Wearables
Should I Upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra 3? Complete Comparison Guide

Table of Contents
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has finally arrived after a gap year in 2024, bringing exciting new features like satellite connectivity and enhanced battery life. But is it worth upgrading from your current Apple Watch Ultra? Here’s everything you need to know about Apple’s latest adventure-focused smartwatch.
Bottom Line Up Front
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is priced at $799, the same cost as the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but delivers significant upgrades including up to 42 hours of battery life — with up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode, built-in, two-way satellite communications, and the largest screen of any Apple Watch. For Ultra 1 owners, it’s a compelling upgrade. For Ultra 2 users, the improvements are more incremental.
What’s New in the Apple Watch Ultra 3
Satellite Connectivity – The Game Changer
The standout feature of the Ultra 3 is its built-in satellite communication capability. When users do not have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, they can now text emergency services, message friends and family, and share their location. This includes:
- Emergency SOS via satellite – Contact emergency services with a few taps
- Off-grid messaging – Stay connected with friends and family
- Location sharing – Share your position even in remote areas
- Emergency SOS is available for free for two years
Enhanced Display Technology
The Ultra 3 inherits the latest LTPO3 wide-angle OLED screen technology, first introduced in last year’s Apple Watch 10, offering:
- Larger screen area – The bezels have been thinned down by 24%, bringing the total surface area of the new display to 1,245 sq mm, up from 1,185 sq mm
- Improved viewing angles – Better at-a-glance readability
- Maintained brightness – Still reaches 3,000 nits maximum brightness
Superior Battery Life
Battery performance gets a significant boost:
- Normal use: Up to 42 hours per charge (vs. 36 hours on Ultra 2)
- Low Power Mode: Up to 72 hours (vs. 60 hours on Ultra 2)
- Fast charging: Up to 80% charge in ~45 minutes, 15 min for 12 hrs normal use
Advanced Health Features
- Hypertension notifications – Notifications for signs of chronic high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, offer a groundbreaking new health insight
- Sleep Score – Daily numeric sleep score out of 100 based on factors like sleep consistency, duration, time spent in deep sleep, and more
- Enhanced fitness tracking with Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence
5G Connectivity
Thanks to a new 5G modem and antenna architecture, Ultra 3 provides better coverage in areas with weak reception, making it easier to stay connected during outdoor adventures.
Apple Watch Ultra 1 vs Ultra 2: Key Differences Breakdown
Before comparing to the Ultra 3, let’s understand how the first two generations differed:
Performance and Processing
Ultra 1 (2022):
- S8 SiP with first generation Ultra Wideband chip
- 32GB of storage
- Slower processing and voice-to-text translations
Ultra 2 (2023):
- S9 System-in-a-Package (SiP), which has a four-core Neural Engine
- 64GB of storage
- S9 is also capable of running Siri directly on the Ultra 2, instead of via the connected iPhone
- Graphics processor is up to 30 percent faster than the Ultra 1’s
Display Brightness
- Ultra 1: Brightness that could reach up to 2,000 nits
- Ultra 2: Ultra 2 ups that number to 3,000 nits
New Features in Ultra 2
- Double-tap gesture: Support for a new double-tap gesture that activates the main button within an open app
- Enhanced precision finding: Second-generation ultra-wideband chip also enables more precise locations for tracked devices
- Color options: With the Ultra 2, you actually have a choice in color between black and natural
- Improved battery in Low Power Mode: The battery life for normal use with low power settings is longer with the Ultra 2 at 72 hours vs. 60 hours on Ultra 1
Identical Features
Both Ultra 1 and Ultra 2 share:
- Identical durability specifications. Both can withstand the same depths (40m), are safeguarded against the same level of ingress, and feature the same scratch-resistant glass covering
- Same 49mm titanium case design
- Identical button layout and customizable Action button
- Same water resistance and dust protection ratings
Who Should Upgrade to Ultra 3?
Ultra 1 Owners – Strong Upgrade Case
If you’re still using the original Apple Watch Ultra, the Ultra 3 represents a significant three-generation leap:
Major improvements include:
- Satellite connectivity for true off-grid communication
- 42-hour battery life (vs. 36 hours) with 72-hour Low Power Mode
- Much faster S10 processor vs. the aging S8 chip
- Doubled storage (64GB vs. 32GB)
- Enhanced health features including hypertension monitoring
- 5G cellular connectivity
- Larger, brighter display with better viewing angles
Ultra 2 Owners – Consider Your Priorities
It will likely not be worth upgrading from an Apple Watch Ultra 2 to an Ultra 3, even though they come two years apart. However, consider upgrading if:
- Satellite communication is essential for your outdoor activities
- Extended battery life matters for multi-day adventures
- You want the latest health features like sleep scoring and hypertension alerts
- 5G connectivity is important in your area
Why you might skip this upgrade:
- The Apple Watch Ultra 2 gains all of the same health features as the Ultra 3, and even its S9 chip has the same CPU as the S10; the S10 is simply a more compact version of the S9, so don’t expect a performance boost
- The core functionality remains very similar
- The price hasn’t changed, so no immediate cost savings
First-Time Ultra Buyers
For newcomers to the Apple Watch Ultra family, the Ultra 3 is the obvious choice, offering the latest features at the same $799 price point as its predecessors.
Pricing and Availability
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: $799
- Availability: Available for preorder now and expected to start shipping on September 19 2025
- Colors: Natural titanium and black titanium
- Manufacturing: It now uses a 3D printing process that requires less material to create
Questions & Answers
Q: Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 worth upgrading from Ultra 1?
A: Absolutely. The Ultra 3 offers substantial improvements over the three-year-old Ultra 1, including satellite connectivity, much better battery life, faster performance, and enhanced health features. The upgrade provides meaningful real-world benefits for outdoor enthusiasts and daily users alike.
Q: Should I upgrade from Ultra 2 to Ultra 3?
A: This depends on your specific needs. If satellite communication and extended battery life are priorities for your activities, it’s worth considering. However, if you’re satisfied with your Ultra 2’s performance, you can safely skip this generation as the core experience remains very similar.
Q: How long does the satellite communication stay free?
A: Emergency SOS is available for free for two years. Messages and Find My via satellite work with an active cellular plan. Apple hasn’t announced pricing for after the free period expires.
Q: Does the Ultra 3 work with existing Apple Watch bands?
A: Yes, the Ultra 3 maintains the same 49mm case size and band compatibility as previous Ultra models. Your existing bands will work perfectly.
Q: Is the blood pressure monitoring accurate?
A: The hypertension notifications use optical sensor provides data to an algorithm that can detect potential hypertension by analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart over 30‑day periods. However, Hypertension notifications are under FDA review as of September 9, 2025, and expected to be cleared this month. Not intended for use by people under 22 years old, those previously diagnosed with hypertension, or pregnant persons.
Q: How much better is the battery life really?
A: The improvements are significant: normal use increases from 36 hours (Ultra 2) to 42 hours (Ultra 3), while Low Power Mode jumps from 60 hours to 72 hours. Apple tends to be quite conservative with these numbers, and from our experience, it was perfectly possible to get two days (and two nights) of use with the previous battery.
Q: Can I use satellite features without cellular service?
A: Yes, Emergency SOS requires a satellite, cellular, or Wi-Fi connection, but the satellite functionality works independently of your cellular plan for emergency situations.
Q: Is the Ultra 3 really more durable than regular Apple Watches?
A: Yes, the Ultra 3 maintains the same rugged design as previous Ultra models, with 10ATM rating, which means it’s water resistant in up to 100m, but it’s also IP6X and EN13319 certified for recreational scuba diving to 40m.
Q: What’s the difference between Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11?
A: The Ultra 3 offers superior battery life (42 vs. 24 hours), satellite connectivity (Ultra-exclusive), larger and more durable design, additional outdoor features, and specialized bands designed for extreme activities. The Series 11 is better for everyday use and costs significantly less at $399.
Q: Will my Ultra 1 or Ultra 2 get the new health features?
A: Apple also announced that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 (alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 and above) will see the inclusion of Hypertension notifications and Sleep Score through software updates, so you won’t miss out on these health features.
Final Verdict: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an excellent smartwatch that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a wearable device. Ultra 1 users should definitely consider upgrading for the substantial improvements, while Ultra 2 users can evaluate based on their specific needs for satellite communication and extended battery life. For first-time buyers, it’s the best Ultra model Apple has ever made.

