Key Facts & Highlights

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2025): Announced today, it adds 5G connectivity, two-way satellite SOS messaging, and Apple’s largest-ever watch display (49mm case with 24% thinner bezels) macrumors.com. Battery life is boosted to 42 hours (72 hours in Low Power mode) – Apple’s longest yet macrumors.com. It retains a rugged titanium build (WR100 water resistance for 40m dives) and launches at $799 (pre-order now, available Sept 19) theverge.com.
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro (2023): A hardcore adventure watch boasting battery life up to 22 days (with solar) in smartwatch mode theguardian.com – it can keep you off the charger for weeks techradar.com. It features a transflective MIP display for daylight visibility, 10 ATM (100m water resistance) theguardian.com, and an LED flashlight in the bezel. It’s packed with advanced multi-sport tracking (offline maps, hill/endurance scores) and is often hailed as “the very best adventure smartwatch” despite a steep price (launch $799, up to ~$1,100 for Sapphire Solar editions) theguardian.com theguardian.com.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (2023): A stylish premium smartwatch with the return of the rotating bezel. It sports a bright 1.5″ AMOLED round display (47mm case) protected by sapphire crystal techradar.com techradar.com. Health features are extensive – it can take ECG readings, estimate blood pressure (where supported), and even measure body composition (BIA sensor) techradar.com. Battery life is modest (~1–2 days real use from a 425 mAh cell), with Samsung rating 30–40 hours on a charge techradar.com. Launched at $399 (43mm Bluetooth) to $479 (47mm LTE), it’s a top choice for Android users seeking a classy yet capable watch.

Now let’s dive into a detailed comparison across display, durability, battery, fitness/health features, smart features, OS/ecosystem, and pricing/availability to see how Apple’s new Ultra 3 stacks up against the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.

Display

All three watches take very different approaches to their displays, reflecting their target uses:

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Features a large LTPO OLED Retina display that is the biggest ever on an Apple Watch macrumors.com. The 49mm Ultra 3 has a bright, colorful screen that now stretches closer to the edges (24% thinner borders) without increasing case size macrumors.com. Uniquely, it can refresh as low as 1 Hz in always-on mode, allowing the seconds hand to tick continuously without waking the screen macrumors.com. Apple hasn’t quoted a new nit brightness, but the Ultra’s display was already extremely bright (Ultra 2 reached 3000 nits). Expect excellent visibility in all conditions and rich colors, especially when viewed head-on or at an angle thanks to new wide-angle OLED tech apple.com. In short, Ultra 3’s screen is all about maximum legibility and wow factor, whether you’re checking stats mid-run or reading notifications in sunlight.
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro: Garmin opts for a transflective Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) LCD touchscreen (1.3″, 260×260 on the 47mm model) techradar.com. While its colors are subdued compared to OLED, it excels outdoors – ambient light actually makes it more visible. The low-power always-on MIP display can be read clearly under bright sun without high backlight demands theguardian.com. As The Guardian notes, it’s “not as beautiful as…OLED models, but easier to see in bright sunlight” and uses far less power theguardian.com. This trade-off is by design: the Fenix prioritizes function and battery endurance over vibrancy. The Pro model did improve resolution/clarity slightly over the base Fenix 7, so it’s crisper indoors than previous Garmin screens theguardian.com. Overall, the Fenix 7 Pro’s display is built for expedition use – always readable on a mountaintop or trail, at the expense of the punchy contrast that the Apple and Samsung watches deliver.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Sports a gorgeous AMOLED display – 1.5″ round (480×480) on the 47mm version, or 1.3″ (432×432) on the 43mm techradar.com. It’s a bright, colorful, and sharp screen that TechRadar called “large, round and gorgeous” techradar.com techradar.com. Being AMOLED, it offers deep blacks and high contrast, making watch faces and notifications look vibrant. It’s protected by sapphire crystal for scratch resistance techradar.com. The Classic also supports an always-on mode (full color) – Samsung rates the watch for ~30 hours with AOD active techradar.com. The combination of a traditional circular design and a slim rotating bezel means the screen feels like a luxe analog-digital hybrid. In summary, the Watch 6 Classic’s display is all about style and clarity, looking like a high-end timepiece while showing off smart features in vivid detail (though heavy outdoor athletes may find OLED less legible under harsh sun compared to Garmin’s transflective tech).

Durability and Build

Ruggedness is a key differentiator here – the Ultra and Fenix target extreme conditions, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic straddles lifestyle and durability:

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Built with a premium aerospace-grade titanium case and a flat sapphire crystal front, the Ultra 3 is designed to take a beating apple.com. It’s MIL-STD-810H tested for extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration (per previous Ultra specs), and rated WR100 water resistant – safe for recreational scuba diving down to 40 m and high-speed water sports apple.com. It’s also IP6X dust-proof for desert or construction site environments apple.com. In Apple’s words, Ultra 3 is “built to last” with one of the toughest materials on Earth (sapphire) protecting the display apple.com. The case is slightly large (49mm) and only comes in one size, but it’s surprisingly lightweight for its toughness, and now comes in either natural titanium or a new black finish apple.com apple.com. Additions like the protruding protective crown guard and an extra Action Button enhance its utility in harsh conditions. Overall, the Ultra 3 is extremely durable, made for adventure racers, divers, and those who demand their watch survive real abuse.
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro: Garmin’s Fenix line has long been synonymous with rugged design. The 7 Pro continues that tradition with a fiber-reinforced polymer case, metal (stainless or titanium) bezel, and sapphire crystal options for the lens. It’s rated to 10 ATM water resistance (100 m) – meaning you can safely take it swimming, snorkeling, and even shallow dives theguardian.com. It’s built to U.S. military-grade standards (MIL-STD-810G/H) for thermal, shock and water resistance (though Garmin’s spec sheet doesn’t shout about it, the robustness is evident). This watch looks ready for the wild – chunky and raised to protect the screen, with screws visible. As TechRadar notes, the Fenix 7 Pro “is all about being a watch that’s built for some serious rough and tumble,” with a thick case and hardy materials suited for trail abuse techradar.com. Unique to the Pro models, every size of Fenix 7 Pro even has a built-in LED flashlight that can be used as a safety strobe or a handy torch when camping theguardian.com theguardian.com. In short, the Fenix 7 Pro’s build is expedition-grade – it’s the watch you’d trust on a multi-day hike into the wilderness or an ultramarathon, where gear failure is not an option.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: While styled as a classy timepiece, the Classic is no fragile flower – it carries a 5ATM water resistance (50 m) plus an IP68 rating (dust and water ingress protection) techradar.com samsung.com. Samsung also put it through MIL-STD-810H tests, meaning it can withstand drops, extreme temperatures, and vibration to a degree techradar.com samsung.com. In practical terms, it’s safe for the pool and shower, and can handle outdoor activities, but it’s less suited to extreme depths or punishing environments than the Apple or Garmin. The case is stainless steel, giving it a premium heft (47mm model weighs 59g) techradar.com techradar.com. The raised rotating bezel actually provides some protection for the screen by design, and the sapphire crystal cover adds scratch resistance techradar.com. Reviewers found it survived scrapes and even a dunk with no issues techradar.com. Still, the Watch 6 Classic’s ethos is daily wear with occasional adventure – think city to gym to light hike. It’s durable for a smartwatch, even “withstands dips, shocks, drops, and wide temperature variations” techradar.com, but next to the Ultra 3 and Fenix, it’s not purpose-built for extreme abuse like deep scuba or week-long expeditions.

Battery Life

Battery performance is where these three diverge dramatically. Garmin leads by a mile for endurance, Apple made strides in Ultra 3, and Samsung’s is improving but remains a charge-every-day device:

