When Samsung dropped the Galaxy Watch Ultra last July, it was instantly compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 which had come out several months earlier. In fact, we compared them directly, and basically ruled this clash of flagship smartwatches to be a draw in terms of quality and performance. But when Samsung decides to make the Galaxy Watch Ultra available for as little as $325 with trade-in credit or $420 without (down from $649), suddenly the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is looking very pricey indeed.
If you’re able to max out the trade-in credit from Samsung and get the full $325 they’re offering, the Galaxy Watch Ultra comes in at less than half the price of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, basically making the choice for you. Even without a trade-in, the $230 in instant savings currently offered by Samsung makes the Galaxy Watch Ultra more affordable than the Apple Watch Ultra 2 by over $350. Either way, Samsung’s further sweetening the pot with great discounts on accessories, like 61% off a pair of Galaxy Buds3 or 41% off the Galaxy Buds3 Pro.
It Loves a Workout
Samsung has packed the Galaxy Watch Ultra with advanced fitness-tracking technology so it can go toe-to-toe with the vaunted Health app of the Apple Watch lineup. The Galaxy AI-powered heart-rate monitor eliminates inaccuracies caused by motion, providing exceptionally precise readings. The Galaxy Watch Ultra also delivers VO2 Max measurements, estimated sweat loss, and performance tracking for runners and cyclists, allowing you to compare previous workouts and gauge improvements over time.
This is the watch for you if you’re a hardcore adventurer and/or watersports enthusiast, because it can take anything dished out by your active lifestyle. The titanium case of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is ultra-durable, and engineered to keep up with your toughest workouts. With 10 atmospheres of water resistance, it’s ideal for swimmers, divers, and kayakers, while hikers and climbers will appreciate enhanced GPS tracking and turn-by-turn navigation that ensures you never lose your way.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
You won’t have to worry about the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s battery running out at inopportune times — it has the longest battery life of any Samsung smartwatch to date. That means after it tracks your toughest workout, you’ll be ready for bed and the Galaxy Watch Ultra will still be up and running to monitor your sleep quality.
Unless you have extreme brand loyalty to the Apple Watch or other fitness-oriented wearable, the option to buy Samsung’s newest flagship smartwatch for well under half the price of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when you max out the $325 trade-in credit offer is hard to pass up on, especially when you consider they are basically neck-and-neck in terms of performance. Even with no trade in, the $420 price with instant credit makes the Galaxy Watch Ultra the clear choice.
