Watch out Apple - Samsung's new Ultra smartwatch gets big features at a lower price

The Apple Watch Ultra might be one of the best wearables on the market but it's getting some stiff new competition from Samsung. The Korean technology giant has just announced the launch of its new Galaxy Watch Ultra - at its Unpacked launch event in Paris - which appears to have taken plenty of inspiration from Apple's most premium Watch. This latest Galaxy device gets a tough and rugged new Titanium design which has been made to help it survive the roughest of conditions.

Samsung is making some big claims about this wearable including its ability to go 500 metres below sea level and 9,000 metres up a mountain without any issues. It can also cope with extreme weather so you won't have problems telling the time in the midday sun or during the freezing winter.

Just like the Apple Watch Ultra, there's also a Quick Button on the side which gets you to your favourite features with just one tap plus there's an in-built emergency siren which belts out an alarm plus a Night Mode which changes the display to a red colour for optimal readability in the dark.

Of course, like all smartwatches, it will monitor your daily fitness, sleep and heart rate but Samsung has also added a function for multi-course workouts which is ideal for those bold enough to take on activities like triathlons.

There's also the addition of a new Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling which accurately measures maximum cycling power and it's able to provide an advanced Personalised HR Zone. This is aimed at letting you run at optimal intensity levels based on your physical capabilities.

If you are heading off the beaten track it can keep glowing for up to 100 hours without needing a refill.

It comes in one 47mm size but there are three colours to choose from including Titanium Gray, Titanium White, and Titanium Silver.

Now here's the good news as the Watch Ultra costs £599 - that's £200 cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra. It's available to pre-order now and will go on sale later this month.

If £599 sounds a bit pricey, there's also a new Galaxy Watch 7 arriving in stores as well with prices starting from a more reasonable £289. 

This updated wearable gets a slimline look, more power and improved health tracking.

Along with the new watches, Samsung has also finally revealed an official launch date for its Galaxy Ring which monitors health right from your finger. It costs £399.

“The latest additions to our wearables portfolio integrate Samsung’s most advanced technologies and innovations, enabling you to take control of your health and wellness with preventative healthcare solutions,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.

“The intelligence, guidance, and insights that are offered with Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch7, and Galaxy Watch Ultra will help users turn data into meaningful insights and create a whole new era of expanded intelligent health experiences.”