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Wearables
The Apple Watch Series 11 Hermès Edition: Where Haute Horlogerie Meets Digital Innovation

The collaboration between Apple and Hermès continues to redefine luxury smartwatch design, blending Silicon Valley innovation with Parisian craftsmanship in the Series 11 Hermès Edition.
Since Apple first partnered with the legendary French fashion house Hermès in 2015, the technology giant has continuously pushed the boundaries of what a luxury smartwatch can be. The Apple Watch Series 11 Hermès Edition represents the latest evolution of this prestigious collaboration, offering a unique fusion of cutting-edge health technology, premium materials, and the timeless elegance that has defined Hermès for nearly two centuries.


A Legacy of Craftsmanship Meets Modern Technology
The partnership between Apple and Hermès seemed unlikely when first announced. Apple, the Cupertino-based technology company known for sleek minimalism and mass-market appeal, joining forces with Hermès, the 188-year-old Parisian luxury house synonymous with equestrian heritage and artisanal leather craftsmanship. Yet this collaboration has proven to be one of the most successful in the luxury smartwatch space, creating a product that appeals to both tech enthusiasts and fashion connoisseurs.
The Series 11 Hermès Edition continues this tradition, building upon the foundation established by previous iterations while introducing refinements that showcase both companies’ commitment to excellence. Unlike standard Apple Watch models, the Hermès Edition isn’t merely a fashion accessory with interchangeable bands—it represents a holistic design philosophy where hardware, software, and materials work in harmony to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Design Philosophy: The Details That Define Luxury
At first glance, the Series 11 Hermès Edition may appear similar to the standard Apple Watch Series 11, but closer inspection reveals numerous distinctive elements that justify its premium positioning. The watch face features an exclusive stainless steel case with a unique engraving on the back: “Apple Watch Hermès, Swiss Made.” This small detail carries significant meaning in the world of horology, acknowledging the Swiss origins of the watch’s assembly and paying homage to Switzerland’s centuries-old watchmaking tradition.
The case itself undergoes additional finishing processes not applied to standard models. Each unit receives extra polishing and quality control checks to ensure the mirror-like finish meets Hermès’ exacting standards. The result is a case that catches light differently, with a depth and warmth that photographs struggle to capture but becomes immediately apparent in person.
The display retains Apple’s industry-leading Always-On Retina technology, now in its latest iteration with improved brightness and power efficiency. However, Hermès Edition owners gain access to exclusive watch faces that aren’t available on any other Apple Watch model. These faces incorporate design elements drawn from Hermès’ rich heritage, including typefaces inspired by the brand’s iconic signage, color palettes reflecting classic Hermès shades like Orange 144 (the brand’s signature orange), and complications arranged with the same attention to balance and proportion that defines Hermès’ print and digital design.
The new Hermès Radial face, exclusive to Series 11, features a dynamic design that changes throughout the day, with flowing lines that evoke both traditional chronograph subdials and the organic curves found in Hermès silk scarves. The Lucky Horse watch face returns with enhanced animation, bringing Hermès’ equestrian heritage to life with subtle movements that respond to wrist raises and screen taps.


The Heart of the Matter: Hermès Leather Bands
While the watch case sets the foundation, the bands truly distinguish the Hermès Edition. Each strap is handcrafted in Hermès’ French ateliers using the same techniques and materials employed in the creation of the house’s legendary handbags and accessories. The leather selection process alone involves multiple stages of inspection, ensuring only the finest hides make it into production.
For the Series 11 launch, Hermès introduces several new strap options while maintaining beloved classics:
The Single Tour remains the most popular choice, offering a clean, elegant single wrap design that works equally well in boardrooms and bistros. Crafted from Swift leather—a fine-grained calfskin known for its suppleness and durability—the Single Tour features hand-stitched edges and a custom stainless steel buckle engraved with the Hermès name. New colorways for Series 11 include Étoupe (a sophisticated greige), Vert Moyen (a refined forest green), and Bleu de Malte (a deep, rich blue).
The Double Tour creates a more fashion-forward statement with its distinctive double-wrap design that circles the wrist twice. This style, particularly popular among fashion enthusiasts, adds visual weight and presence while maintaining the refined aesthetic Hermès is known for. The extra leather length also allows wearers to adjust the fit more precisely. For Series 11, Hermès debuts the Double Tour in Noir leather with gold hardware, creating a striking contrast that pairs beautifully with both casual and formal attire.
The Attelage represents one of the more equestrian-inspired designs, featuring a leather strap that interweaves through the lugs in a manner reminiscent of horse bridles and reins. The technique requires exceptional skill to execute, as the leather must be precisely cut and shaped to thread smoothly through the watch case while maintaining structural integrity. This band particularly appeals to those who appreciate Hermès’ equestrian heritage and want that connection visible in their everyday accessory.
The Kilim brings textile artistry to the collection, incorporating woven patterns inspired by traditional Anatolian kilim rugs. Unlike purely leather bands, the Kilim features fabric sections that showcase Hermès’ textile expertise while maintaining leather accents for durability and comfort. The Series 11 version introduces new color combinations that reflect contemporary tastes while respecting traditional patterns.
The Toile H represents perhaps the most casual offering, pairing printed canvas with leather accents. The canvas features Hermès’ signature “H” pattern in various colorways, making it ideal for active pursuits while maintaining the brand’s unmistakable aesthetic. Despite its more relaxed appearance, the Toile H undergoes the same rigorous quality control as its purely leather counterparts.
Each band includes Hermès’ signature details: hand-stitched edges using the brand’s characteristic saddle stitch technique, edges painted and polished to a smooth finish, and hardware that bears the Hermès engraving. The buckles and connectors receive individual attention, with artisans ensuring each piece moves smoothly and sits flush against the leather.


