Intro
The second generation of the Apple Watch Ultra, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, is a very minor refresh of what was already a superb smartwatch in the Apple's lineup.
With a fresh new design and some exciting and very exclusive features, the Apple Watch Ultra was a milestone moment for Cupertino's smartwatch efforts, but the second-gen of the device wouldn't bring a ton of new features on deck.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is a very healthy return to form for Samsung as far as smartwatches go. It comes with the now signature circular hardware bezel that's oh-so useful in interface navigation, as well as a premium design that essentially makes it a posh dress smartwatch. Of course, an extensive features list is also part of the roster, so you get the best of Wear OS on your wrist.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: differences
- Square-ish versus circular form factor
- Apple S9 versus Exynos W930 chip
- Watch OS vs One UI 5 Watch
- 542mAh vs 425mAh/300mAh battery
- $799 vs $430/$400 price
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Design & Sizes
Samsung relies on a classical form factor, while Apple employs the signature square-ish form factor
The Apple Watch 2 looks just the same as its predecessor. This isn't a bad thing, as the Apple Watch Ultra still looks great and sufficiently different from the regular Apple Watch smartwatches thanks to its oversized titanium and sapphire build as well as the extra Action Button on the side.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will most certainly remain waterproof up to 5ATM. Recreational divers might be interested in that. The new thing about the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be the new black titanium color, which will join forces with the previously available Titanium color of the original Apple Watch Ultra.
Bands
Great selection of watch bands
The big change with the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is the use of a new one-click band mechanism, which allows for easier band switching. Although the mechanism is new, older watch bands and just about any standard 22mm watch band fits the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. With a proper watch band, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic easily passes as a dress watch.
Samsung released a bunch of new watch bands with the smartwatch, namely a Hybrid Leather band, a silicone sport one, an 'extreme' sports band with extra holes for improved perspiration, as well as a lightweight fabric band. Of course, if you have an extensive collection of older bands, you can use whichever you like.
Apple revealed three brand new watch bands with the first Apple Watch Ultra: the rugged Alpine Loop, the lightweight Trail Loop, and the silicone Ocean Band. Chances are that we might see this roster expanded with the release of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but we have no clue as to what the upcoming accessories might be.
Performance & Features
New chips for all
Apple has been essentially using the one and the same chipset on its past few smartwatch generations. The Apple S6 chip, which was based on the Apple A13 Bionic chipset, was essentially repackaged into the Apple S7 and Apple S8 chipsets, that powered the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8 devices. Although decent, performance and battery life are definitely in for an upgrade.
That's exactly what's likely happening with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which has the new Apple S9 chip, based on the same chip that powers the iPhone 13 series and iPhone 14/iPhone 14 Plus. This one will also power the Apple Watch Series 9 and will likely be faster and deliver better battery life in comparison with the Apple S6 chip and its derivatives.
A big new deal for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the new Double Tap gesture, which lets you interact with the phone with a single hand.
Battery and Charging
Battery champs in the making
Due to the little inter-generational differences, we are mostly certain that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes along with a 542mAh battery, which should deliver around two days and change of battery life, depending on how hard you push the rugged device.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic comes along with a 425mAh battery in the 47mm version and a 300mAh one in the 43mm one. Of course, the larger one delivers better battery endurance, but even the regular Galaxy Watch 6 should last you a day and some. In our experience, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic can last up to a day and a half of usage between charges with the always-on display off, though this might vary.
Models and Prices
Just like the first generation of the Apple Watch Ultra, the second variation of the wearable is unlikely to come in any other shape or form other than the 49mm one. It's a large one, but it's a great one.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is available in a 47mm version starting at $430 and a 43mm one available for $400. The case size and battery capacity are the only major differences between the two variants.
Summary
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is an excellent smartwatch that's return to form for Samsung. With its functional hardware bezel and tons of features, both hardware and software ones, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is certainly
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 isn't a terribly different beast in comparison with the Apple Watch Ultra, so those using the first generation of the product shouldn't feel compelled to upgrade.
