Compare Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) vs Amazfit Active 3 Premium

Reviewers generally found automatic activity detection reliable and convenient, especially for walks, runs, and auto pausing, with only minor caveats.

Workout auto-detection is mixed: some sources say it auto-recognizes strength movements and several sports, while one hands-on review says it lacks automatic workout detection.

Wear OS and Google/Samsung integration were treated as major strengths, though one long-term reviewer still found smartwatch apps somewhat limited.

The app ecosystem is useful but bounded: reviewers mention hundreds of apps and Zepp App Store extras, while one notes apps must come from Zepp rather than Apple or Google stores.

Band feedback was sharply mixed: some reviewers praised the attachment system and comfort, while others disliked the stock or Marine bands.

Band impressions are generally practical, with standard 20 mm quick-release or non-proprietary bands and an included silicone strap.

Battery life was consistently better than ordinary Galaxy Watches, commonly reaching roughly two days or more, but still short of serious sports-watch endurance.

Battery life is one of the strongest themes, with typical use ranging from about 8-12 days in hands-on reviews and up to 24 hours in GPS mode in launch coverage.

Blood oxygen support appeared in sleep and apnea-related tracking, but reviewer confidence varied because one outlet saw unusually low overnight readings.

Blood oxygen tracking is repeatedly listed among the health features and background sensor options.

Bluetooth support exists, but the clearest reviewer evidence focused on frustrating power-meter pairing rather than broad Bluetooth reliability.

Bluetooth is central to calls, pairing, notifications, peripherals, and map transfer, though reviewers note phone proximity and Bluetooth-only transfer limitations.

Reviewers strongly agreed the 3,000-nit display is a standout, with excellent brightness in sunlight and outdoor use.

Brightness is widely praised, especially the 3,000-nit screen and outdoor readability.

Build quality was repeatedly praised as premium, rugged, and solid, with reviewers calling out top-notch construction.

Build quality is consistently described as premium for the price, helped by stainless steel, sapphire glass, and four-button construction.

The Quick Button was often useful, but reviewers repeatedly criticized the missing rotating bezel, absent crown-like control, and limited customization.

Button controls are a clear strength, with four physical buttons praised for workouts, gloves, sweaty hands, and navigation without touch input.

Call handling worked well as a phone-extension feature, with reviewers using or highlighting calls from the wrist.

Call handling is mostly supported through Bluetooth calling and a mic/speaker, though one preview transcript reports a no-speaker limitation.

Calorie tracking was present in daily stats and workout targets, but reviewer evidence focused more on availability than accuracy or depth.

Calorie tracking is mentioned as part of the app ecosystem, but reviewer evidence does not deeply evaluate its accuracy or usefulness.

Charging convenience was mixed to weak because wireless charging exists, but reverse wireless charging was removed and top-ups still require planning.

Charging convenience is helped by long battery life and a familiar Amazfit magnetic charger used across several models.

Charging speed was a recurring drawback, with reviewers reporting roughly 1.5 to 3 hours for a full recharge.

Coaching support was clearest through Wellness Tips and audio feedback tied to goals, but evidence was narrower than for core tracking.

Coaching features are a major strength, including Zepp Coach, adaptive plans, training libraries, guided metrics, and beginner-friendly structure.

Comfort depended heavily on wrist size and use case: several reviewers wore it comfortably, while others found it too large or disruptive for sleep.

Comfort is consistently positive, with reviewers calling out the light feel, smaller size, and approachable wearability.

Samsung Health was praised for useful aggregation and free features, but the broader app setup was criticized for requiring multiple Samsung apps.

The Zepp companion app is mostly praised as clear, detailed, easy to set up, and useful, though one German review criticizes weak translations.

NFC and wallet payments were useful and reliable for several reviewers, though one long-term user disliked the PIN friction.

Contactless payments are supported through NFC/Zepp Pay/Curve in supported regions, but availability is country- and bank-dependent.

Compatibility was a major caveat: the watch is Android-only and many advanced features are best or only available with Samsung phones.

Cross-platform behavior is mixed: it works with iPhone and Android, but reviewers note less seamless iPhone integration and Android-only response features.

