Compare Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) vs Apple Watch Ultra 3

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

Reviewers describe useful automatic workout or track-detection support, mostly as part of the broader Apple workout feature set rather than as a heavily tested headline feature.

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 a major strength, with reviewers pointing to the huge Apple Watch app store and strong support from fitness and everyday apps.

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

Band feedback is mixed: some reviewers liked Trail Loop stability or comfort, while one found it could work loose during runs.

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 consistently better than standard Apple Watches, often reaching two to three days, though reviewers still note it trails dedicated sports watches.

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 treated as part of Apple’s broad health suite, with reviewers noting SpO2 or Blood Oxygen availability rather than deeply testing accuracy.

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

Bluetooth support is present and cited through Bluetooth 5.3, though reviewers did not spend much time testing Bluetooth reliability in depth.

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

Brightness is a clear strength, with multiple reviewers praising the 3,000-nit display, wide-angle viewing, and real-world readability.

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

Build quality is praised as rugged, durable, refined, and premium, with titanium and sapphire contributing to confidence in daily and outdoor use.

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

Button controls are well liked, especially the Action button, wrist gestures, and quick workout or utility shortcuts.

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

Call handling receives positive notes, with reviewers saying the speakers and microphones keep calls clear for a smartwatch.

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 Activity Rings and daily movement tracking, but reviewers give little direct analysis of its precision.

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

Charging convenience improves the ownership experience because quick top-ups can cover sleep tracking or reduce the need for strict daily charging.

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

Charging speed is widely praised as faster and practical, commonly cited around 80% in about 45 minutes or meaningful top-ups in 15 minutes.

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

Workout Buddy and coaching features are useful but uneven, with praise for encouragement offset by complaints about limited requirements or wonky feedback.

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 depends heavily on wrist size and band choice: some found 24/7 wear manageable, while others still considered the Ultra 3 bulky.

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

The companion app experience is useful but not flawless, with Health, Fitness, and Watch app integration praised while post-run data organization can feel split.

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 Apple Pay and Wallet, reinforcing the Ultra 3’s day-to-day smartwatch usefulness.

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

Cross-platform compatibility is a weakness: reviewers repeatedly emphasize that the Ultra 3 is effectively for iPhone users only.

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

Customization is strong, from workout profiles and data screens to third-party apps, routes, and Action button behavior.

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

Display quality is one of the strongest points, with reviewers repeatedly praising the larger LTPO OLED panel, clarity, and premium screen experience.

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

Durability is a strength, with reviewers citing titanium, sapphire, water ratings, and real-world resistance to visible damage.

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

ECG support is repeatedly listed as part of Apple’s advanced health feature set, though not deeply performance-tested in these reviews.

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

Fit is a recurring caveat because the large 49mm body can loosen, press against smaller wrists, or affect sensor contact.

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

Fitness tracking accuracy is broadly positive, especially for sports tracking and metrics, though not all reviewers found every sensor perfect.

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

GPS accuracy is one of the strongest consensus wins, with reviewers repeatedly calling tracks solid, precise, or among the best available.

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

Health tracking is considered comprehensive and strong, combining Vitals, ECG, SpO2, hypertension alerts, sleep, and activity data.

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 mostly praised, but evidence is mixed: several tests matched chest straps closely while others reported errors during runs.

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

Cellular and 5G support is useful, especially for iPhone-free use, though some reviewers saw limited real-world speed gains or carrier limits.

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

Mapping and navigation are a major split: third-party apps and urban directions help, but native workout mapping and route following remain weak.

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

Materials quality is highly regarded, with reviewers repeatedly citing titanium, sapphire crystal, recycled titanium, and premium construction.

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

Menu navigation in the Workout app is described as improved and better organized, though this was not a major review focus.

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

Music features are useful, from Apple Music workout playlists to playback controls and iPhone-free listening, though playlist taste can be inconsistent.

Onboard storage is confirmed at 64GB, but reviewers did not deeply evaluate local media storage as a standalone feature.

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

The operating system experience is a major strength, with watchOS 26 and Apple’s software polish helping the Ultra 3 feel smooth and integrated.

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

Outdoor visibility is consistently praised, with reviewers reporting strong readability in bright sunlight, shade, and off-angle situations.

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

Pairing reliability and ecosystem integration are described as excellent through the Ultra 3’s close, seamless connection with the iPhone.

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

Recovery insights are useful but shallow compared with dedicated sports watches, with training load and health insights noted as limited or basic.

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

Reliability is generally positive for satellite, calls, software stability, and daily use, though sensor reliability is not perfect in all contexts.

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

Safety features are a headline strength, especially satellite SOS, satellite messaging, fall/crash detection, siren, and off-grid location support.

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, since the Ultra 3 is a large 49mm watch that can be too much for smaller wrists or slimmer-watch shoppers.

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 mostly regarded as accurate and useful, with Sleep Score adding clarity, though occasional quirks or fit issues remain.

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

Smartphone notifications are part of normal daily use and battery testing, but reviewers did not emphasize notification handling as a differentiator.

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

Smartwatch features are a core strength, with reviewers calling it a full-featured iPhone smartwatch rather than only a sports watch.

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

Software smoothness is praised, with reviewers calling taps, swipes, animations, and the overall experience snappy, responsive, and stable.

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.

Step tracking is present through Activity tracking, but review evidence only confirms step tracking rather than demonstrating strong accuracy testing.

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

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

Style and design are generally praised as rugged, sophisticated, premium, and increasingly mainstream, though bulk remains polarizing.

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

Third-party app support is a standout advantage, especially for Strava, Runna, WorkOutDoors, AllTrails, Spotify, and other Apple Watch apps.

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

Touchscreen responsiveness receives very strong praise in the Runner’s World review, where the screen is called brilliantly responsive.

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

The user interface is generally smooth and modern, with Liquid Glass and revised workout navigation praised, though minor glitches appear in one review.

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

Value is mixed: reviewers respect the capability but repeatedly mention the high price and limited need to upgrade from recent Ultra models.

Voice assistant quality is positive, with Siri described as clear and responsive alongside strong speaker and microphone hardware.

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

Watch faces are a meaningful Ultra advantage, especially Modular Ultra and Waypoint, though one reviewer reported Waypoint glitches.

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 a strong point, with reviewers noting 100m resistance, 40m diving support, and snorkeling or swim readiness.

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

Wellness insights are useful and increasingly broad, with Vitals, Sleep Score, hypertension alerts, sleep apnea, and sleep-stage context highlighted.

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

Wi-Fi is mostly discussed in relation to off-grid satellite fallback, so evidence supports connectivity context more than detailed Wi-Fi performance.

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

Workout tracking variety is broad, covering many activity modes, running profiles, cycling, swimming, diving, and outdoor activities.