The defining attribute that sets apart the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 is known as “Double Tap,” enabling users to execute actions without any physical screen contact. Interestingly, the Galaxy Watch already incorporates a similar function, albeit under a different moniker.
Double Tap is an excellent addition and a highly appreciated feature. On the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, users can effortlessly trigger specific actions by merely pinching their thumb and index finger together. As an example, when your alarm on the Apple Watch goes off a bit prematurely with both sound and vibrations, you can simply execute a double tap gesture with your fingers to activate the snooze function. Despite the potential ease of this gesture, it underscores the point that the recent Apple Watch enhancements can detect your muscle contractions and subsequently execute actions in response.
Galaxy Watch’s Universal Gestures
With the introduction of One UI Watch 5, numerous iterations of the Galaxy Watch now share this capability. In fact, whether you have a Galaxy Watch 3, 4, 5, or 6, it can discern not only finger pinches but also wrist shakes and fist gestures.
Each of these actions corresponds to a distinct command or a modified one when Universal Gestures are enabled. Here’s a comprehensive list of the actions you can perform with Universal Gestures activated:
| Gesture | Action |
| Shake your wrist twice | Turn on Universal Gestures |
| Pinch your thumb and index finger | Next item |
| Double pinch | Previous item |
| Make a fist | Tap |
| Make a fist twice | Open the action menu |
Universal Gestures vs. Double Tap
However, there’s a notable difference – Universal Gestures on the Galaxy Watch, while practical in specific situations, doesn’t offer the same level of smoothness as seen on the Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2.
When you activate Universal Gestures on the Galaxy Watch, a conspicuous bright yellow outline appears around any interactive button or user interface element. From what we can discern, this line can’t be removed. Furthermore, once you enable Universal Gestures, you have to revisit the settings to disable it when you wish to avoid that rather unpleasant yellow outline.
Moreover, utilizing Universal Gestures on the Galaxy Watch can be somewhat challenging. If your gestures aren’t precisely executed, the watch might fail to recognize them, leading to the display timing out abruptly, and leaving you resorting to tapping the watch to wake it up. Repeatedly making a fist can become a bit taxing, and navigating the Action Menu can be quite frustrating.
In contrast, with the Apple Watch, it appears that there is no on-screen indication when Double Tap is active, and the simplicity of a one-handed action means there’s less of a learning curve.
If anything, this should serve as a call to Samsung to enhance the Universal Gesture feature on the Galaxy Watch. While it has the potential to be exceptionally useful, there is ample room for improvement.