Customization was a clear strength, covering data pages, complications, watch faces, tiles, and the Quick Button.

Customization is strong for training screens, metrics, shortcut buttons, replies, and watch/app settings.

Display quality was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers praising the AMOLED panel, clarity, size, sharpness, and visual impact.

Display quality is a standout, with reviewers praising the AMOLED panel, clarity, color, and premium look, despite one smudging complaint.

Durability was widely praised, with evidence around titanium, sapphire, rugged ratings, scratch resistance, and long-term wear.

Durability is supported by sapphire glass, scratch resistance, 5 ATM water resistance, and a sturdier build than expected for the price.

ECG was valued as an advanced health feature, but multiple reviewers noted Samsung-phone or app restrictions.

ECG functionality is absent according to the review evidence.

Fit was polarizing because the 47mm body felt comfortable to some but bulky, wide, or wrist-dominating to others.

Fit is generally positive thanks to the light weight, comfortable sizing, and adjustable lugs, though it comes in one case size.

Fitness accuracy was broadly positive for runs and GPS workouts, but reviewers still reported sport-specific weaknesses and mixed conclusions.

Fitness tracking is generally strong for running metrics and training data, but reviewers note some accuracy caveats for heart rate and GPS in harder conditions.

GPS accuracy was one of the product’s clearest wins, with many reviewers finding it accurate, fast-locking, or finally competitive.

GPS and navigation are strong for the price, with offline maps and route features, but single-band GPS can drift or struggle in dense woods or obstructed areas.

Health accuracy was mixed: some scores and sensors seemed useful or consistent, while AGEs, body composition, and broader insights drew skepticism.

Health tracking is broad and mostly praised, covering HRV, heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, sleep, and BioCharge-type readiness insights.

Heart-rate accuracy was usually strong for running and everyday workouts, but reviewers reported weaknesses in cycling, rowing, or certain conditions.

Heart-rate accuracy is mixed: some tests report good chest-strap agreement, while others saw cadence-like behavior or imperfect interval tracking.

LTE was part of the Ultra’s default configuration and supported independent smartwatch use, though reviewers did not deeply stress-test it.

LTE connectivity is not available, so connected features depend on a nearby phone over Bluetooth.

Navigation was mixed: GPX, compass, Track Back, and turn-by-turn features helped, but reviewers criticized missing maps and limited routing depth.

Materials quality was consistently praised, especially titanium, sapphire crystal, and the more premium feel versus aluminum Galaxy Watches.

Materials quality is a strength, with stainless steel, sapphire glass, and metal accents repeatedly mentioned.

Navigation was mixed to weak: touch and touch-bezel controls can work, but reviewers missed a rotating bezel or crown.

Menu navigation is mostly smooth and button-aided, though some workout and map workflows confused reviewers or required leaving an activity.

Music and media controls were useful as a phone-free convenience for pausing, skipping, and playback control.

Music controls and audio functions are present through phone control, playback widgets, podcasts, and music/podcast storage.

Onboard storage is useful for maps, music, podcasts, and routes, but space is limited compared with higher-end Amazfit models.

The Wear OS 5 and One UI Watch experience was considered modern and capable, with performance and efficiency improvements.

The Zepp OS experience is familiar and smooth, with reviewers describing it as similar to other Amazfit watches.

Outdoor visibility was excellent in most situations thanks to the bright screen, though one reviewer noted underwater visibility limits.

Outdoor visibility is a major strength, supported by the bright 3,000-nit AMOLED display and direct-sun readability.

Pairing was mixed: phone setup could be easy and Samsung integration strong, but cycling power-meter pairing was poor.

Pairing is generally easy, but one iPhone user noticed occasional brief syncing delays.

Recovery and readiness insights were useful but uneven, with Energy Score and post-workout recovery data sometimes lacking sensitivity.

Recovery insights are a major part of the product, including recovery time, fatigue, exertion, HRV, sleep quality, and BioCharge/readiness-style data.

Reliability was mostly positive over time, especially battery health, but reviewers noted isolated workout stoppage and power-warning issues.

Overall reliability is positive in hands-on use, though early heart-rate and map-transfer quirks keep it from being flawless.

