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When Samsung dropped the Galaxy Watch Ultra last summer, it was clearly swinging at the Apple Watch Ultra crowd—people who run marathons for fun, hike trails that end in the clouds, or just want a tank of a smartwatch on their wrist. Now that the hype’s settled and the price has dropped to $378 (down from $649.99), its lowest yet according to price trackers, it’s a more interesting pick, especially if you’re big on the outdoors.
![SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE AI Smartwatch w/Energy Score, Wellness Tips, Heart Rate Tracking, Sleep Monitor, Fitness Tracker, GPS, 2024,Titanium Gray [US Version, 1Yr Manufacturer Warranty]](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/product/00Zx4uzGK6Eo2jQFcjSbKLN/hero-image.fill.size_autoxauto.v1725132118.jpg)
That said, the Galaxy Watch Ultra only comes in a 47mm size, which might feel chunky for some, but the build is solid. You get a 1.47-inch Super AMOLED display that’s bright even in direct sunlight, wrapped in Grade 4 titanium, with IP68 dust/water resistance. This thing isn’t just “rugged”—it’s designed for extremes, like high-altitude treks (up to 9,000 meters) and diving up to 330 feet underwater.
Where the Galaxy Watch Ultra shines is in how it handles long adventures without needing a pit stop. The LTE version means you can take calls, track GPS, and get alerts even if your phone’s back in the car. Battery life is impressive, too. With normal use, you’ll get about 60 hours, and pushing it with power-saving can stretch that to 100. That’s a big deal for multi-day hikers or anyone who forgets to charge stuff regularly. The built-in emergency siren is another thoughtful touch, especially if you’re out solo. And if you’re deep into wellness tracking, it’s got all the usual suspects—heart rate, blood oxygen, body temp—but adds AI-powered metrics and advanced sleep tracking that reviewers seem pretty impressed by (as evidenced in this “excellent” review by PCMag).
Still, there are a few things to keep in mind. Wear OS is smooth, but you’re getting Samsung’s flavor of it, so compatibility is better with Galaxy phones. There’s also no smaller size, so if you’ve got a smaller wrist or want something lighter, it could feel like overkill. If you’re just looking for a good smartwatch for casual workouts and everyday use, the Galaxy Watch 7 at $219.16 (down from $299.99) might suit you better.