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: 42 hours of typical use on a full charge (an increase from ~36h on the Ultra 2) is the new benchmark for Apple macrumors.com. In Low Power Mode, Apple claims up to 72 hours – great for a long weekend adventure macrumors.com. For context, 42 hours means you can get through about two days of normal use (including overnight wear for sleep tracking, though you’d likely top up each day). The Ultra 3 also gains faster charging; just 15 minutes on charger yields ~12 hours of use macrumors.com – handy if you forget to charge before a hike. This is Apple’s longest-lasting watch by far, yet it still can’t touch the multi-day stamina of Garmin. As a Verge reporter quipped, Apple’s Ultra watches pack “big battery life (Apple promises 36 hours in ‘normal use’ with the Ultra 2)” to satisfy endurance athletes theverge.com, but hardcore adventurers may still want more. Still, 42 hours is enough for an ultramarathon or an overnight camping trek, and the satellite + 5G features did not come at the cost of battery life – in fact, Apple improved it. Just expect to charge the Ultra 3 every couple of days in regular use or each night if you use the new features heavily.
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro: The Fenix 7 Pro is a battery beast. With its low-power screen and efficient OS, it achieves up to 22 days of smartwatch use on the 47mm solar model (assuming regular sun exposure) theguardian.com. Even without solar, you’re looking at roughly 14–18 days of typical use on a charge, which is weeks of runtime. “The kind of battery life that can keep you away from a charger for weeks” as TechRadar puts it techradar.com is a defining feature – a huge selling point for expedition users. For GPS tracking, the numbers are equally wild: up to 73 hours of continuous GPS (with solar) in standard mode, and an insane 136 hours in max battery GPS mode theguardian.com. There’s even an Expedition mode that stretches to 40+ days for long treks theguardian.com. Real-world use backs it up: The Guardian’s reviewer got 16 days easily, including workouts and flashlight use, and “closer to 22 days” with plenty of sunlight – calling it “very impressive” theguardian.com. In short, the Fenix 7 Pro’s endurance is virtually unmatched in the smartwatch world. You can do a multi-day ultramarathon or a 2-week backpacking trip without worrying about charging – something neither Apple nor Samsung can dream of. The trade-off is you get a dimmer display and a bulkier device, but for many, not having to charge nightly (or even weekly) is worth it every penny theguardian.com.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Samsung improved battery life a bit over previous models, but it remains the limiting factor for long-haul use. Officially, the Watch 6 Classic is rated for up to 30 hours with always-on display on, or 40 hours with AOD off techradar.com (this applies to both 43mm and 47mm since they use proportionate batteries). In real-world testing, early battery performance could “barely make it through a day” with heavy use, but after a week of learning usage patterns, reviewers found it “was always at least a day or more” techradar.com on a charge. In practice, that means you’ll charge it roughly every 24–36 hours. For example, you might wear it all day and through a night of sleep tracking, and by next morning it will need a recharge. Compared to Apple and Garmin, the Classic’s endurance is modest – it’s similar to Apple’s regular watches (Series 6/7/8). The Watch 6 Classic does support fast wireless charging, topping up 0–100% in around 1.5 hours. Still, if you forget to charge, you will run out the next day. This is a common trade-off for Wear OS devices with bright AMOLED screens. Notably, Samsung’s prior Watch5 Pro had a larger battery that could stretch to ~2-3 days, but the Watch 6 Classic prioritizes style over maximum battery. In summary, expect about 1–2 days per charge under normal use – good enough for everyday life and short workouts, but you’ll need a charger for any multi-day adventures. It’s “very average, lasting only a full day plus a few hours into the next morning,” one reviewer noted, though they did call the battery life “surprisingly good” given the features techradar.com techradar.com.

Fitness and Health Tracking

All three watches offer a comprehensive suite of fitness and health features, but each has its specialty. Apple focuses on holistic health and ease of use, Garmin is geared toward hardcore sports metrics and navigation, and Samsung provides a mix of fitness and wellness features especially tuned for Android users:

