MKBHD responds to criticism over Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra video
YouTube: MKBHDMarques ‘MKBHD’ Brownlee has responded after his video on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, and how it compares to the Apple Watch, was criticized by some viewers.
Uploaded on July 23, Brownlee went over the new Samsung watch. It has a focus on its new features and how many are calling it a “copycat” of the Apple Watch Ultra.
“I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, I actually don’t care that these products and companies copy each other. As long as they’re copying the good stuff, then us as customers actually still win,” he said.
“This one actually copied so many things that it actually went slightly too far and copied one extra thing that I think hurt its case.”
MKBHD went on to talk about how Samsung “copied” Apple with the use of titanium, the three watch band options, and even various aspects of the software.
He also hyped up the Samsung wearable quite a bit, complimenting the WearOS performance, usability, and battery life.
However, some users on Twitter/X criticized his claim that Samsung copied Apple.
“This is the worst review you have ever done Marques,” one critic said. “Blatant favoritism, insufficient research, and generally just a clean iSheep attitude. Too bad, I genuinely enjoy watching your reviews… usually. But this one is made in such poor taste. It’s … shameless, to use your own terms.”
MKBHD responded, “Not a review, more of a commentary about when companies copy each other, but I can appreciate your take, thank you.”
He continued, “I did try to make that clear in one of the first lines of the video, that they copy both ways. But I’m hearing the feedback loud and clear that I didn’t make it clear enough which features were copied in which directions.”
Another said: “I love your videos man, but this one in particular missed the mark by a long shot. I feel like no research went into this.”
However, others agreed with MKBHD, arguing the similarities were too close. One of the top comments on the video says, “I don’t think most reasonable people care about the ‘copying’ between companies. But when these companies are constantly mocking other ones for doing the same thing is where people have an issue.”
“Where’s the innovation? Where’s the creativity?” Another asked. “It’s like Samsung is just phoning it in and hoping no one will notice.”
Some pointed out that many Marques’ arguments that Samsung copied the Apple Watch Ultra were already used on previous Galaxy Watches.
“Titanium, app drawer, pinch gestures, sapphire glass, and most of the things MKBHD mentioned were already there on other Galaxy watches.”
This isn’t the first time Marques Brownlee has received backlash over one of his reviews in 2024. In April, his “worst product ever” review of the Humane AI Pin sparked claims that his criticism was “distasteful” and “almost unethical.”