Compare Garmin Venu Sq 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)

P1 Garmin Venu Sq 2
P2 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)

Comparison Takeaways

Garmin Venu Sq 2

Where It Has the Edge

  • cross-platform compatibility is 4.5 vs 2.4. Cross-platform compatibility is a clear advantage, with reviewers noting support for both Android and iOS, unlike some platform-locked...
  • reliability is 4.4 vs 3.5. Reliability is generally positive, especially for running-watch use and GPS chipset behavior, with reviewers calling it reliable or...
  • value for money is 4.1 vs 3.3. Value for money is strong for fitness-focused buyers thanks to battery, accuracy, and Garmin features, but weaker for...
  • comfort is 4.6 vs 3.9. Comfort is a consistent positive, with reviewers praising the light weight, slim case, 24/7 wearability, and ability to...

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)

Where It Has the Edge

  • LTE connectivity is 4.5 vs 1.0. LTE is a consistent advantage because it is standard or broadly available, though one reviewer notes carrier setup...
  • voice assistant quality is 4.4 vs 1.5. Voice assistant quality is a strength with Gemini, which reviewers describe as convenient, useful, and directly available on...
  • ECG functionality is 4.1 vs 1.3. ECG functionality is widely listed as part of the health feature set, though one review notes Samsung-phone pairing...
  • call handling is 4.2 vs 1.6. Call handling is supported through Bluetooth calling, speaker/mic use, and smartwatch features for calls and texts.
Average score
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.6
Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.1
activity auto-detection
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.0

Only one review directly discusses automatic activity capture, saying the watch can credit elevated activity even without a manually started mode.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.4

Workout auto-detection is broadly useful, with reviewers citing automatic workout detection and reliable walk detection, though manual starts remain better for some activities.

app ecosystem
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.4

Reviewers describe Garmin’s Connect IQ ecosystem as useful for faces, widgets, and extras, but much smaller than Apple or Google-style app stores.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.5

The app ecosystem is a strength: reviewers mention many available apps, Google Play access, and expanded usefulness from the extra storage.

band quality
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.0

Band impressions are split: some reviewers found the silicone strap comfortable, while others called the bundled strap stiff or not especially comfortable.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.1

Band feedback is mostly positive for comfort, stability, and easy removal, though one reviewer noted dirt collecting in the strap holes.

battery life
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.7

Battery life is the clearest strength, with reviewers repeatedly reporting about nine to eleven days in normal smartwatch use and much less with always-on display.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.4

Battery life is one of the clearest strengths, often described as the best in Samsung’s lineup, though heavy GPS or always-on use can reduce it.

blood oxygen tracking
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.6

Blood oxygen support is broadly present through SpO2 and Health Snapshot, though reviewers disagree on accuracy, with some readings described as low or unreliable.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.9

Blood oxygen tracking is present across the health sensor set, but one long-term reviewer found SpO2 readings routinely low.

Bluetooth connectivity
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.1

Bluetooth support is solid for sensors, headphones, and external heart-rate gear, with reviewers noting ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart accessory compatibility.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.5

Bluetooth support is present, including Bluetooth 5.3 mentions, but external sensor connections were criticized or described as unavailable.

brightness
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.5

Brightness is rated highly, with multiple reviewers saying the AMOLED screen is vibrant and readable outdoors or under direct sunlight.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.7

Brightness earns strong praise, with reviewers citing high nits, bright AMOLED output, and easy readability.

build quality
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.4

Build quality is functional but not premium; reviewers note lightweight construction and a useful aluminum bezel while criticizing the plasticky or cheaper feel.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.7

Build quality is consistently praised through the rugged titanium case, durable chassis, and robust construction.

button controls
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.8

Button controls are usable but mixed: reviewers like glove-friendly physical buttons, while others find the two-button layout clunky or less intuitive.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.7

Button controls are mixed: reviewers like the Quick/action button and programmable shortcuts, but one long-term reviewer disliked accidental presses and limited workout button behavior.

call handling
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
1.6

Call handling is weak because reviews repeatedly state there is no Bluetooth call support, speaker, microphone, or Venu 2 Plus-style calling feature.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.2

