Samsung's Magical 4 Minute Cycling Test: Does it actually work?

Last week Samsung touted a pretty bold claim in the middle of their keynote for their newest smartwatch: They could determine your cycling FTP (functional threashold power, the max power you can maintain for roughly an hour). To do this, you’d need a cycling power meter, 4 minutes, and…well…that’s it.Thus, I decided to give this a whirl. Turns out, the fine print is pretty important here.I’m going to save you many hours of troubleshooting, searching, and otherwise trying to figure out how on earth to do this test. Despite this being one of a handful of new features highlighted for the new watch in their keynote, there’s virtually no documentation on it. And by ‘virtually’, I mean ‘absolutely none at all’. The core of my challenge was figuring out first how to pair a power meter to the watch, and then second, how to trigger an FTP test.
#SamsunGalaxyUltra #SamsungUltraWatch

[@HobbyHoarder]

I feel that people who are so deep into cycling to own a powermeter will have a proper bike computer anyway. I don't see the point of marketing a watch to cyclists at this level. Conversely, a runner who will occasionally cycle with the watch probably doesn't care about FTP.

[@augustgames6502]

They are probably targeting someone who's considering a power meter for the first time and is deep into the Samsung eco system. That someone is probably going to quit cycling with this experience lol.

[@BETRNSX]

Agree! I’m not using my phone or watch as a computer so it kills the battery. A dedicated computer like a Wahoo Roam is amazing.

[@crieyza]

I use my Garmin Fenix 6x. It’s a big enough screen and I can just put it back on my wrist adter cycling. Also super useful for triathlon: same device for all disciplines. Tbh it has most of the features and is stronger, lighter, and more aero. Not to mention that a comparable computer (ie w/ mapping) would run me like $500

[@galenkehler]

As soon as he said power meter, I had the same reaction: "if I already have a power meter, what do I need the watch for?"

[@franmcgowan4068]

I use my watch to record everything. The headunit is just for numbers on the ride.

[@edittide9842]

Fun review😊 So the conclusion is that anecdotally it’s possibly kinda working and feels accurate enough (maybe) but it’s so temperamental Samsung has ensured you can never consistently use it😂

[@JimHester]

I knew better than to think Samsung was gonna get this right and the cycling stuff was gonna work well. And yet here I am, disappointed that it doesn't. Fool me once...

[@bassyey]

Haha. Just give up bro. They're never going to get this right. I'm an S24+ user. Not hating on Samsung, just speaking the truth.

[@Tarkov.]

2:40 and hey just a quick note.....

[@krzysztoftylek787]

Editing glitch 😂

[@markojarvenpaa2486]

Glitch in matrix! O_O

[@Dcrainmaker]

I’m just making triple sure you hit subscribe… 🤣🤷🏼‍♂️

[@atleastthreecharswide]

I was high and went why do I feel like it's being repeated. I went back and it felt way too long.

[@adyton]

Here it comes! The review everyone is waiting for. Thank you.

[@thani7963]

Always the best, excellent review stops companies from advertising things w/o prove. Thank you Ray.

[@aznick102]

Ok mate, this was too funny! "I hear ya bud..."

[@joelberman5981]

I hate to say it, but it’s most entertaining when you encounter products that shall we say aren’t ready for market yet

[@LeesChannel]

It's amazing how year after year Samsung bungles up the basic advertised functionality of their smartwatches, yet people still apparently buy them.

[@davidehrlich5140]

I use the FTP calculation on the Garmin Edge. I'm a measely 180-190 watt FTP and I use FTP to judge my fitness by noting the increases in FTP over the season.

[@AndrewBlucher]

Covid destroyed my FTP. That's what I'm saying anyway. I'll be happy (er) when it's back over 200. If it ever does. 3 W/kg would be a nice number.

[@The.JZA.]

Samsung software = dumpster fire. It’s about what I expected.

[@PureNRG2]

Makes me glad that I decided to live in the Garmin ecosystem.

[@trailzrock2]

That's why my Garmin 955 stays on my wrist without any chance of giving up that real estate to Apple or Samsung anytime soon. Thank you Garmin for keeping it realz that and for ANT+ 😀👍

[@superiortoall22]

I mean Apple is just as accurate as Garmin, it just does more with third party apps while sacrificing battery. Just depends on what you want out of a watch: fitness tracker or a smart watch.

