95
TechRadarTier 2 outlet, weighted 75%Jul 22, 2026
“It’s a terrific gadget, and if you’re a Samsung user who wants the best native watch for your phone’s ecosystem, this is it.”
By Matt Evans · Rated 4.5/5Full review
Image: Samsung
Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Samsung · From $699.99
Release date Aug 7, 2026
84
Recommended
Based on 10 Critic Reviews
8 with a published score, 2 scored from text · How it works
Latest review Sep 30, 2026
5 Rave4 Positive1 Favorable
Critics' Take
Critics call the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Samsung's best smartwatch so far. The 5,000 nit display, Snapdragon Wear Elite speed, thinner case and bigger battery are the main upgrades. It is still large, costs $699.99, and some health features need a Samsung phone, which is why Android Central scored it lowest.
What critics loved
- Very bright 5,000 nit display
- Multi-day battery life
- Slimmer, more comfortable case and band
- Fast, smooth performance
- Rugged build with 10ATM and IP69K
Common gripes
- Still big and heavy on small wrists
- Costs $699.99
- ECG and blood pressure need a Samsung phone
- Slow charging and picky about third-party chargers
- Garmin is better for training and navigation
Critic Scorecard
10 reviewsSort:
Weighted by outlet tier:Tier 1 outlet, weighted 100%100%Tier 2 outlet, weighted 75%75%Tier 3 outlet, weighted 40%40%Tier 4 outlet, weighted 20%20%
95
T3Tier 3 outlet, weighted 40%Jul 22, 2026
“It is not quite the ultimate outdoor watch Samsung wants it to be, but it may be the most complete Android smartwatch of its generation.”
By Matt Kollat · Rated 5/5Full review
95
EFTMTier 4 outlet, weighted 20%Jul 22, 2026
“The screen is the real showstopper, hitting 5,000 nits of brightness with smart ambient adjustment that makes it easily readable in direct sun.”
Australian outlet (price on page is in Australian dollars).
By Trevor Long · Rated 93%Full review
89
BGRTier 3 outlet, weighted 40%Aug 7, 2026
“For Android users who want a serious outdoor watch, this is the best one Samsung has ever made, and arguably the best one anyone has made for the platform.”
By Christian de Looper · Unrated, scored from textFull review
86
NotebookcheckTier 3 outlet, weighted 40%Sep 30, 2026
“Overall, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 offers an exceptionally strong package.”
By Benedikt Winkel · Unrated, scored from textFull review
82
Tom's GuideTier 2 outlet, weighted 75%Sep 17, 2026
“Ultimately, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a tougher, smarter, longer-lasting take on what was already one of the best Android smartwatches ever made.”
By Dan Bracaglia · Rated 4/5Full review
Show 4 more reviews ▾Show fewer ▴
81
Trusted ReviewsTier 2 outlet, weighted 75%Jul 22, 2026
“The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a refined, rugged Android smartwatch with standout brightness, GPS and fitness features, though its battery life, Samsung-only tools and generic AI insights hold it back slightly.”
By Lewis Painter · Rated 4/5Full review
79
Expert ReviewsTier 3 outlet, weighted 40%Jul 22, 2026
“The result is an extremely appealing smartwatch with oodles of functionality and versatility as a sports and activity companion.”
By Ben Johnston · Rated 4/5Full review
75
Android PoliceTier 3 outlet, weighted 40%Aug 7, 2026
“The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 improves on the original's size, packs in some more health and fitness features, and has the brightest screen we've seen on a smartwatch.”
By Andy Boxall · Rated 8.5/10Full review
74
Android CentralTier 2 outlet, weighted 75%Sep 10, 2026
“Despite the great hardware and new features, this watch feels incredibly mid.”
By Nicholas Sutrich · Rated 3.5/5Full review
86
NotebookcheckTier 3 outlet, weighted 40%Sep 30, 2026
“Overall, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 offers an exceptionally strong package.”
By Benedikt Winkel · Unrated, scored from textFull review
82
Tom's GuideTier 2 outlet, weighted 75%Sep 17, 2026
“Ultimately, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a tougher, smarter, longer-lasting take on what was already one of the best Android smartwatches ever made.”
By Dan Bracaglia · Rated 4/5Full review
74
Android CentralTier 2 outlet, weighted 75%Sep 10, 2026
“Despite the great hardware and new features, this watch feels incredibly mid.”
By Nicholas Sutrich · Rated 3.5/5Full review
89
BGRTier 3 outlet, weighted 40%Aug 7, 2026
“For Android users who want a serious outdoor watch, this is the best one Samsung has ever made, and arguably the best one anyone has made for the platform.”
By Christian de Looper · Unrated, scored from textFull review
75
Android PoliceTier 3 outlet, weighted 40%Aug 7, 2026
“The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 improves on the original's size, packs in some more health and fitness features, and has the brightest screen we've seen on a smartwatch.”
By Andy Boxall · Rated 8.5/10Full review
95
TechRadarTier 2 outlet, weighted 75%Jul 22, 2026
“It’s a terrific gadget, and if you’re a Samsung user who wants the best native watch for your phone’s ecosystem, this is it.”
By Matt Evans · Rated 4.5/5Full review
Show 4 more reviews ▾Show fewer ▴
95
T3Tier 3 outlet, weighted 40%Jul 22, 2026
“It is not quite the ultimate outdoor watch Samsung wants it to be, but it may be the most complete Android smartwatch of its generation.”
By Matt Kollat · Rated 5/5Full review
95
EFTMTier 4 outlet, weighted 20%Jul 22, 2026
“The screen is the real showstopper, hitting 5,000 nits of brightness with smart ambient adjustment that makes it easily readable in direct sun.”
Australian outlet (price on page is in Australian dollars).
By Trevor Long · Rated 93%Full review
81
Trusted ReviewsTier 2 outlet, weighted 75%Jul 22, 2026
“The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a refined, rugged Android smartwatch with standout brightness, GPS and fitness features, though its battery life, Samsung-only tools and generic AI insights hold it back slightly.”
By Lewis Painter · Rated 4/5Full review
79
Expert ReviewsTier 3 outlet, weighted 40%Jul 22, 2026
“The result is an extremely appealing smartwatch with oodles of functionality and versatility as a sports and activity companion.”
By Ben Johnston · Rated 4/5Full review
Quick Facts
- Display
- 1.52-inch Super AMOLED, up to 5,000 nits, sapphire crystal
- Chip
- Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite
- Battery
- 800 mAh; Samsung rates up to 60 hours with always-on display
- Case
- 47 mm titanium, 10.7 mm thick
- Water and dust
- 10ATM, IP69K, EN13319 dive certified
- Durability
- MIL-STD-810H
- Colors
- Titanium Silver, Titanium Gray
- Price
- $699.99
