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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Venu 3
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the flagship option, boasting an astounding 100 hours of battery life in power saving mode. In contrast, the Garmin Venu 3 offers a respectable 14-day battery life, but lacks LTE and multi-band GPS. After testing both, the Galaxy Watch Ultra shines with its rugged design and superior water resistance at 10 ATM, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. However, it’s bulky at 47mm, which may not suit everyone, while the Venu 3's lighter 45mm body is more lifestyle-friendly, fitting better on smaller wrists.
⚖️ Weight: 2.13 oz vs 1.66 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 8 GB🎨 Resolution: 480 x 480 pixels vs 454 x 454 pixels
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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
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Garmin Venu 3
★4.5
(5,399)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
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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
Garmin Venu 3
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display
Garmin Venu 3
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Resolution
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
480 x 480 pixels
Garmin Venu 3
454 x 454 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
32GBWinner
Garmin Venu 3
8GB
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)
Garmin Venu 3
Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
60.5 g (Body only)
Garmin Venu 3
47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only)Winner
Water Resistance
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable
Garmin Venu 3
5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Software1 specs
Operating System
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Garmin Venu 3
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
LTE (eSIM standard on all models); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
Garmin Venu 3
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Garmin Venu 3
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
★4.4(243)Amazon
Garmin Venu 3
★4.5(5,399)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Garmin Venu 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(243)Amazon | ★4.5(5,399)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, Android (Garmin Connect app required) |
Operating System | Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch) | Garmin OS (Proprietary) |
Case Size | 47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D | 45mm x 45mm x 12mm |
Case Material | Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
Display Type | Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 3000 nits | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available |
Display Size | 1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display | 1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels | 454 x 454 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (optional) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H certified; Operating temp -20°C to 55°C; 9000m altitude resistance | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens; Stainless steel bezel |
GPS | Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); Glonass; Beidou; Galileo | GPS; GLONASS; Galileo (Single-band GNSS) |
Connectivity | LTE (eSIM standard on all models); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi |
NFC Payments | Samsung Wallet / Google Wallet | Garmin Pay |
Sensors | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Light sensor | Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG hardware); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient 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 | Sleep Coach; Nap Detection; ECG App (FDA cleared); HRV Status; Body Battery; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot; Women’s Health; Meditation |
Workout Modes | Multisport tile (Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon); Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling; Race Partner; Track Back; Custom workouts via Quick Button | Wheelchair Mode (pushes, weight shifts); Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates; Running; Cycling; Swimming (Pool); Golf; Tennis; Pickleball; and 30+ others |
Storage | 32GB | 8GB |
Speaker Mic | Speaker (with Siren support); Microphone | Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Calls) |
Calls | Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone) | Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone) |
Battery | 590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving) | Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours |
Charging | Fast Wireless Charging (WPC Inductive); Proprietary puck required for max speed | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included) |
Weight | 60.5 g (Body only) | 47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only) |
Band Sizes | One Size (fits 145–205mm wrists via Dynamic Lug System) | Fits wrists 135–200 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with standard 22mm Quick Release bands |
Extras | Quick Button (customizable); 86dB Emergency Siren; Night Mode watch face; Gesture controls (Double Pinch) | Voice Assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby via phone); Wheelchair mode specialized metrics; On-screen muscle maps; Photos in notifications (Android only) |
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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→
Garmin Venu 3
Rating:★4.5(5,399)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Durability:Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens; Stainless steel bezel
GPS:GPS; GLONASS; Galileo (Single-band GNSS)
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG hardware); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:Sleep Coach; Nap Detection; ECG App (FDA cleared); HRV Status; Body Battery; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot; Women’s Health; Meditation
Workout Modes:Wheelchair Mode (pushes, weight shifts); Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates; Running; Cycling; Swimming (Pool); Golf; Tennis; Pickleball; and 30+ others
Storage:8GB
Speaker Mic:Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Calls)
Calls:Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included)
Weight:47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only)
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135–200 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with standard 22mm Quick Release bands
Extras:Voice Assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby via phone); Wheelchair mode specialized metrics; On-screen muscle maps; Photos in notifications (Android only)
✓ Pros:
- • Bright 1.4" AMOLED display with refined, lifestyle-friendly UI
- • Built-in speaker and microphone for wrist calls and voice assistants
- • Latest Elevate Gen 5 sensor supports FDA-cleared ECG app
- • Dedicated Wheelchair Mode tracks pushes rather than steps
- • Excellent 14-day battery life significantly outperforms Apple/Samsung
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks Multi-Band GPS (found in similarly priced Forerunner 265)
- • Plastic case body feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
- • No LTE option available (phone required for calls/safety)
- • Gorilla Glass 3 is older tech compared to Sapphire or newer Gorilla Glass
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the better buy for most people - its remarkable 100 hours of battery life crushes the Garmin Venu 3’s 14 days. That said, grab the Garmin Venu 3 if you prefer a lighter design and a more budget-friendly option.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra if: you want true multi-day battery life, need advanced health features like ECG, or require a rugged device for outdoor activities. (2.13 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Garmin Venu 3 if: you prefer a lighter watch, want built-in calls and voice assistant support, or value a lifestyle-oriented design. (1.66 oz weight, 8 GB storage)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
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). Garmin Venu 3 is better if you prioritize bright 1.4" amoled display with refined, lifestyle-friendly ui. 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.
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