Samsung Galaxy Watch8 44 mm Bluetooth (SM-L330) / Apple Watch Ultra (49 mm, 1st generation)

Always On Display keeps the watch face visible but shortens battery life; when off, the screen wakes on wrist raise.

LTPO lets the refresh rate drop very low, so the screen can stay on without draining the battery. 2000 nits was twice as bright as any earlier Apple Watch display.

Sapphire crystal resists scratches better than ordinary glass. The 8.6 mm thickness excludes the sensor bump on the back.

32 GB of storage is enough to keep music and apps on the watch for phone-free runs.

The watch charges only wirelessly; it must align with Samsung’s charging puck, and some wireless chargers may not sit flat because of the band.

The electrical heart signal enables ECG and bioelectrical impedance enables body composition readings. ECG and blood pressure need a Samsung phone and country approval.

Antioxidant Index is measured by holding a fingertip on the sensor for about five seconds; Vascular Load needs the watch to be worn to sleep on at least 3 of the last 14 days. These are wellness indicators, not medical diagnoses.

The L5 band helps reduce route drift caused by reflections among tall buildings and trees.

On the Bluetooth model calls and notifications work while connected to the phone; NFC contactless payments depend on country and bank.

With cellular, the watch can make calls and get messages without the phone nearby; carrier support is required.

5ATM means water resistance suitable for swimming, not diving or high-speed water sports. MIL-STD-810H refers to selected environmental tests from the military standard and is no guarantee against impacts.

Gemini can act in Samsung Health, Calendar and Clock via voice; availability varies by device, language and country.

It cannot be used with an iPhone.

The watch can only be set up and used with an iPhone; it does not pair with Android phones.

The flat front crystal is protected by a raised titanium edge.

Availability of Ultra Wideband features varies by country.

The L5 signal helps separate signals reflected by tall buildings and trees; Apple called it the most accurate GPS of any Apple Watch at the time.

Availability of the ECG and blood oxygen apps varies by country.

Apple points to the third-party Oceanic+ app for recreational scuba diving to 40 metres; the watch itself is not certified as a dive computer.

The siren plays two distinct patterns, one signalling distress and one mimicking SOS.

Runtime depends on display, workout and cellular use; using LTE away from the phone drains the battery noticeably faster.

Apple announced that this setting would arrive in software after launch, in autumn 2022; it extends runtime by taking some readings less often.