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About 25 years ago, runners wearing watches mainly monitored their performance times. However, when the first watches with GPS capabilities appeared on the market in 2003, the technology paved the way for new distance tracking options. The first models were huge and didn’t really look like a watch. Fast forward to today, and modern smartwatches for running look like a normal watch and offer the latest technology. If you’re a fan of Samsung-branded devices, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra ($379 at Best Buy) is among the best modern watches for runners.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra, which was introduced in 2024, gives you good value over the recently launched Ultra2, which costs $699 at Best Buy, but it offers many of the same basic features. The Ultra2 certainly has some improved features for runners over the Ultra, like being slightly thinner without sacrificing durability, having a noticeably brighter screen, and offering a new trail running mode. However, any review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra shows that it is still a powerful model for runners.
The Ultra2 is a great model, but as someone who loves running and tracking performance, I find it hard to justify spending almost $700 to use it primarily for racing. It is much easier to justify using the previous version of the technology and save almost 50%. If I were someone who primarily hiked unpredictable mountain trails and wanted maximum precision, the Ultra2’s trail mode would probably be worth it.
Features that make the Galaxy Watch Ultra ideal for runners
Although I don’t run on mountain trails, I like to run in rural areas and away from busy roads and streets, although it is easier in the city to estimate distances while running. However, with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, it is easy to cover particular distances in unfamiliar or rural areas with precision. It uses dual frequency GPS technology to ensure the highest level of accuracy. It measures both L1 and L5 frequencies, giving the Galaxy Watch Ultra two distinct reference points, creating a more accurate measurement of your route. When introduced in 2024, it was the first Galaxy smartwatch to offer dual frequency technology, and the Ultra2 still offers this same functionality.
Since I run mostly during the day, a bright display, easily visible in the sun, is important. Although the Ultra2 has a significantly brighter screen than the Ultra, the Ultra screen has enough brightness to be seen clearly in the middle of a sunny day.
I run summer and winter, so I also appreciate the Ultra’s ability to operate in widely varying temperatures (from minus 4 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit) while being worn on the wrist. (The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 offers the same operating temperature range.)
Other key features for runners with the Ultra smartwatch
If you’re new to running or have plateaued and want to break through, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra gives you access to Samsung’s Running Coach feature. Open the Samsung Health app on the watch and select Exercise. You can then choose Running Coach as one of the workout options. The app will ask you to enter information about your running abilities and experience. You’ll then complete a 12-minute test to set a baseline for the app to measure your abilities. He then develops a personalized training plan based on your abilities and fitness level. Some people find Running Coach to be a useful feature because it actually develops a plan specific to you, and others find it useful for improving their running performance. (Ultra2 also provides access to Running Coach.)
If you’re someone like me who doesn’t pay attention to charging your smartwatches regularly, good battery life is important. You don’t want a low battery to prevent you from using GPS or managing your music playlist during a long run. Galaxy Watch Ultra users on Reddit claim to experience one to three days of battery life under normal usage. When using GPS tracking with the watch for a daylong hike or workout, up to 15 hours of battery life is possible. Others say they have no issues with battery life while working out, even when listening to music.
