A three-week comparative test of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 highlights differences in health coaching, connectivity, and software integration.
Key facts
- •The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $699 for the 47mm model, while the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra 3 costs $799.
- •Samsung's watch includes blood pressure monitoring that requires calibration with a cuff every 30 days.
- •The Apple Watch Ultra 3 features integrated satellite connectivity for messaging, whereas the Samsung model is limited to LTE.
- •Google Gemini is natively integrated into the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for wrist-based AI assistance.
- •The Apple Watch Ultra 3 utilizes a physical rotating digital crown for navigation, while the Samsung model uses a virtual bezel.
A three-week side-by-side test of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 reveals distinct differences between the two flagship smartwatches. While both devices feature rugged designs, large displays, and cellular connectivity, they offer different approaches to health tracking, AI integration, and navigation. The comparison highlights how ecosystem-specific software and hardware features influence the user experience for activities ranging from trail running to daily health monitoring.
By the numbers
Health Tracking and AI Features
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 emphasizes AI-enabled health tools, including a daily energy score, sleep tracking, and a custom running coach. It also features blood pressure monitoring, which requires monthly calibration with a cuff. In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 relies more on third-party apps for coaching, as Apple does not currently provide native guidance software comparable to Samsung's platform. Regarding AI, the Samsung device integrates Google Gemini, allowing users to access the assistant via a button press or voice command. While both watches track health metrics, the reviewer noted that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 provided more consistent sleep tracking results when compared against Oura Ring 4 and Garmin Index data.
Connectivity and Hardware Design
Hardware differences include the Apple Watch Ultra 3's support for 5G technology and integrated satellite connectivity, which allows users to communicate with friends and family even without cellular coverage. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 supports LTE. In terms of navigation, the Apple Watch utilizes a rotating digital crown, while the Samsung model relies primarily on touch interactions and a less responsive virtual rotating bezel. Both watches include safety features such as loud sirens for emergencies. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 also features gesture controls, such as a double-pinch action, which the reviewer found to be better integrated into the operating system than the gestures available on the Samsung device.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by ZDNET AI.
