Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultrachat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Many users report battery life far short of the advertised 2-day estimate, often needing to recharge daily or hitting power-saving mode by the second evening. This is one of the most frequently repeated complaints across reviews.

@anthonyhershko

I got the ultra 7, everything was great but the strap was cut and step counting wasn't so accurate so I bought the ultra 2, and it's NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS!!!! \n\nThe speaker is so low!! Alarms and Gemini, I'm not receiving notifications...\n\nNo connection to wifi no matter what!\n\nWhen I charging the watch when he at 70-68% it takes more than hour and half. \n\nI brought it to the lab, they said in the report \"everything is fine\", I wrote to Samsung member and they asked for bug report, the watch is giving an error message... I really don't know what to do! Unfortunately I can't give it back and get my money back, NOT WORTH THE INVESTMENT!! ZERO CHANGES FROM THE PREVIOUS WATCH!launch

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August 24, 2026

@klausghm

Not sure where you got the 2 days battery claim. I had the 2025 ultra and lasted 2 days, now I upgraded to ultra 2 with the hope it would improve, no difference at all. Battery lasts 2 days still. I turned the cellular off, no AoD, screen only turns on when notifications come in, Gemini voice is off, heart rate checking every 10 min, changed the face to a simple one. My battery lasts 2 days and 3 hours....I love the Samsung design and fit but I just can't justify it. I have the pixel and when I do weights I can modify my routine and record everything, it's really good, never had an issue with the heart rate sensor, charges quickly, it's just the perfect watch for Android. Yesterday I did a treadmill run with my galaxy watch, had the pixel on the other hand, I was at 165bpm and going up. And my ultra registered the info down to 110 bpm, after a few min it realized my heart rate was going up, not down...launch

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August 18, 2026

@martinangelomooney1010

As a Samsung phone user I was enticed to buy the watch ultra but that battery life is just ridiculous. I got instead a Huawei GT 3 and damn the 2 week battery life is superb. I can travel a whole week without worrying about charging and most features I use like answering calls while on the go and exercise features are at par with premium smart watches. I hope Samsung makes a watch that can go 2 weeks.launch

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April 13, 2025

@igotamanning7237

Thanks for the review. I was interested in what you'd have to say. I've had far too many watches but currently, Marq gen 2, Epix 2 (got rid of the pro for the Marq), Galaxy watch 6 classic, galaxy Ultra, and a Tag Heuer Calibre e4. If the Marq had assistant integration and the ability to reply, I'd get rid of all the others. I'll likely keep just the Marq or GW Ultra at the end of it all, though I like different aspects of each. I can't get more than 30 hours from the GW Ultra, unfortunately.\n\nOn the energy score side, best to keep just the wake up score. Garmin really is kind of useless after the start of the day. I get to 5 at the end of every day, it's just a matter of when. Resting during the day really doesn't matter. Welltory has been the best tracker of energy throughout from wakeup to going to sleep. It also connects directly with the GW Ultra and the results are almost spot on with my Polar H10. Keep the videos coming. Thanks!launch

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August 7, 2024

Runners and cyclists say the inability to pair external heart rate monitor straps is a major gap, making the watch unsuitable for serious training and forcing users into juggling multiple devices.

@WhiteHatJoker1

Not sure about heart rate accuracy for weight lifting/HIIT. It is always bad in comparison with Polar H10. What is worse, Samsung doesn't let us pair external HR by default to Samsung health workouts. Unfortunately, the result is a funky double ecosystem with an apple watch and iPhone in the pocket all the time. I just hope Samsung starts to understand the user pain. Why not let external HR if you can't track it accurately?launch

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January 4, 2026

@mherald

This is the first Samsung watch that records usable data and is probably accurate enough for most. I won't be sidelining my Epix Pro anytime soon, but this is a good move in the right direction for Samsung. I do hope they add external sensor support, especially since 3rd party apps allow at least an HRM strap (e.g. Adidas Running and a few paid apps)...but they should have added cycling power meter support on the device since that was a big deal during their unpacked. IMO, the point of a watch with LTE is so that i dont have to run/ride with my phone. But now I have to ride with my phone if I want to use this feature. \n\nI also noticed HRV measurements being much higher than my Oura and Epix Pro. Even my Galaxy Ring records a bit lower, but still higher than the others. I feel it's probably an issue with their algorithm since the trend seems comparable to the others. \n\nIntegration with Strava routes seems like a no-brainer move...so they wont do it unless Apple does it first.launch

