Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Verdict
Both titanium smartwatches deliver premium build quality and comprehensive health tracking, but they differ meaningfully in battery endurance and display technology. Apple Watch Ultra features the S8 SiP processor with watchOS 9 (upgradable to 11+), offering seamless iPhone integration and a brilliant 410x502 LTPO OLED display with always-on capability. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra counters with superior battery performance, delivering up to 60 hours in Power Saving mode versus Apple's 36 hours, plus a brighter 3000-nit Super AMOLED display and more advanced 3nm Exynos W1000 processor. Both offer identical health sensors including ECG, SpO2, skin temperature, and sleep tracking, with equivalent water resistance for diving. At $649.99, the Galaxy Watch Ultra provides exceptional value with longer battery life and marginally better specifications. However, iPhone users benefit significantly from Apple's ecosystem integration. Choose Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra for superior battery longevity and value, or Apple Watch Ultra if deep iOS integration justifies the $150 premium.
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 Ultra if…
- →Premium titanium build with 10ATM water resistance and MIL-STD durability
- →Bright 3000-nit Super AMOLED display with sapphire crystal protection
- →Dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) for precise outdoor tracking
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 Ultra
Pros
- Premium titanium build with 10ATM water resistance and MIL-STD durability
- Bright 3000-nit Super AMOLED display with sapphire crystal protection
- Dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) for precise outdoor tracking
- Big 590 mAh battery delivers up to 100 hours in Power Saving mode
- Customizable Quick Button for fast access to workouts and apps
Cons
- Very expensive at $649 — Samsung's priciest watch yet
- Only one 47mm size, too large for smaller wrists
- BioActive sensor and BP/ECG features require Samsung phone
- Design closely mimics Apple Watch Ultra
- Limited third-party app ecosystem versus Apple Watch
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Wear OS 5 with One UI Watch 6 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 61.3 g | 60.5 g |
| Case material | Titanium | Titanium Grade 4 |
| Water resistance | WR100, EN13319 (certified for recreational scuba diving to 40m) | 10ATM + IP68 + MIL-STD-810H |
| 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 60 hours in Power Saving mode (590 mAh) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 49mm | 47mm (1.5") |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | Super AMOLED with Sapphire Crystal glass, up to 3000 nits |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 410 x 502 | 480 x 480 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Samsung Exynos W1000 (3nm, 5-core) |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
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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 Ultra.