Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
The Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra 1st Gen commands a premium price of $799 versus Samsung Galaxy Watch 4's $249, reflecting significant differences in positioning and capabilities. Apple's offering features a titanium build with professional-grade scuba diving certification (40m), larger 49mm display, faster S8 processor, and superior battery longevity at 36 hours standard or 60 hours in Low Power Mode. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 delivers impressive value with aluminum construction, lighter weight options at 25.9g (40mm), vibrant Super AMOLED display, and respectable 40-hour rated battery life, though real-world performance typically reaches 20 hours. Both include ECG, SpO2, heart rate, and sleep tracking; Apple adds skin temperature monitoring. For fitness enthusiasts and professionals demanding durability and extended battery life, the Ultra justifies its cost. Budget-conscious buyers seeking comprehensive health tracking and daily smartwatch features find excellent value in the Galaxy Watch 4, though it requires more frequent charging.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) if…
- →Titanium case is exceptionally durable for extreme sports and diving
- →36-hour battery life (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) is longest for Apple Watch
- →2000-nit peak brightness is readable in any outdoor condition
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 if…
- →First Samsung watch with Wear OS and Google apps integration
- →BIA sensor for body composition measurement (body fat, muscle mass)
- →Lightweight and slim design comfortable for all-day wear
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen)
Pros
- Titanium case is exceptionally durable for extreme sports and diving
- 36-hour battery life (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) is longest for Apple Watch
- 2000-nit peak brightness is readable in any outdoor condition
- Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS provides precise tracking even in canyons
- Action Button is customizable for workouts, compass, and more
Cons
- 49mm case is very large — may be too bulky for smaller wrists
- Heavy at 61.3 g compared to standard Apple Watch models
- $799 is expensive for a first-generation product
- S8 chip is the same as Series 8 — no processing advantage
- Only one 49mm size option with no smaller variant
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Pros
- First Samsung watch with Wear OS and Google apps integration
- BIA sensor for body composition measurement (body fat, muscle mass)
- Lightweight and slim design comfortable for all-day wear
- ECG and blood pressure monitoring (Samsung phones only)
- Affordable entry into Samsung's smartwatch ecosystem
Cons
- Battery life of 20 hours typical requires daily charging
- Gorilla Glass DX+ scratches more easily than sapphire crystal
- Many health features locked to Samsung Galaxy phones
- Wear OS 3 was buggy at launch with limited app support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) | Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Wear OS 3.0 (One UI Watch 4) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 61.3 g | 25.9 g (40mm) / 30.3 g (44mm) |
| Case material | Titanium | Aluminum with Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ |
| Water resistance | WR100, EN13319 (certified for recreational scuba diving to 40m) | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810G |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 36 hours (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) | Up to 40 hrs (typical ~20 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 49mm | 40mm / 44mm |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 410 x 502 | 396 x 396 / 450 x 450 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Exynos W920 |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.