Samsung Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra: Which is the ultimate smartwatch?

Picture of Samsung Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra (Image via Apple and Samsung)
Samsung Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra (Image via Apple and Samsung)

The Samsung Watch Ultra launched on July 10, 2024, at the Unpacked Event and set a new benchmark for the Android smartwatch market. Everything, from its design to its hardware, is solid and looks quite premium. However, Apple is the king when it comes to smartwatches. Does the new Samsung Watch Ultra have what it needs to take on the Apple Watch Ultra?

That's exactly what this article aims to answer. This guide offers an in-depth comparison of the two smartwatches to determine which is the best one.

Note: Aspects of this article are subjective and solely reflect the writer's opinions.


Samsung Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra

Specs comparison

The Apple Watch Ultra's hardware (Image via Apple)
The Apple Watch Ultra's hardware (Image via Apple)

Here are the specs of the Samsung Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra:

SpecificationsSamsung Watch UltraApple Watch Ultra
Dimensions and weight
47.4 x 47.4 x 12.1 mm and 60.5 grams
49 x 44 x 14.4 mm and 61.3 grams
DurabilityIP68/10ATM-certified for dust and water resistance

MIL-STD 810H certified

Sapphire crystal glass

Titanium frame (Grade 4)
IP6X-certified dust resistance

WR100-certified water resistance

EN13319-certified swim-proof/diving resistance

MIL-STD 810H certified

Sapphire crystal glass

Titanium frame
Display1.5-inch Super AMOLED1.92-inch Retina LTPO OLED with 2000 nits of brightness
ChipsetExynos W1000 Penta-core CPUApple S8 dual-core CPU
Operating systemAndroid Wear OS 5 with One UI Watch 6watchOS 10.5
RAM and storage2GB RAM and 32GB storage1GB RAM and 32GB storage
LoudspeakerYesYes, with dual speakers
Battery and chargingLi-Ion 590 mAh battery with 10W wireless chargingLi-Ion 542 mAh battery with wireless charging

Design and display comparison

At first glance, the design of the two smartwatches is quite similar. The strap of the Samsung device looks just like the one in the Apple Watch Ultra and even sports the same design pattern.

The two also sport a very similar Titanium build material and are quite durable. However, the Apple Watch Ultra seems to have better water-resistance capabilities, but to what degree is unknown.

The Apple Watch Ultra's display is square-ish and has a larger 1.92-inch Retina LTPO display comparatively. It also seems to be better. However, they are both equally bright and won't pose any issue outdoors.


Tracking performance comparison

Samsung's Watch Ultra (Image via Samsung)
Samsung's Watch Ultra (Image via Samsung)

The tracking and fitness performance of both the Samsung Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra is decent. However, don't expect them to be super accurate. They are not actual fitness trackers; they are just smartwatches with fitness-tracking features.


System performance comparison

Even though both smartwatches are equipped with decent hardware, the actual performance varies. The Apple Watch Ultra seems more fluid and performs slightly better. This could be due to how optimized the operating systems are.

The Apple Watch Ultra runs on Wear OS, which is designed and developed by Apple itself. On the contrary, the Samsung Watch Ultra relies on Google's Wear OS with the custom OneUI interface for a better user experience.

Apple's software is a bit more polished, which could explain why the company's smartwatch feels a bit more snappy.


Battery comparison

A good battery life is a crucial factor when it comes to smartwatches. You will be glad to know that the battery life of both the Samsung Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra is quite good.

Samsung claims that its Watch Ultra can deliver 100 hours of battery backup, but realistically, it should be close to 46 - 50 hours of actual usage.

On the other hand, Apple claims that its smartwatch can last up to 38 - 40 hours on continuous usage. However, various tests revealed that the Apple Watch can deliver even more battery life than the advertised figures.

So, both smartwatches deliver a similar battery performance.


Price comparison

Samsung's Watch Ultra GPS position (Image via Samsung)
Samsung's Watch Ultra GPS position (Image via Samsung)

The pricing is where the Samsung Watch Ultra takes a clear win. It costs only $649, which is about 18.7% cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra ($799).


Final verdict of Samsung Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra

The Apple Watch Ultra is the ultimate smartwatch. It has a larger and better display with a slightly faster performance.

The device also offers better protection against water resistance. However, it also costs 23% more, so keep that in mind when choosing between the two.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh
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