Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: A Half Marathon Comparison

Introduction: The Ultimate Smartwatch Showdown

When preparing for a significant endurance event like a half marathon, choosing the right companion for your wrist is crucial. Whether you are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem or prefer the flexibility of Android, you have likely weighed the merits of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. To determine which device offers the most accurate and user-friendly experience for long-distance runners, I personally strapped both to my wrists and completed a 13.1-mile run. Here is my breakdown of how they performed in real-world conditions.

GPS Accuracy and Tracking

For any runner, accurate distance tracking is the most critical metric. Both the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 provided exceptional results. Throughout the course, both watches consistently matched the official distance markers. As expected in a race setting, both recorded a slightly longer distance than the official 13.1 miles, which is normal given the path taken by runners weaving through a crowd. The Apple Watch recorded 13.23 miles, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch recorded 13.21 miles—an impressively close margin that showcases the high-end hardware in both.

Heart Rate Performance

Using an Oura Ring 5 as a baseline to monitor intensity, I observed both devices during high-exertion zones. The Oura Ring 5 indicated an average heart rate of 163 bpm, with significant time spent in zones 4 and 5. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 were remarkably consistent, recording average heart rates of 159 bpm and 160 bpm, respectively. While the Samsung device may have edged slightly closer to the baseline, both provide reliable data for performance monitoring.

Elevation and Usability

While some users have reported concerns regarding elevation data in previous reviews, I found the performance of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to be perfectly acceptable for my run. On a course with a total elevation gain of 311 feet, my watch recorded 342 feet—a difference well within the margin of error caused by atmospheric conditions or GPS drift. Regarding usability, both watches feature physical buttons that are indispensable for navigating menus with sweaty hands. The screens remain highly visible in bright, direct sunlight, making them practical for outdoor training.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, the 'winning' watch often comes down to your primary smartphone platform. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is designed exclusively for iPhone users, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 caters to the Android and Galaxy crowd. Both devices serve as powerful, feature-rich extensions of your phone, bridging the gap between a daily-use smartwatch and a dedicated sports watch. While battery life remains a limitation compared to specialized dedicated GPS trackers, both the Ultra 4 and Ultra 2 are top-tier contenders for any athlete.