If you're checking out the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and trying to figure out if it's worth the price compared to other models, a big thing to think about is whether it matches up well with your smartphone.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is pretty feature-packed, but you'll get the most out of it if you have a Samsung Galaxy phone. The manufacturer highlights some of its advanced features that work best with Samsung's apps and integrations.
For example, stuff like ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and sleep apnea detection need a Galaxy phone to function. So, if you’re not using a Samsung phone, these might not be available to you.
Our research suggests that while the watch can work with most Android phones, folks with non-Galaxy phones, like Google's Pixel, might miss out on Samsung's exclusive perks. Samsung has set things up so that its own devices offer this seamless experience, which is something to keep in mind.
But even without a Galaxy phone, you still get to enjoy basic smartwatch functions like general health and fitness tracking, just not as comprehensive.
So, should you spring for the Galaxy Watch Ultra if you don’t have a Samsung phone? It's kind of up to you. If having all those Samsung-specific health features is a big deal for you and you're already using or plan to use a Galaxy phone, it could be a good buy.
But if you’re content with your current phone, you might want to think about whether what you can do on the watch matches up with its price.
If you can’t get the full range of health features, the cost might feel a bit high. You might find another smartwatch that works better with your current device and feels like a better value.
Ultimately, weighing how the Watch Ultra fits into your personal tech setup and whether its price and features work for you is key in making your decision.