I wore Samsung’s and Apple’s Ultra smartwatches for 3 weeks – apps made all the difference

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Most people are limited to either an Android or iPhone, and the rest of their devices follow suit to that ecosystem. For the past three weeks, though, I’ve been wearing an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at the same time to see how life is on both sides of the fence. 

The two flagship smartwatches have big displays, are made for larger wrists, and feature rugged designs for the outdoors. Both support cellular connectivity, meaning you can use them without a phone. They also have safety features for anyone in remote areas, with both watches sporting loud sirens to aid in your call for help in an emergency.

Also: The best smartwatches of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

I have been trail running, biking, walking, hiking, rowing, golfing, and living with them both for three weeks, and despite their similar builds, there are some distinct differences to consider. 

In terms of pricing, let’s get it out of the way: they’re not cheap. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is available for $699 in a 47mm size, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available for $799 in its 49mm size. Samsung’s Watch Ultra 2 is available in Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray, while Apple offers the Watch Ultra 3 in natural titanium and black, so both brands have similar options.

Specifications

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 if…

1. You want an AI coach and robust health platform

Google set the bar with its AI-enabled Google Health Coach. Samsung joined the competition with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, enhancing its Samsung Health platform with a daily energy score, sleep score, five nightly vital statistics, daily cardio load, heart health scores, and a custom running coach that can help you improve your fitness and running performance.

Also: I wore the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for a week – it’s a true Apple Watch Ultra 3 rival

Samsung mimics what we have seen on expensive GPS sports watches, with trail-running guidance that includes hydration alerts, off-path warnings, and more. Samsung also provides body composition measurements to measure key details of your wellness and fitness.

2. You have high blood pressure and want to monitor it

It’s taken many years, but Samsung Galaxy Watch users can now measure blood pressure on the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. A blood pressure cuff is used to calibrate the watch every 30 days, but you can take readings any time while wearing the watch. Given that so many of us have bodies that react in a doctor’s office, taking readings regularly outside a medical setting provides the most accurate blood pressure trends.

Apple and Google have hypertension notification capability, but neither provides blood pressure readings like the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. You should always consult a doctor if the data shows higher levels, but having the ability to check this key health metric can be important for millions of people.

3. You want Google Gemini integration

No matter how many years I spent with Samsung devices, I never fully adopted the company’s voice assistant Bixby. Thankfully, a simple press-and-hold of the top-right button, speaking the launch words “OK Google”, or simply raising your wrist (if this option is enabled) will launch Google Gemini.

Having quick access to Google Gemini on the wrist has proven to be one of the most useful features of the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, and I think of new ways to use the tech every single day.

You should buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if…

1. You want to explore off-grid

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 includes LTE, but the Apple Watch Ultra 3 one-ups that with the latest 5G technology. In a watch form factor, you probably won’t notice performance differences, but you may see improved connectivity to the 5G network.

Also: I compared the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Garmin’s inReach satellite connectivity – here’s the winner

The major advantage the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has over the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is integrated satellite connectivity, which works well. I often spend time trail running, hiking, fishing, and camping outside the range of any cellular connection, and while many phones have satellite support, I sometimes don’t have my phone or the battery is dead. The Apple Watch Ultra 3’s satellite connectivity isn’t just for SOS notifications, like some watches. The connection can also be used to communicate with family and friends, letting them know where you are and that you are safe.

2. You want accurate sleep tracking

In addition to these two watches, I’ve been wearing my Oura Ring 4 and Garmin Index Sleep Monitor to check the accuracy of my sleep tracking. No mobile device will track your sleep as well as advanced systems, but the trends and key phases can sync up.

Also: Which Apple Watch should you buy in 2025? My verdict on the most disputed model

For some reason, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 had periods during just about every evening where my sleep was not tracked and recorded. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 almost matched the Oura and Garmin devices and did a great job tracking the stages and matching how I felt.

3. You want better watch interactions

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has three buttons on the right side, but most interactions are via taps and swipes on the display. A virtual rotating bezel action is available, but it doesn’t track that well, so there are limits to its interaction methods. The Apple Watch Ultra 3, on the other hand, has a rotating digital crown and two other buttons which can be rotated to scroll lists. 

Both watches also support gestures. However, Apple does a better job of integrating these gestures into the OS, and I use the finger/thumb double-pinch action to quickly navigate through the Smart Stack, answer calls, play/pause music, and more.

Writer’s choice

I have always used several devices running various mobile operating systems, but given my current family dynamics, an Apple iPhone works best as my daily driver. However, the Samsung folding phones are compelling, and I prefer the larger form factor and design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Apple is lagging behind Samsung, Google, Amazfit, and others with no useful coaching or guidance software, relying on third parties to provide these experiences. Since I train by myself, having a virtual coach is useful, and I find myself using these AI-enabled tools much more than Apple Health.

Android developers, Google, and Samsung have made great strides in smartphone apps, and every tool I need on a watch is available on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, so there is no longer a concern there. I spend more time with Google’s apps, so the native apps on the Samsung watch are a bit better for my daily needs.