## SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra vs ONEPLUS Watch 2: An In-Depth Comparison
Choosing the right smartwatch can feel like traveling through a minefield. You want them to fit your lifestyle, track your fitness, and not kill you in the middle of the day. Today, we’re going to compare two contenders: SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra and ONEPLUS Watch 2. Let’s break down all the intricacies to see which one comes out on top.
Design and Build Quality
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra looks premium thanks to its titanium bezel and sapphire crystal. This is a high-tech product that is durable and looks solid. A nice touch is the watch’s customizable dial, which allows you to display the information most important to you, such as the UV index. The watch is a bit large, but it fits well and the compatibility with older straps is a nice touch. However, the Marine strap tends to get caught on something, literally, so it can get a little snaggy.
The ONEPLUS Watch 2, on the other hand, has a stainless steel case and sapphire-coated glass, which gives it a premium look. The watch looks stylish, but it doesn’t feel like a “high-tech gadget” - the AMOLED display is bright and clear even in direct sunlight. Interchangeable straps are a nice touch, allowing you to make the watch individual. It feels like a real watch and not just plastic. However, the charger is a bulky block of plastic and is not the most elegant design.
When it comes to performance, the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra shines with heart rate tracking and GPS accuracy, often as accurate as the Polar H10 chest strap, and in some cases even surpassing the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2. The pinch gesture is useful for turning off alarms and notifications. However, the buttons are not optimized for navigation during workouts, and the quick buttons are easy to press during exercise and can be accidentally pressed. Battery life is good but not exceptional - about 2.5 days with an hour-long GPS workout.
The ONEPLUS Watch 2 stands out with a dual OS and processor that utilizes a hybrid of Wear OS and RTOS. This ensures efficient performance and battery savings; dual-frequency GPS provides greater accuracy. Battery life is a big plus: about 100 hours in Smart mode and up to 12 days in Power Saver mode. However, there’s a noticeable lag when lifting your wrist to view notifications, and the tactile feedback isn’t too perfect. The rotating crown is also somewhat disappointing as it serves no function.
Everyday Use
Using the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra in everyday life is seamless. They are perfect for running, hiking, and golfing. Wrist notifications are very useful and pinch gestures make it easy to navigate. The sturdy construction means you don’t have to worry about scratching them while bouldering. However, the strap can be difficult to attach. Also, it is not suitable for charging Samsung cell phones.
ONEPLUS Watch 2 fit perfectly into everyday life, especially for those who have to charge their watches every day. They are reliable and durable and have the basic functions of a smartwatch. The fitness tracking is comprehensive and the OHealth app is well organized. However, inconsistent step tracking and delayed notifications can be a bit annoying. The non-functioning crown is another odd design choice.
Pros and Cons of SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Pluses:
- Very accurate heart rate and GPS tracking, comparable to a high-end fitness watch.
- Comfortable to wear.
- Flexibility in strap choice, compatible with older straps.
- Customizable dial with useful information.
- Convenient pinch gesture to turn off alarms and notifications.
- Cons:
- Buttons are not optimized for navigation of workouts.
- The strap clings to objects and can be uncomfortable while sleeping.
- Strap is difficult to put on and takes more effort than expected.
- Unable to charge Samsung cell phones.
Pros and Cons of ONEPLUS Watch 2
- Benefits:
- Excellent battery life, up to 100 hours in smart mode.
- Dual OS and processor for efficient performance and battery saving.
- Premium design with stainless steel case and sapphire coated glass.
- Dual-frequency GPS for greater accuracy.
- Competitively priced Offers many features for its price.
- Cons:
- Notification lag when raising your wrist to view notifications.
- Haptic effects are not very advanced.
- Not compatible with iPhone.
- Unstable step tracking.
Conclusion
SAMSUNG’s Galaxy Watch Ultra and ONEPLUS Watch 2 have pros and cons. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a great choice for fitness enthusiasts because of its accuracy and durability. However, they have a few drawbacks such as button placement and charging limitations. The ONEPLUS Watch 2 features long battery life and dual OS, making it a reliable daily companion. However, there are a few drawbacks such as delayed notifications and a non-functioning crown. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and needs. If you value accuracy and durability, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a great choice. If battery life and cost are important to you, the ONEPLUS Watch 2 is a strong contender.