What you need to know
- Samsung debuted the Galaxy Watch Ultra during Unpacked, which features a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display and a circular watch face atop a "cushion design."
- The device features several sensors for heart health and workouts alongside a Multi-sport tile and Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling.
- The Watch 7 delivers a 1.3-inch and 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display for its 40mm and 44mm variants with a new AI algorithm for sleep analytics.
- The Watch Ultra is available for pre-orders for $649, while the Watch 7 starts at $299.
Samsung's summer Unpacked event is here, and one of the headliners is the new Galaxy Watch Ultra alongside the Galaxy Watch 7.
As stated in a press release, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is meant to be "the newest and most powerful addition" to Samsung's watch selection. With its single 47mm size variant, the Watch Ultra provides a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 480x480 resolution. Samsung states the new device "echoes" the Galaxy Watch's usual circular shape but slides a "cushion design" underneath it for "enhanced protection and visual completeness."
The side of the Watch Ultra has picked up a "Quick Button" so users can easily kickstart workouts, maps, and other functions. Additionally, users can activate the device's "Emergency Siren" if necessary.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra also takes its durability up a notch with its Titanium Grade 4 body and 10ATM water resistance. Samsung adds the device can survive at 500 meters below sea level and up to 9,000 meters in altitude.
Getting active with the Galaxy Watch Ultra is aided by the device's "Multi-sports tile" and a new Functional Threshold Power (FTP). The latter works for cycling, bringing bikers measurements on cycling power in an estimated four minutes through its AI-backed FTP metrics. The device includes a Personalized HR Zone to help runners move at their body's maximum capabilities.
Samsung's BioActive sensor, alongside a Temperature sensor, an Accelerometer, a Barometer, a Gyro sensor, a Geomagnetic sensor, and a light sensor are included.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra features dedicated watch faces for post-workout analytics, as well. Internally, powering the watch is Samsung's Exynos W1000 SoC and a 590mAh battery. If used with power-saving options, the Korean OEM estimates the Watch Ultra can run for 100 hours for normal use and around 48 hours when using "Exercise Power Saving" options.
Wear OS 5 will greet users out of the box with the Galaxy Watch Ultra with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is compatible with Android 11 phones and higher with more than 1.5GB of memory.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is available in the U.S. for pre-orders today (July 10) for $649. Consumers can pick it up off the shelves on July 24. The device is available in Titanium Gray, Titanium White, and Titanium Silver.
The Galaxy Watch 7 continues the trend started by the Watch 6 series with its circular design, which has become commonplace. Unlike its Ultra sibling, the Watch 7 is offered in two size variants: 40mm and 44mm, with a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display and a 1.5-inch screen, respectively.
Aside from featuring the same large array of sensors, the Galaxy Watch 7 lets users track "over 100" workouts and options to create unique routines. "Race" enters to give users a glimpse at their past and current workout data to understand their progress. Elsewhere, the Watch 7 boasts a new AI algorithm for its sleep analysis software.
Its FDA-authorized "Sleep Apnea" feature will clue users into potential signs of "moderate to severe" symptoms. The device will also provide real-time warnings and alerts if it detects unusually high or low heart rates and irregular heartbeats (AFiB) through its IHRN (Irregular Heart Rythm Notifications). The side of the device lets users initiate a quick ECG whenever they need it.
The Watch 7 features the same SoC and memory/storage configuration. The Exynos W1000 chip is said to increase power efficiency by 30% and quicken the CPU by three times. However, the battery capacities change, as it provides a 300mAh and 425mAh battery for its two sizes.
The Galaxy Watch 7 is also available today (July 10) for pre-orders, beginning at $299. The device's 40mm variant can be purchased in green or cream colorways. The large 44mm size receives green and silver options. The Galaxy Watch 7's wider market release on July 24.
