The smartwatch market is booming, and two titans dominate: Apple and Samsung. The Apple Watch Ultra aims for rugged adventure, while the Galaxy Watch5 focuses on everyday fitness and style. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which smartwatch emerges victorious.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra excels in durability and specialized features for extreme sports, commanding a premium price. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 offers a more versatile experience with broader Android compatibility, a sleek design, and a more accessible price point. It depends on your needs and ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2022, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm (1.93 x 1.73 x 0.57 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 61.3 g (2.15 oz) | 33.5 g (44mm), 28.7 g (40mm) (1.02 oz) |
| | IP6X certified
100m water resistant (WR100)
40m swimproof/diving (EN13319)
MIL-STD 810H certified
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | MIL-STD-810H compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised)
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Sapphire crystal |
| Resolution | 502 x 410 pixels (~338 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.92 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Exynos W920 (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR | Mali-G68 |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers (86-decibel) | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) |
| | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy)
Depth gauge (±1m accuracy)
Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 60 min | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 542 mAh | Li-Ion 410 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire |
| Models | A2684, A2622, A2859, watch6,18 | SM-R915F, SM-R905F |
| Price | About 550 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.60 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple Watch Ultra
- Exceptional durability and ruggedness
- Longer battery life
- Bright and clear display
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
- Advanced features for extreme sports (depth gauge, temperature sensor)
- High price point
- Limited compatibility with Android
- Larger and heavier design
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- More affordable
- Excellent Android compatibility
- Sleek and stylish design
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
- Fast charging (10W)
- Shorter battery life compared to Ultra
- Performance can occasionally lag
- Less rugged than the Ultra
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch Ultra boasts a larger, brighter, and more durable titanium case with a flat sapphire crystal display, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The Galaxy Watch5 features a vibrant AMOLED display, but its smaller size and slightly less robust build might not appeal to those seeking ultimate ruggedness.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Apple Watch Ultra nor the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 have a built-in camera. This is a consistent trend in smartwatches, prioritizing battery life and minimizing bulk.
Performance
Both watches utilize dual-core processors, but the Apple S8 chipset generally provides a smoother and more responsive user experience, benefiting from Apple's optimized watchOS. The Exynos W920 in the Galaxy Watch5 is capable, but may occasionally exhibit slight lag, particularly with complex tasks. Apple's tight hardware/software integration gives it an edge.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Ultra offers significantly longer battery life, advertised at up to 36 hours with normal use and up to 60 hours in low-power mode. The Galaxy Watch5 provides around 40 hours of battery life, but this can vary significantly depending on usage patterns and features enabled. The Ultra's charging time is relatively quick, reaching 80% in 60 minutes.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Ultra is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes pushing their limits, and those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is a great choice for Android users, fitness enthusiasts seeking a balance of features and affordability, and those prioritizing style and everyday usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Apple Watch Ultra worth the extra cost?
If you're a serious outdoor adventurer or athlete who needs a rugged and long-lasting smartwatch, the Ultra's durability and specialized features justify the premium price. Otherwise, the Galaxy Watch5 offers excellent value.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 be used with an iPhone?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch5 can be paired with an iPhone, but you'll miss out on some features and the integration won't be as seamless as with an Android phone. Certain features like ECG and blood pressure monitoring may be limited or unavailable on iOS.
