Samsung's watch ultra 2: a massive battery boost masked by charging woes

Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 boasts a headline-grabbing 800mAh battery – a 35% jump from last year’s model. But beneath the impressive specs lies a frustrating reality: an agonizingly slow charging speed that threatens to undermine the watch’s three-day battery life.

The good news, and the bitter pill

Let’s be clear, the extended battery life is genuinely compelling. Three days on a single charge is a significant improvement, particularly for users who rely on their wearables for constant health monitoring. However, Samsung’s decision to pack that larger battery into a marginally slimmer chassis has resulted in a charging time that feels… archaic. We subjected the Ultra 2 to rigorous testing using Samsung’s own magnetic charging puck and a 25-watt charger – and the results were frankly disappointing.

Four hours to full charge? seriously?

The clock ticked past four hours before the Ultra 2 reached a full charge. It’s a staggering figure, particularly when compared to the speed of charging competing devices. We’re talking about a watch designed for 24/7 use, tracking sleep, activity, and vital signs – a device that demands consistent power. This sluggish charging experience fundamentally clashes with that intended use case.

A comparative look

The numbers speak volumes. While a bigger battery should take longer to charge, four hours is simply unacceptable. Compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which achieves a 55-60% charge in just 30 minutes, and the Google Pixel Watch 4, which hits 80% in the same timeframe, Samsung’s Ultra 2 lags dramatically. It’s a clear case of prioritizing capacity over convenience – a misstep in a market increasingly driven by speed and efficiency.

The real problem: battery anxiety, reimagined

Samsung addressed battery anxiety with the Ultra 2’s extended runtime, but they’ve inadvertently created a new, equally unsettling problem: charging anxiety. A device with three days of life is only truly liberating when topping up is a rapid and painless process. The current implementation feels… well, frustrating. It’s a glaring omission, particularly considering the premium price point of this flagship smartwatch.

The bottom line: Samsung delivered a substantial battery upgrade, but a painfully slow charging speed threatens to overshadow its merits. It’s a cautionary tale of prioritizing size over usability – a reminder that innovation shouldn't come at the expense of a seamless user experience.