Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Battle of the Best Premium Smartwatches for Fitness & Adventure!
Samsung recently introduced its first-ever "Ultra" smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and other wearables. This new smartwatch is specifically designed for fitness enthusiasts and those who love outdoor activities. It features a durable build with advanced health tracking and impressive battery life. Let's compare it to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple's second-generation rugged smartwatch, to help you decide which premium option is better for your needs.
1. Design and Display: Traditional vs. Modern Aesthetics
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a traditional round face with a rotating bezel, offering a classic watch look that will appeal to many. In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 sticks to its signature rectangular design with a larger Digital Crown and a customizable Action Button, giving it a modern and tech-forward feel.
Both smartwatches are built for durability, with the Galaxy Watch Ultra featuring a Sapphire Crystal display, IP68 dust resistance, and 10ATM water resistance. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers IP6X dust resistance, 10ATM water resistance, and MIL-STD 810H certification. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 edges ahead with its larger 1.92-inch LTPO OLED display, compared to the Galaxy Watch Ultra's 1.5-inch Super AMOLED screen.
2. Performance and Software: Wear OS vs. watchOS
Powering the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the Exynos W930 processor, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is equipped with the new S9 SiP chip, which is known for its superior performance. The Galaxy Watch runs on Wear OS 5 with Samsung's One UI Watch interface, providing access to a wide variety of apps. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 operates on watchOS 10, seamlessly integrating with Apple's ecosystem, making it ideal for iPhone users.
While both offer strong software support, Apple typically provides longer updates compared to Samsung, which may be an important factor for long-term users.
3. Battery Life and Charging: Which Lasts Longer?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with a 590mAh battery, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a slightly smaller 564mAh battery. Both watches support 15W fast charging, with Apple claiming that the Ultra 2 can charge from 0 to 80% in just 60 minutes and reach full charge in 90 minutes. Although Samsung hasn't provided official numbers, the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s larger battery suggests it may offer longer battery life, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize endurance.
4. Health and Fitness Features: Packed with Sensors
Both smartwatches excel in health and fitness tracking, offering comprehensive sensors for heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, and GPS. The Galaxy Watch Ultra adds a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis sensor and a temperature sensor. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 brings an upgraded body temperature sensor for even more detailed health insights.
In terms of workout tracking, both watches shine, but the Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduces features like Custom Workouts and advanced running metrics, making it a better choice for serious athletes.
5. Connectivity and Special Features: Staying Connected
Both watches offer LTE cellular connectivity, but the Apple Watch Ultra 2 goes a step further with satellite connectivity for emergency SOS and location sharing. The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with a customizable Quick Button and an Emergency Siren, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes a louder 86db Emergency Siren, a Depth Gauge, and an Action Button for added functionality.
Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
The decision between the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 largely depends on your ecosystem preference and specific needs. If you're an iPhone user who values seamless integration, long software support, and advanced fitness features, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smartwatch with a longer battery life, a traditional watch design, and powerful health sensors, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a solid contender.
Both are premium smartwatches built for rugged use, so whichever you choose, you're getting top-tier performance.