I wore Samsung's and Apple's Ultra smartwatches for 3 weeks - apps made all the difference

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Most people are limited to either an Android or iPhone, and the rest of their devices follow suit to that ecosystem. For the past three weeks, though, I've been wearing an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at the same time to see how life is on both sides of the fence.

The two flagship smartwatches have big displays, are made for larger wrists, and feature rugged designs for the outdoors. Both support cellular connectivity, meaning you can use them without a phone. They also have safety features for anyone in remote areas, with both watches sporting loud sirens to aid in your call for help in an emergency.

Also: The best smartwatches of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

I have been trail running, biking, walking, hiking, rowing, golfing, and living with them both for...

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