Samsung has pulled off the impossible: crafting a watch face that has won me over, and I have no intention of switching it out for anything else.

In a remarkable about-face, after years of offering lackluster designs, the Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts the most intelligent, stylish, practical, and visually stunning watch face I’ve encountered on a Samsung smartwatch. Dubbed the Ultra Analog, it’s an absolute tour de force.

Samsung’s watch face conundrum

Before delving into the Ultra Analog’s excellence, it’s essential to discuss the shortcomings of its predecessors. While “underwhelming” might be too kind, the issue with most Samsung smartwatch faces is their uninspired nature. Multiple iterations of the same theme abound, featuring oversized, colorful numerals or overly complex dashboards. If one doesn’t resonate with you, chances are none will.

At first glance, the array of available faces appears impressive, but upon closer inspection, the options dwindle. I’ve often found myself underwhelmed by Samsung’s watch face collection, which comprises digital faces, antiquated designs, juvenile animated characters, and lackluster analog dials. None have ever truly captivated me, until now.

My requirements are straightforward, too. I desire a quick glance at the time and battery level – anything more is superfluous, as it either gets lost in the noise or defeats the purpose of a glanceable screen on my wrist. I crave a traditional watch face aesthetic, not a miniature computer, but I also appreciate a playful watch face, which is why I’m fond of the Snoopy watch face on my Apple Watch Series 9. Its joyful, fun, and amusing animated antics, paired with its rich horological heritage, make it a true delight. I can overlook its lack of complications due to its charm, and Samsung has finally managed to replicate this magic with the Ultra Analog.

Ultra Analog: a paradigm shift

What sets the Ultra Analog watch face apart? As its name implies, it boasts an analog design, featuring two hands, a second hand, and numerals around the dial to display the time. This busy face is also customizable, with multiple complications that can be tailored to your preferences. I’ve opted for a more traditional setup, with the three sub-dials showcasing heart rate, temperature and weather, and battery life. Additionally, it includes a complication displaying the day and date, making it the perfect blend of style and functionality. For more information, visit https://t8tech.com/mobile/samsung-achieves-the-unthinkable-with-revolutionary-galaxy-watch-ultra/.

Rising above the rest, the Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts an animated compass that encircles the dial's edge, as well as the ability to customize the dial's hue. Selecting the perfect shade is crucial, as some options can be unflattering and detract from the watch face. However, I've found that certain blue and gold tones beautifully complement the Watch Ultra, particularly when paired with the vibrant orange band.

While the Ultra Analog is my top choice, a secondary option is available for those who find it too cluttered. The aptly named Simple Analog omits the compass in the bezel, transforming it into a complication, and enlarges the numerals for a more glanceable view. I find it looks stunning in Night mode, where the entire watch face exudes a warm, crimson glow. Both options suit the Galaxy Watch Ultra, but the Ultra Analog truly showcases the new case design.

Exclusive to the Ultra

I have no intention of switching to a different watch face on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, a testament to its superiority over previous models. If you’re eager to try the Ultra Analog watch face for yourself, you’ll need to own the Galaxy Watch Ultra, as it’s currently exclusive to Samsung’s latest smartwatch. Those with the Galaxy Watch 7 or older models like the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro or Galaxy Watch 6 Classic are out of luck – or are they?

The Ultra Analog watch face is actually the second watch face from Samsung that I’ve grown fond of. On other Samsung smartwatches, I’ve settled on the Perpetual watch face, which, although lacking the Ultra Analog’s functionality, boasts a unique calendar that encircles the dial’s edge. I think it looks great on the Watch 6 Classic and the Watch 7, but it can’t match the Ultra Analog’s well-rounded, multifunctional design and undeniable cool factor.

Certain individuals are more than willing to shell out for watch faces via third-party applications, and while I acknowledge the value of this option, I firmly believe that the smartwatch manufacturer should offer a diverse range of complimentary, expertly crafted watch faces that seamlessly complement the watch’s aesthetic. Until recently, Samsung, unlike its Apple counterpart, has fallen short in this regard. However, the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Ultra Analog watch face have marked a significant shift in this direction. I sincerely hope this trend continues, as I would be thrilled to see a brand-new watch face that replicates the success of the Ultra Analog for the Watch 7 as well.