## Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Detailed Comparison
It’s hard to choose between the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Both devices are high-end smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs and preferences. To help you decide which one is right for you, here’s a detailed comparison.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a premium, rugged look thanks to its titanium bezel and sapphire glass display. The design is solid, and it certainly feels that way. The watch is a bit larger than I’m used to, but it’s comfortable to wear. The option to use the old lug strap is a nice touch, providing flexibility in strap choice. However, the Marine strap is a bit uncomfortable while sleeping, and the unique lug system limits strap choice. Also, after a month of use, we noticed some minor scratches on the titanium bezel.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 also has a titanium case and sapphire crystal for durability. The watch is bulky and can be uncomfortable, especially for people with small wrists. The orange control buttons stand out from the rest of the watch, adding to its ruggedness. The flat display is different from previous Apple Watch models, but it’s modern and functional. Size definitely matters, as the watch is quite large when worn on the wrist.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra display has a customizable dial that is easy to read at a glance. Of particular note is the UV index display, which is very useful for outdoor activities. The display is bright and clear and easy to read in different lighting conditions. However, the touch bezel is not as effective as the rotating bezel and can be difficult to use with sweaty or wet hands.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a very bright display with up to 3000 nits of brightness. This makes it incredibly comfortable to read even in direct sunlight. The display is clear and bright, which improves the overall user experience. This brightness is a great advantage, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has excellent heart rate tracking and GPS accuracy, often as good as the Polar H10 chest strap and in some cases even better than the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2. The pinch gesture is great for turning off alarms and notifications. However, the buttons aren’t optimized for navigation during workouts, and the quick buttons are easy to hit during activity. The watch also doesn’t support reverse wireless charging from Samsung phones, which is a bit disappointing.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features the new S9 chip for faster processing and improved performance. The dual-touch function is a convenient way to control the watch without using the screen. Features such as a siren, underwater computer and dual frequency GPS make the watch ideal for outdoor activities. However, the blood oxygen sensor is disabled in the US and GPS accuracy can be erratic in urban environments. The sleep tracking feature is also not always accurate.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra offers about 2.5 days of battery life with a daily hour-long workout with GPS. This is better than many other smartwatches, but falls short of Samsung’s claimed 60 hours of continuous use. If the watch is used for sleep tracking, the battery needs to be charged every two days. Battery life is decent, but nothing special.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a long battery life that lasts up to two days with normal use. That’s a significant improvement over other Apple Watches. The battery life is a big plus, reducing the need for frequent recharging. However, 72 hours in low mode is not expected.
User Impressions
Despite initial concerns about the strap, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, including while sleeping. The customizable watch face is easy to read and provides useful information at a glance. The pinch gesture is very convenient for turning off alarms and notifications. However, the marine strap can snag on objects and is difficult to secure. Quick-access buttons are easy to snag during activity and accidentally press.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 seamlessly integrates into the Apple ecosystem. The double-tap feature is revolutionary and easy to operate without using the screen. The watch is great for fitness tracking and the GPS is accurate. However, sleep tracking is a bit choppy and the topographical map is limited to certain areas. The action buttons are not intuitive.
Pros and Cons
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Pros:
- Accurate heart rate and GPS tracking, comparable to Polar H10 and Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2.
- The lug mount makes them compatible with older watch bands.
- Easy to read, customizable watch face.
- Pinch gesture to turn off alarms and notifications.
Disadvantages of Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra:
- Buttons are not optimized for workout navigation; top and bottom buttons open Samsung Pay and Google Assistant instead of navigating workout pages.
- Strap snags on objects; uncomfortable while sleeping.
- Strap is difficult to attach; takes more effort than expected.
- Unable to charge Samsung phones due to large sensors.
Benefits of Apple Watch Ultra 2:
- Extremely bright display (up to 3000 nits), readable even in direct sunlight.
- New S9 chip for faster processing and enhanced performance.
- Easy dual-touch interaction.
- Up to two days of battery life under normal use.
- Durable titanium body and sapphire crystal display.
Disadvantages of Apple Watch Ultra 2:
- Blood oxygen sensor is disabled in the US.
- High price.
- Bulky size which may not be comfortable for all users.
- Unstable GPS accuracy in urban environments.
- Inaccurate sleep tracking.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are great smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs. Samsung is a better choice for Android users who care about accuracy and durability, while the Apple Watch is ideal for those who are deeply immersed in the Apple ecosystem and want a seamless experience. The choice should be based on your priorities and preferences.