[@trailzrock2]

@@superiortoall22 true. Don't need a smartwatch. I do need battery life and ANT+ for sure. A power meter will not pair with the Apple watch and the iPad at the same time. As for when I do indoor riding. Also, the Apple watch health is not cohesive like Garmin's and you even have to pay for the features you get free on Garmin, Coros, Suunto and Polar.

[@williamstevenson2649]

Excellent, and entertaining, as always!

[@neilb679]

Love your work!! So helpful 💪

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it!

[@ravipdhillon]

The FTP measurement worked with my galaxy watch 6 classic? Connected to my power meter pedals and gave me the figure afterwards.

[@macsdiving]

definitely entertaining - thanks Ray!

[@superfost2001]

I don't get it, why do you need the watch at all if the whole thing is app driven? Why not just pair to a chest strap and boom FTP appears?

[@abdsalamelkhamlichi6677]

I think the phone is just there to display the information.

[@matteo.ceriotti]

Maybe HR measurement?

[@superfost2001]

@matteo.ceriotti that's what Ray has said in the video; hence my comment: why not pair the app directly to a chest strap. It's far more accurate than an optical HR sensor (and cheaper than the watch!).

[@suisinghoraceho2403]

Because their business is to sell watches and this feature is a half baked attempt to lure a few cyclists into buying their watches.

[@AndrewBlucher]

That's boom-boom, boom-boom. Unless you have a failing heart :-)

[@KarelOmacka-kl9iu]

Thanks❤ i am ready for new watchos11 ❤

[@edwardebel1847]

Hey…I “whacked” that “like” icon before you reminded me! Yeaaaa me! Also, sadly I can only subscribe once, so there’s that… Cheers from another Silver Spring-ian… (Blair, in case you’re wondering.) (Love that ride along Sligo Creek…just sayin’)…Don’t really care about the tech in this video…but when I throw away my Garmin Edge(s) and dump my Apple Ultra Watch, then I’ll come back here… :-) Thanks for all your videos, BTW, and I know that comments help the channel, even inane ones like this one.

[@idontwantacallsign]

My watch ultra via my galaxy s22 connected immediately to my Rival as powermeter, and the wahoo kickr core. Haven't tried it when cycling yet.

[@adamcurpier]

So, you have to pair the Power Meter with the Samsung phone, not the watch, correct? Minus the FTP test, did the power meter stay connected to the watch? Last, I wonder if using an app like HR2VP would be better?

[@Chris_hong_sung]

Great and entertaining review 😂

[@MrTandtrollet]

Is it not a problem to have the power meeter connected to both the Garmin and the watch at the same time? Could cause the disconnect issues maybe?

[@DeanPattrick]

Like the Cameo (Word Up) reference

[@georgevadnais3516]

Tanks for this video and all of...

[@MarksTech]

pretty cool, but I dont see the use for it. I feel like those that know what FTP is, or those that are cyclists, will use an actual meter. A dedicated computer is always better than an 'all-in-one' computer (or in this case, watch). Also not to mention that amount of times it failed to properly connect. Not a great experience.

[@tasimota]

@5:26 lol. Poor little box hahahah. Very funny misanthropic personification humor:)

[@Bananawanker]

5:16 to see it fall 😊

[@fabianmolyneux2308]

Firstly, just a house-keeping aspect, when I go to "Full Screen" view of your vids, it blocks out/inhibits the ability to click the like emoji. It leads me to think you may be missing out on getting the full response of those of us watching. Secondly, great vid and the Samsung FTP is sadly so 1/2 baked. It's a pity as fully working I bet it would be popular among cyclists

[@AsteroideaVelatida]

Typically, Bluetooth is a one-to-one connection. If the power meter is connected to Garmin's cycling computer, I think it's natural that it would be disconnected from the phone, but if I disconnect it from the Garmin cycling computer and connect the power meter to my phone, does the same problem occur?

[@kakihara111]

Reminds me of my Forerunner 955. While paring it to the Giant Powermeter I use isn't an issue, it simply has dropouts every few seconds making it useless. Luckily I got my cycling computer and for running and other stuff it's fine, but for cycling it is useless.