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July 31, 2024

@mitchcm

Another Samsung Watch without the most basic feature, external hrm support. Apple was smart to Bluetooth hrm pairing. People have been asking for this ability for years. To me, this isn’t a sports watch without that. It’s something that should not be recommended for working out.launch

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July 31, 2024

@charlesoutthere

Without HR monitor pairing, it's kind of a no-go for many road / trail runners as well. That and the cumbersome GPX sync. Too bad, looked like a good watch! Particularly like the screen, and body construction (sapphire crystal, titanium). It would be great for Garmin to up it's Forerunner materials, it's the only issue I have with my 965.\n\nAnd thanks for the review, was looking forwards to it from the Samsung announcement to know what those watches were worth!launch

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July 31, 2024

Multiple users complain the watch charges too slowly, especially compared to competitors, though one user found using a 45W fast-charge block noticeably sped things up.

@keithzastrow

What's up Sal, Keith here.......\n\nI pre-ordered this watch and picked it up this past Saturday (day after the official release). Being my first ever smart watch (yes I realize I'm late to the party but hey, I'm 56 lol) I don't have anything to compare it to but so far I really like it. Agree on the band: Pretty darn comfortable. I really like the Samsung Health features as I run 4 miles twice a week as well as weight lifting 4x/week plus about 20 miles of walking/week.\n\nYes, I ordered a Spigen 3 in 1 charger and it's worthless for charging my phone and this new watch (I am returning it). Pissed off about that TBH.\n\nSal, on that charging time, did you do it with the power completely off on the watch or was it still on and running? That might make a difference re: the speed of charging. \n\nMy raise to talk doesn't work and I have tried everything on both the watch and my phone to ensure everything is set correctly. Guess I'll visit my local Verizon store where I got it at.launch

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August 11, 2026

@DareD3vil09

I'm a daily user of the Watch Ultra, and I agree with your assessment that faster charging would be appreciated.launch

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October 12, 2025

@N.N.77

1. Design - you are wrong design is more than awesome.\n2. Band - wrong again, band is high quality flexible and very confortable. Looks expensive as well\n3. You dont need a physical bezel, you can use your finger as a bezel. It is stronger like this and long lasting\n4. Battery life is more than enough.\n5. Charging is slow, I agree.launch

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September 27, 2024

@black79montecarlo123

A lot of people have commented on how long it takes to charge. I've noticed with my previous charger it takes forever. I got out the Ultra factory charger and paired it with my 45watt fast charge block and it charges much faster. I'm talking WAY faster! There was talk of the charging speed being taken up to 15watt but then they kept it at the same 10watt as previous models but I'm thinking it really does charge at 15watt with a fast charge block. Why they said they kept it at 10watt when in fact it can charge faster beats me. Maybe I just got lucky but if anyone else wants to give it a try and report back here with the results maybe we can help a lot of people out.launch

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August 7, 2024

Some longtime Galaxy Watch Classic users miss the physical rotating bezel, feeling its removal was a cost-cutting decision rather than a necessary design change, and note it looks classier than the digital alternative.

@manishtwayana6406

Battery life and performance are great welcome changes, but I don't understand the logic of removing reverse wireless charging and rotating bezel. I get it is for big sensor but correct me if I'm wrong that watch ultra use the same charger as with other watch such watch 7 and so on which support reserve charging and it is underrated feature. I have many instance where I forgot to charge my watch and I had my phone help to topup my watch and didn't have carried another cable or charger with me. As well rotation bezel which was reason to consider upgarde to watch 6 classic but battery life is not great on that thing and same chip too. So I didn't went for watch 6 classic. New health features are great but I use my watch as just reference for my health on daily basis. Smart watches aren't most accurate or scientific way to track our health. That is not possible right now and I think most of us understand that but we welcome these features to improve our regulatory process of maintaining our health.\n\nDesign is subjective as per person but I still prefer the round design. I know they did square for big batteries. See in person has changed my opinion either. I'm not saying they copied apple or anything other brand. Let's face it, everybody copied each other and this isn't a new thing either.\n\nI am still not sure about updating from watch 5 pro to this.\nWatch 5 pro is almost perfect, but lack of rotation bezel and performance are some downside. I am so disappointed as I was hoping watch ultra will be true successor for watch 5 pro. But now, I am leaning more on to sticking with watch 5 pro and lets see what samsung do next year. Hoping for better.launch

