Samsung’s latest flagship smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, mimics the Apple Watch Ultra in many ways. Besides the “Ultra” moniker, it features a similar rugged design with titanium casing, an orange-accented action button (which Samsung calls Quick Button), and can handle a 100-meter dive.
Of course, the Apple Watch Ultra exclusively pairs with iPhones, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra only works with Android devices. So, the choice is obviously dependent on the phone you own. But if you’re considering switching sides or are just curious about the competition, Samsung’s Watch Ultra does a couple of things better.
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Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2 Specs
Before we spill the beans, let’s see how the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra stacks up against the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in a head-to-head spec comparison:
| Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Titanium | Titanium |
| Dimensions | 47.4 x 47.1 x 12.1mm | 49 x 44 x 14.4mm |
| Display | 1.5″ Super AMOLED (327 pixels per inch) | 1.91″ LTPO OLED (326 pixels per inch) |
| Brightness | 3000 nits | 3000 nits |
| Processor | Exynos W1000 | S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor |
| RAM | 2GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
| OS | Wear OS 4 | WatchOS 10 |
| Battery Capacity | 590mAh | 564mAh |
| Durability | 10ATM + IP68/ MIL-STD-810H | IP6X + WR100/ MIL-STD-810H |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters | 100 meters |
| Weight | 60.5 grams | 61.4 grams |
| Compatibility | Android Only | iOS Only |
| Price | $650 | $799 |
Why Galaxy Watch Ultra Is Better Than Apple Watch Ultra
1. About 40% Longer Battery Life
On paper, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a larger battery at 590mAh compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s 564mAh. Samsung states that the Galaxy Watch Ultra can last up to 48 hours in normal use and 100 hours in power-saving mode, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can run up to 36 hours in normal use and up to 72 hours in low-power mode.
This translates to an approximately 33% longer battery life in regular use and about 38% longer battery life in power-saving mode on the Galaxy Watch Ultra. In the past, Galaxy Watch models have also outlasted their Apple Watch counterparts. So, if battery life is a priority, the Galaxy Watch Ultra easily takes the lead. Also, Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra offer fast-charging support.
2. Exclusive Sleep Apnea Detection
Apple Watches have historically lagged in sleep-tracking capabilities. While watchOS 9 introduced sleep stages data, it still doesn’t quite match with the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra (and the Galaxy Watch 7) stand out with their FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, and they’re currently the only smartwatches equipped with it. This sensor can potentially identify moderate to severe sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. Sleep apnea can contribute to various health issues, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, liver problems, and conditions linked to Type 2 Diabetes.
Another advantage of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is its ability to track daytime naps. In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (and all other Apple Watch models) lacks this feature, meaning you won’t have data on your afternoon naps if you rely solely on the Apple Watch for sleep monitoring.
3. Body Composition and AGEs Tracking
Galaxy Watches have included a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor since the Galaxy Watch 4. This sensor measures body composition metrics like body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass, similar to a smart scale. It’s also responsible for tracking heart rate, sleep quality, blood pressure, and stress levels.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra introduces a new and improved BIA sensor that’s 30% more accurate, and it (alongside the Watch 7) is the first to offer AGEs tracking (Advanced Glycation End) directly from your wrist with an AGEs Index. AGEs reflect your overall biological aging process and provide insights into your metabolic health, which is influenced by your diet and lifestyle.
Currently, the Apple Watch does not offer these features.
4. Blood Pressure Monitoring
The Galaxy Watch Ultra can measure your blood pressure and take ECG readings. While the Apple Watch Ultra also allows you to take ECG readings, it cannot yet measure blood pressure.
However, it’s important to note that the Galaxy Watch’s blood pressure monitoring is not standalone. It requires initial calibration with a traditional cuff-based blood pressure monitor and the Samsung Health Monitor app. After calibration, you can use the watch to measure your blood pressure without the cuff.
The smartwatch requires recalibration with a traditional blood pressure monitor every 28 days to ensure accuracy.
5. Skin Temperature Measurement (With a Catch)
Apple and Samsung have temperature sensors in their latest smartwatch models. The Apple Watch Series 8 and newer models feature a temperature sensor primarily for ovulation and cycle tracking in the Health app. Similarly, the Galaxy Watch 5 and later models include a temperature sensor for sleep and sleep-cycle tracking features within Samsung Health.
Here’s the caveat: while you can’t natively use either of them to measure your skin temperature, on the Galaxy Watch, you can install third-party apps to measure your skin or water temperature, as shown by folks at MakeUseOf.
So, while it’s not an inherent advantage, you can do that on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, but not on Apple’s Watch Ultra.
Not Everything Is Perfect With Galaxy Watch Ultra
While the Galaxy Watch Ultra does a few things in its favor over the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it doesn’t excel in every area.
- No Dedicated Dive Mode: Apple Watch Ultra 2 is certified for recreational diving up to 40 meters. It functions as a dive computer, providing essential data like depth, time, and water temperature.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra does not have a dedicated dive mode or certification for diving. While it has a water resistance rating of 10 ATM (up to 100 meters), this is primarily intended for surface swimming and other shallow water activities, but not for deep diving.
- Apple Watch Has a Better-Design (subjective): The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s square frame with a round display may look out of place to some, compared to the Apple Watch’s cohesive square profile. Some might prefer the older Galaxy Watch’s circular design.
- Lack of Emergency SOS via Satellite: Apple Watch Ultra 2 features Emergency SOS via satellite, a potentially life-saving feature that allows you to send messages to emergency services even when you’re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, such as on a trek or adventure. Galaxy Watch Ultra lacks any such feature.
- Siri vs. Google Assistant: Siri works better on an Apple Watch compared to Google Assistant and Bixby combined. You just call it up, it appears instantly, understands your voice in one go, and does the job (or tells you if it can’t). Google Assistant on the Galaxy Watch still isn’t as seamless. While Google Assistant may be a better assistant overall than Siri, the “it just listens and works” is where Apple excels.
Remember, Galaxy Watch Ultra is Cheaper
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra retails for $649.99, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799.99. Despite undercutting the Apple Watch by $150, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers several advantages, such as longer battery life and advanced health features. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts superior diving capabilities, Emergency SOS via satellite, and a more polished user experience with Siri.
Ultimately, your choice will help you decide whether you’re deeply ingrained in either the Android or Apple ecosystem. That’s because the Galaxy Watch Ultra only works with Android phones and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 only works with iPhones. But if you’re new to smartwatches and haven’t committed to an ecosystem yet, the Galaxy Watch Ultra could be a handy and affordable choice. However, if you’re an adventurer, I’d recommend the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
