Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025): Expected differences
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to show its pretty face in about a month's time, while Samsung already showed its hand with the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Who will win the Ultra smartwatch crown?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to show its pretty face in about a month's time, and we're pretty excited about what the top-of-the-line wearable has in store for us.
On the other hand, Samsung already showed its hand with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, and even though the 2025 update didn't bring much to the table beside a new color and more storage, it's still a very competitive device.
Which is the reason why we've decided to pit these two against each other in this comparison. Both devices stand on the top of their respective food chains, and both aim to deliver the absolute best smartwatch experience to their owners.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to bring some interesting upgrades, such as hypertension detection, a new and powerful chipset, a bigger screen, and also a bigger battery. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a known entity, offering a big and bright 3000-nit display, great battery life, and some of the most comprehensive health metrics on the market.
So, who will win the Ultra smartwatch crown?
On the other hand, Samsung already showed its hand with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, and even though the 2025 update didn't bring much to the table beside a new color and more storage, it's still a very competitive device.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to bring some interesting upgrades, such as hypertension detection, a new and powerful chipset, a bigger screen, and also a bigger battery. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a known entity, offering a big and bright 3000-nit display, great battery life, and some of the most comprehensive health metrics on the market.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: differences*
- Rectangular 40% brighter display LTPO3 OLED on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Circular 3000-nit display on the Galaxy Watch Ultra
- LTPO3 OLED on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs regular (no variable refresh rate) on the Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Hypertension metric on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) Index on the Galaxy Watch Ultra
- New Apple S11 SiP chipset (potentially) on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Exynos W1000 (3 nm) on the Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Satellite and 5G connectivity on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs LTE connectivity on the Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Faster charging expected on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs 1 hour and 20 minutes for a full charge of the Galaxy Watch Ultra
*based on leaks and rumors
Table of Contents:
Design & Sizes
Different yet similar
Another key design difference is the lack of a rotating crown on the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The device relies on two buttons for navigation and an additional customizable Quick Button. Onto the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Now, we're into the speculation territory here, but we have a lot of leaked and rumored info about the Apple Watch Ultra 3. We expect the design to stay largely unchanged compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
The bigger screen that's expected could result in an even larger size; the previous model measured 49 x 44 mm and weighed around 62 grams, so we expect the same ballpark for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Material-wise, the same titanium + sapphire crystal sandwich is expected on the Ultra 3, so it's pretty similar to what Samsung is doing with the Galaxy Watch Ultra in that regard.
Bands
Proprietary release mechanisms
Most of the Galaxy Watch models up to the last generation used lugs and standard 20-22 mm bands. This meant you could easily snap on a third-party band and change the style. Now, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is an exception (as well as the latest Galaxy Watch 8), as it uses a proprietary mechanism to attach the straps to the body of the watch.
This mechanism is very similar to what Apple has been doing on the Apple Watch for ages—it uses a button on the bottom of the watch to release the strap, no lugs or pins. This allows for a much cleaner design but also limits the available third-party options when it comes to watch bands.
This mechanism is very similar to what Apple has been doing on the Apple Watch for ages—it uses a button on the bottom of the watch to release the strap, no lugs or pins. This allows for a much cleaner design but also limits the available third-party options when it comes to watch bands.
We expect the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to continue the trend and use the same strap mechanism as its predecessors. This gives a slight edge to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 over the Galaxy Watch Ultra, as bands designed for the previous two generations of the Apple Watch Ultra will probably fit. No such luck for Galaxy Watch Ultra owners, as it's a first-generation model.
Software & Features
Health-centered
In terms of software, the Galaxy Watch Ultra runs on Wear OS 5, with Samsung's One UI on top. This software combo offers a simple, user-friendly experience and also allows for personalization and quite a variety of third-party apps.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3, on the other hand, is expected to launch running WatchOS, rocking cool features such as Training Load exertion ranking, the Vitals following app, New SmartStack predictions, the Check-in feature for friends, and Dynamic Watch faces.