Call handling is supported through Bluetooth calling, speaker/mic use, and smartwatch features for calls and texts.

calorie tracking usefulness
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.8

Calorie tracking appears as part of Garmin’s basic daily fitness metrics and sport alerts, but reviewers focus more on steps, intensity minutes, and workouts.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.0

Calorie tracking is included as part of the activity metrics, but the evidence is limited to feature availability rather than deep accuracy testing.

charging convenience
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.3

Charging convenience is mixed: the cable can plug in securely, but reviewers dislike the proprietary USB-A charger and Garmin-specific cable.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.8

Charging is wireless and reasonably convenient, but one reviewer criticized the missing wall charging block.

charging speed
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.8

Charging speed is praised in one review, which says the watch charged from a low level to full in under 45 minutes.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.2

Charging speed gets limited but positive evidence, with one review reporting a full charge in about 95 minutes.

coaching features
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.5

Coaching features are strong for the price, especially Garmin Coach, downloadable workouts, training plans, and goal-based running or cycling support.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.5

Coaching features are a real addition, especially Running Coach, with reviewers describing personalized plans and guidance.

comfort
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.6

Comfort is a consistent positive, with reviewers praising the light weight, slim case, 24/7 wearability, and ability to forget it is on the wrist.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.9

Comfort depends on wrist and expectations: some reviewers found it comfortable, while others felt the weight or bulk.

companion app quality
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.5

The companion app is powerful and data-rich, but opinions split between clear presentation and complaints that Garmin Connect can feel buried or overwhelming.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.5

The companion app setup is useful but split, with health and smartwatch settings divided between Samsung Health and Galaxy Wearable.

contactless payments
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.8

Garmin Pay works and reviewers successfully used it, but support depends on banks and regions, so contactless payments are useful yet not universal.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.5

Contactless payments are supported through Samsung Wallet or Samsung Pay shortcuts.

cross-platform compatibility
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.5

Cross-platform compatibility is a clear advantage, with reviewers noting support for both Android and iOS, unlike some platform-locked rivals.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
2.4

Cross-platform compatibility is limited: reviews say it works with Android but not iPhone, with the best experience tied to Samsung phones.

customization options
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.5

Customization is broad through shortcuts, glances, data screens, and watch faces, though some watch-face configuration and shortcut limits feel awkward.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.4

Customization is strong across programmable buttons, widgets, tiles, colors, and watch-face data.

display quality
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.5

Display quality is strongly praised after the move to AMOLED, with reviewers calling it bright, colorful, vibrant, sharp, and a major upgrade.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.7

Display quality is a major strength, with repeated praise for the large, vibrant AMOLED display.

durability
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.2

Durability looks good for everyday use, with mentions of Gorilla Glass, aluminum, water resistance, and resistance to scuffs and scratches.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.7

Durability is a standout, backed by titanium construction, MIL-STD claims, scratch protection, and reviewer reports of little damage.

ECG functionality
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
1.3

ECG functionality is absent; reviewers repeatedly state the Venu Sq 2 has no ECG feature and that Garmin ECG support was limited elsewhere.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.1

ECG functionality is widely listed as part of the health feature set, though one review notes Samsung-phone pairing requirements for ECG and blood pressure.

fit
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.9

Fit is generally good for smaller or average wrists, though one reviewer needed time for the silicone strap to settle around the wrist.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.8

Fit is polarizing: it can fit some larger wrists well, but reviewers also note the single 47mm size and large wrist footprint.

fitness tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.4

Fitness tracking accuracy is strong overall, with GPS, heart-rate, sports, and exercise tracking often described as great, reliable, or close to reference devices.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.1

Fitness tracking accuracy is generally good for everyday and running use, though scientific testing places it below the top alternatives.