[@improvestepbystep]

I love my 955

[@friedrichborggrefe41]

You’ve already worn the Canyon helmet. What are your thoughts about it?

[@paulschulman8131]

Samsung requiring cellular data makes me think it's tracking your habits

[@ibby81ae]

How is the battery life? have you activated all the health options like continuous heart and stress tracking, sleep, etc.?

[@broadivan]

Can't wait for the real review

[@michaelpolakowski7301]

It would be nice to have an app that would just ingest your last N months of .fit files (assuming they contain power and whatever else the algorithm needs) and spit out an FTP vs. time plot. I think the tricky part would be handling long intervals without a hard effort followed by a "harder" effort (how close to max was that?). In other words, decreasing your FTP accurately. Perhaps a little interactivity where you can designate they perceived effort of key workouts might help.

[@StuntpilootStef]

What you're describing is a power duration curve. WKO 5 does this and even Garmin's website to some extent. FTP is your maximal steady state by the way, it's a single point on the graph.

[@michaelpolakowski7301]

@@StuntpilootStef I know--I use WKO 5. I was referring to how FTP varies over a longer time frame (e.g., months). Also, I often do 10 mile time trials, which are only 23-ish minute max efforts (for me), so the curve doesn't reach the hour mark. WKO 5 shows a "modeled FTP", so it's estimating it somehow, just not very transparently.

[@StuntpilootStef]

@@michaelpolakowski7301 WKO requires good data to model it correctly. If you never do unstructured testing it'll be pretty far off.

[@TheAllEngineering]

Pretty much sums up Samsung and Apple watches. Devices that are full of gimmicks that are not very good for people who are serious about their training. Integration of sensors is very poor, and requiring to have a phone in order for it to work is ridiculous. You don't need a phone for Garmin, Suunto, Polar type devices , they communicate direct with sensors usually with the Industry standard coms protocol Ant +

[@CinnabonMcTasty]

I haven't had a single issue with a power meter on my AWU2, and I don't need to have my phone at all involved in pairing or operating with it.

[@BrownieNB]

small hiccup around 2:40 (the subscribe part), I think you forgot to edit one out :)

[@jeffvalore5010]

TBH I'm surprised Garmin gives you a reasonable FTP. My Edge 830 wants to lower my FTP by 20-30w under what I've done for the 20min tests on Zwift. Any time I do a zone 2/3 ride, Garmin "detects a new ftp" that is super low. It's like it assumes every ride must be your flat-out best effort.

[@Jonasegway]

Wait a minute. Does this watch connect to the garmin's heart rate monitor and synch's it's data onto Samsung health?

[@kind2de]

Yes, I'm a Samsung knight, and I noticed for years now, Samsung is just not very good at software. Thankfully, they are getting better, but too little, too late. Samsung is fantastic at hardware and barely competant at software.

[@tonytypes]

Can the Watch Ultra send HR to Garmin bike computers yet? Hopefully Samsung can allow that with the watch because it would be cool to have HR on the bike computers and not have to wear a dedicated hr monitor when put for a ride

[@squngy0]

There are apps that let you do that on any android watch. "Heart for Bluetooth" is one for example. It is not a perfect solution, but it is something.

[@HugoParedes]

You’re the best. Just saying

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@zazzleman]

Dude I work in IT. Nobody tests their crap anymore. We release junk when unit and SIT is done. If you argue we need to do user testing you are shown the door. The buyers do the testing and report the bugs and then we might fix them if there is enough complaints. I just quit over something similar. Bet nobody will offer me work for 12 months. I will be mowing lawns and driving Uber.

[@bcalvanese]

Based on this, I feel like the full review on the Galaxy Watch Ultra is going to be pretty bad. Thank you for the heads up.

[@macaleeharlisjr.8734]

Standard Samsung. I had high hopes for this product but as usual samsung just sucks as health care tracking and metrics. I was hoping they would actually FOCUS on this by making this type of watch but they missed the forest for the trees. They tried to make a watch to compete with what Apple has but to apples credit they are actually trying to make a watch for fitness geek athletes. And they know the data needs to be useable and the tech asy to use. 🤦🏿‍♂️🤦🏿‍♂️🤦🏿‍♂️🤦🏿‍♂️ Way to let me down again Sammy.

