In the world of premium smartwatches, Apple just met its biggest challenger yet. Samsung's all-new Galaxy Watch Ultra has officially stepped into the ring with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and it's a matchup worth watching.
Both are bold, feature-packed, and built for outdoor adventurers and everyday athletes alike. But when it comes down to design, ecosystem, battery life, and yes – swapping out the perfect strap, the differences matter.
Let’s dive in.
Specs at a Glance
Design & Display
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 continues its rugged, squared-off legacy with a flat sapphire front and bright 3000-nit display, ideal for sunlight visibility. It’s sleek yet bold, with a distinctive crown guard and Action Button.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra is its most rugged yet, featuring a more traditional circular design, raised protective bezel, and a similarly bright AMOLED screen that pops in any condition.
Both watches use titanium for durability, but the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a slightly larger presence at 49mm vs Samsung’s 47mm case.
Style Note: If you’re team Apple, our Titanium Collection were practically made for the Ultra. For Samsung fans, our Galaxy Bands Collection pairs effortlessly with the new Ultra’s bold silhouette.
Battery Life
One of the standout wins for Samsung: battery life. The Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts up to 100 hours in Power Saving Mode, significantly more than Apple’s Ultra 2, which tops out at 72 hours in Low Power.
That said, the real-world usage gap may be narrower depending on how many features you activate, both devices pack a ton of sensors and always-on screens.
Still, if you're going off the grid, Samsung takes the edge here.
Fitness, Health & Tracking
Both watches offer:
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Heart rate monitoring
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Sleep tracking
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ECG
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Skin temperature sensors
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Fall detection
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Dive readiness + depth sensor
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Dual-frequency GPS
Apple takes the lead in ecosystem-driven features like precision location (UWB) and Siri health queries, while Samsung now adds Race Route, multi-sport tracking, and custom heart rate zones, bringing it much closer to Apple’s depth of training metrics.
Both watches are great for athletes, but if you're an iPhone user, the Apple Watch still works more seamlessly with Apple Fitness+, Health, and Find My.
Ecosystem & Compatibility
Image: AI
This one’s simple:
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Apple Watch Ultra 2 only works with iPhones
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Galaxy Watch Ultra only works with Android devices (and best with Samsung phones)
So unless you're switching ecosystems, your decision may already be made.
But if you're new to smartwatches and own both Android and Apple devices… Samsung’s wider app support on Wear OS 5 makes the Ultra more versatile, and more Google-powered than ever.
Bands & Customization
Both smartwatches support easy strap changes, and yes, you should absolutely make use of that.
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Apple Watch Ultra 2 uses the standard 44/45mm strap connector – meaning you can mix and match with everything from sport loops to titanium links.
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Galaxy Watch Ultra uses a new proprietary latch, but adapters and new strap options are already rolling out.
➡️ At Nava Bands, we offer thoughtfully crafted straps for both Apple and Galaxy watches. Choose sweat-ready silicone, breathable nylon, or premium titanium to match your energy.
→ Explore Bands for Apple Watch Ultra 2
→ Shop Galaxy Ultra Bands
Verdict: Which One’s for You?
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Choose Apple Watch Ultra 2 if… you live in the Apple ecosystem, value tight integration with iPhone, and want powerful fitness features with polished software.
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Choose Galaxy Watch Ultra if… you're on Android, want longer battery life, and prefer the look of a traditional rugged watch with modern smarts.
Both are excellent choices, and now – finally – there’s real competition at the high-end adventure smartwatch tier.
Final Tip: Your Band Is Your Personality
No matter which wrist you wear it on, your band is the first thing people see.
Want yours to say adventure-ready, style-forward, or built different? Nava Bands has you covered.