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: As Apple’s flagship, it inherits all of Apple’s health sensors and apps. It continuously tracks heart rate with high accuracy, has a built-in ECG app (for one-lead electrocardiogram readings on-demand), and a blood oxygen (SpO₂) sensor. New in Ultra 3 is a feature to detect signs of chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) over time – using the optical heart sensor to analyze pulse wave patterns. Apple says this algorithm (pending FDA clearance) could alert countless users to potential hypertension early macrumors.com. While it’s not a blood pressure cuff, it’s a unique insight into cardiovascular health that competitors don’t currently offer in this way. The Ultra 3 also introduced a Sleep Score system, grading your sleep quality based on duration, consistency, and stages, using insights from millions of nights of data macrumors.com. For fitness, it has dual-frequency precision GPS for very accurate pace and distance tracking (Apple touts it as the “most accurate GPS in a sports watch” for challenging environments) apple.com. Divers and water sports enthusiasts benefit from the Ultra’s depth gauge and dive computer capabilities (with third-party apps like Oceanic+ turning it into a legit dive computer for up to 40m). Apple’s Workout app is beefed up in watchOS 10+, and Ultra 3 adds the new Workout Buddy (AI-powered coaching cues based on your performance) macrumors.com. Essentially, Apple covers all the basics and then some: heart health (ECG, arrhythmia and blood oxygen alerts), fitness metrics (VO₂ max, running dynamics, custom workouts, interval training), safety (fall and crash detection with emergency SOS), and even unique areas like compass backtrack navigation and the loud 86-decibel siren for emergencies. It’s a true all-rounder for health and fitness – easy enough for casual users to close their Activity rings, but with enough depth (and now satellite emergency texting) to support serious adventurers off-grid apple.com apple.com. The only caveat: you’ll need an iPhone to use all this, and Apple’s Fitness and HealthKit ecosystem keeps the data well-integrated on iOS.
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro: This is the ultimate tool for athletes, outdoor explorers, and data nerds. Garmin packs an array of sensors: continuous heart rate (with Garmin’s new Elevate 5 optical sensor for improved accuracy during workouts) theguardian.com, Pulse Ox blood oxygen monitoring, barometric altimeter, compass, thermometer, and multi-band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo with multiband for pinpoint accuracy) theguardian.com. Notably absent is ECG or advanced diagnostics like Apple’s hypertension alerts – Garmin focuses on exercise and training metrics over medical-style readings. But on the fitness front, Fenix 7 Pro is unmatched in breadth: it supports tracking for basically every activity imaginable (Garmin added 30 more sport profiles on top of the already extensive list) theguardian.com – from running, cycling, swimming, hiking, skiing, golf, strength training, to more niche ones like kiteboarding or tactical exercises. It offers full offline topo maps on your wrist (with 32GB storage), so you can navigate trails or courses without phone connectivity theguardian.com – a feature “few competitors offer” natively theguardian.com. It has sophisticated training analytics: VO₂ max, training load and recovery time, new Hill Score and Endurance Score metrics to quantify how well you handle climbs and prolonged efforts theguardian.com, plus on-watch Coaching and suggested workouts. Runners get goodies like PacePro (grade-adjusted pacing guidance), a race predictor, and running dynamics (when paired with accessories). Hikers/climbers get elevation tracking and breadcrumb navigation with TracBack. The Fenix also monitors daily wellness: sleep tracking (with a sleep score, akin to what Apple and Samsung do), all-day stress tracking, and Garmin’s unique Body Battery metric that gauges your overall energy reserves. While it may lack a native ECG, the Fenix’s accuracy and reliability for core fitness stats are top-notch – its heart rate sensor is “very close to being as good as a chest strap for most people,” according to The Guardian theguardian.com. The inclusion of a flashlight, incident detection (with phone-connected SOS), and Livetrack for sharing your location during events shows it’s built for safety as well. In short, the Fenix 7 Pro is the watch to pick if you’re an avid multi-sport athlete or outdoor adventurer who values depth of data and rugged independence over smartwatch conveniences. As one review summed up: “The Fenix 7 Pro is the watch to trek into the middle of nowhere with, or track your personal bests in tons of sports” theguardian.com – a true training companion that can go off-grid.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Samsung’s watch aims to balance fitness and everyday wellness for the general consumer (particularly those on Android). It comes equipped with Samsung’s BioActive sensor, which combines three health sensors: optical heart rate (PPG), electrical heart sensor (ECG), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. This means the Watch 6 Classic can do on-demand ECG readings (via the Samsung Health Monitor app, typically requiring a Samsung phone to set up) and uniquely, it can measure body composition – providing estimates of body fat %, muscle mass, etc., by sending a small current through your body (similar to smart scales). That’s something neither Apple nor Garmin offers on the wrist. The watch also supports blood pressure monitoring, another unique feature, but note that it requires calibration with a traditional cuff and is only available in regions where it’s approved sammobile.com. For fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch covers all common activities: running (with GPS route tracking), cycling, swimming (it’s water resistant enough for pool workouts), strength training, etc. It may not have quite as many niche sport modes as Garmin, but it hits all the high points and integrates with Google Fit or Samsung Health. Samsung Health provides coaching features, and Samsung has been improving its sleep tracking and coaching – the Watch 6 Classic monitors sleep stages and can even assign you a “sleep symbol” animal and give coaching tips (a feature introduced in Watch5 series). In Watch6 generation, Samsung also added back automatic workout detection for cycling (after it went missing in previous models) livemint.com, and improved personalized heart rate zones and running analysis. The watch has built-in GPS (multi-GNSS like GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo) techradar.com, so it can map your run or ride without your phone. It also offers an ECG app and will alert you to irregular heart rhythms (like AFib) similar to Apple. One downside: serious athletes might find the training analytics on Samsung’s platform less robust – e.g., it doesn’t natively give training load or recovery time suggestions like Garmin, and third-party app support (Strava, etc.) is good but not as deeply integrated as Garmin’s ecosystem. However, for most users interested in staying active and healthy, the Watch 6 Classic is a very capable health tracker. It tracks “your activity, heartbeat, ECG, and temperature, and analyzes your body composition and sleep habits,” all in one device techradar.com. Plus, it’s a great sleep companion (if you don’t mind wearing a 59g watch to bed) that can help identify snoring (when paired with your phone) and give a holistic view of your wellness.

