A new era for the premium smartwatch
It is July 2026, and the wearables market is more saturated than ever. Yet, when Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, one question was on everyone's lips: was the Korean giant simply refining its recipe or actually shaking up the hierarchy? After spending an intensive week with the beast on my wrist, the answer is nuanced, but fascinating.
Design and ergonomics: Boldly assumed
Samsung retains its "Squircle" format (that blend of square and round) that sparked so much conversation during the first generation. In 2026, the grade 5 titanium finish is even more refined. The watch is imposing, that's undeniable, but it gains lightness thanks to a redesigned internal structure. The AMOLED screen, now capable of reaching a brightness of 4,000 nits, is a technological feat: even under the scorching sun of this summer, legibility is perfect.
Under the hood: AI and Bio-Tracking
The heart of this Watch Ultra 2 is its Exynos W1100 chip, built on a 3nm process. Coupled with onboard artificial intelligence, it allows for much finer energy management. But it is especially the new optical heart rate sensor and the improved bioelectrical impedance sensor that make the difference. Samsung promises near-medical precision, capable of detecting signs of extreme fatigue or dehydration before you even feel them. For high-level athletes, it's a game-changer.
Battery life: Finally, the real challenge met
This was the weak point of the previous version. In 2026, Samsung proudly announces 100 hours of battery life in typical usage. In our real-world tests, with GPS and sleep tracking enabled, we reached 3 and a half days. We are not quite at the level of specialized watches like the Garmin Enduro 3, but for a "smartwatch" this connected, the progress is colossal.
Expert verdict: Should you buy it?
Faced with fierce competition led by the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and new arrivals from Google with its Pixel Watch Pro, Samsung is playing the ecosystem card. If you are already in the Samsung galaxy, this watch is a natural extension of your smartphone. Its launch price, set at €699, clearly places it in the very high-end segment. It is an investment, certainly, but for those who demand the best in health tracking and connectivity, it stands out as the benchmark for this year 2026.
My only regret? The ecosystem, which still remains a bit too closed. But the build quality and the fluidity of One UI Watch 6.0 make you forget these small details from the very first interaction.