GoKawiilSamsung’s new rugged smartwatch hasn’t changed much on the outside, but the biggest upgrades on the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 are all hiding inside.
It has a larger battery, more powerful processor and new adventure features to take you from the office to the trails without extra gear. At $700 ($50 more than the original Galaxy Watch Ultra), it’s the most expensive watch in Samsung’s lineup, but it’s also the most durable — and arguably the most interesting.
I’ve spent the past week testing the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, and while the verdict is still out on its long-term features, like health tracking and battery life, it’s clear that it can pull double-duty as both an adventure-ready companion and a luxury smartwatch.
Whether its $700 price tag is justified depends on what you’re looking for. If you want Samsung’s most rugged watch with the biggest battery, brightest display and the most outdoor features, it could be worth the premium. But if the package matters less than the core smartwatch features, you may be better off getting the standard Galaxy Watch 9 (or even older models) for nearly half the price.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 keeps the squircle frame, but increases the size and brightness of the screen.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: First impressions
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 looks identical to the original. It has the same premium titanium case, sapphire crystal display, signature squircle design and three programmable physical buttons. But look closer and you’ll notice a few subtle upgrades.
The display is slightly larger (1.52” compared to 1.5” on the original), even though the overall watch is smaller and lighter. Samsung also redesigned the bands, making them thinner and more breathable so the watch sits flatter against your wrist, which the company says improves sensor contact. The new clasp mechanism makes them easier to swap than traditional watch bands, though it also locks you into Samsung’s proprietary system.
A side-by-side look at the two new Galaxy Watches: Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2. Andrew Lanxon/CNET
The fact that I slept a few nights without ripping it off halfway through the night says a lot about a watch this size. I still wouldn’t choose to sleep with it long term, but it’s noticeably more comfortable than I expected.
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