Smart Features

In terms of general smartwatch capabilities – notifications, apps, calls, payments, and so on – Apple and Samsung operate like smartphone companions, while Garmin is more limited (by choice, to preserve its sports focus):

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Delivers the full Apple smartwatch experience. It can make and receive calls (via its built-in 5G/LTE cellular or when connected to your iPhone), send texts, and stream music/podcasts on the go. It supports Siri (with new on-device processing in the latest watchOS, queries are faster and even work offline for some tasks). The Ultra 3 runs watchOS 10 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) which brings an intuitive widget-based Smart Stack and new app designs theverge.com. You have access to the App Store on your wrist – thousands of apps optimized for Apple Watch, from fitness and travel to productivity and smart home control. Apple’s ecosystem integration means you can use Apple Pay for tap-to-pay, unlock your Mac, use it as a viewfinder for your iPhone camera, control HomeKit devices, and hand off phone calls or music between watch and iPhone seamlessly. Notifications on the Apple Watch are rich and actionable – you can reply by voice, scribble, or emoji. The Ultra’s large screen even allows for a full QWERTY keyboard input if needed. Unique to the Ultra line, there’s a loud siren feature (useful if you’re lost or need to signal for help) and a dedicated Action Button that can be customized to trigger a specific app or function (e.g., start a workout or turn on the flashlight) instantly apple.com. Essentially, the Ultra 3 does everything a Series 9/Series 11 Apple Watch can do, but in a tougher package. Reviewers have called the Apple Watch family best-in-class for its smooth performance and rich features – “Apple’s offering… is incredible in every way, apart from that lower battery life” techradar.com. Of course, that comes with the Apple-only caveat: it only pairs with iPhones, so Android users need not apply. But for iPhone users, the Apple Watch (Ultra especially) is an unmatched extension of the phone, handling texts, calls, Siri queries, navigation with Maps, music with Spotify/Apple Music, and even standalone capabilities (the Ultra 3 with cellular and new satellite SOS means you can leave your phone behind on adventures and still stay connected and safe).
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro: Compared to true smartwatches, the Fenix is more a “smart sports watch.” It does show smartphone notifications (incoming calls, texts, app alerts) for both iPhone and Android – so you’re not cut off from the world. If connected to an Android phone, you can even send quick text replies or reject calls with a message (iOS has restrictions, so you can only view notifications on iPhone). However, the Fenix lacks a speaker and mic, so you cannot take calls on the watch or talk to a voice assistant (no Siri/Google Assistant, etc.). Garmin’s Connect IQ platform does allow installing some third-party apps, widgets, and watch faces, but these are mostly geared to fitness (data fields, niche workout apps) or simple utilities – it’s nowhere near the app selection of Apple/Google. That said, the Fenix 7 Pro covers a lot of “smart” essentials: it has built-in music storage (and Spotify/Amazon Music offline sync support), so you can play music via Bluetooth headphones phone-free. It offers Garmin Pay, a contactless payment system, so you can buy a coffee with a tap of your watch (assuming your bank is supported) – similar to Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. It also has calendar and weather widgets, and even basics like a to-do list or stock tracker can be added via Connect IQ. Navigation features like back-to-start and POI routing function without needing your phone, thanks to the offline maps. The Fenix can also integrate with your phone’s calendar and contacts. But it deliberately avoids things that drain battery or distract: for example, there’s no web browser, no social media apps, and no voice assistant. The UI is designed around physical button input (though you can use the touchscreen for convenience in some contexts). For many outdoor users, this simplicity is a plus – fewer distractions, more reliability. As TechRadar noted, all the Fenix’s new features skew toward fitness and outdoors; its software updates didn’t chase flashy smartwatch trends techradar.com. In summary, the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro is “smart enough” for most needs – you’ll get your notifications and basic apps – but it’s not trying to replace your phone or serve as an on-wrist computer. It’s intentionally focused, which is something to keep in mind if you expect Apple Watch-level interactivity.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Being a Wear OS 4 device with Samsung’s One UI Watch overlay, the Classic is a full-fledged smartwatch much like Apple’s (but for Android). It pairs with any Android phone (Android 10 or higher) and is especially seamless with Samsung Galaxy phones. With the Watch 6 Classic you can answer calls on your wrist (it has a speaker and mic) or make calls (if Bluetooth-connected or using the LTE model independently). You have both Bixby (Samsung’s assistant) and Google Assistant availability, so you can use voice commands for texts, setting reminders, controlling smart home devices, etc. The watch can display all your phone’s notifications and allows rich interactions – for instance, replying to messages by voice or using the small on-screen keyboard. A big advantage is access to the Google Play Store for Wear OS: you can download apps like Google Maps (yes, turn-by-turn navigation on the watch), Spotify, YouTube Music, Strava, WhatsApp, and many more directly onto the watch. This significantly boosts its standalone capability – e.g., you can stream music on LTE, or get directions if you’re out for a run without your phone. The rotating bezel isn’t just nostalgic; it’s functional for scrolling through notifications and menus without finger-swiping the screen, which many users love for tactile control. The Classic supports Samsung Pay (now part of Samsung Wallet) and also Google Wallet, so you can tap-to-pay via NFC. It can control Samsung phone cameras as a remote viewfinder/shutter, much like the Apple Watch can for iPhones. It also integrates with Samsung’s ecosystem: e.g., if you have Samsung earbuds, the watch can show their battery and controls; if you have a Samsung phone, health data syncs in Samsung Health, and you can use features like unlocking your phone or PC with the watch. One thing to note: the Galaxy Watch 6 series does not support iOS at all (Samsung dropped iPhone support), so this is firmly for Android folks. Within the Android world, the Wear OS platform has fewer apps than Apple’s but it’s growing, and Google’s services on the wrist are a big plus (Maps, Gmail, Calendar notifications, etc., are all integrated). Reviewers have praised the Watch 6 Classic for its blend of classic design and smart features – Android Authority calls it “technically the best Wear OS watch on the market, with great internal specs and a classy look,” and a continuation of “Samsung’s dominance as the best choice for Android users looking for a premium smartwatch.” androidauthority.com androidauthority.com In everyday use, that means if you carry an Android phone, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic can be a natural extension of it – handling your calls, texts, payments, fitness tracking, and even running standalone apps – all on your wrist with a touch of style.