Both watches feel the best in their respective ecosystems, and even though there are workarounds to make Apple Watch models work with Android phones and Galaxy Watches pair with iPhones, in general this cross-platform functionality is off-limits when it comes to the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. So, bear in mind that to get the most out of these two, you will need a Samsung phone or an iPhone, respectively.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3, on the other hand, is expected to launch running WatchOS, rocking cool features such as Training Load exertion ranking, the Vitals following app, New SmartStack predictions, the Check-in feature for friends, and Dynamic Watch faces.
Both watches feel the best in their respective ecosystems, and even though there are workarounds to make Apple Watch models work with Android phones and Galaxy Watches pair with iPhones, in general this cross-platform functionality is off-limits when it comes to the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. So, bear in mind that to get the most out of these two, you will need a Samsung phone or an iPhone, respectively.
We will make a detailed breakdown of all the smart features when we test the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Heart Rate Accuracy
Samsung has been having heart-rate accuracy issues for some time on its smartwatches, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra is no exception. My colleagues reported several glitches and abnormal readings during testing.
Apple Watches, on the other hand, are renowned for their accurate heart-rate sensors, so we expect the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to have the upper hand in this section. Of course, we need to test the device when it comes out to pass our final judgement.
In terms of features, both watches offer ECG, irregular rhythm detection, and blood oxygen levels, but the Galaxy Watch Ultra takes health metrics a notch further with a new AGEs rating. It tracks the carotenoid levels on your skin, which helps you stick to a healthy diet. The BioActive sensor array also measures bioimpedance and can give you an estimate of your body composition—fat percentage, muscle, bones, etc.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to strike back with a new hypertension metric. The rumored feature is not aimed to provide exact systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements, but it will rather be tracking whether a user's blood pressure is trending upwards and sending an alert if hypertension is detected.
Apple Watches, on the other hand, are renowned for their accurate heart-rate sensors, so we expect the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to have the upper hand in this section. Of course, we need to test the device when it comes out to pass our final judgement.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to strike back with a new hypertension metric. The rumored feature is not aimed to provide exact systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements, but it will rather be tracking whether a user's blood pressure is trending upwards and sending an alert if hypertension is detected.
Sleep Tracking Accuracy
Now, when it comes to sleep tracking, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the first smartwatch that has received FDA approval for apnea detection, which elevates it above the competition in this particular field.
The watch also tracks a lot of metrics during your sleep, including sleep time, sleep stages, sleep score, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, snoring, sleep consistency, and the aforementioned sleep apnea. All this data is presented in a detailed yet easy to understand way, so there's some competition for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 here.
The watch also tracks a lot of metrics during your sleep, including sleep time, sleep stages, sleep score, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, snoring, sleep consistency, and the aforementioned sleep apnea. All this data is presented in a detailed yet easy to understand way, so there's some competition for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 here.
GPS Accuracy
GPS accuracy is vital when tracking different outdoor activities. The Galaxy Watch Ultra uses a dual-band GPS module, which provides great accuracy even in densely populated areas with lots of buildings. It's the gold standard in flagship smartwatches nowadays.
Now, we don't know what GPS system the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will opt for, but judging by the previous generation, we will get a dual-band GPS with highly accurate positioning algorithms, so this battle is shaping up to be a tie.
Now, we don't know what GPS system the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will opt for, but judging by the previous generation, we will get a dual-band GPS with highly accurate positioning algorithms, so this battle is shaping up to be a tie.
Battery and Charging
2-day smartwatches
The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes equipped with a 590 mAh battery. According to Samsung, the watch has a 100-hour battery life in power-saving mode and a 48-hour battery life while activity. However, in our tests the watch lasted a full two days when used regularly and with all of its features turned on.
Now, when it comes to charging, there's more to be desired from the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Charging speeds have been frozen on the past couple of generations and a full charge takes one hour and 20 mintes, which is not ideal.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to bring an upgrade both to the battery capacity of its predecessor and to fast charging as well. The previous generation features a 542mAh cell and charges to 80% in an hour, so pretty much Galaxy Watch Ultra territory. Let's see if the Apple Watch Ultra 3 would be able to bring some improvements.
