This Is the Closest Rival to the Apple Watch Ultra Yet

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra aims to compete against Apple’s high-end smartwatch. And it beats it in a few key ways.

A rendering of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra under water with bubbles surround the watch and its bright orange band

Published July 10, 2024

·

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

At Samsung’s big summer Unpacked event, it announced a slew of foldable smartphones and wearables.

There’s the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, its next-gen foldables that look quite similar to last year’s models. There’s the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro, its latest wireless earbuds that look striking similar to Apple’s AirPod line. There’s its previously-announced smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, which finally has a price and a release date.

And there are its two newest smartwatches. There’s the Galaxy Watch 7, a refreshed version of last year’s Galaxy Watch 6. And, most interestingly, there’s the Galaxy Watch Ultra, an all-new premium smartwatch with a big display and a super durable design.

Yes, Samsung finally has a direct rival to the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

Specs

Display	47mm Super AMOLED
Operating System	Wear OS powered by Samsung
Water-resistance	IP68 (up to 100 meters)

$490 at Amazon

$649 (24% off)

Samsung isn’t trying to hide that its new premium smartphone is a direct Android alternative to Apple’s high-end smartwatch — the “Ultra” name says it all. And the two seem to be more similar than they are different.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a squared-off design that’s similar to that of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, although it still has a circular display like Samsung’s other smartwatches. It has a 47mm case — which is slightly smaller the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra 2 — but still makes it Samsung’s biggest smartwatch (along with the 47mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic) to date.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra — The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s display has a max brightness of 3,000 nits — just like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 — to help you see it even in direct sunlight.

Both Apple’s and Samsung’s premium smartwatches are made of titanium and are super durable; the Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung’s most durable smartwatch to date, with an IP68 rating that allows it to be submerged up to 100 meters (just like the Apple Watch Ultra 2). Both smartwatches have a 3,000-nit peak brightness, too.

Like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is super fitness-focused. Both have a dual-frequency GPS for more actual run tracking. And both a big button — although Samsung calls it the “Quick button” instead of the “Action button” — for quick starting workouts.

There are differences, too. The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a spinning digital bezel for navigation and a few extra buttons; there are dedication “Home” and “Back” buttons on either side of the Quick button.

Samsung’s premium smartwatch cannot work as a dive computer like Apple’s Ultra 2, but it does have a pretty cool trick up its sleeve — the Galaxy Watch Ultra (along with the Galaxy Watch 7) is the first smartwatch to be FDA-cleared for sleep apnea detection.

Maybe most significantly, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is $150 more affordable than the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Samsung watch — The Galaxy Watch Ultra supports a wide range of sports and activities.

Price and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is up for preorder now and will be made available on July 24th. It starts at $650 and three different titanium finishes: silver, gray or white.

All models support Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity, although you’ll have to set up a cellular plan to take advantage of the latter.

When ordering, you have the choice of three different types of bands designed for runners (Peakform), hikers (Trail) or swimmers (Marine). Each is available in several different colors.