| Apple Watch | Samsung Galaxy Watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $399 | $379★ |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 32g | 32g |
| Water resistance | 50m | 5ATM |
| Battery | 1 days | 1.5 days★ |
| Always-on display | ✅ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅ | ✅ |
| Platform | iOS only | Android only |
| Tier | Smartwatch | Smartwatch |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Sep 18, 2026 | Aug 7, 2026 |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | good | good |
| Next model | — | — |
The new health sensing system samples heart rate every five seconds all day — 60x more often than the Series 11 — and measures HRV every five minutes.
A daily 0–10 readiness score combines sleep, vitals, training load, and activity to suggest how hard to push.
On-demand ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep apnea detection, and hypertension notifications carry over from the Series 11.
ECG, blood pressure, body composition, SpO2, and advanced sleep coaching — all processed on-device with Galaxy AI.
Answer calls, control SmartThings, and use Galaxy AI features seamlessly across Galaxy phones and tablets.
Access Google Play, Google Maps, Google Wallet, and Samsung's One UI Watch interface.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$379 vs $399 over 3 years.
1.5 days vs 1 days battery.
10 sensors · 0.2 Hz HR sampling.
Similar weight and comfort.
iPhone users who want the most capable smartwatch health experience available. Ideal for anyone who values medical-grade monitoring (ECG, blood pressure, SpO2), a premium always-on display, and the best Apple Watch workout tracking. If health is your priority, this is the one to get.
Full details →Android users — especially those in the Samsung ecosystem — who want a premium smartwatch with comprehensive health tracking, Wear OS flexibility, and strong software support. The Ultra suits outdoor-active users who need longer battery life.
Full details →