Technical Specifications: No Compromises
Despite its fashion credentials, the Series 11 Hermès Edition makes no compromises in technical capability. It features identical internal specifications to the flagship Apple Watch Series 11, ensuring Hermès Edition owners enjoy the full breadth of Apple’s latest health and fitness innovations.
The advanced health monitoring suite includes upgraded sensors for more accurate heart rate tracking, blood oxygen measurement, and temperature sensing. Sleep tracking has been refined with new algorithms that provide deeper insights into sleep stages and overall rest quality. The ECG app continues to offer medical-grade electrocardiogram readings, while fall detection and crash detection provide critical safety features.
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the enhanced GPS accuracy, improved workout tracking algorithms, and new exercise modes. The Series 11 introduces more sophisticated training load analysis, helping athletes optimize their routines and avoid overtraining. Swimming metrics have been expanded, with better stroke detection and automatic pool length adjustment.
Battery life remains consistent with the standard Series 11, offering all-day performance with typical use and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. The fast-charging capability allows the watch to reach 80% charge in approximately 45 minutes, minimizing downtime.
The S11 chip powering the watch delivers impressive performance improvements over previous generations, making animations smoother, app launches faster, and on-device Siri processing more responsive. The always-on display reaches higher brightness levels for improved outdoor visibility while somehow becoming more power-efficient—a testament to Apple’s chip design prowess.
Software Integration: Exclusive Experiences
Beyond exclusive watch faces, the Hermès Edition offers subtle software enhancements that enrich the user experience. Notifications can be customized with Hermès-designed haptic patterns, creating a more refined alert experience. The watch complications available to Hermès Edition owners include color schemes and design elements unique to this model.
The Hermès Sports app, exclusive to these watches, provides fitness tracking with a distinct visual style that aligns with the brand’s aesthetic sensibilities. Metrics are presented with custom typography and color treatments that feel decidedly more elegant than standard fitness displays.
When paired with an iPhone, Hermès Edition owners gain access to exclusive wallpapers and watch face complications that extend the design language across devices. This ecosystem approach ensures visual consistency whether you’re glancing at your wrist or checking your phone.


