Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 represent the pinnacle of their respective ecosystems, but they target different buyers entirely. Apple's $799 flagship prioritizes premium materials and advanced health features, while Samsung's $349 offering delivers impressive AI capabilities at less than half the price.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Specifications compared
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5.99 | $349.99 |
| DriftScore | 77/100 | 79/100 |
| display | 49mm LTPO3 OLED, 3500 nits peak brightness | 1.47-inch AMOLED, Sapphire Crystal |
| chip | Apple S10 | Exynos W1000 |
| battery | Up to 36 hours (72 hours low power) | 435 mAh |
| water_resistance | 100m (10ATM), EN13319 dive certified to 40m | 5ATM + IP68 + MIL-STD-810H |
| connectivity | GPS (dual-frequency) + 5G Cellular + Satellite SOS | GPS + Bluetooth 5.3 + optional LTE |
| storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| os | watchOS 12 | One UI 8 Watch (Wear OS 5) |
Score breakdown
Our verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 wins for most buyers despite its lower 79 DriftScore, delivering 90% of the Apple Watch Ultra 3's functionality at 44% of the price. At $349 vs $799, the Galaxy Watch 8's Gemini AI integration and sleep apnea detection provide exceptional value for Android users. However, iPhone users should stick with the Ultra 3 for its superior 3500-nit display, satellite connectivity, and seamless ecosystem integration—the 3-point DriftScore advantage (82 vs 79) justifies the premium only if you need the rugged titanium build and advanced health monitoring.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Apple Watch Ultra 3 with Android phone
No, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 requires an iPhone and has zero Android compatibility. This is a major limitation that makes it unsuitable for Android users regardless of budget.
Which watch has better battery life
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 typically lasts 2-3 days with normal use, while the Galaxy Watch 8 provides 1-2 days. Both fall short of Garmin alternatives, but the Ultra 3 has a slight edge in longevity.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 worth the extra $450
Only if you're an iPhone user who needs satellite SOS, the brightest display available (3500 nits), or the rugged titanium construction. For most users, the Galaxy Watch 8's AI features provide better value at $349.