Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: A sense of ultra déjà vu.

Samsung made waves last month with the announcement of the more affordable Galaxy Watch FE, and today, they've followed up with the unveiling of two new additions: the $299.99 Galaxy Watch 7 and the all-new $649.99 Galaxy Watch Ultra. The latter, in particular, seems to take a few pages from Apple's smartwatch playbook, evident even in its name.

Replacing the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro as Samsung's premium smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra doesn't shy away from its inspiration. It boasts durability with a titanium case, 10ATM water resistance, an IP68 rating, and a sapphire crystal lens. Sporting an eye-catching orange Quick Button for easy access to essential functions like the workout app and flashlight, the design elements, including the lug system for straps, bear a striking resemblance to Apple's aesthetic choices.

In terms of functionality, the Galaxy Watch Ultra features a brighter display reaching up to 3,000 nits, dual-frequency GPS for accurate location tracking, and enhancements for divers with its diving capabilities. It introduces a Night Mode for improved readability in low-light conditions, alongside new power-saving modes that offer up to 100 hours of battery life overall and up to 48 hours during intensive exercise. Cyclists benefit from the addition of a Functional Threshold Power metric, while runners can use the Race feature to compare current and past performances. Notably, an 85dB emergency siren adds a layer of safety functionality.

Acknowledging its resemblance to the Apple Watch Ultra, Samsung positions its product as a unique Android-friendly alternative that fills a gap in the market. Despite the similarities, Samsung incorporates its distinctive touches, such as the squircle-shaped 47mm titanium case and a digital touch bezel in place of a physical rotating bezel, enhancing usability without compromising on style.

In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 7 maintains a familiar design with updates limited mostly to new strap colors. Both the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra share significant internal upgrades, including the adoption of Wear OS 5 and One UI 6 Watch, powered by a 3nm Exynos W1000 chip paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. They feature LTE connectivity, fast charging capabilities, and an upgraded Samsung BioActive Sensor that enhances heart rate monitoring, EKG readings, and body composition analysis. This sensor, equipped with multiple LED colors, introduces innovative metrics like the Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) Index, offering insights into biological aging processes influenced by diet and lifestyle.

Moreover, both watches integrate Galaxy AI-powered features like the Energy Score and Wellness Tips, providing personalized health insights. A significant advancement is the FDA De Novo clearance for sleep apnea detection, a first in the industry. Although not a diagnostic tool, this feature monitors sleep disruptions associated with moderate to severe sleep apnea, encouraging users to consult healthcare providers for further evaluation.

In conclusion, while neither the Galaxy Watch 7 nor the Ultra introduces groundbreaking innovations, they solidify Samsung's position in the smartwatch market. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, in particular, fills a niche for Android users seeking a robust, feature-rich smartwatch akin to Apple's offerings, albeit at a more accessible price point. As Samsung continues to refine and innovate within its wearable technology lineup, the Galaxy Watch Ultra stands out as a compelling option that merges style with advanced functionality, setting a new standard for Android-compatible smartwatches.