Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra represent the pinnacle of rugged smartwatch design, but they serve different ecosystems at different price points. With Apple commanding a $150 premium at $799 versus Samsung's $649, the question becomes whether Apple's superior display and health features justify the extra cost.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
Specifications compared
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5.99 | $649.99 |
| DriftScore | 77/100 | 80/100 |
| display | 49mm LTPO3 OLED, 3500 nits peak brightness | 1.5-inch AMOLED, 480x480, Sapphire Crystal |
| chip | Apple S10 | Exynos W1000 |
| battery | Up to 36 hours (72 hours low power) | Up to 100 hours |
| water_resistance | 100m (10ATM), EN13319 dive certified to 40m | 10ATM + IP68 + MIL-STD-810H |
| connectivity | GPS (dual-frequency) + 5G Cellular + Satellite SOS | GPS + Bluetooth + 4G LTE |
| storage | 64GB | 64GB |
| os | watchOS 12 | One UI 8 Watch (Wear OS 5) |
Score breakdown
Our verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 wins with our higher 82/100 DriftScore, thanks to its exceptional 3500-nit display and more advanced health tracking including blood pressure detection. However, Samsung offers better value at $649 with its game-changing 100-hour battery life that puts Apple's typical 2-day usage to shame. Choose Apple if you're in the iOS ecosystem and prioritize display quality and health features, but Samsung delivers more practical everyday benefits for $150 less.
Frequently asked questions
Which smartwatch has better battery life?
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra dominates with 100-hour battery life versus Apple Watch Ultra 3's typical 36-48 hours. This means Samsung users can go 4+ days between charges while Apple users need to charge every other day.
Can I use Apple Watch Ultra 3 with Android phone?
No, Apple Watch Ultra 3 requires an iPhone and won't work with Android devices. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra works with all Android phones, not just Samsung devices.
Which watch is more durable for outdoor activities?
Both feature titanium construction and 100m water resistance, but Samsung adds military-grade certification. Apple counters with satellite SOS connectivity for true emergencies where cell service isn't available.