GPS accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.5

GPS accuracy is a major positive, with several reviewers reporting quick locks, accurate routes, and performance close to more expensive devices, aside from tougher city conditions.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.4

GPS accuracy is good in several reviewer tests and supports dual-frequency GPS, but scientific testing found some route deviation.

health tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.2

Health tracking accuracy is mixed: heart-rate and sleep timing can be good, but some reviewers question how meaningfully Garmin combines health data.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.7

Health tracking is feature-rich but mixed in accuracy, with strong sensor coverage offset by questionable antioxidant, HRV, and some sleep-stage findings.

heart rate accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.3

Heart-rate accuracy is mostly good to excellent, especially for steady workouts, though a few reviews note lag or higher max readings during harder intervals.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.4

Heart-rate accuracy is strongest in running evidence, with one reviewer matching a Polar strap closely, while scientific testing calls it good rather than elite.

LTE connectivity
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
1.0

LTE connectivity is not available; one reviewer directly says the watch lacks built-in LTE or cellular connection.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.5

LTE is a consistent advantage because it is standard or broadly available, though one reviewer notes carrier setup can cost extra.

mapping and navigation
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
1.9

Mapping and navigation are basic; reviewers note only simple back-to-start or compass-style help, with no maps, breadcrumb trails, or course support.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.9

Navigation support is useful through offline maps, Google Maps routing, and GPS widgets, but one reviewer notes no built-in maps on-watch.

materials quality
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.9

Materials are practical rather than luxurious, with fiber-reinforced resin, aluminum trim, silicone straps, and a design carried over from the original.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.6

Materials quality is strong, centered on titanium, sapphire/robust design references, and corrosion-resistant claims.

menu navigation
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.5

Menu navigation is divided: some reviewers find it simple and easy after learning it, while a critical review calls it slow and inconvenient.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.3

Menu navigation is mostly straightforward through swipes, app drawers, digital bezel haptics, and simple operation.

music controls
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.0

Music controls are useful on the base model for phone playback, while the Music Edition adds more independent playback options.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.2

Music features are useful for downloaded Spotify, streaming, media tiles, and larger storage for music.

onboard music storage
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.1

Onboard music storage is useful on the Music Edition but widely criticized as an upcharge, since the base model lacks storage.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.6

Onboard storage is a clear 2025 upgrade, repeatedly described as 64GB and useful for music, apps, and offline maps.

operating system experience
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.0

The operating system experience is more Garmin-familiar and easier than the original Venu Sq, but still trails fuller smartwatch platforms.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.2

The operating system experience benefits from One UI 8/Wear OS updates, Gemini, Now Bar, and refreshed interface features.

outdoor visibility
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.1

Outdoor visibility is generally good after the AMOLED upgrade, though one review still notes squinting in bright sun.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.7

Outdoor visibility is excellent, with multiple reviewers saying the bright display remains readable in sunlight.

pairing reliability
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.8

Pairing support is present for Bluetooth headphones and accessories, but direct evidence is mostly about pairing capability rather than long-term reliability.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.6

Pairing and setup reliability are positive where tested, with instant recognition and quick setup noted.

recovery insights
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.4

Recovery insights are useful through Body Battery, but the watch lacks more advanced training readiness, load, and structured recovery metrics from higher Garmin models.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.5

Recovery-style insights are mixed: vascular load interests some reviewers, while HRV and related metrics draw skepticism.

reliability
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.4

Reliability is generally positive, especially for running-watch use and GPS chipset behavior, with reviewers calling it reliable or a solid option.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.5

Reliability is mostly acceptable but not flawless, with one review noting brief display interruptions and another calling performance not horrible rather than perfect.

safety features
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.9

Safety features are a plus, including Assistance, Incident Detection, and LiveTrack, though phone pairing is required for some features.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.3

Safety features include fall detection, emergency siren references, sleep apnea alerts, and related health/safety setup options.

size options
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
2.2

Size options are limited, as reviewers note a single 40mm case or no size differences between versions.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.4

Size options are limited by the single large 47mm format, though the band can fit a range of wrists and the screen size appeals to some users.

sleep tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.7

Sleep tracking is mixed to positive: timing is often accurate, but reviewers question stages, note no nap tracking, and mention occasional over-reporting.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.5

Sleep tracking is useful and improving, but reviewers disagree on sleep stages and awake-time accuracy.

smartphone notifications
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.9

Smartphone notifications work well for alerts and basic viewing, but reply features depend on Android and richer notification actions are limited.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.3

