← Back to Smartwatches
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the premium option here, boasting an impressive 100-hour battery life. In real-world usage, that means you'll spend less time charging and more time enjoying its rugged features, like the 10ATM water resistance. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 isn't just a pretty face; its 3,000-nit display brightness is a game-changer for outdoor visibility. If you're an active user who relies on clear visuals in bright sunlight, this watch shines in every sense of the word.
⚖️ Weight: 2.13 oz vs 2.18 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🏷️ Battery: 590mAh (Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra) vs 564mAh (Apple Watch Ultra 3)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
★4.4
(243)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features
Operating System:Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Case Size:47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D
Case Material:Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass
Check Amazon Price→
Apple Watch Ultra 3
★4.7
(425)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black)
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display
Apple Watch Ultra 3
1245 sq mm display area
Resolution
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
480 x 480 pixels
Apple Watch Ultra 3
422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
32GB
Apple Watch Ultra 3
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
60.5 g (Body only)Winner
Apple Watch Ultra 3
61.8 g
Water Resistance
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable
Apple Watch Ultra 3
100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
watchOS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
LTE (eSIM standard on all models); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
Apple Watch Ultra 3
LTE and UMTS; Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; U2 Ultra Wideband chip
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
★4.4(243)Amazon
Apple Watch Ultra 3
★4.7(425)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(243)Amazon | ★4.7(425)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features | iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later |
Operating System | Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch) | watchOS |
Case Size | 47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D | 49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D) |
Case Material | Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass | Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black) |
Display Type | Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 3000 nits | Always-On Retina display (LTPO3 OLED) with flat sapphire crystal |
Display Size | 1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display | 1245 sq mm display area |
Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels | 422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable | 100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H certified; Operating temp -20°C to 55°C; 9000m altitude resistance | IP6X dust resistance; MIL-STD 810H tested |
GPS | Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); Glonass; Beidou; Galileo | Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5) |
Connectivity | LTE (eSIM standard on all models); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | LTE and UMTS; Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; U2 Ultra Wideband chip |
NFC Payments | Samsung Wallet / Google Wallet | Apple Pay |
Sensors | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Light sensor | Electrical heart (ECG), optical heart (Gen 3), temperature (body/water), blood oxygen, depth gauge, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope |
Health Features | Energy Score; Sleep Apnea detection (FDA authorized); AGEs Index; Body Composition; ECG; Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification; Cycle Tracking with skin temperature; Sleep coaching | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate zones, Sleep Tracking/Apnea notifications, Vitals app, Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates |
Workout Modes | Multisport tile (Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon); Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling; Race Partner; Track Back; Custom workouts via Quick Button | Multisport, Running (Advanced Metrics), Hiking (Topographic Maps), Ocean Diving, Swimming, Cycling |
Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | Speaker (with Siren support); Microphone | Dual speakers; three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation; 86dB Siren |
Calls | Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone) | Yes (via Cellular or Wi-Fi) |
Battery | 590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving) | Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) |
Charging | Fast Wireless Charging (WPC Inductive); Proprietary puck required for max speed | Fast charging (0–80% in approx. 1 hour) with USB-C Magnetic Fast Charger |
Weight | 60.5 g (Body only) | 61.8 g |
Band Sizes | One Size (fits 145–205mm wrists via Dynamic Lug System) | Fits 130–210mm wrists (Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band) |
Extras | Quick Button (customizable); 86dB Emergency Siren; Night Mode watch face; Gesture controls (Double Pinch) | S10 SiP, Double Tap gesture, On-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, Flashlight/Night Mode, Crash Detection, Fall Detection |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Rating:★4.4(243)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features
Operating System:Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Case Size:47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D
Case Material:Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass
Display Type:Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 3000 nits
Display Size:1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display
Resolution:480 x 480 pixels
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable
Durability:MIL-STD-810H certified; Operating temp -20°C to 55°C; 9000m altitude resistance
GPS:Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); Glonass; Beidou; Galileo
Connectivity:LTE (eSIM standard on all models); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
NFC Payments:Samsung Wallet / Google Wallet
Sensors:Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Light sensor
Health Features:Energy Score; Sleep Apnea detection (FDA authorized); AGEs Index; Body Composition; ECG; Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification; Cycle Tracking with skin temperature; Sleep coaching
Workout Modes:Multisport tile (Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon); Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling; Race Partner; Track Back; Custom workouts via Quick Button
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:Speaker (with Siren support); Microphone
Calls:Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone)
Battery:590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving)
Charging:Fast Wireless Charging (WPC Inductive); Proprietary puck required for max speed
Weight:60.5 g (Body only)
Band Sizes:One Size (fits 145–205mm wrists via Dynamic Lug System)
Extras:Quick Button (customizable); 86dB Emergency Siren; Night Mode watch face; Gesture controls (Double Pinch)
✓ Pros:
- • True multi-day battery life (up to 100h in power saving)
- • Extremely durable Grade 4 Titanium build with 10ATM rating
- • Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) provides superior tracking accuracy
- • Brightest display in class (3000 nits) for outdoor visibility
- • Exclusive features like Siren and Multisport tile for triathletes
✗ Cons:
- • Large 47mm square-circle design may not fit smaller wrists
- • Key health features (ECG, Sleep Apnea) locked to Samsung phones
- • Proprietary band attachment (Dynamic Lug) limits third-party options
- • Charging speed is slower (~2 hours) compared to competitors
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Rating:★4.7(425)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black)
Display Type:Always-On Retina display (LTPO3 OLED) with flat sapphire crystal
Display Size:1245 sq mm display area
Resolution:422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft)
Durability:IP6X dust resistance; MIL-STD 810H tested
GPS:Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5)
Connectivity:LTE and UMTS; Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; U2 Ultra Wideband chip
NFC Payments:Apple Pay
Sensors:Electrical heart (ECG), optical heart (Gen 3), temperature (body/water), blood oxygen, depth gauge, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope
Health Features:ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate zones, Sleep Tracking/Apnea notifications, Vitals app, Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
Workout Modes:Multisport, Running (Advanced Metrics), Hiking (Topographic Maps), Ocean Diving, Swimming, Cycling
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Dual speakers; three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation; 86dB Siren
Calls:Yes (via Cellular or Wi-Fi)
Battery:Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Charging:Fast charging (0–80% in approx. 1 hour) with USB-C Magnetic Fast Charger
Weight:61.8 g
Band Sizes:Fits 130–210mm wrists (Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band)
Extras:S10 SiP, Double Tap gesture, On-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, Flashlight/Night Mode, Crash Detection, Fall Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading 3,000-nit display brightness
- • Rugged titanium build with 100m water resistance
- • Excellent battery life relative to category (up to 72h low power)
- • Precision dual-frequency GPS ideal for outdoor sports
✗ Cons:
- • Large 49mm case may be too bulky for smaller wrists
- • High price point
- • Exclusive to iPhone ecosystem
- • Minimal design changes from previous generation
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 100-hour battery life crushes the Apple Watch Ultra 3's 72 hours. That said, grab the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you need a class-leading display and excellent integration with your iPhone - it's worth it for those who want seamless Apple ecosystem access.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra if: you need multi-day battery life, enjoy rugged outdoor activities, or want advanced fitness features. (2.13 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if: you prioritize display brightness, are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, or want more health tracking features. (2.18 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra excels if you value true multi-day battery life (up to 100h in power saving). Apple Watch Ultra 3 is better if you prioritize class-leading 3,000-nit display brightness. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.