Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra split the 7 categories we compared evenly, 1 wins each (5 tied).
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: our verdict
Pick the Galaxy Watch 8 if you want something lighter and slimmer that fades into the background on your wrist. It’s the one that makes more sense for sleep tracking, long days, and anyone who hates a bulky watch. Just know the shorter battery means you’ll be charging it more often.
Go with the Galaxy Watch Ultra if battery life is non-negotiable and you want the added toughness of a titanium case with 100 meters of water resistance. It makes less sense if you’re trying to keep things light, slim, or affordable. You’re paying $270 more and giving up that thinner, lighter feel.
Summarised from our video comparison of these two wearables.
Watch the video comparison
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Battery & Charging
| Spec |
 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
|
 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
|
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 40 hours | 3.3 days |
| Charging time | 90 min | 120 min |
| Charging | Fast wireless charging | WPC-based wireless charging |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Display
| Spec |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
|
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 1.5 in | 1.5 in |
| Peak brightness | 3000 nits | 3000 nits |
| Display type | Super AMOLED, full-colour Always On Display | Super AMOLED, full-colour Always On Display |
| Resolution | 480 x 480 | 480 x 480 |
| Screen protection | Sapphire crystal | Sapphire crystal |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Health Sensors
| Spec |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
|
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
|
|---|---|---|
| Heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen (SpO2) | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate variability | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Blood pressure alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Irregular rhythm alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Breathing rate | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Stress tracking | Yes | Yes |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: GPS & Navigation
| Spec |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
|
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
|
|---|---|---|
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Dual-band GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite systems | 4 | 4 |
| Offline maps | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Smart Features
| Spec |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
|
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
|
|---|---|---|
| Contactless payments | Yes | Yes |
| Music storage | Yes | Yes |
| Calls from the wrist | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular (LTE) | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Fall detection | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Software | Wear OS 6 Powered by Samsung; One UI 8 Watch | Wear OS 5 Powered by Samsung; One UI 6 Watch |
| Works with | Android only | Android only |
| Voice assistant | Google Gemini / Bixby | Google Assistant / Bixby |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Design & Durability
| Spec |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
|
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
|
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 34 g | 60.5 g |
| Thickness | 8.6 mm | 12.1 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 100 m |
| Military-grade toughness | Yes | Yes |
| Case size | 44 mm | 47.4 mm |
| Material | Aluminum | Titanium |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Price & Colors
| Spec |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
|
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
|
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver | Titanium Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium White |
| Release year | 2025 | 2024 |
Where each one wins
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
- Charging time: 90 min (vs 120 min)
- Weight: 34 g (vs 60.5 g)
- Thickness: 8.6 mm (vs 12.1 mm)
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Battery life: 3.3 days (vs 40 hours)
- Water resistance: 100 m (vs 50 m)
More Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra split the 7 categories we compared evenly, 1 wins each (5 tied).
Which is cheaper, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 costs around $379, $270 less than the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra at around $649.
What are the main differences between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra?
The biggest gaps are in battery life (3.3 days on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs 40 hours); weight (34 g on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs 60.5 g); water resistance (100 m on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs 50 m).