The smartwatch market is more competitive than ever in 2025. With Apple, Garmin, Huawei, and Samsung constantly one-upping each other, deciding which watch is worth your money can be tough. Samsung’s answer this year is the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025 edition)—its most premium and rugged wearable to date.

But is it really the best smartwatch of 2025? And more importantly, is it worth buying in Kenya, where pricing, durability, and local support matter? Let’s take a closer look, with Mobi Express, one of Kenya’s trusted online gadget stores, as our point of reference.

What’s New with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?

Samsung didn’t throw away the blueprint from 2024; instead, it refined it. Think of this as a watch designed for endurance, intelligence, and usability.

Here are the standout upgrades for 2025:

  • Storage doubled to 64GB – Plenty of room for apps, offline maps, and music. Perfect for runners and travelers who don’t want to carry a phone everywhere.

  • Wear OS 6 with One UI Watch 8 – The latest software, smooth animations, and deeper integration with Samsung Health and Galaxy AI.

  • Gemini AI assistant – A smarter, context-aware assistant that gives fitness insights, quick responses, and predictive suggestions.

  • New Titanium Blue color – Joining Silver, Gray, and White. A subtle but stylish update for those who like variety.

  • Improved durability – Titanium frame, sapphire glass, and MIL-STD 810H compliance for drops, dust, and water resistance.

  • Battery life tweaks – Up to 60 hours in normal use and 100 hours in power-saving mode.

None of these are flashy gimmicks. Instead, Samsung is fine-tuning a watch that already had a solid foundation.

Design and Build: Rugged but Stylish

The 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display remains one of the best in the market. It’s crisp, bright, and viewable even in Nairobi’s midday sun. At the same time, the titanium build makes it durable enough for hikes in Naivasha or a swim in the Indian Ocean.

Water resistance is rated at 10 ATM and IP68, meaning you can take it swimming without worry. Unlike fashion-first smartwatches, the Watch Ultra is built with real outdoor adventure in mind.

At the same time, it doesn’t feel bulky. Many users in Kenya are concerned that “rugged” means “heavy,” but Samsung struck a balance—it’s durable yet wearable for daily office and casual use.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Watch Ultra runs on Wear OS 6 with Samsung’s One UI Watch 8. This means:

  • Access to Google Play apps designed for smartwatches.

  • Smooth navigation thanks to Samsung’s interface.

  • Deeper integration with Samsung phones but still works fine with other Android devices.

The new Gemini AI assistant is a big deal. Instead of just answering commands, it gives contextual suggestions. For example:

  • If you’re in Nairobi traffic, it can suggest a quick walk reminder after a long sit.

  • During workouts, it can give real-time feedback on pace and energy levels.

  • It uses Samsung’s new Energy Score, analyzing sleep, heart rate, and activity to tell you how ready your body is for the day.

These subtle but smart upgrades make the watch feel more like a personal health coach than just a gadget.

Fitness and Health Tracking

Health remains the strongest reason to get a smartwatch in 2025, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra packs serious sensors:

  • BioActive Sensor 5.0 – Measures heart rate, ECG, SpO₂, and stress.

  • Body composition scanner – Helps track fat, muscle, and hydration—great for fitness enthusiasts.

  • Dual-frequency GPS – Incredibly accurate for runners, cyclists, and hikers in Kenya’s varied terrain.

  • Antioxidant index – A newer feature that gives insight into your cellular health.

For Kenyan athletes, the accurate GPS is especially useful. Nairobi marathon runners, cyclists in Eldoret, or casual joggers at Karura Forest will all benefit. The watch locks on quickly and doesn’t drift in areas with tall buildings.

Battery Life: Strong but Not Endless

Samsung claims:

  • 60 hours of standard use

  • 100 hours with power saving mode

This is solid compared to Apple Watch Ultra (about 36–48 hours), though it doesn’t beat Garmin’s solar-powered models that can stretch into weeks.

Some Kenyan users report real-world usage closer to 2–3 days per charge. That’s good for a smartwatch this powerful, but if you want something you can forget to charge for a week, Garmin or Huawei may serve you better.

