Wearable technology: Apple Watch Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra is a premium, rugged smartwatch with excellent durability, GPS accuracy, and battery life, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and those needing a robust device. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a more budget-friendly option with a user-friendly interface, access to the Google Play Store, and seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem, but its GPS accuracy and battery life may not match the Apple Watch Ultra.
- The Apple Watch Ultra is designed for rugged use with a titanium case and high water resistance, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers a more versatile experience with Wear OS and Samsung's One UI.
- The Apple Watch Ultra boasts a longer battery life, especially in Low Power Mode, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers a more affordable price point.
- The Apple Watch Ultra has dual-frequency GPS for accurate tracking, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6's GPS accuracy can vary.
- The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 integrates seamlessly with the Samsung ecosystem but is only compatible with Android phones, while the Apple Watch Ultra is designed for the Apple ecosystem.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Apple Watch Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Apple Watch Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
| Display Size and Resolution | 49mm display, 410 x 502 pixels, 1185 sq mm display area, Retina LTPO OLED display with up to 3000 nits brightness | 40mm variant: 1.31-inch display with 432 x 432 resolution; 44mm variant: 1.47-inch display with 480 x 480 resolution; Super AMOLED touch screen with 16 million colors |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours (typical), up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) | Around 30 hours with always-on display (AOD) enabled and 40 hours with it off |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters (10 ATM), ISO standard 22810, EN13319-compliant, suitable for recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters | 5ATM and IP68 water and dust resistance rating. Withstands submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes in fresh water |
| Operating System | watchOS | Wear OS 4 with Samsung's One UI 5 Watch |
| Health Tracking | ECG, blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor, temperature sensing, heart rate monitoring, irregular rhythm notification, sleep monitoring | Heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring, and blood pressure monitoring. Sleep tracking, body composition analysis, and cycle tracking. Stress level assessment |
| Fitness Tracking | Sports modes, automatic track detection, lap counting, advanced metrics (ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation), running power, automatic transition between swimming/cycling/running | Over 90 workout modes, including running, walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga. Automatic workout detection for some activities. Personalized heart rate zones |
| Cellular Connectivity | GPS + Cellular models, LTE and UMTS support | Available in LTE models for standalone use |
| GPS Accuracy | Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo. GPS accuracy can vary |
| Durability | Aerospace-grade titanium case, flat sapphire crystal display, IP6X dust resistant, MIL-STD 810H tested | IP68 water and dust resistance. MIL-STD-810H certification. Aluminum case (standard), stainless steel (Classic). Sapphire Crystal glass display |
| Apps and Customization | 32GB capacity, customizable watch faces and Action button | Access to apps through the Google Play Store. Customizable watch faces. Customizable keys |
| User Interface and Navigation | Customizable Action button, Digital Crown | Wear OS with Samsung's One UI. Touch bezel (standard) and physical rotating bezel (Classic). Swipe gestures |
| Price | From $799 | Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm): starting at $299.99; Galaxy Watch 6 (44mm): starting at $329; Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: starting at $399.99 |
| Ecosystem | Not available | Seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem. Compatible with Android phones only |
Overall Comparison
Apple Watch Ultra: 49mm display, up to 72 hours battery, 100m water resistance, from $799. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: 1.31/1.47-inch display, up to 40 hours battery, 5ATM water resistance, from $299.99.
Pros and Cons
Apple Watch Ultra
Pros:
- Accurate GPS tracking with dual-frequency GPS
- High water resistance suitable for diving
- Durable build with titanium case and sapphire crystal
- Long battery life, up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
- Customizable Action button for quick access
- Comprehensive health tracking features
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Pros:
- Seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem
- Durable build with IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certification
- Access to apps through the Google Play Store
- Comfortable to wear during sleep and intense physical activity
- Generally fluid and user-friendly UI
- Accurate ECG feature
Cons:
- Compatible with Android phones only
- GPS accuracy can vary
- Smartwatches use reflectance technology for SpO2 readings, which is less accurate than transmittance technology used in medical-grade pulse oximeters
- Heavy use, especially with GPS tracking, can significantly reduce battery life
User Experiences and Feedback
Apple Watch Ultra
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- The Apple Watch Ultra can last nearly 48 hours with normal use.
- The Trail Loop band is the thinnest Apple Watch band to date that is designed for endurance athletes, with the lightweight woven textile making it convenient for quick and easy adjustment.
- The Apple Watch Ultra has dual-frequency GPS. It provides accurate location, even in challenging environments.
- The customizable Action button gives you precise control over starting a workout or marking a segment.
- The Apple Watch Ultra is made with aerospace-grade titanium for a balance of weight, ruggedness, and corrosion resistance.
- The Apple Watch Ultra can run for around 18 hours on LTE alone.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
What Users Love
- SpO2 readings are generally close to those of professional oximeters
- Typical usage results in a full day with 50-60% battery left
- The soft-touch silicone feel of the straps is comfortable
- Initiating a run and monitoring heart rate zones is easy
Common Complaints
- GPS accuracy can vary; some tests show good results, while others report inaccuracies
- The watch may lose GPS lock or have offset/off-angle tracking
- Some users have experienced significant GPS inaccuracies, with distances differing from phone tracking
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.