Smartphone notifications are well supported, with reviewers noting detailed notification views and suggested replies.

smartwatch features
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.0

Smartwatch features are serviceable but limited, with repeated criticism of missing calls, voice support, richer apps, and fuller phone-like functionality.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.2

Smartwatch features are broad, including LTE, calls, texts, Gemini, Now Bar, storage, and Samsung’s full watch software stack.

software smoothness
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
2.9

Software smoothness is mixed, with several reviewers noticing lag, slow glances, or slower responsiveness than Apple or Samsung watches.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.3

Software smoothness is generally good, with smooth app launches and more functional One UI behavior, despite occasional reliability caveats.

step counting accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.0

Step counting is presented as a standard fitness-tracker feature, and one reviewer found step counts close to an Apple Watch comparison.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.2

Step counting is positive in basic walking tests, but one reviewer notes accuracy drops when arms are not swinging.

stress tracking
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.0

Stress tracking is useful through HRV, stress widgets, and Relax Reminders, though one quote frames it as part of broader wellness logging.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.1

Stress tracking is included in Samsung’s health sensor set, though the reviews provide feature evidence more than accuracy testing.

style and design
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
2.4

Style and design are polarizing, with praise for wearability but repeated criticism that the square design is ordinary, cheaper-looking, or unattractive.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.9

Style is divisive: some reviewers like the rugged, colorful, stylish look, while others find it bulky or not pretty.

third-party app support
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
2.7

Third-party app support is limited; reviewers say Connect IQ has useful tools but pales beside Apple, Google, and Samsung app libraries.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.5

Third-party app support is solid through Google Play, fitness apps such as Strava and Map My Run, and a growing Wear OS app selection.

touchscreen responsiveness
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.1

Touchscreen responsiveness is mostly good, with some reviewers calling it responsive and predictable, while others notice lag or less snappy motion.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.3

Touchscreen responsiveness and gesture operation are described as intentional and straightforward in the long-term review evidence.

user interface
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.4

The user interface is basic but usable, with Garmin’s revised UI helping, though some reviewers still find the layout underused or plain.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.3

The user interface is improved and functional, though some reviewers dislike parts of the visual layout.

value for money
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.1

Value for money is strong for fitness-focused buyers thanks to battery, accuracy, and Garmin features, but weaker for shoppers wanting full smartwatch features or cheap pricing.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.3

Value for money is the main weak point because reviewers repeatedly question the high price and minimal 2025 hardware changes.

voice assistant quality
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
1.5

Voice assistant quality is poor because there is effectively no voice assistant support on the Venu Sq 2.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.4

Voice assistant quality is a strength with Gemini, which reviewers describe as convenient, useful, and directly available on the wrist.

watch face quality
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.4

Watch face quality is mixed: there are customizable and downloadable faces, but some reviewers dislike limited default customization and square-face support.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.7

Watch faces are a strength, with reviewers praising quantity, customization, and Samsung’s polished face designs.

water resistance
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.5

Water resistance is well supported, with multiple reviewers noting 5ATM or 50-meter protection suitable for swimming and shower use.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.7

Water resistance is a strong feature, with reviews citing 5ATM/10ATM ratings, IP68 claims, and pool/rain/snow use.

wellness insights
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.3

Wellness insights are a core strength, including Body Battery, stress, sleep score, SpO2, Health Snapshot, respiration, and energy-level guidance.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
3.8

Wellness insights are useful but uneven: sleep coaching and vascular load get interest, while energy score and antioxidant index receive skepticism.

Wi-Fi connectivity
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
3.5

Wi-Fi is available on the Music Edition for music syncing, while the base model is described as limited to Bluetooth and ANT+.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.0

Wi-Fi support is present across connectivity mentions, including LTE/Wi-Fi model references.

workout tracking variety
Product 1: Garmin Venu Sq 2
4.3

Workout tracking variety is broad for casual fitness, with more than 25 profiles, HIIT, yoga, swimming, running, cycling, and structured workouts.

Product 2: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
4.6

Workout variety is strong, with reviewers citing many tracked activities, multisport/triathlon capability, and broad exercise lists.