[@57x11]

On unrelated topic... sound quality in the previous two videos is a bit better.

[@dnserror89]

Typical Samsung.. slides upon slides of new features that are sadly half baked

[@GadgetyMV]

Saw someone else test this - Strava got the power data but not the HR. Perhaps it's either one or the other?

[@Dcrainmaker]

My guess is they looked and saw Strava’s estimated power, rather than real power. But hard to know.

[@RaisedonTwoWheels]

Samsung must stick to fridges and tvs. Nothing but novelty watches

[@ericksmart5563]

Does this calculate FTP on an E-Bike?

[@kaseycarpenter73]

Crazy how we are getting ever deeper into the "paid beta tester model" for this stuff. Video games? Sure, especially when they tell you up front. polished, kicked-off consumer electronics. No thanks. I've had great success with their phones all they way back to the original Note, but their wearables have always been less than stellar. Garmin has been the best for me out of the box.

[@SY-ve5qm]

😂 “I did not sleep with this Samsung watch that night”…way too many to select from for the night…Jokes aside, I just feel Samsung is that tech company who got an innovative idea and rushed it to product/market but without properly thinking through the purpose and/or user experience of the innovation…

[@RXP91]

Quantified scientist has shown their HR sensor and sleep tracking is crap too. I gave up after my GW3 couldn't even pair a heart rate strap to fix their stupid wonky sensor. Been with Garmin ever since

[@mrnicbst]

Sounds like I'll be refusing delivery of mine haha

[@MiserereMei]

From now on, when I'm asked what my FTP is, my answer will be: It's 273W with geese, but probably 310W without.

[@Peakabike]

5:37- 90kgs ? Gotta work on that ;-)

[@whizzpt]

Samsung never fails to “impress”… 😂😂😂

[@gkott78]

Wearing the Watch Ultra right now. For anything fitness related I use Garmin. I have an Epix Gen 2 and Forerunner 965. I utilize the samsung watches for cellular connectivity and smart watch features nothing else. The reason I got the Ultra was I wanted a more rugged build and better battery life. I never even considered using the samsung watch to track fitness. I want Garmin to make a cellular model so i can run and leave my phone at home and stop wearing two watches. Same goes for my bike. Edge 840 on the front mount but samsung watch on my wrist for cellular. Darn it Garmin, solve my problem!!!

[@mherald]

I do pretty much the same. I wear my Epix Pro and the Samsung Watch for cellular connectivity so that I don't have to run with my S24 Ultra. But I do think this is the first Samsung watch that I would be fine with recording some data as a "backup" source. The previous generations weren't worth recording an activity.

[@lbgstzockt8493]

People like to shit on Apple, but at least their software works. Samsung has the hardware down, but the software is still pretty janky, even on their phones.

[@Alexx_80]

On phones? Nah. Software works flawlessly on Samsung phones. That's why they are so popular.

[@I-R0K-ZWIFT]

That’s why I didn’t buy one the pairing look just frustrating and problematic

[@amputech]

5:16 😂😂

[@WowRixter]

So the 4 minute test that’s supposed to save so much time and effort, costs hours in frustration instead of

[@frankstrobel4350]

Oregon trail comment .....🤣

[@Aloha1990uii]

Did he Leaked the GoPro 13 in the Background? #gopro #leak (;

[@Aloha1990uii]

Ohh it’s the GoPro 10 Bones

[@stuffgps]

After 2 Samsung smartwatches, I switched to Garmin and am much happier.

[@qwer55555555]

Samsung and half baked fitness features? who would expected that

[@jnstroik]

No chance you'll get a remotely accurate FTP for most people in 4 minutes. I know people with a much higher FTP than myself that I could outperform for 4 minutes because I outperform with vo2max and anaerobic

[@Dcrainmaker]

In some ways, that's the biggest challenge with FTP. .It's mostly just a random number that doesn't really correlate super well with teh varying types of cyclists. Sure, a higher FTP (w/kg) can absolutely mean a bigger engine, but it doesn't mean the rider can go further/longer/etc...

[@MichalBrat]

Maybe you forgot to insert the S Pen up your... nevermind.

