Are you in the market for a premium smartwatch but unsure which one to pick? The Apple Watch Ultra 2, Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Google Pixel Watch 3 are three top contenders in the smartwatch arena. Each offers unique features and strengths that cater to different needs. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you choose the best smartwatch for you.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: The ultimate choice for those seeking top-notch performance, durability, and advanced features.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: A solid competitor offering powerful features and a sleek design at a lower price point.
- Google Pixel Watch 3: Great for those looking for modern features and fast charging in a stylish package.
Detailed Comparison
Here’s a closer look at each smartwatch’s specifications, features, and overall value:
Design and Build Quality
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm (1.93 x 1.73 x 0.57 in) | 47.4 x 47.4 x 12.1 mm (1.87 x 1.87 x 0.48 in) | 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm (1.77 x 1.77 x 0.48 in) |
| Weight | 61.4 g (2.15 oz) | 60.5 g (2.15 oz) | 37 g (1.31 oz) |
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame (grade 4) | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Water Resistance | 100m water resistant (WR100) | 100m water resistant (up to 10 min) | 50m/5ATM water resistant (IP68) |
| Certification | IP6X certified, MIL-STD 810H certified | MIL-STD 810H certified | No |
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra both offer premium builds with titanium frames and sapphire crystal fronts, making them incredibly durable. The Google Pixel Watch 3 has a good build quality but is less rugged compared to its competitors. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 excels with its 100m water resistance and higher durability certifications, making it ideal for extreme conditions.
Display Quality
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 3000 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Size | 1.92 inches | 1.5 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Resolution | 502 x 410 pixels (~338 ppi density) | 480 x 480 pixels (~327 ppi density) | 456 x 456 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Sapphire crystal glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts the brightest display with 3000 nits peak brightness, which is excellent for visibility in bright conditions. It also has the highest resolution, providing clear and detailed visuals. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a high-quality Super AMOLED display that’s sharp and vibrant, while the Google Pixel Watch 3 offers a solid display but at a lower peak brightness compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Performance and Battery Life
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 10.6 | Android Wear OS 5, One UI Watch 6 | Android Wear OS 5 |
| Chipset | Apple S9 | Exynos W1000 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SW5100 |
| CPU | Dual-core | Penta-core | Dual-core |
| GPU | PowerVR | Mali-G68 | Adreno 702 |
| Internal Storage | 64GB | 32GB | 32GB |
| RAM | No | 2GB | 2GB |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion 564 mAh | Li-Ion 590 mAh | Li-Ion 420 mAh |
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 60 min (advertised) | 10W wireless (Qi) | Wired (50% in 24 min, 80% in 35 min) |
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers the most storage at 64GB and a powerful dual-core Apple S9 chip, ensuring smooth performance for a wide range of applications. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a strong penta-core CPU and a large battery, which provides excellent battery life and performance. The Google Pixel Watch 3 has fast wired charging, making it convenient for quick power-ups, but its battery is smaller compared to the other two.
Health and Fitness Features
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter (-500m to 9000m), compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, altimeter, compass, SpO2, temperature (body), temperature (water), BioActive | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| ECG | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Pressure Monitor | No | No | No |
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the most feature-rich in terms of health tracking, offering an extensive range of sensors including VO2max and temperature measurements for both body and water. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is also impressive with similar health tracking features and the ability to measure body temperature. The Google Pixel Watch 3 provides solid health monitoring but lacks some of the advanced sensors found in the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Connectivity and Extras
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Ultra Wideband (UWB) | Yes (gen2 chip) | Yes | Yes |
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra both feature the latest connectivity options, including UWB for enhanced spatial awareness and device interactions. The Google Pixel Watch 3 also includes UWB, though its Wi-Fi capabilities are slightly more advanced with support for more bands.
Conclusion
Choosing the right smartwatch depends on what you value most:
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: If you want the ultimate in performance, durability, and advanced health tracking, this is the top choice. Its superior display, extensive health features, and high storage make it ideal for those who want the best of everything.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: A great alternative offering many high-end features at a more affordable price. It’s a solid choice for those who want premium features without breaking the bank.
- Google Pixel Watch 3: Best for those who want a stylish watch with fast charging and modern features. It’s a strong contender if you prefer a balanced mix of features and aesthetics.
Consider your needs and preferences, and pick the smartwatch that aligns best with your lifestyle and budget. Whether you prioritize ruggedness, performance, or style, there’s a top-tier smartwatch here for you.