Samsung Eyes Apple Watch Ultra Feature for Next Smartwatch

Apple unveiled its new smartwatch lineup this week. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 introduced a significant display enhancement. This new feature directly challenges Samsung’s current Galaxy Watch capabilities.

Industry analysts noted the upgrade’s focus on the Always-On Display function. This move raises the bar for premium smartwatch specifications. Samsung now faces pressure to respond in its next model.

Technical Leap with 1Hz LTPO OLED Screen

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 employs a new LTPO OLED display. This technology allows the refresh rate to drop to just 1Hz. It is a standard feature on high-end smartphones but new to this watch series.

This ultra-low refresh rate is key for the Always-On Display. It enables the second hand to move smoothly even when the watch is inactive. According to Reuters, this provides a more watch-like experience without a major battery life penalty.

Samsung’s Current Hardware Limitation

In contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 series cannot match this feat. Current models have displays locked to a 60Hz refresh rate. The Always-On Display refreshes only once every minute to conserve power.

This is a fundamental hardware constraint. It means the second hand or analog ticker vanishes on Samsung’s Always-On Display. Samsung cannot fix this limitation through a software update alone.

The company must adopt new display technology in future models. This hardware shift is essential to compete with Apple’s latest innovation. Bloomberg has reported on the increasing specs competition in the wearables market.

The new Apple Watch Ultra 3 display sets a new industry benchmark for functionality. Samsung must integrate similar LTPO technology to keep its Galaxy Watch series competitive.

Info at your fingertips

What is the key new feature of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 display?

The key upgrade is its LTPO OLED panel. It can refresh at an ultra-low 1Hz rate. This allows a moving second hand on the Always-On Display.

Can the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 show a moving second hand on its AOD?

No, it currently cannot. The Galaxy Watch hardware refreshes its AOD only once per minute. This makes a smooth, moving second hand impossible.

Does the 1Hz refresh rate drain the Apple Watch Ultra 3 battery?

Apple claims the feature does not significantly impact battery life. LTPO technology is designed specifically for high energy efficiency at low refresh rates.

Will Samsung add this feature to the Galaxy Watch 9?

There is no official confirmation from Samsung yet. However, industry pressure may lead them to adopt similar LTPO display technology in a future model.

Why is this display improvement important?

It enhances the watch’s aesthetic, making it look more like a traditional timepiece. It also represents a tangible technical advancement in smartwatch screens.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg