Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 72-Hour Battery Test Confirms Samsung's 60-Hour Claim — PhoneArena

PhoneArena has published the first independent 72-hour battery test of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, confirming Samsung's claimed 60-hour battery life with the always-on display enabled. The test — which ran the watch through three full days of typical use — validates what reviewers suspected from early hands-on impressions.

The Test Results

PhoneArena's reviewer wore the Ultra 2 for 72 continuous hours with the always-on display active, GPS workouts, continuous heart rate monitoring, and typical notification usage. Key findings:

• 60 hours confirmed: The watch reliably lasted 2.5 days of heavy use before hitting 10% battery
• With AOD off: Battery stretched closer to 72+ hours under lighter usage
• GPS drain: A 45-minute GPS-tracked run consumed approximately 5–6% battery — comparable to the Apple Watch Ultra 3
• Charging time: 0–100% in approximately 90 minutes via the included magnetic charger

Full Review Roundup

PhoneArena joins a growing chorus of full reviews now arriving after a week with the device:

• T3: Calls it "Samsung's best smartwatch yet" and highlights the 5,000-nit display visibility in direct sunlight
• Stuff: Notes the 12% thinner case and praises Wear OS 7 performance, saying "it really flies here"
• Smartwatch Insight: Preliminary 8.5/10, pending extended battery testing
• GSMArena: Has the Ultra 2 in for full review, with early battery impressions matching Samsung's claims

Compared to Apple Watch Ultra 3

The battery comparison with Apple Watch Ultra 3 is particularly telling. Apple rates the Ultra 3 at 36 hours with AOD enabled and up to 72 hours in low-power mode. Samsung's Ultra 2 delivers 60 hours with AOD — nearly double Apple's standard runtime. However, Apple's low-power mode still offers longer maximum endurance for multi-day hikes.

What This Means for Buyers

The 60-hour battery life transforms the Ultra 2 from a nightly-charge device to a true multi-day smartwatch. If battery endurance was holding you back from the Galaxy Watch Ultra line, this generation removes that objection. Pre-orders with $100 Amazon gift card are still available ahead of the August 7 ship date. Compare to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $640 in our smartwatch guide.