Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (2023, listed at $249) and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) (2025, listed at $649) are both smartwatches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
Best-value Apple Watch — core fitness, calls and Apple Pay without the ECG/SpO2 premium.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
Refined titanium adventure flagship — new Titanium Blue colorway and Galaxy AI workouts.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) wins on weight (33 g vs 60 g) and price ($249 vs $649); Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) wins on battery life (2.7 days vs 1.2 days), tracked features (9 vs 4) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).
Check your phone first. The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) works with iPhone only; the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) works with Android only. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.
Bottom line: on raw specs the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) leads 3 to 2, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 1.2 days | 2.7 days |
| Weight | 33 g | 60 g |
| List price | $249 | $649 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 4 | 9 |
| Case size | 44 mm | 47 mm |
| Display | OLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | iPhone only | Android only |
| Listed best for | everyday wellness, gym and strength work and running | multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure and running |
| Released | 2023 | 2025 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (4)
- built-in GPS
- on-device music
- contactless payments
- swim tracking
Only Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) (5)
- ECG
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- LTE / cellular
- AMOLED display
- offline maps
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $400 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 33 g vs 60 g.
- Your main use is everyday wellness and gym and strength work: it is listed for that and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) is not.
- You use an iPhone: the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) does not pair with it.
Skip it if…
- • You use an Android phone — it only pairs with iPhone.
- • You do not want to charge often — it is rated for about 1.2 days per charge.
Pick the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) if…
- You want fewer charges: about 2.7 days per charge vs 1.2 days.
- You need ECG, blood-oxygen (SpO₂), LTE / cellular, AMOLED display and offline maps, which the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) does not list.
- Your main use is multisport and triathlon and outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) is not.
- You use an Android phone: the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) does not pair with it.
- You want the newer model (2025 vs 2023).
Skip it if…
- • You use an iPhone — it needs an Android phone for full features.
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You are watching your budget — the list price is $649.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) has the longer rated battery life: about 2.7 days per charge against 1.2 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) has the lower list price: $249 against $649 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) work with iPhone and Android?
Check your phone first. The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) works with iPhone only; the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) works with Android only. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.
Which is better for swimming, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)?
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen): 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025): 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
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