I wore Samsung's and Apple's Ultra smartwatches for 3 weeks - apps made all the difference

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Most people are limited to either an Android or iPhone, and the rest of their devices follow suit to that ecosystem. For the past three weeks, though, I've been wearing an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at the same time to see how life is on both sides of the fence.

The two flagship smartwatches have big displays, are made for larger wrists, and feature rugged designs for the outdoors. Both support cellular connectivity, meaning you can use them without a phone. They also have safety features for anyone in remote areas, with both watches sporting loud sirens to aid in your call for help in an emergency.

Also: The best smartwatches of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

I have been trail running, biking, walking, hiking, rowing, golfing, and living with them both for three weeks, and despite their similar builds, there are some distinct differences to consider.

In terms of pricing, let's get it out of the way: they're not cheap. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is available for $699 in a 47mm size, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available for $799 in its 49mm size. Samsung's Watch Ultra 2 is available in Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray, while Apple offers the Watch Ultra 3 in natural titanium and black, so both brands have similar options.