Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Ultra 3 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 Ultra 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 score essentially the same (4.2 vs 4.2). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #5 in Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Ultra 3

4.2

7 sources1 derived$749as of Aug 22

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 brings a larger LTPO3 display, 5G connectivity, and visible seconds to the wrist, making it well-suited for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts. PCMag's Andrew Gebhart notes its enhanced battery life and cellular performance, while a YouTube reviewer found the screen improvements subtle in daily use. The device is ideal for those seeking a premium smartwatch with robust outdoor features, though it doesn't drastically outpace its predecessor in core functionality.

Strengths

— Larger LTPO3 display with improved off-angle viewing
— Seconds are visible on the screen without raising wrist
— 5G connectivity with dual antenna design for extended cellular coverage

Watch-outs

— Limited improvement in off-angle viewing performance in real-world use
— No significant upgrade in core fitness or health tracking capabilities

$749 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Smartwatches

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

4.2

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 Amazon Full 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 Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 features a larger LTPO3 display and 5G connectivity, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 11 don't offer, but it lacks the advanced fitness metrics found in the Garmin Venu 4 and doesn't provide the same level of battery life as the OnePlus Watch 3. Compared to the Google Pixel Watch 4, it offers more comprehensive health tracking but lacks the built-in Gemini AI. The Apple Watch SE 3 provides better value with its updated design and speaker capabilities.

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

Spec	Apple Watch Ultra 3	Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Display Type	LTPO3 OLED	Super AMOLED
Connectivity	5G	LTE; eSIM; Wi-Fi 4; BT 6.0; NFC
Water Resistance	100m	IP68/IP69K; 100m/10ATM; 40m swimproof/diving
OS	WatchOS 26	Android Wear OS 7, One UI Watch 9
Compatibility	iOS	Android phones only
Material	Titanium	Titanium case
Battery	Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery	800 mAh
Dimensions	8.4 x 4.6 x 1.5 inches	41.7mm x 45.7mm, 46mm x 49mm

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