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August 6, 2024

@afg99061

The fewer parts argument for the rotating bezel seems weak to me. Traditional watches have had moving bezels while being 200m watertight and also provided to militaries for use in combat. Yes it may be more complex due to the smart watch aspect, but I don't believe it's as difficult as they make it seem. Seems more like a financial cost decision to not include the bezel to melaunch

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August 1, 2024

@trdlion

Yo, what's up, Floss. I'm a Samsung knight and I've been following you for some years. I ordered my watch after i watched your video on the Ultra. I received my ultra watch today (7/21), And boy, oh boy. I'm in the process of returning it. I have the classic 6. You know the saying, \"If it ain't broke, don't fix it\".\n\nReason why I'm returning it. \n\nI can't connect my buds pro 2 to the watch. I can leave my phone at home and use my classic 6 watch as stand alone. In addition, connect my buds to the watch w/o using speaker mode.\n\nMy next reason is No rotating bezel. \n\nOverall, the ultra is dope but those are my two complaints. Keep doing your thing. \n\nShout out from Dade County!launch

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July 21, 2024

Losing the ability to top up the watch from a phone is called a dealbreaker by some travelers who don't want to carry a separate charger, though others argue the improved battery life makes this less necessary.

@manishtwayana6406

Battery life and performance are great welcome changes, but I don't understand the logic of removing reverse wireless charging and rotating bezel. I get it is for big sensor but correct me if I'm wrong that watch ultra use the same charger as with other watch such watch 7 and so on which support reserve charging and it is underrated feature. I have many instance where I forgot to charge my watch and I had my phone help to topup my watch and didn't have carried another cable or charger with me. As well rotation bezel which was reason to consider upgarde to watch 6 classic but battery life is not great on that thing and same chip too. So I didn't went for watch 6 classic. New health features are great but I use my watch as just reference for my health on daily basis. Smart watches aren't most accurate or scientific way to track our health. That is not possible right now and I think most of us understand that but we welcome these features to improve our regulatory process of maintaining our health.\n\nDesign is subjective as per person but I still prefer the round design. I know they did square for big batteries. See in person has changed my opinion either. I'm not saying they copied apple or anything other brand. Let's face it, everybody copied each other and this isn't a new thing either.\n\nI am still not sure about updating from watch 5 pro to this.\nWatch 5 pro is almost perfect, but lack of rotation bezel and performance are some downside. I am so disappointed as I was hoping watch ultra will be true successor for watch 5 pro. But now, I am leaning more on to sticking with watch 5 pro and lets see what samsung do next year. Hoping for better.launch

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August 6, 2024

@jimmygreer2140

I don't understand why people don't like that it can't powershare charge. Yeah, when the watch only lasts like 40-48 hours then powershare can be a lifesaver. But this watch has like a 3 day battery. You telling me someone can't find 1 hour in 3 days to charge the watch? At that point, if you're out & about with a dying watch that's kinda your fault.\n\nBut hey, that's still a nifty work-around. Sure, it sucks to carry a charger around. But that's why you should always carry a bag with you. I've got backup chargers in my bag along with other \"just in case\" items.launch

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August 3, 2024

@rstone3345

No powershare is a deal breaker for me as I never bring my watch charger on trips. I just used powershare with my phone. While so many reviewers glossed over this fact during their reviews, Flossy keeps it real! Thanks for the thorough review!launch

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July 16, 2024

Several users report inaccurate heart rate readings during weightlifting, HIIT, or intense cardio compared to chest straps like the Polar H10, with one reporting a significant lag in tracking rising heart rate during a treadmill run.

@klausghm

Not sure where you got the 2 days battery claim. I had the 2025 ultra and lasted 2 days, now I upgraded to ultra 2 with the hope it would improve, no difference at all. Battery lasts 2 days still. I turned the cellular off, no AoD, screen only turns on when notifications come in, Gemini voice is off, heart rate checking every 10 min, changed the face to a simple one. My battery lasts 2 days and 3 hours....I love the Samsung design and fit but I just can't justify it. I have the pixel and when I do weights I can modify my routine and record everything, it's really good, never had an issue with the heart rate sensor, charges quickly, it's just the perfect watch for Android. Yesterday I did a treadmill run with my galaxy watch, had the pixel on the other hand, I was at 165bpm and going up. And my ultra registered the info down to 110 bpm, after a few min it realized my heart rate was going up, not down...launch

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August 18, 2026

@WhiteHatJoker1

Not sure about heart rate accuracy for weight lifting/HIIT. It is always bad in comparison with Polar H10. What is worse, Samsung doesn't let us pair external HR by default to Samsung health workouts. Unfortunately, the result is a funky double ecosystem with an apple watch and iPhone in the pocket all the time. I just hope Samsung starts to understand the user pain. Why not let external HR if you can't track it accurately?launch