The Question of Value: Understanding the Premium
At a significant price premium over the standard Apple Watch Series 11—typically starting at $1,249 and reaching upward of $1,549 depending on case size and band selection—the Hermès Edition asks potential buyers to invest substantially more for what may appear to be primarily aesthetic differences. Understanding this value proposition requires looking beyond pure functionality.
For luxury goods enthusiasts, the Hermès name carries cachet built over nearly two centuries. Hermès leather goods are investment pieces known to appreciate in value and last for decades with proper care. While a smartwatch won’t appreciate financially due to inevitable technological obsolescence, the craftsmanship invested in each band represents genuine artisanal work that commands premium pricing across Hermès’ entire product line.
The exclusive watch faces and software elements, while intangible, provide daily value through refined aesthetics and the satisfaction of owning something distinctive. In an age where millions of people wear Apple Watches, the Hermès Edition offers differentiation—a way to express personal style and appreciation for craftsmanship within the framework of modern technology.
There’s also the consideration of build quality and attention to detail. The additional finishing applied to Hermès Edition cases, the hand-selection of materials, and the quality control processes all contribute to a product that feels more refined in hand. These differences may not photograph well or appear dramatic on a spec sheet, but they create a cumulative effect that luxury goods buyers recognize and value.
Sustainability and Longevity Considerations
One interesting aspect of the Hermès Edition is how it addresses—or complicates—questions of sustainability in consumer electronics. Smartwatches face criticism for their relatively short useful lives compared to traditional watches, which can function for decades or even centuries. The Hermès Edition takes a different approach by creating a product meant to be treasured and maintained rather than quickly replaced.
The bands, if properly cared for, will develop a patina and character over years of wear, much like fine leather goods should. Hermès offers band replacement and repair services, allowing owners to maintain their investment. Some collectors purchase multiple bands to rotate, extending the life of each while varying their style options.
Apple’s trade-in and recycling programs apply to Hermès Edition watches, though some owners choose to keep their devices even after upgrading, treating them as design objects or passing them to family members. The distinctive nature of the Hermès Edition may encourage this kind of lasting appreciation more than standard models that blend into the broader smartwatch category.

The Target Audience: Who Buys the Hermès Edition?
The Series 11 Hermès Edition appeals to a specific intersection of consumers: those who value both cutting-edge technology and traditional luxury craftsmanship. This includes fashion industry professionals who appreciate Hermès’ heritage and want their technology to align with their aesthetic sensibilities. It appeals to luxury goods collectors who see the watch as an accessible entry point into Hermès ownership while maintaining practical utility.
Tech enthusiasts with disposable income may choose the Hermès Edition as a way to differentiate their Apple Watch while knowing they’re getting identical technical specifications to the standard model. Some view it as a middle ground between fashion and function—more substantial than a simple band swap but less complex than collecting traditional mechanical watches.
The corporate executive market represents another key demographic, with the Hermès Edition offering a professional appearance suitable for high-stakes environments while providing all the connectivity and productivity features that make the Apple Watch indispensable for many business users.
Conclusion: The Intersection of Two Worlds
The Apple Watch Series 11 Hermès Edition succeeds because it doesn’t ask consumers to choose between technology and fashion—it offers both without compromise. Apple provides the technical foundation and digital ecosystem that makes the smartwatch genuinely useful, while Hermès layers on the craftsmanship, materials, and design sensibility that elevate it beyond pure functionality.
This collaboration represents something broader about how luxury brands are adapting to technological change. Rather than resisting or ignoring the digital transformation of personal accessories, Hermès has embraced it while staying true to its core values of quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. The result is a product that feels authentic to both brands—unmistakably an Apple Watch in capability and user experience, yet distinctly Hermès in aesthetic and execution.
For consumers willing to invest in this premium offering, the Series 11 Hermès Edition delivers daily satisfaction through beautiful materials, exclusive design elements, and the knowledge that they’re wearing something special. It won’t replace a traditional mechanical watch in the hearts of horology purists, but it has carved out its own space in the luxury accessory landscape—a space where heritage craftsmanship and modern technology not only coexist but thrive together.
As smartwatches continue maturing as a product category, the Hermès Edition points toward a future where technology companies and fashion houses increasingly collaborate, bringing together their complementary strengths to create products that appeal to both mind and heart, function and feeling. The Series 11 represents the most refined expression of this vision yet, proving that even in our digital age, there remains substantial appetite for products that honor traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation.

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Wearables
Google Pixel Watch 4: A Smartwatch That Finally Gets Repairs Right

Google’s latest wearable proves that meaningful innovation doesn’t always require a complete redesign. The Pixel Watch 4, now available starting October 9, brings refinements that transform the smartwatch experience while maintaining the beloved aesthetic that made its predecessors so recognizable.

A Display That Demands Attention
The standout feature is the new Actua 360 domed display, which provides a larger viewing area with bezels reduced by sixteen percent. Unlike previous models where only the glass curved, the entire screen is now physically curved, creating an immersive visual effect. The display reaches an impressive 3000 nits of brightness, making it fifty percent brighter than its predecessor and far easier to read in direct sunlight.
The domed design creates a subtle three-dimensional effect that reviewers have compared to curved monitors—initially noticeable but quickly feeling natural with continued use. This design contributes to a ten percent increase in active display area, offering more space for notifications and app content without increasing the watch’s footprint.

