From Engadget · Anna Washenko · · 3m
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Two premium smartwatches go head-to-head on durability, features, displays, and price.
In brief
Two premium smartwatches go head-to-head on durability, features, displays, and price. Both watches are titanium-built and water-resistant, but the Galaxy has a brighter display while Apple offers longer battery life and more health tracking options. Originally reported by Engadget.
Two flagship watches arrive
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 both launched this summer as premium smartwatch options. Each brings distinct features and ecosystems to the high-end wearable market.
Titanium bodies, different colors
Both watches use titanium construction. Samsung offers gray or silver, while Apple comes in black or natural tones. Apple also partners with Hermès for exclusive titanium bands and ocean-themed watch faces.
Durability ratings match up
Both watches handle serious water sports. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has IP69K dust and water resistance plus a 100-meter submersion rating. Apple's Ultra 4 has IP6X dust resistance, 100-meter submersion, and an EN13319 depth gauge rating.
Different chips, same storage
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 runs a Snapdragon Wear Elite chip with Google Gemini AI, 64GB storage, and 2GB memory. Apple's Ultra 4 uses the S11 chip with Siri and 64GB storage, supporting new Audio Intelligence features.
Galaxy's display shines brighter
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has a 1.52-inch circular Super AMOLED screen with 5,000 nits peak brightness. Apple's Ultra 4 features a larger 1.9-by-1.7-inch rectangular OLED display but maxes out at 3,000 nits.
Apple wins on battery life
Apple Watch Ultra 4 delivers up to 50 hours of battery, or 84 hours in Low Power Mode. Extended Workout Mode offers 25 hours of continuous GPS and heart rate tracking. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 promises up to 60 hours but focuses more on battery size than performance.
Fast charging differs
Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 reaches 40 percent battery in about 30 minutes. Apple's Ultra 4 delivers up to 18 hours of extra battery life from just 15 minutes of fast charging.
Apple adds health sensors
Apple Watch Ultra 4 includes more accurate heart rate sensing every five seconds, a new pedometer for step tracking, and the Readiness app that gauges daily fitness readiness using activity and sleep data.
Samsung's health app overhaul
Samsung Health now offers a Vitals menu with daily biomarker readings, blood pressure estimates, and a Heart Health Score. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 also includes unique features like antioxidant readings and Trail Run mode with hydration guidance.
Safety features on both
Both watches offer Emergency SOS calls, alert sirens, and fall detection. Apple Watch Ultra 4 adds crash detection. Neither requires a monthly subscription for core features, though fitness apps like Apple Fitness+ or iFIT are optional add-ons.
Price and discounts
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 starts at $700 and Samsung offered $100 off within a month of launch. Apple Watch Ultra 4 costs $799 and is still in pre-order with no discounts expected soon. Both support trade-in options.
The bottom line
Both watches are titanium-built and water-resistant, but the Galaxy has a brighter display while Apple offers longer battery life and more health tracking options.
