The Great Watch-Off: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra – Clash of the Titans
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra are marketed as your forever watches. With their promises of long-lasting batteries, robust fitness tracking, and an array of features designed for an active lifestyle, they’re both tempting choices. But which one truly reigns supreme?
To find out, I put both watches through their paces, wearing them simultaneously during rigorous workouts and even a challenging three-hour hike up Breakneck Ridge in New York’s Hudson Highlands. The verdict? It’s a photo finish. There are subtle differences, but neither watch truly outshines the other in a way that fundamentally changes your experience.
Samsung’s Triumph: Price and Battery Life
While both watches boast titanium frames, dual-frequency GPS, programmable buttons, water resistance up to 100 meters, and multi-sport workout tracking, one factor sets them apart: price. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a cool $150 cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra 2, giving it a significant financial edge. It also slightly edges out Apple in battery life, offering around 46 hours of use compared to Apple’s impressive but slightly shorter 42 hours.
Apple’s Ace: Analog Controls
Apple has a unique advantage with its digital crown, an analog control that provides an intuitive way to navigate through apps and watch faces. This single feature, while seemingly minor, adds a level of usability that Samsung’s solely touch-based interface simply can’t match. Samsung’s Tiles offer quick access to features, but finding the right one requires tedious swiping, especially with the limited 15-tile maximum for now.
Health and Fitness: A Closer Look
Both devices feature a multitude of health sensors and tracking capabilities, with Samsung holding a slight edge thanks to its blood oxygen sensor (currently disabled on Apple wearables due to an import ban) and body composition tracking. However, the overall accuracy of these features is debatable. Samsung claims 97% accuracy for its body composition readings, but it’s always best to consult with a qualified professional for reliable measurements.
While both watches offer sleep tracking, Samsung takes it a step further with sleep apnea detection. This feature, while not a medical diagnosis, can be useful for individuals concerned about their sleep quality. However, both companies stress that any potential issues should be discussed with a doctor.
Fitness Tracking: A Race for Accuracy
When it comes to fitness tracking, both devices struggle for dominance. During my Breakneck Ridge hike, both watches accurately tracked elevation gain, but their readings differed for other metrics. Apple’s watch measured a higher peak elevation, while Samsung showed a higher time spent in "vigorous intensity" during the hike. Both watches also provided wildly divergent calorie burn estimations, highlighting the inherent inaccuracies in smartwatch calorie calculations.
While Apple’s heart rate tracking, as per independent tests like those conducted by YouTuber Rob Ter Horst, is considered more accurate than Samsung’s, both devices should be regarded as guiding tools for fitness improvement rather than clinical-grade devices.
The Final Verdict: A Tough Call
Choosing between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra boils down to personal preference. Both watches are exceptional, boasting impressive battery life, durable designs, and an abundance of fitness tracking features.
If you’re an Apple devotee and appreciate the convenience of the digital crown, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an excellent choice. Its fitness tracking, while not perfect, is generally more reliable than Samsung’s.
If price is a key factor and you prefer a slightly larger watch face with more customizable watch faces, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a compelling option. Its two-day battery life and additional health-tracking features, such as body composition and sleep apnea detection, add further value, even if their accuracy is disputed. Ultimately, both watches provide a fantastic user experience, and neither truly outperforms the other in a way that justifies a clear decision. The choice comes down to individual priorities and preferences.