Operating Systems and Ecosystem Integration

Each watch not only runs on a different operating system (watchOS, Garmin’s proprietary OS, and Wear OS respectively), but also ties you into a different ecosystem. This affects your user experience and phone compatibility:

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 (watchOS 10/11): Runs Apple’s watchOS, known for its smooth performance and polished interface. The Ultra 3 benefits from the latest watchOS features like the Smart Stack widgets and redesigned apps (Maps, Weather, etc.) that make better use of the large display. The OS is very intuitive, especially for existing iPhone users – for example, swiping up brings Control Center, the Digital Crown zooms through apps or scrolls lists, and the Action Button can launch a specific app/workout. Because Apple controls the whole ecosystem, the integration is seamless: the watch will hand off tasks to your iPhone or Mac (e.g., you can start writing an email on your watch via dictation, then finish on your phone), and all your health data syncs to Apple Health on iPhone for a unified record. Ecosystem-wise, Apple Watch only works with Apple’s iPhones. If you are an iPhone user, this is great – the watch becomes an indispensable part of your daily life (unlocking your phone or Mac automatically, using Siri to send iMessages, Apple Pay, Fitness+ workouts with metrics on-screen, etc.). If you use Android or think you might switch phone platforms, the Apple Watch is a non-starter. For those in Apple’s world, though, the Ultra 3 will fit in perfectly with your other Apple devices. It does not play as nicely outside that bubble – e.g., there’s no official way to sync Apple Watch workouts to Google Fit, but you can sync to platforms like Strava. One of Apple’s strengths is the third-party app ecosystem: watchOS has a dedicated App Store with many quality apps (and watch faces, though Apple still doesn’t allow completely custom third-party watch faces, only complications). The tight integration also means Apple can offer features like unlocking your hotel door with a watch (Wallet app for hotel keys, boarding passes, etc.) or using your watch as a key for your car (if it’s a newer car with CarKey support). These little ecosystem perks can be very convenient if you have the compatible products. Overall, watchOS on the Ultra 3 offers the most refined and iOS-centric experience – nearly every aspect of the watch is optimized to work with an iPhone at the center. If you’re all-in on Apple, this synergy is a huge plus (reviewers note Apple Watch provides “a better experience to Apple users” than any other smartwatch can androidauthority.com). If not, you’ll likely be considering one of the other two watches instead.
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro (Garmin OS & Connect ecosystem): Garmin uses its own real-time OS that is extremely efficient (contributing to that long battery life) and reliable. The interface is not as flashy or modern as Apple’s or Samsung’s – it’s menu-driven with widgets and lists, primarily navigated via the 5 physical buttons (Up, Down, Select, Back, Light) and occasional touch for maps or scrolling. The learning curve is a bit steeper if you’re coming from a touchscreen-only smartwatch, but it’s designed so that you can operate the watch fully with buttons even while wet, wearing gloves, or on the move – important for outdoor usage. The OS doesn’t support fancy animations, but it’s fast and never feels sluggish. The ecosystem integration for Garmin is very fitness-focused. The watch syncs to the Garmin Connect app (available on both iOS and Android), which in turn can share data with third-party services like Strava, MyFitnessPal, Apple Health, etc. Unlike Apple or Samsung, Garmin’s watch isn’t deeply integrated with phone features like calendars or messaging beyond notifications – it’s more siloed. The advantage is that Garmin watches are platform-agnostic: you can use it with an iPhone or an Android phone, and you’ll get largely the same experience (something to consider if you ever switch phones – your Garmin will work with either). The downside is that the Fenix doesn’t leverage phone-specific ecosystems much – for example, you won’t be responding to iMessages from a Garmin when on iPhone (Apple doesn’t allow it), and you won’t find hundreds of non-fitness apps to download. Garmin’s Connect IQ store does have some integrations (like Uber or SmartThings apps, and watch faces) but they’re limited. Essentially, Garmin’s ecosystem is Garmin itself – and they do a great job in that domain, with the Connect app providing deep analysis of all your activities, and the watches often getting software updates adding new sport profiles or metrics even years after release. But if you’re looking for integration with smart home or cross-device functionality (like using your watch to control phone apps, etc.), Garmin is not aiming for that. One notable ecosystem feature: Garmin has its inReach satellite communicators, but the Fenix 7 Pro itself does not have satellite texting (unlike Apple Ultra 3) – however, you can pair it with an inReach device and control/send messages from the watch in truly remote areas. In summary, the Fenix’s OS and ecosystem prioritize independence and longevity over connectivity with other platforms. It’s the go-to if you want a watch that is more a tool than an extension of your phone. It will dutifully log your marathon splits and mountain treks and sync them to the cloud when you’re back, but it won’t interact much with your smart fridge or let you pay for groceries with Apple/Samsung Pay (Garmin Pay aside). Some view this as a benefit – fewer distractions – aligning with Garmin’s aim to be the adventure watch rather than an all-purpose mini smartphone.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (Wear OS 4 with One UI Watch): This watch runs on Google’s Wear OS platform, enhanced by Samsung’s One UI Watch skin. The result is an experience that blends Google’s ecosystem with Samsung’s. Wear OS 4 means you get native Google integration: Google Assistant, Google Maps, Gmail notifications, Google Calendar syncing, and the Google Play app ecosystem on your wrist. Samsung’s additions (One UI Watch 5) bring a familiar look if you’ve used Galaxy phones – for instance, the settings menus and health apps mirror Samsung’s phone interface. In terms of ecosystem, the Watch 6 Classic works best within the Android/Google sphere. It’s fully compatible with any modern Android phone (you use the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app plus some plugins to manage it). If you have a Samsung phone, some features are enhanced – e.g., Samsung Health Monitor (for ECG/BP) only fully works with Samsung phones officially, and things like camera control may only work with Samsung phones. But core functions will work with any Android (notifications, calls, Google apps, etc.). The watch can also interact with Google’s ecosystem: use it to control Google Home devices, talk to Assistant to send texts or ask questions, and so on. It also plays fine with many third-party Android apps – e.g., if you use Spotify or YouTube Music on your phone, the watch apps let you control playback or stream directly. One ecosystem limitation: as mentioned, no iPhone support – iOS users can’t pair the Galaxy Watch at all. Samsung’s strategy is much like Apple’s: keep their watches within their preferred ecosystem (Android) for an optimized experience. Within that world, the Galaxy Watch is among the best at integration – especially if you’re already using Samsung everything. For example, it can auto-switch your Samsung earbuds between phone/tablet/watch, it can trigger routines in the SmartThings smart home app, and it can even share health data between the watch and Samsung phones/tablets seamlessly. Wear OS also means watch faces are customizable (and plenty of creative ones are available through Play Store or apps like Facer). Overall, the Watch 6 Classic’s OS offers a lot of versatility – arguably the best of both Google and Samsung services combined. It doesn’t quite reach Apple’s level of polish or app breadth, but it’s catching up, and many appreciate that it’s part of an open ecosystem (standardized with Android) rather than a closed one. If you’re an Android user, this watch feels like a natural extension of your phone, and if you’re specifically a Galaxy phone user, it’s even more tightly integrated (e.g., One UI Watch synchronizes settings with your phone, like do-not-disturb schedules). On the other hand, if you ever switch to iPhone, you’d have to abandon the Galaxy Watch – something to consider for long-term ecosystem commitments.

