Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, Ring, and S26 Ultra Survive Desert Endurance Race

Samsung put its flagship wearables to the ultimate test. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Ring were deployed during The Speed Project — an underground-style relay race spanning over 300 miles across the California and Nevada desert.

What Is The Speed Project?

The Speed Project is an invitation-only endurance relay race from Los Angeles to Las Vegas through the Mojave Desert. Teams face extreme heat, sandstorms, and round-the-clock running — making it one of the most punishing endurance events in the world.

What Samsung Tested

• Galaxy Watch Ultra: GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and hydration reminders across multi-day desert conditions
• Galaxy Ring: Continuous sleep and recovery tracking between relay legs
• Galaxy S26 Ultra: Photography, route planning, and team communication in extreme heat and dust

What This Means for Buyers

Samsung is clearly positioning the Galaxy Watch Ultra as a direct rival to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for outdoor enthusiasts. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is available at $639 on Amazon, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is currently $609 on Amazon. A Galaxy Watch 9 Ultra sequel is expected at Galaxy Unpacked in July 2026.