Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra: Real-World Comparison Before You Buy
Apple Watch Ultra With premium look.
Introduction
Smartwatch enthusiasts often debate: Apple Watch Ultra 3 or Galaxy Watch Ultra? Both are premium devices with advanced features, but which one truly fits your lifestyle?
Choosing between them isn’t about brand loyalty — it’s about real-life usage, comfort, battery performance, and features. This article compares both watches honestly and in detail, helping you make the right decision without hype.
Design & Build Quality
Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Large, rectangular case
- Rugged titanium body
- Flat, scratch-resistant sapphire display
- Button and digital crown for navigation
Designed for outdoor durability and extreme activities, but the larger size may feel heavy for small wrists.
Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Circular stainless steel body
- Rotating bezel for navigation
- AMOLED curved display
- Sleek and traditional watch-like design
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is comfortable for daily wear and gives a more classic smartwatch look.
Verdict:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 = Rugged, functional, outdoor-focused
- Galaxy Watch Ultra = Sleek, versatile, style-conscious
Display: Visibility and Interaction
Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Retina LTPO OLED, bright under sunlight
- Large rectangular screen for easy readability
- Touch screen and side buttons
Galaxy Watch Ultra
- AMOLED circular screen, vibrant colors
- Rotating bezel allows tactile control
- Bright enough for outdoor use
Takeaway:
Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers more screen space for apps and text, while Galaxy Watch Ultra provides intuitive bezel navigation.
Health & Fitness Tracking
Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Heart rate monitoring, SpO₂, sleep tracking
- GPS for outdoor workouts
- Advanced workout metrics for running, cycling, swimming
Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Heart rate, SpO₂, stress tracking
- Multiple sports modes with automatic recognition
- Sleep and recovery tracking
Comparison:
- Both watches provide accurate general tracking for casual and active users.
- Apple focuses more on fitness metrics and outdoor navigation, while Galaxy offers broader lifestyle tracking.
Battery Life Reality
Battery life is often misunderstood.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Claimed longer battery than regular Apple Watches
- Real-world: 1–2 days with heavy usage, 2–3 days moderate use
- Always-on display and GPS drain battery quickly
Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Larger battery, optimized Tizen/One UI
- Real-world: 3–5 days moderate use
- Heavy GPS and notifications reduce battery to ~2 days
Takeaway:
Galaxy Watch Ultra wins in endurance, while Apple Watch Ultra 3 is designed for feature-rich, short-term use.
smartwatch display.
Calling & Notifications
Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Bluetooth calling works reliably
- Notification mirroring from iPhone
- Siri for voice commands
Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Bluetooth calling supported
- Notification mirroring from Android devices
- Bixby and Google Assistant integration
Comparison:
Both work well, but Apple Watch is optimized for iPhone users, while Galaxy is better for Android users.
Software & Ecosystem
Apple Watch Ultra 3
- watchOS, seamless iPhone integration
- App Store support
- Software updates regularly
Galaxy Watch Ultra
- One UI Watch (Tizen-based)
- Samsung Health ecosystem
- Android-compatible apps, limited compared to watchOS
Verdict:
Apple Watch Ultra 3 shines within the Apple ecosystem, while Galaxy Watch Ultra offers more flexibility for Android users.
Comfort for Daily & Sleep Wear
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Slightly heavier, designed for durability. Comfortable for active users but bulky for small wrists.
- Galaxy Watch Ultra: Lighter, more traditional fit, ideal for long-term wear including sleep tracking.
Price Comparison
- Both watches are premium, but Galaxy Watch Ultra usually costs slightly less.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 is priced for ecosystem integration and rugged design, Galaxy Watch Ultra is priced for versatility and battery life.
Who Should Buy Apple Watch Ultra 3?
- iPhone users
- Outdoor and adventure enthusiasts
- Fitness-focused users who value precision
- Users willing to charge every 1–2 days
Who Should Buy Galaxy Watch Ultra?
- Android users
- Users wanting longer battery life
- People seeking traditional watch look
- Daily users prioritizing comfort over ruggedness
Common Myths & Clarifications
Myth 1: Apple Watch Ultra 3 is always better
Reality: Depends on your device ecosystem and battery needs.
Myth 2: Galaxy Watch Ultra lacks advanced fitness tracking
Reality: Galaxy Ultra provides comprehensive metrics suitable for most users.
Myth 3: Apple Watch Ultra 3 lasts longer on a single charge
Reality: Galaxy Watch Ultra often outperforms in real-world battery endurance.
Long-Term Usage: Which One Wins?
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Best for users aligned with Apple ecosystem, prioritizing outdoor adventure, and willing to charge more often.
- Galaxy Watch Ultra: Best for Android users, those seeking longer battery life, and daily, comfortable usage.
Final Verdict
There is no clear “winner”. Both watches excel in their intended areas:
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Galaxy Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Rugged, functional | Sleek, versatile |
| Display | Large, rectangular | Circular, bezel navigation |
| Battery | 1–2 days heavy use | 3–5 days moderate use |
| Fitness Tracking | Advanced outdoor metrics | Comprehensive lifestyle & sports modes |
| Ecosystem | Apple iPhone | Android / Samsung |
| Comfort | Slightly heavy | Lightweight, sleep-friendly |
| Calling | Works best with iPhone | Works best with Android |
Bottom line:
- Choose Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you are an iPhone user and love outdoor-focused fitness.
- Choose Galaxy Watch Ultra if you want longer battery life, Android compatibility, and classic watch comfort.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Galaxy Watch Ultra are both excellent smartwatches. Your choice should be guided by ecosystem, lifestyle, battery expectations, and comfort rather than brand hype.
Both devices are capable, reliable, and premium — it’s about finding the one that matches your daily routine.
smartwatch health fitness.
FAQs
Which watch is better for iPhone users?
Apple Watch Ultra 3, due to seamless iOS integration.
Which watch has better battery life?
Galaxy Watch Ultra, generally lasting 3–5 days with moderate usage.
Can both track fitness effectively?
Yes, both are suitable for daily fitness tracking and basic sports monitoring.
Are both watches suitable for sleep tracking?
Yes, but Galaxy Watch Ultra is slightly more comfortable for overnight wear.
Which one is worth the premium price?
Depends on ecosystem and usage: Apple Watch Ultra 3 for iPhone users and adventure activities; Galaxy Watch Ultra for Android users seeking comfort and battery life.
Author : Megha Acharya
Personal tech blogger from India.
