with iOS or other rugged smartwatch models from Garmin or Fitbit for specialized sport tracking. Each option varies in ecosystem compatibility, design focus, and price, underlining the importance of aligning the smartwatch choice with personal preference for fitness features, style, and platform.