With nearly a decade of experience using various iterations of the Apple Watch, I’ve become quite familiar with the ins and outs of smartwatches. Having been present on the launch day back in 2014, my journey with Apple’s wearable tech has been extensive. However, as the year 2024 unfolds, a new chapter awaits—one that allows me to delve into the world of Android fitness technology. Recently, I’ve explored the robust features of the Mobvoi Ticwatch Atlas and have also had the chance to test the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.
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The Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains undefeated in the realm of smartwatches, sitting comfortably atop my personal favorites list. Eagerly anticipating Samsung’s response to adventurous wearables, I was intrigued to experience the features of its Galaxy Watch Ultra. Yet, within just ten minutes of interaction, I was shocked to discover a significant absence—a feature I took for granted: the digital crown.
My first Samsung
Upon donning the Galaxy Watch Ultra and pairing it with my Samsung Galaxy Fold Z 6, I began to explore its settings and features. However, when I first encountered a menu, my instinct led me to reach for the digital crown—a gesture met with complete disappointment. Instead of the familiar tactile feedback, I was greeted by an array of buttons, including a Quick Button, Home Button, and Back button, none of which offered the smooth scrolling I expected.
This unexpected lack of the digital crown made me reevaluate my understanding of smartwatches. My extensive experience with the Apple Watch left me unaware that not all Android models come equipped with such a vital feature. The absence of this simple yet effective input method poses an intriguing question about usability and design across different platforms.
Defying convention
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is undoubtedly a stylish timepiece, earning its place among the best Android smartwatches. Its design heavily mirrors that of the Apple Watch Ultra, featuring a squarer shape, a similar sensor layout, and vibrant pops of orange meant to evoke a sense of adventure. Despite its aesthetics, the glaring omission of the digital crown raises questions about its practicality.
One of the standout features is undoubtedly the robust band attachment mechanism and the watch’s revolutionary display, bringing colors to life. However, given Samsung’s inspiration from Apple, it is perplexing that they opted out of including such a functional component as the digital crown. An “ultra” smartwatch is designed for rugged adventures, where conditions like mud, sand, or water can render touchscreens ineffective. Having a physical element like a digital crown significantly enhances control and user interaction, especially in challenging weather or when wearing gloves—as I painfully found out during a recent hike in the English Lake District.
In my daily routine, the digital crown serves numerous essential functions, from scrolling through messages to adjusting music volume during workouts. Although I gave Samsung’s Touch Bezel a try, I found it to be more frustrating than beneficial. Its design often leads to obscured views of the screen, which detracts from the overall user experience.
Could I adapt to the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s Touch Bezel over time? Perhaps. But the realization that not all smartwatches incorporate a digital crown has genuinely altered my perspective. I challenge anyone accustomed to using a digital crown to switch to the Galaxy Watch Ultra and argue that the experience isn’t vastly inferior in terms of convenience and satisfaction.
For Android users seeking robust wearables, there’s plenty to appreciate about the Galaxy Watch Ultra. With remarkable battery life, a sturdy titanium build, and regular discounts, it stands out as a formidable option. While rumors of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 are scarce, introducing a digital crown in the next generation could dramatically enhance the user interface. It’s not a bad smartwatch by any means, but that one feature could provide the improvements needed to elevate it to the next level.
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