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Why I’m glad the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is inspired by Apple

Posted on by angelo
Why I’m glad the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is inspired by Apple

Apple and Samsung have been arguing for a while now over who has the best smartwatch, but each has largely made their own design choices. Apple is all about the square dial, while Samsung claims the circular dial is best. That doesn’t seem likely to change in 2024, but a new round of leaks suggests the top-of-the-line Galaxy Watch 7 will be more Apple-like than ever.

Images posted on X by an industry insider Evan Blass show the long-rumored Galaxy Watch Ultra from all angles, along with the regular Watch 7 and two new pairs of Galaxy Buds earbuds. A square case, orange band, and proprietary mounting mechanism make it a dead ringer for the Apple Watch Ultra, albeit with a circular display instead of a rectangular one. This confirms earlier rumors from OnLeaks and Smartprix, which showed a design unlike any other Galaxy Watch before it.

And honestly? I think it’s a great decision. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic weren’t that different from their vanilla counterparts, so only tech geeks would have any idea you were using the more expensive version. In the watch world, you want people to know you’re wearing something special on your wrist. With renders showing the Galaxy Watch 7 looking nearly identical to the current-gen Galaxy Watch, there’s no mistaking the Ultra for anything other than the best watch in Samsung’s lineup.

The leaked images show orange and black bands, but suggest that each watch will have orange accents on the side buttons and bezel. I doubt that going with a different color would have stopped comparisons to the Apple Watch Ultra, but I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that Samsung will have unique color options at launch. At least the case will come in three choices: black, silver, and dark titanium (although I don’t know if it will actually be made from that material).

It also looks like third-party bands will be a challenge, at least at launch, as the Watch Ultra doesn’t appear to use quick-release lugs like previous Galaxy Watches.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra rear render via EVleaksSamsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra rear render via EVleaks
Leaked render via @EVleaks

Photos aside, everything else about the Galaxy Watch Ultra remains a mystery – even the name. Android Headlines has suggested firmware versions named for three different watch models: the Watch 7, Watch 7 Classic, and Watch Ultra.

Previous reports from Galaxy Club indicated that Samsung’s premium wristband would pack a massive 578mAh battery, giving it the longevity I’ve been hoping for since Samsung’s wrist tech ditched its proprietary Tizen operating system for Wear OS. As for features, expect a more powerful processor for faster tasks and upgrades to all the built-in health sensors.

The smartwatch is expected to land on July 10 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 smartphones.