## SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro: An In-Depth Comparison
Choosing the right smartwatch can be like navigating a maze. Today, we’re going to compare two strong contenders - the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro. Both offer a wide range of features, but cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Let’s take a look at the features of each smartwatch.
Design and Build Quality
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts a premium look thanks to its titanium bezel and sapphire crystal display. Designed with durability in mind, they certainly look accordingly. The watch face is customizable, which is great for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the nautical strap, while looking stylish, can get a bit splintery - literally - as it tends to snag on sleeves and other surfaces. Attaching the strap is also a bit difficult and requires more effort than expected.
The Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro, on the other hand, is sturdy and complaint-free, with an obsidian-black aluminum case and sapphire crystal display. The watch looks solid and ready for battle. The silicone strap is comfortable and, with a standard size of 24mm, can easily be replaced with a more stylish one. The standout feature is the dual display technology: a low-power screen for the main stats and a bright OLED screen for apps and settings. It’s a smart way to save battery life.
When it comes to performance, both watches have their strengths. The Galaxy Watch Ultra features incredibly accurate heart rate tracking and GPS, often as accurate as the Polar H10 chest strap and even outperforming the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 in some tests. Touch gestures are handy for turning off alarms and notifications. However, the buttons aren’t optimized for navigation during workouts, and the quick buttons are easy to press during activity and can be accidentally pressed.
Powered by a Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chip, the Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage for smooth performance. The watch also features extensive health tracking capabilities, including continuous monitoring of heart rate, SpO2, stress and sleep. Navigation is easy thanks to customizable side buttons and a rotating crown. However, step tracking can be inconsistent, and heart rate tracking during strength training can be inaccurate due to wrist movements.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important factor for any smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch Ultra provides about 2.5 days of battery life for an hour-long workout with GPS, which is decent, but doesn’t quite live up to Samsung’s claims. They also don’t support reverse wireless charging from Samsung phones, which is a bit disappointing.
The Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro, on the other hand, excels in this area, typically lasting 4-5 days in smartwatch mode and up to 80 hours in low-power display mode. This is a great advantage for those who don’t like to constantly charge their devices. Dual display technology is a breakthrough in battery saving.
Ease of Use
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is generally comfortable to use. The customizable watch face is easy to read and the pinch gestures are very useful. However, the buttons aren’t suitable for navigating workouts, and the marine strap can be uncomfortable while sleeping. The lack of reverse wireless charging is also a drawback.
The Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro offers ease of use with its rotating crown and customizable side buttons. Notification support is excellent, and the ability to reply to messages with emoji or voice input is very useful. However, the outdated Wear OS 3.5 version lacks a few new features and Google Assistant. Also, the step counting is a bit choppy at times.
Pros and Cons of SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Benefits:
- Very accurate heart rate and GPS tracking, comparable to high-end fitness equipment.
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time despite initial concerns about the strap.
- Flexibility in strap choice, compatible with older straps.
- Customizable watch face is easy to read and provides useful information.
- Pinch gestures to clear alarms and notifications.
- Cons:
- Buttons are not optimized for workout navigation; they open Samsung Pay and Google Assistant instead of navigating through workout pages.
- The strap can snag on things and is uncomfortable while sleeping.
- The strap is difficult to put on and requires more effort than expected.
- Due to the large sensor, the watch cannot be charged from Samsung cell phones.
Pros and Cons of Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro
- Benefits:
- Excellent battery life, typically 4-5 days in smartwatch mode and up to 80 hours on low power.
- Durable construction with sapphire crystal and reinforced bezel, scratch and shock resistant.
- Exclusive dual display technology with low-power, always-on time and health screen.
- Smooth performance with Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chip, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage.
- Customizable side buttons and rotating crown for easy navigation and app access.
- Cons:
- Outdated Wear OS 3.5, lacks new features and Google Assistant.
- Unstable step tracking.
- Heart rate tracking during strength training can be inaccurate due to wrist movement.
- No wireless charging option.
Final Thoughts
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra and Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro are great smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs. If precision fitness tracking and premium design are important to you, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a strong contender. However, if battery life is what matters most to you, the Ticwatch Pro 5 Enduro is a clear winner. It features unique dual display technology and a durable design that can withstand daily wear and tear. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and priorities.