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January 4, 2026

@idontwantacallsign

Thank you for a great review. Compare with my findings. GPS fine, battery fine. I had a very off HR on 2 outside bikerides (up to 30 BPM to much and down to 10 BPM to low), but on two other rides it was much better. Main difference was the tightness of the wrist strap. It has to be quite tight. So it corospond with your findings that I door cycling is better. Once again thanks. BTW I am subscribed 😁🥳launch

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July 31, 2024

Commenters find the watch and its replacement bands expensive, with one calling $80 bands 'ridiculous' and others noting the price is high relative to feature gains over the standard model.

@dennisrogers6786

Am going for the Pixel watch 3, far more accurate HR tracking and sleeping, even step counts are more accurate. The only thing the GWU has better is GPS, but the GPS is better on the pixel then the standard GW7. Sleep tracking the Samsung is poor and even better on the Pixel watch. I love the pixel look better as they do a good job of hiding bezels. Even the fitbit app is better then Samsung health and yes it has a premium paid sub, but everything you need has been taken off the Paywall. For me the Ultra is to expensive and the PIxel watch 3 is better. The ultra is good, but out of my price range and the Pixel 3 is miles better than the GW7 which has a poor GPS compared to the Ultra. Seen many HR accuracy tests and the pixel watch is pretty well up there with apple which is the gold standard, and being called the apple watch in android. Also the Pixel watch 3 is still snappier than the Ultralaunch

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October 29, 2024

@Beardofdeath

I bought converters for old bands, but my biggest gripe is the button release to change bands. I've got sausage fingers, and it's a struggle. The stock band is too thick, bulky, and the rubber catches on anything it touches. The 'trail band' one they gave me for free is meh, overly long wrap around with a hooked end, and a bar piece that goes through the band, which i could see falling out if hit right but also only some what adjustable. I use an old d buckle or a magnetic one. I still hate that it locks the watch if you're actively using the wallet ap, just lock the ap, but that's an old software complaint. Really like it but only upgraded because I got $400+ off with a 5pro trade-in and other discounts. And in no way should these bands be $80, that's just ridiculous.launch

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August 3, 2024

@dudeofrude

Im struggling with my battery life. I only just about get 2 days max. Usually end up in powersaving mode by the 2nd evening 🫤 i dont have always on display on, no LTE Sim installed, every else set to standard. I have come from a 5 pro so i knew it wouldnt last as long as that but honestly thought it would be better.\n\nAs for the rest of the watch, love the way it looks, not a fan of the available straps and think the orange button is pointless as i dont need to access sports (they auto track) and the other few limited options arent that useful either. They need to add the ability to open any app with it imo.\n\nAll on all I'm still happy with it but i do think the proce is a bit high for the limited extra features over the standard 7launch

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August 2, 2024

A few users report significant problems including low speaker volume, missed notifications, Wi-Fi connection failures, and slow charging even after troubleshooting with Samsung support.

@anthonyhershko

I got the ultra 7, everything was great but the strap was cut and step counting wasn't so accurate so I bought the ultra 2, and it's NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS!!!! \n\nThe speaker is so low!! Alarms and Gemini, I'm not receiving notifications...\n\nNo connection to wifi no matter what!\n\nWhen I charging the watch when he at 70-68% it takes more than hour and half. \n\nI brought it to the lab, they said in the report \"everything is fine\", I wrote to Samsung member and they asked for bug report, the watch is giving an error message... I really don't know what to do! Unfortunately I can't give it back and get my money back, NOT WORTH THE INVESTMENT!! ZERO CHANGES FROM THE PREVIOUS WATCH!launch

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August 24, 2026

@trdlion

Yo, what's up, Floss. I'm a Samsung knight and I've been following you for some years. I ordered my watch after i watched your video on the Ultra. I received my ultra watch today (7/21), And boy, oh boy. I'm in the process of returning it. I have the classic 6. You know the saying, \"If it ain't broke, don't fix it\".\n\nReason why I'm returning it. \n\nI can't connect my buds pro 2 to the watch. I can leave my phone at home and use my classic 6 watch as stand alone. In addition, connect my buds to the watch w/o using speaker mode.\n\nMy next reason is No rotating bezel. \n\nOverall, the ultra is dope but those are my two complaints. Keep doing your thing. \n\nShout out from Dade County!launch

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July 21, 2024