Safety features were a plus, especially the loud emergency siren and outdoor-focused emergency positioning.

Safety and navigation features are strong for the price, including offline maps, turn-by-turn guidance, rerouting, POIs, and backtrack-style return options.

Size options were weak because the Ultra only comes in one 47mm case, leaving smaller-wrist users with no Ultra-sized alternative.

Size options are limited because the watch comes in one case size, although reviewers also liked the smaller, more manageable form factor.

Sleep tracking accuracy was mixed: several reviewers found sleep/wake times close, while others saw gaps, optimistic scoring, or idle-time confusion.

Sleep tracking is one of the best-reviewed attributes, with detailed stages, wakeups, HRV, breathing data, and sleep scores.

Notifications generally worked well as a phone-extension feature, with reviewers appreciating wrist-based texting and alerts.

Smartphone notifications are supported, including calls, SMS, app alerts, WhatsApp, and notification viewing, with richer replies on Android.

Smartwatch features were broad and capable, with reviewers highlighting Wear OS tools, Samsung ecosystem functions, sports modes, and phone-extension use.

Smartwatch features are broad for the price, including calls, notifications, stand reminders, Find My Phone, camera control, speaker/mic, and app extras.

Software smoothness was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly reporting fast, fluid, lag-free performance.

Software smoothness is praised, with reviewers noting little lag, no stutters, and smooth operation.

Step counting was generally acceptable but not flawless, with reviewers noting close controls in one case and phantom or hand-motion-related steps in others.

Stress tracking was present but weakly reviewed, with one reviewer calling it an afterthought and another simply listing it among Samsung Health tools.

Stress tracking is repeatedly included among the automatic health features and wellness insights.

Design was polarizing: some reviewers loved the bold rugged look, while others disliked the squircle body and Apple-like cues.

Style and design are mostly positive for a premium-looking budget watch, but some reviewers wanted more color and strap choices.

Third-party app support was a Wear OS advantage, especially popular apps like Komoot, Strava, Spotify, and broader Wear OS options.

Third-party support is mixed: key training platforms like Strava, TrainingPeaks, Runna, and Intervals appear, but broader app-store access and some training-app links are limited.

Touch input was fine in dry conditions but a weakness in sweat, rain, or wet sports situations.

Touchscreen use is functional, but reviewers emphasized the value of physical buttons and did not deeply praise touch responsiveness itself.

The UI was generally refined and familiar, though some reviewers found Samsung’s watch experience less straightforward than rivals.

The interface is generally beginner-friendly, smooth, and jargon-free.

Value was a recurring concern because the Ultra costs far more than Watch 7 while sharing many features, despite its rugged advantages.

Value for money is the strongest consensus point, with reviewers repeatedly contrasting the price with the premium build, maps, battery, and health features.

Voice assistant support is present through Zepp Flow/AI assistant controls and commands, with generally positive but not deeply tested impressions.

Watch faces were praised for attractiveness, customization, complications, and useful at-a-glance information.

Watch face quality is mixed: there are Zepp App Store watch faces, but one reviewer questioned whether some looked AI-generated.

Water resistance was stronger than standard Galaxy Watches and good for swimming/open water, but reviewers noted it is not a true dive-sports watch.

Water resistance is solid for everyday use and swimming, with multiple reviews mentioning 5 ATM protection.

Wellness insights were promising but mixed: Energy Score and Wellness Tips helped some reviewers, while AGEs and score sensitivity drew criticism.

Wellness insights are broad and digestible, with BioCharge, HRV, sleep, respiratory data, readiness, fatigue, and recovery-style feedback.

Wi-Fi setup and connectivity were supported through the Galaxy Wearable flow, but review evidence was limited to basic connection behavior.

Wi-Fi connectivity appears weak or absent for map transfer; one reviewer specifically says map transfer is Bluetooth-only rather than Wi-Fi.

Workout variety was strong, covering multisport, triathlon, gym machines, runs, hikes, swims, rides, and many activity profiles.

Workout tracking variety is strong, with more than 170 sport modes and detailed running, hybrid, strength, treadmill, and swimming profiles.