Everyday Use in Kenya

So how does this watch fit into daily life here in Kenya?

  • Commuters in Nairobi will love Google Pay support, notifications, and fitness reminders during long matatu rides.

  • Students and professionals benefit from productivity apps, calendar sync, and offline music for focus.

  • Adventurers in Rift Valley or Coast regions will appreciate the rugged build, dual GPS, and water resistance.

  • Health-focused users get advanced tracking, from sleep to stress management, with meaningful insights.

It’s not just a fitness device; it’s an everyday assistant that adapts to different lifestyles.

Price in Kenya

As of August 2025, the Samsung Watch Ultra retails around KSh 84,000 at trusted local retailers.

Buying from Mobi Express gives Kenyan customers:

  • Genuine Samsung products with local warranties.

  • Payment flexibility, including M-Pesa, credit/debit card, and installment plans.

  • Fast delivery across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other towns.

  • Reliable after-sales service—important for such a premium gadget.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Premium titanium and sapphire build.

  • Bright, durable AMOLED display.

  • Long battery life (2–4 days typical).

  • Advanced health metrics and accurate GPS.

  • AI assistant makes it more useful than ever.

  • Works well with Android phones, especially Samsung.

Cons:

  • High price (KSh 80K+ is not budget-friendly).

  • Only a modest upgrade from the 2024 Ultra.

  • Still needs charging every few days.

  • Lacks the rotating bezel of Samsung’s Watch Classic line.

How Does It Compare to Rivals?

  • Apple Watch Ultra 2: More polished software and app ecosystem, but shorter battery life and more expensive in Kenya.

  • Garmin Fenix/Epix series: Superior endurance (up to weeks) and outdoor focus, but weaker in smart features like apps and notifications.

  • Huawei Watch Ultimate: Similar durability and battery life, but less robust app ecosystem.

For Kenyan Android users, the Samsung Watch Ultra is the most balanced option. It blends smarts, fitness, durability, and battery life in one package.

Final Verdict: The Best Smartwatch for 2025?

Is it the best smartwatch in 2025? That depends on your priorities.

  • If you want the smartest Android-friendly watch with a mix of durability, AI, and health tracking—yes, it’s the best.

  • If you prioritize multi-week battery life for trekking in the wild, Garmin may serve you better.

  • If you’re locked into the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Ultra is still your best bet.

For Kenyan buyers, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) is an excellent choice. It’s premium, rugged, reliable, and practical for daily life—from Nairobi offices to Mombasa beaches. And buying from Mobi Express ensures you get local support, warranty, and safe payment options.

So if you’re ready to upgrade your wrist game in 2025, the Watch Ultra deserves a serious look.

Frequently Ask Questions

1. What makes the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra different from other Samsung watches?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung’s most premium smartwatch. It features a titanium body, sapphire glass, dual-frequency GPS, 64GB storage, and the latest Wear OS 6 with Galaxy AI support.

2. How much does the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra cost in Kenya?
As of 2025, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is priced around KSh 84,000 in Kenya. You can buy it at Mobi Express, where you get genuine Samsung devices, local warranty, and flexible payment options.

3. Does the Samsung Watch Ultra support 5G or eSIM in Kenya?
Yes. The Galaxy Watch Ultra supports LTE with eSIM on Kenyan networks like Safaricom and Airtel, allowing you to make calls and use data without your phone.

4. How long does the battery last on the Samsung Watch Ultra?
The battery lasts up to 60 hours on normal mode and about 100 hours in power-saving mode. In real-world Kenyan use, expect about 2–4 days depending on your activity levels.

5. Is the Samsung Watch Ultra good for fitness and health tracking?
Yes. It includes advanced health features such as ECG, SpO₂, body composition, sleep analysis, stress tracking, and accurate dual-frequency GPS—perfect for runners, hikers, and gym users in Kenya.

6. Where can I buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in Kenya?
You can order the Galaxy Watch Ultra online at Mobi Express, which delivers across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and other towns. They also offer after-sales support and genuine accessories.