[@KerryJapan1]

Damn geese. I always knew it was their fault I had such shitty FTP numbers.

[@SonnyDarvishzadeh]

My path in smartphone was Sony Ericsson and Nokia, Pixel 3 and then iPhone. Never liked anything came out of Samsung, especially on Android they were always filled with bloatware. But I actually hope they get somewhere with this. It's good that these brands compete with one another for new features and keeping the prices down.

[@fabianrares]

Samsung should stay Samsung.. seriously

[@leelemon007]

This is hilarious 😅

[@samiktiri]

Samsung's foray into wearables has been like this since day one. They announce a ton of " features, " can't deliver on any

[@k1mfor]

Yup, this is just embarrassing. I like their phones, but all their wearables and health stuff is just garbage year after year.

[@Omnis2]

Samsung's features are always gimmicky and ultimately useless.

[@mvp_kryptonite]

It’s better to eat a pizza in 15 mins than it is to get Samsung to work out your FTP 🍕

[@felkerino1]

I totally enjoy the release of new Samsung watches just to see the dumpster fire reviews.

[@kuau714]

Can the new Samsung watches broadcast your heart rate to a Garmin bike computer

[@sidha22]

No. It doesn't even allow strap to connect, in case I want heat rate from strap instead of watch. I'm looking for an app that can do that.

[@jr0ny]

Samsung = great Hardware also samsung = shittiest Software ever!

[@ishaankarnik6136]

just get garmin

[@AndroidProUser]

Samsung is king of gimmicks. The only big tech giant you can trust is Apple, they actually try to do things right. Otherwise get a dedicated sports device. Like a Coros or Garmin

[@StuntpilootStef]

You can't do this in 4 minutes, because that interval has a huge anaerobic component. If you're anaerobically strong it'll overestimate your FTP significantly. FTP for a Tour de France sprinter is still important, because the poor guy still has to ride the entire stage, including climbs, before he can start the sprint.

[@zith555]

What a mess.

[@galenkehler]

Samsung = dysentery... ok got it. 😂

[@roadcyclist1]

Almost as bad as apple

[@Sinasi08]

What a mess Samsung....

[@walkerdarin2003]

This is way too much work lol

[@phil_d]

Tech giants trying to be everything without understanding most things.

[@WorstSanta]

Funny to see how Apple and Samsung are trying to get on this market without any deep understanding how it works. It looks so amateur.

[@narosser]

All this clumsiness of the test and the pairing process and the WHOLE thing just to me shows - again - why Samsung will never really be able to make any major inroads to the health fitness market. Yes they’ll dink around the edges a bit and maybe get some of their hardcore ’we love Samsung’ user base, but no mass numbers. And I know Samsung very well - I’ve worked with them in the past. Their marketing is typically very strong, but their technical is always where they fall down. The devil is in the details, and all the bs hassle that YOU, Ray, the king of fitness tech (!) had with this process just shows that mass users will never be able to figure out. Perhaps Samsung doesn’t care, though, and they only want to have cool sound bites for their keynotes and such. Perhaps - but they’ll never get mass adoption with any of this.

[@gabrielpina4]

From 4 sensors to 13, just wait for the next Apple Watch. They will be like, '13? Pshh... ours have 50!' 😅😂😂 Because companies like to copy each other but slightly improve it. But in all seriousness, 13 sensors make this now the most accurate device on the planet... for now. 😄

[@cangle37]

13 sensors don't help when Samsung puts no importance on software to read results accurately.

[@ExposedRoot]

Software fixes. You know how it is. Settle down.

[@Dcrainmaker]

If you’ve been around the Samsung block before, then you know full well that never actually happens.

[@CharlieLiuPhotography]

Lol. Found the Samsung engineer.

[@Loc1792]

Sure, yes, I will settle down even for how they messed up their Buds Pro this time. If they mention something on stage, then it better work, or they need to mention that it will be ready in a few months.

[@davidcampos5878]

This is rinse and repeat with Samsung. Over promise, under deliver. Year after year.

[@ExposedRoot]

@@Dcrainmaker I know you guys are always searching for content but if I wasn't happy with a manufacturer I wouldn't support them. Seriously.

[@alialiali1628]

1st