Samsung vs. Apple: Ultra Watches in comparison

Samsung has introduced the first ultra smartwatch. But how does the Galaxy Ultra compare to the Apple Watch Ultra? We have compared features, prices and more.
© Samsung/Apple: Montage connect

Samsung is following Apple’s example and is entering the premium smartwatch business this year. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is not only Samsung’s smartwatch spearhead in terms of price, but also offers a few fine extras in addition to an extra-large display and robust titanium case. But is the Galaxy Watch Ultra on a par with the Apple Watch Ultra in more than just name? We have compared the workmanship, functions, etc. for you.

Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Prices and connectivity

This is where the first major difference between the two Ultra watches becomes apparent. At 899 euros, Apple’s smartwatch is around 200 euros more expensive than its Samsung counterpart. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is available from 699 euros. Of course, that’s a lot of money for a smartwatch when you consider that the normal Galaxy Watch 7 costs 499 euros (with LTE) and the Apple Watch 9 costs from 479 euros.

In addition to WiFi, both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra also come with LTE via E-SIM as standard. Dual-band GPS is also built into both watches for more precise positioning. Of course, you can also make contactless payments with Apple or Samsung Pay with both watches.

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Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-Ultra-Farben
Samsung offers the Galaxy Watch Ultra in three colors: gray, white and silver.
© Samsung

Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Design, workmanship and dimensions

Samsung has opted for a cushion-shaped case for the Watch Ultra, with a round display that reminds us a little of mechanical watches from Panerai. Apple’s Watch Ultra 2 typically comes in a rectangular format. While Apple’s watch is only available in one color, naturally light gray titanium, Samsung offers three colors: silver, gray and white.

One of the biggest differences, however, is the build quality. Apple’s Ultra 2 is made from a solid piece of titanium, excluding the back. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra is built in a sandwich style. Only the top with the bezel is made from titanium, the middle part is made from plastic. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 therefore looks more high-quality and feels as high-quality as a mechanical watch.

Although both Ultra Watches are anything but compact, the Galaxy Watch is still a bit slimmer and thinner than the Apple Watch:

  • Dimensions Apple Watch Ultra 2: 49 x 44 x 14,4 Millimeter
  • Dimensions Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: 47 x 47x 12,1 Millimeter

Interesting: Although Samsung partly uses plastic, both watches are almost the same weight:

  • Weight Apple Watch Ultra 2: 61,4 Gramm
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Weight: 60,5 Gramm
Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-Ultra-vs-Apple-Watch-Ultra-2_Geh-use
While Samsung makes most of the Ultra’s casing out of plastic (stripe in the middle), Apple’s Ultra 2 is made entirely of titanium.
© Apple/Samsung

Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Only for swimmers, not for divers

Apple caused a stir with the introduction of the Watch Ultra. Unlike other smartwatches, the watch was not only waterproof up to 10 ATM, but was also specifically approved for scuba diving up to 40 meters. It even serves as a dive computer. Admittedly, this is a feature that only very few users need. On top of that, it is tested according to MIL-STD 810H and can withstand strong fluctuations in temperature and altitude.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra also meets the MIL-STD 810H standard, making it very robust and suitable for outdoor activities. It is waterproof up to 10 ATM, but not suitable for scuba diving or water sports. This should not be a problem for most buyers.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Diving
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also suitable for scuba diving up to 40 m and for water sports. The Galaxy Watch Ultra cannot keep up with that.
© Apple

Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Große Displays

Despite its larger case compared to the Galaxy Watch 7, the Watch Ultra’s OLED display is not as big at 1.5 inches. It also offers the same resolution as the 7 at 480 x 480 pixels and is protected from scratches with sapphire glass.

With a diagonal of 2 inches, the Apple Watch Ultra offers even more display space than the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Instead of using a normal OLED, Apple uses an LTPO panel that can reduce the refresh rate to as low as 1 Hz in order to save energy on the always-on display. Sapphire glass is also a must for Apple.

Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-Ultra-vs-Apple-Watch-Ultra-2_Displays
With its almost 2-inch display diagonal, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (left) offers slightly more display area than the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which has a display diagonal of 1.5 inches.
© Apple/Samsung

Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Health tracking more extensive at Samsung

Samsung and Apple offer one of the best health tracking systems on the market. The Galaxy Watch Ultra measures pulse, blood oxygen and temperature and creates an ECG. After prior calibration, the Ultra even measures blood pressure and can also determine body composition (fat, muscle mass, water). A new feature is the measurement of “Advanced Glycation Endproducts” (AGEs), which are an indication of cell aging. Sleep tracking is also on board, with the Galaxy Watch Ultra being able to detect sleep apnea.

The Apple Watch Ultra doesn’t do quite as much. It measures your pulse, blood oxygen, skin temperature and creates an ECG. Like the Samsung watch, women can use it as a cycle tracker.

Both Ultra Watches have fall detection, SOS function and can emit a loud sound as a siren.

Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-Ultra-Sport
You can probably track sports equally well with both Ultra watches. However, the Galaxy Watch Ultra has more extensive health tracking.
© Samsung

Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Bigger battery or gesture control?

Samsung has installed a 590 mAh battery in the Galaxy Watch Ultra. This should give the smartwatch a longer battery life than the Watch 6 Classic (425 mAh), which was tested in our Test lasted 2.5 days.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a smaller battery of 564 mAh than the Galaxy Watch Ultra and thus in our test just over 2.5 days. Theoretically, Samsung’s Ultra watch should offer a longer battery life than Apple’s.

In terms of software, you can download all the apps your heart desires onto both watches. There are no pre-installed offline maps on either watch. One of Apple’s specialties is gesture control, which allows you to answer calls or pause music by double-tapping.

Apple Watch 9 Doppeltippen
Gesture control (double tap) is probably the biggest innovation in the Watch 9 and Ultra 2.
© Apple

Galaxy Watch Ultra or Apple Watch Ultra 2: Which smartwatch is better?

It’s not really that easy to say which Ultra Smartwatch is better. Apple offers better and, above all, higher-quality workmanship and a larger display. Of course, that costs money. With Samsung, you pay less and, above all, get a wider range of health functions. Apple can’t keep up with that by a long shot.

Ultimately, however, it is not necessarily a question of the watch, but rather of the system. After all, iPhone users will never buy a Galaxy Watch Ultra and owners of a Samsung phone will never buy an Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Titanium Grey Teaser

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Source: www.connect.de