Battery Life That Actually Lasts
Battery improvements are substantial, with the 41mm model delivering 30 hours of use and the 45mm variant reaching 40 hours. With Battery Saver mode enabled, users can extend battery life to two days on the smaller model and three days on the larger version.
The charging system has been completely reimagined with a new side-mounted dock design. The Quick Charge Dock enables twenty-five percent faster charging than previous generations, reaching 50 percent battery in just 15 minutes. Real-world testing confirms these claims, with users reporting charges from 29 percent to 95 percent in under 20 minutes—effectively eliminating battery anxiety.
Repairability: A Long-Overdue Feature
Perhaps the most significant upgrade isn’t visible at first glance. The Pixel Watch 4 is the first in the series to feature a serviceable design with replaceable battery and display components. Small screws in the watch band connectors provide access to internal components, making repairs straightforward rather than requiring complete device replacement.
This change addresses one of the biggest criticisms of previous Pixel Watch models, where cracked screens or battery issues meant buying a new device. The shift toward repairability benefits both consumers and the environment, marking a meaningful commitment to device longevity.

Gemini Integration Takes Center Stage
The watch introduces Gemini AI assistant integration with a raise-to-talk gesture, allowing users to activate the assistant simply by raising their wrist. This feature eliminates the friction of voice commands or button presses, making AI assistance truly seamless during activities like walking or exercising.
The implementation runs on the new Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform paired with Google’s custom machine learning co-processor, which operates twenty-five percent faster while consuming half the power of the previous generation.
Wear OS 6: Form Meets Function
The software experience receives a significant visual overhaul with Wear OS 6 and Material 3 Expressive design language. The interface automatically adapts its color scheme to match the active watch face, creating a cohesive visual experience. Notifications feature a redesigned interface, and system apps like Weather showcase the new design philosophy.
AI-powered smart replies and notification cooldown features borrowed from Android 16 operate quietly in the background, managing digital interruptions without drawing attention to themselves.
Safety First: Satellite Communication
The Pixel Watch 4 LTE is the first smartwatch to support standalone emergency satellite communications, allowing users to contact emergency services even without cellular coverage. This potentially life-saving feature uses geo-stationary satellites to dispatch help to your exact location when traditional networks are unavailable.

Fitness Tracking That Works
The health and fitness capabilities build on the Fitbit foundation with enhanced accuracy. Dual-frequency GPS provides more precise route tracking during runs and hikes, even in challenging environments. Activity detection has improved, with better recognition of various workout types and automatic tracking of walks.
Sleep tracking receives backend improvements, though changes are subtle rather than transformative. The upcoming AI-powered Fitbit Coach redesign promises to deliver personalized workout recommendations, though that feature remains in early access.
Pricing and Availability
Google maintains competitive pricing, with the 41mm WiFi model starting at $349 and the 45mm version at $399. LTE variants command a premium, with the larger model topping out at $499. The watch became available for preorder on August 20, 2025, with general availability beginning October 9.
Trade-in offers provide up to $350 credit for eligible devices, including the Apple Watch Series 10. LTE models include two years of data service through Google Fi Wireless at no additional cost.
The Verdict
The Pixel Watch 4 represents evolutionary refinement at its finest. While not revolutionary, the combination of improved display technology, genuine repairability, extended battery life, and seamless AI integration creates a smartwatch that finally delivers on Google’s wearable vision. The familiar design hides substantial improvements that address previous generations’ most significant shortcomings.
For owners of the Pixel Watch 3, upgrading makes little sense. However, those using earlier models or considering their first Pixel Watch will find the fourth generation offers compelling reasons to join Google’s wearable ecosystem. The watch succeeds by making small things work better rather than chasing headlines with gimmicks—a refreshing approach in the smartwatch market.

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Wearables
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: The Ultimate Rugged Smartwatch for Adventurers and Athletes

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra represents a bold entry into the premium rugged smartwatch market, delivering a feature-packed wearable that challenges both Apple’s Watch Ultra and Garmin’s dominance in the outdoor adventure segment. Announced in July 2024, this Android smartwatch features a 1.5-inch display, Exynos W1000 chipset, 590 mAh battery, 64 GB storage, and 2 GB RAM, all housed in a MIL-STD-810H compliant case with sapphire crystal glass.
Design and Durability: Built for Extreme Conditions
The Galaxy Watch Ultra embodies Samsung’s commitment to creating a timepiece that can withstand the harshest environments. The watch has obtained MIL-STD-810H Certification for high and low temperature, altitude, humidity, immersion, salt fog, dust, vibration, and drop resistance. This military-grade testing ensures the device can handle real-world challenges that outdoor enthusiasts regularly face.



