Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Amazfit Balance 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Outdoor adventurers seeking long battery life — read the strengths below before deciding.

Amazfit Balance 2
Ranked #9 in Best Smartwatches
Amazfit Balance 2
6 sources2 derived$299.99as of Aug 22

The Amazfit Balance 2 delivers solid performance in fitness tracking, particularly excelling in heart rate monitoring and GPS accuracy. Reviewers noted its strong sleep tracking capabilities and value proposition for budget-conscious users. However, some reviewers found the smart features lacking compared to higher-end models, and the device's screen quality and user interface received mixed feedback. This tracker is best suited for users prioritizing fitness metrics over smartwatch functionality.

Strengths
  • Strong heart rate tracking performance with high correlation to reference device
  • Good GPS tracking accuracy for outdoor activities
  • Solid sleep stage tracking capabilities
Watch-outs
  • Limited smart features compared to premium competitors
  • Screen quality and user interface criticized by some reviewers
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Smartwatches
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
7 sources1 derived$699.99as of Aug 22

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 offers a significant upgrade in battery life and processing power, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a rugged, feature-rich smartwatch. Its 800 mAh battery delivers up to 50 hours of use with always-on display, while the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor enhances AI interactions like hands-free Gemini. However, its premium price point and some missing features like dive mode and trail map search at launch may deter some buyers. The watch is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who value durability and long battery life over everyday convenience.

Strengths
  • 50-hour battery life with always-on display enabled
  • Fast Snapdragon Wear Elite processor improves AI features like hands-free Gemini
  • Durable titanium design with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
Watch-outs
  • Expensive at $700 ($50 more than previous gen)
  • Trail map search not functional at launch
  • Dive mode unavailable at launch

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Amazfit Balance 2

The Amazfit Balance 2 excels in heart rate tracking and GPS accuracy, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 11 don't match, but it lacks the smart features and advanced health metrics found in the Garmin Venu 4 and OnePlus Watch 3. While it's more affordable than the Apple Watch SE 3 and Google Pixel Watch 4, it doesn't offer the same level of smartwatch functionality. The Xiaomi Watch 5 provides better smart features but lacks the advanced fitness tracking capabilities of the Balance 2.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 stands out with its 50-hour battery life and titanium design, but unlike the Apple Watch Series 11, it lacks 5G support and doesn't offer the same level of integration with iOS ecosystems. While the Garmin Venu 4 provides more advanced fitness metrics, the Ultra 2's Snapdragon Wear Elite processor gives it an edge in AI features like hands-free Gemini. However, its high price point and missing dive mode at launch make it less appealing compared to the OnePlus Watch 3, which offers five-day battery life at a more competitive price.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAmazfit Balance 2Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Battery658 mAh800 mAh
Display TypeAMOLEDSuper AMOLED
ConnectivityWi-Fi 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, BLELTE; eSIM; Wi-Fi 4; BT 6.0; NFC
Water Resistance10ATMIP68/IP69K; 100m/10ATM; 40m swimproof/diving
OSZepp OSAndroid Wear OS 7, One UI Watch 9
MaterialAluminium alloy case and sapphire glassTitanium case
CompatibilityiOS and AndroidAndroid phones only
Dimensions41.7mm x 45.7mm, 46mm x 49mm
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