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Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Series 11 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

Apple Watch Series 11 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Users wanting reliable connectivity and battery life — read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple Watch Series 11
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smartwatches
Apple Watch Series 11
7 sources1 derived$359.97as of Aug 22

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers subtle but meaningful upgrades over its predecessor, including a notable battery life improvement, 5G support, and the addition of FDA-cleared hypertension alerts. While it maintains the familiar design and retains the same S10 chip, it introduces more reliable connectivity and enhanced durability features. The watch remains a well-rounded option, though its advantages are increasingly shared with competitors and older models.

Strengths
  • — FDA-cleared hypertension notification feature
  • — 24+ hour battery life with fast charging
  • — 5G and more reliable cellular connectivity
Watch-outs
  • — Same S10 chip as previous model
  • — No dual-band GPS support
$359.97 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Ranked #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
$699.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

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

Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 improves battery life and adds 5G connectivity, but it's held back by the unchanged S10 chip, unlike the OnePlus Watch 3 which uses a dual-chipset system for optimized power consumption. Compared to the Garmin Venu 4, it lacks advanced recovery metrics like Body Battery, and while it offers better software updates than the Apple Watch SE 3, it doesn't match the SE 3's affordability. The Pixel Watch 4 also offers more battery life but without the ecosystem integration that the Series 11 provides.

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

SpecApple Watch Series 11Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Display Typewide-angle OLED LTPO technologySuper AMOLED
Connectivity5G, cellularLTE; eSIM; Wi-Fi 4; BT 6.0; NFC
Water Resistance50mIP68/IP69K; 100m/10ATM; 40m swimproof/diving
OSwatchOS 26Android Wear OS 7, One UI Watch 9
CompatibilityiOSAndroid phones only
MaterialSteel or titaniumTitanium case
BatteryBuilt-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery800 mAh
Dimensions46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm41.7mm x 45.7mm, 46mm x 49mm
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