Grade 4 titanium is partially applied to the front and back cover areas of the metal frame, excluding the display and physical buttons, while the remaining parts feature a mix of plastic and Grade 2 titanium. This hybrid construction balances durability with wearability, though some users with smaller wrists may find the 47mm case substantial.
The watch’s environmental resistance is equally impressive. Galaxy Watch Ultra withstands temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C while being worn on the wrist. Whether you’re scaling frozen peaks or trekking through desert landscapes, this smartwatch is engineered to keep functioning when you need it most.
Display: Brilliance Under Any Conditions
One of the standout features is the exceptionally bright display. The Galaxy Watch Ultra has gained a much more brilliant display at 3,000 nits, ensuring visibility on beaches or mountain tops. This brightness advantage makes a tangible difference when checking metrics during outdoor activities in direct sunlight, addressing a common complaint with earlier Galaxy Watch models.

Enhanced Button Layout and Controls
The watch has gained a new “Quick” button, which can be customized to open a specific app or function and by default opens the Workout menu to select a sport to start. Samsung’s thoughtful placement of this orange Quick button between the button guards of the other two buttons prevents accidental presses, a notable improvement over competing designs.
The top button takes you home from whatever screen you’re on, and the bottom one goes back one screen, while the center Quick Button is configurable but defaults to launching workouts. However, users should note that unlike many other watches, there’s no rotating crown or bezel—navigation relies primarily on buttons and swiping.
Water Resistance and Outdoor Features
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is consistent with 10 ATM water-resistance classification, rated for up to 100 meters of water for up to 10 minutes, and carries an IP68 rating for up to 6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. While Samsung markets the watch for ocean adventures and water sports, it’s worth noting that the specific ISO certification differs from traditional dive watches.
For hikers and cyclists, the watch includes practical safety features. The Track Back feature must be enabled prior to every hiking or cycling workout session, while the emergency siren emits up to 86-decibel sound and can be heard up to 180 meters away maximum.

Health and Fitness Tracking: Comprehensive Wellness Monitoring
The Galaxy Watch Ultra introduces several groundbreaking health features that set it apart from competitors. For the first time on Galaxy Watch, it offers a Sleep apnea feature that requires at least 2 days of sleep data within a span of 10 days for detection. While this feature is not intended for diagnosis or treatment, it provides valuable insights for users to discuss with healthcare professionals.
The watch introduces the Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) index, which for the first time on Galaxy Watch allows users to see how their diet could affect metabolic health. This feature helps users monitor meal choices and maintain peak performance through lifestyle adjustments.
Additional wellness features include the Vascular Load metric, which estimates strain on your circulatory system during sleep by analyzing sleep tracking data, stress levels, and exercise patterns. The Energy Score and other Galaxy AI-powered insights help users understand their overall readiness and recovery status.
The watch can automatically detect and log various workouts including walking, running, swimming, elliptical, and rowing, with a longer list of supported activities than other Wear OS devices. The addition of multisport workout plans makes it particularly appealing for triathletes and cross-training enthusiasts.

