Looking for an honest Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra comparison in 2026? We scored both smartwatches on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm comes out ahead 37/100 to 33/100 — a 4-point gap. The widest gap is in design and build, where the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra by 212% ($160 vs $499), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm narrowly beats the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra in the smartwatches category, especially in value ($160 vs $499), scoring 37 vs 33. If you want the better overall smartwatches, Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm over Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mmW | Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.9" | 2"✓ |
| Display Type | Always-on Retina LTPO OLED | — |
| Resolution | 396 x 484 pixels | — |
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | — |
| OS | watchOS 9 | — |
| Heart Rate |
Buy Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm if…
Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra if…
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm narrowly beats the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra in the smartwatches category, especially in value ($160 vs $499), scoring 37 vs 33. If you want the better overall smartwatches, Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm scores higher overall (37 vs 33).
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is cheaper at $160 vs $499 for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra.
Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra lasts longer with 40 hours vs 18 hours for the other.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the smartwatchescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✗ Cons
| Optical HR 24/7 |
| — |
| SpO2 | Yes (blood oxygen) | — |
| ECG | Yes (FDA approved) | — |
| Temperature | Wrist skin temperature | — |
| GPS | Yes | — |
| Workout Modes | 80+ | — |
| Swim Proof | 50m water resistance | — |
| Battery Life | 18hrs | 40hrs✓ |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | — |
| NFC | Yes | — |
| Case Material | Aluminium | — |
| Water Resistance | IP6X, WR50 | — |
| Weight | 47g✓ | 60g |
| Price | 160$✓ | 499$ |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra has the larger display (2" vs 1.9").
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is lighter at 47g vs 60g.