Models and Prices
Unlike other models in both Samsung's and Apple's portfolios, the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra models come in only one single variant. In the case of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, it has LTE on board, and you can't get the watch with just Bluetooth connectivity. Price-wise, the Galaxy Watch Ultra starts at $649.99, which is a competitive price compared to the Apple Watch Ultra models.
Speaking of the Apple Watch Ultra 3, it's expected to bring 5G connectivity and also satellite connectivity to the table, but we don't expect Apple to segregate the model into different variants based on connectivity. So, we expect one single version, featuring all the bells and whistles, just like the Galaxy Watch Ultra. We expect the price to be around $799, just like its predecessor.
Speaking of the Apple Watch Ultra 3, it's expected to bring 5G connectivity and also satellite connectivity to the table, but we don't expect Apple to segregate the model into different variants based on connectivity. So, we expect one single version, featuring all the bells and whistles, just like the Galaxy Watch Ultra. We expect the price to be around $799, just like its predecessor.
Voice Calls and Haptics
Being LTE devices (5G possibly in the case of the Apple Watch Ultra 3), both smartwatches feature a microphone and loudspeaker. You can make calls or use the built-in speaker to listen to music, fitness or running coach instructions, or voice control the AI features/assistants on board.
Haptic-wise, the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers precise and strong vibration that you can tune to your liking. If we're to judge from the previous Apple Watch Ultra, we expect the same from the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Haptic-wise, the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers precise and strong vibration that you can tune to your liking. If we're to judge from the previous Apple Watch Ultra, we expect the same from the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Specs
- Here's a quick specs comparison for the number nerds out there:
| Apple Watch Ultra 3* | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) |
|---|---|
| Models 49mm 5G cellular variant + satellite connectivity | Models 47.4mm eSIM LTE version only |
| Processor S11 chip | Processor Exynos W1000 (3nm) |
| Software watchOS 11 | Software Wear OS 5 One UI 6 |
| Battery ~560 mAh 48-hour battery life Magnetic charger, 80% in 1 hour | Battery 590 mAh 48-hour battery life Magnetic charger, 80% in 1 hour Full charge, 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Sensors HR, blood oxygen, altimeter, ECG | Sensors HR, blood oxygen, altimeter, ECG, body impedance, AEGs |
| Key new features Hypertension alerts Bigger battery Faster charging Brighter display Satellite connectivity 5G | Key new features Dual-band GPS AGEs Index (beta) Triathlon/multisport support Energy Score Sleep Apnea detection (FDA-approved) New gestures (Double-pinch, double shake, etc) |
Summary
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is still under wraps, but the information coming from the rumor mill is pretty exciting. If Apple brings all those rumored upgrades and offers 5G and satellite connectivity, a bigger and brighter screen, better battery life, and the new hypertension metric, the Galaxy Watch Ultra will face some serious competition.
Speaking of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, it's a well-thought-out, all-round great smartwatch, building upon the success of the regular Galaxy Watch lineup. It features premium materials and a rugged design, plus all the health and fitness prowess Samsung has in the smartwatch industry—including the newest AEG antioxidant metric.
The battle is shaping up to be a fierce one, given the fact that both of these devices share similar price tags as well. We can't wait to test the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 when it arrives and investigate all the new and cool features. Until then, all we can do is wait.
Speaking of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, it's a well-thought-out, all-round great smartwatch, building upon the success of the regular Galaxy Watch lineup. It features premium materials and a rugged design, plus all the health and fitness prowess Samsung has in the smartwatch industry—including the newest AEG antioxidant metric.
The battle is shaping up to be a fierce one, given the fact that both of these devices share similar price tags as well. We can't wait to test the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 when it arrives and investigate all the new and cool features. Until then, all we can do is wait.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: