Compare Garmin Approach S44 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)

Reviewers liked the automatic golf-shot tracking, with AutoShot and last-shot distance tracking repeatedly described as useful and well executed.

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

Garmin ecosystem support was a strength, especially CT10/CT1 sensors, rangefinder compatibility, Garmin Golf membership, and broader Garmin device pairing.

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

Band feedback was mixed but leaned positive after break-in: one reviewer found the strap rigid at first, while others liked the comfortable silicone or pliable rubber band.

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

Battery life was a clear strength, with reviewers citing 10-day smartwatch use, 15-hour GPS ratings, weekly charging, four rounds, and about eight days in daily use.

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 was not a real S44 strength; the evidence appears in a list of health sensors reviewers said were absent from the watch.

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

Bluetooth was useful in the Garmin golf ecosystem, especially for sending Z30 rangefinder yardages directly to the watch.

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

Brightness was consistently praised, with reviewers calling the AMOLED/OLED screen easier to read, vibrant, bright, and strong outdoors.

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

Build quality was viewed positively overall, with reviewers citing Garmin reliability, a slim lightweight build, Gorilla Glass, and Garmin's general product quality.

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

The second physical button was repeatedly treated as a meaningful usability upgrade over the S42, complementing touchscreen control.

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 is limited to phone-call notifications; reviewers did not describe answering or managing calls from the watch.

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

Calorie tracking exists but is basic; reviewers grouped it with simple activity tracking rather than advanced fitness analysis.

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 was a drawback because one reviewer criticized Garmin's continued use of a proprietary charger.

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

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

Coaching features were mixed: reviewers liked score tracking, PinPointer, green tools, and shot-distance learning, but noted virtual caddie and some advanced features are absent or subscription-locked.

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

Comfort was a repeated positive, with lightweight construction, secure fit, and comfortable silicone/rubber bands making it easy to wear during golf.

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

The Garmin Golf app was treated as useful for scorecards, notifications, club-distance insight, and post-round data, especially when paired with Garmin accessories.

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

Contactless payments were effectively absent from the S44 evidence; Garmin Pay was discussed as something available on higher models instead.

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

Cross-platform compatibility was uneven because Android users were said to get better notification customization than iPhone users.

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

Customization was modest but useful, covering notification choices, band swaps/color options, straps, and watch-face customization.

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

Display quality was one of the strongest consensus positives, with reviewers praising the AMOLED/OLED screen as sharp, colorful, beautiful, and a major S42 upgrade.

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

Durability evidence was limited but positive, mostly tied to Gorilla Glass and the watch being described as tough.

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

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 was strong for smaller or average wrists, with reviewers praising the thin profile, light weight, stable swing fit, and slim case.

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 was limited; GPS could track biking and walking, but reviewers said non-golf activity data was basic.

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

GPS and yardage accuracy were strong, with several reviewers citing accurate, consistent distances and useful front/middle/back yardages.

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

Health tracking accuracy could not score well because reviewers emphasized that the relevant health sensors and metrics are missing.

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 scored poorly because multiple reviewers specifically said the S44 lacks a heart-rate monitor.

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

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 evidence was limited but positive, with Gorilla Glass and Garmin's hardware construction standing out most clearly.

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

Menu navigation was praised as easier and more intuitive thanks to the second button, touchscreen layout, and clearly arranged menus.

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

Music controls were consistently described as available for controlling smartphone music, but reviewers did not present deeper music features.

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

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

The operating system experience was generally simple and usable, though the broader smartwatch layer remained basic compared with fuller wearables.

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

Outdoor visibility was a strength because reviewers said the screen stayed visible in full sunlight and was bright outdoors.

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

Pairing reliability was strong in the reviews, with fast Garmin Golf app setup and simple initial pairing.

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

Recovery insights were essentially absent; reviewers grouped Body Battery and similar metrics among features not included on the S44.

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

Reliability was a strong theme, supported by consistent yardages, no course-load hiccups, Garmin build reputation, and predictable performance.

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 were only lightly supported through a Find My Garmin feature, with no evidence for richer safety or emergency tools.

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

Size options were limited: reviewers liked the slim size for smaller wrists but also warned the S44 may be too small for some.

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 scored poorly because reviewers repeatedly said sleep tracking is not included on the S44.

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

Smartphone notifications were useful for texts, emails, calendar, weather, and alerts, but iPhone customization and interaction were limited.

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

Smartwatch features were basic: reviewers called it golf-first and useful for essentials, but not a full smartwatch replacement.

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

Software smoothness was praised through fast course loading, responsive behavior, and a generally breezy user experience.

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

Step counting was present but basic, repeatedly mentioned as one of the few included health or daily activity metrics.

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

Stress tracking scored poorly because reviewers specifically listed stress tracking among the health features absent from the S44.

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

Style and design were mostly praised for sleekness and lightness, though one reviewer found it less fashion-forward off the course.

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

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 was consistently positive, with reviewers calling it responsive and easy to tap or scroll through.

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

The user interface was considered simple and quick to understand, especially for golfers who wanted essential features without overwhelm.

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

Value was a major strength for golfers who want AMOLED Garmin golf basics, though several reviewers said subscriptions or the S50 change the math.

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

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

Watch face quality was strong because reviewers liked the AMOLED face, large-number yardage mode, and watch-face customization, though one found course info plain without subscriptions.

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

Water resistance evidence was limited to the 5 ATM rating but supports standard sport-watch protection.

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

Wellness insights were weak because reviewers repeatedly said advanced health, fitness, hydration, breathwork, and wellness features are missing.

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

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

Workout tracking variety was present but limited, with running, cycling, walking, biking, and swimming mentioned but described as basic compared with higher Garmin models.

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