Price and Compatibility
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: $799, works with iPhone XS or later running iOS 17 or later, not compatible with Android.
- Galaxy Watch Ultra: $649.99, works with Android 11 or later, optimized for Samsung Galaxy phones, not compatible with iPhones.
Winner: Galaxy Watch Ultra (better price)
Durability
- Galaxy Watch Ultra: Aerospace titanium casing, IP68 and MIL-STD 810H certification, withstands harsh environments, can operate at extreme altitudes, 10ATM water resistance.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: MIL-STD 810H certification, IP6X dust protection, WR100 rating, EN13319 diving certification, ideal for water sports and diving.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2 (better for water activities)
Screen
- Galaxy Watch Ultra: 1.5-inch Super AMOLED, 480×480 pixels, 3,000 nits brightness.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: 1.91-inch OLED, 502×410 pixels, 3,000 nits brightness.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2 (bigger screen)
Connectivity
- Both watches support dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, LTE, and dual-frequency GPS.
Winner: Tie
Standout Features
- Galaxy Watch Ultra: Wear OS 5 and One UI 6, robust sleep tracking, snoring detection, FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, body composition analysis, maximum cycling power calculation, race against yourself feature, AI-enabled wellness tips.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: watchOS 10 (upgradable to watchOS 11), accurate heart rate monitoring, broad third-party app support, upcoming holistic wellness assessment.
Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: Up to 55 hours with always-on display.
- Galaxy Watch Ultra: Rated for 100 hours in power-saving mode, 48 hours in exercise power-saving mode.
Winner: Too early to tell
Summary
Both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra are designed for rugged use and offer many similar features. The choice between them largely depends on your phone’s operating system and specific needs, especially regarding water activities and price. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a more affordable option with comprehensive features, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 excels in water sports capabilities.