Battery Life: Extended Endurance for Long Adventures
In normal battery mode with Always On Display enabled, battery life reaches up to 60 hours, while disabling Always On Display extends it to up to 80 hours. This multi-day battery life represents a significant advantage over many competitors, reducing the need for frequent charging during extended outdoor adventures.
For ultra-endurance activities, the watch offers power-saving modes that can extend battery life even further, though with some feature limitations such as restricted Wi-Fi connection, wake-up gestures, CPU speed, and location services.
Software Experience: Galaxy AI Integration
The Galaxy Watch Ultra runs on Wear OS, customized with Samsung’s One UI Watch interface. One UI makes several significant changes from stock Wear OS, including a more powerful notification system that retains notification bundles from your phone, making it easier to triage long lists of emails or messages.
The watch offers Suggested Replies with Galaxy AI, providing quick text-reply suggestions based on conversation context. Users can control various functions with a double pinch gesture, adding convenient hands-free operation for taking photos, answering calls, or silencing alarms.
One notable quirk: the Galaxy Watch Ultra still defaults to using Bixby as the voice assistant, though users can and should switch to Google Assistant in the settings.
Performance and Storage
Powered by the Exynos W1000 chipset built on a 3nm process, the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and workout tracking. The watch comes with 2GB of RAM and generous storage options. The 2024 model includes 32GB of internal storage, while the 2025 refresh doubles this to 64GB, providing ample space for offline music, maps, apps, and workout data.
Ecosystem Integration and Limitations
Some of the Watch Ultra’s features will only work with a Samsung phone, including running ECGs and detecting health issues like sleep apnea and irregular heart rhythms, along with certain Galaxy AI features like the energy score. This ecosystem lock-in may frustrate Android users who prefer other smartphone brands, though the watch remains compatible with any Android device for basic functionality.
The Galaxy Wearable app manages watch connections and settings with a sleek, modern interface that simplifies customization. Meanwhile, the Samsung Health app, though somewhat clunky initially, provides comprehensive tracking and analysis of all your health and fitness data.
Real-World Performance: Accuracy and Reliability
During testing, the watch performed well for normal workouts with automatic laps and reliable instant pace tracking during runs. The inclusion of multiband/dual-frequency GNSS and an improved optical heart rate sensor enhances accuracy for outdoor activities.
However, the watch isn’t without occasional quirks. Some users have reported activities mysteriously stopping or ending during rides, though such incidents appear relatively rare. The multiband GPS generally delivers accurate tracking, though dense tree cover or urban canyons can still impact satellite signal quality.
The 2025 Refresh: Incremental But Valuable Updates
Samsung released an updated Galaxy Watch Ultra in 2025 with modest but meaningful improvements. The 2025 model doubles internal storage to 64GB from the previous 32GB, powered by the same 3nm Exynos W1000 processor with 2GB of RAM and a 590mAh battery.
The Watch Ultra (2025) comes pre-installed with Wear OS 5, layered with Samsung’s updated One UI Watch 8 skin, including the Now Bar feature that shows context-aware controls like timers and media playback on your watch face. Importantly, most of these software features are expected to arrive on the original Galaxy Watch Ultra through updates.
New health features include Vascular Load for estimating circulatory system strain during sleep, Antioxidant Index for skin antioxidant levels, Bedtime Guidance powered by Galaxy AI for personalized sleep scheduling, and a new Running Coach mode with real-time training feedback.
The 2025 version introduces a new Titanium Blue color option alongside the existing Titanium Gray, Silver, and White finishes. The refreshed model costs the same—$649.99—as the original Watch Ultra, making it an even better deal for new buyers.
Who Should Buy the Galaxy Watch Ultra?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra targets a specific audience: active individuals who demand durability, comprehensive health tracking, and multi-day battery life. It excels for outdoor enthusiasts, serious athletes, and anyone who needs a watch that can withstand extreme conditions while providing detailed fitness and wellness insights.
However, the high $650 price tag and chunky 47mm design might make it a tough sell for some users. The Galaxy Watch 7 offers most of the same features at a lower price point with a sleeker design, making it a better choice for casual users or those with smaller wrists.
For Samsung phone owners, the Watch Ultra’s ecosystem integration unlocks its full potential, including advanced health monitoring features like ECG and sleep apnea detection. Android users with other phone brands will still enjoy excellent functionality but may miss out on some premium features.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra represents a serious competitor in the premium smartwatch market, offering military-grade durability, exceptional battery life, a brilliant display, and comprehensive health tracking. While it clearly draws inspiration from Apple’s Watch Ultra design language, Samsung has created a capable device that stands on its own merits.
For adventurers, athletes, and anyone seeking a rugged smartwatch that can keep up with an active lifestyle, the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers impressive performance and features. The 2025 refresh adds valuable storage and software improvements at the same price, making it an even more compelling choice for new buyers. However, existing 2024 model owners can largely skip the upgrade, as most new features will arrive via software updates.
Whether you’re training for a triathlon, hiking mountain trails, or simply want a smartwatch that can handle whatever life throws at it, the Galaxy Watch Ultra proves that Samsung is serious about competing in the premium wearable market.

Before buying your next wearable, be sure to read all our smart watch tech reviews
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