Pricing and Availability

Finally, let’s compare how these devices are priced and what you get for the money, as well as their availability as of September 2025:

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Apple has priced the Ultra 3 at $799 in the US (£799 in UK, €929 in EU) – identical to the launch price of the Ultra 1 and 2. There’s essentially one model (49mm, titanium, cellular included) offered in two finishes (Natural or Black titanium) theverge.com. The only variance in cost would be by choosing different bands or AppleCare. It’s a premium price, sitting well above the regular Apple Watch Series models (which start around $399) and targeting buyers who want the top-of-the-line Apple Watch. The Ultra 3 was announced on Sept 9, 2025 (at Apple’s fall event) and is available for pre-order now, with official release on Friday, September 19, 2025 apple.com theverge.com. It will be sold via Apple stores and major retailers/carriers. Given Apple’s wide distribution, it’s available in dozens of countries at launch. One thing to note: $799 gets you the watch with an included band and charging cable, but no charging brick (standard these days). Apple typically keeps Ultras in the lineup for a year or more, so expect Ultra 3 to be the current model until at least late 2026. Discounting on Ultra models is rare so soon, but older Ultra 2 might see price cuts. If $799 is steep, remember it’s on par with Garmin’s high-end watches and about double the price of Samsung’s flagship watch. For that, Apple offers a very premium build and unique capabilities (like that dive computer and satellite SOS) that some will find worth the cost.
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro: The Fenix 7 Pro series launched in mid-2023 with a range of configurations. Starting price was $799.99 for the base 47mm Pro model (with Gorilla Glass lens) techradar.com. If you opt for the Sapphire Solar edition (which most “Pro” models are – Sapphire crystal and solar charging), the price was higher. In fact, the series spans up to about $1,099 for the largest 51mm Sapphire Solar with titanium model theguardian.com. Now, as of late 2024/2025, Garmin released a Fenix 8 Pro, meaning the Fenix 7 Pro is no longer the absolute latest. This often translates to deals on the Fenix 7 Pro – it’s not uncommon to find it on sale for a couple hundred off during big sales or as inventory clears. For example, one might find a Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire at $699 or less now. That said, Garmin watches hold value for their niche, and Garmin continues to support them with updates. Availability: Garmin sells directly and through many sport/outdoor retailers (REI, Amazon, etc.). All three sizes (7S Pro 42mm, 7 Pro 47mm, 7X Pro 51mm) are widely available in most regions. Each size has multiple variants (standard vs Sapphire Solar) – the Sapphire models cost more but include multi-band GPS and maps preloaded, which the base might not. Buyers should consider which size fits best; notably, even the smallest 7S Pro still has excellent battery life (up to ~14 days) and costs around $799. The Fenix 7 Pro’s pricing is comparable to the Apple Watch Ultra (both start ~$799), but Garmin makes you pay more if you want premium materials like sapphire/titanium. It’s an expensive watch, but for serious athletes it can be “worth every penny” theguardian.com considering it could potentially replace other devices (fitness trackers, bike computer to some extent, hiking GPS unit, etc.) and last for many years. Keep in mind Garmin’s warranty is typically 1 year, and their product cycles for Fenix are 1.5–2 years. As of Sept 2025, you can buy the Fenix 7 Pro easily, and it’s still a top performer, though not the newest from Garmin. If having the latest is important, the Fenix 8 series might tempt, but if value is a factor, the 7 Pro being slightly older could mean better prices for almost the same rugged functionality.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: The Watch 6 Classic came out in August 2023 (announced at Samsung’s July 26, 2023 Unpacked event) techradar.com. It launched at a significantly lower price tier than the Apple or Garmin: $399.99 for the 43mm Bluetooth model, and $429.99 for the 47mm Bluetooth model techradar.com. Adding LTE capability pushed those to $449.99 (43mm LTE) and $479.99 (47mm LTE) at launch techradar.com. Essentially, even the highest spec (47mm LTE) was under $500 at release. Street prices have since dropped – by 2025, you might find the Watch 6 Classic heavily discounted (Samsung had it for ~50% off during some sales techradar.com, selling around $200-$300 in the US). This aggressive discounting is partly because Samsung released a newer generation in 2024 (the Galaxy Watch 7 or potentially a Watch 8, as naming skipped – indeed TechRadar has a review of a Watch8 Classic in 2025 techradar.com). So the Watch 6 Classic, while still very capable, may be one generation old by late 2025. Availability: You can still readily buy it through Samsung’s site, Amazon, and electronics stores. It comes in two case colors (Black or Silver), each with a stylish hybrid leather strap by default. If you’re budget-conscious, the Watch 6 (non-Classic) is even cheaper (it started at $299) with identical internals minus the physical bezel. But the Classic is the direct competitor here due to its more rugged steel build. For Android users looking at price, the Watch 6 Classic clearly undercuts Apple and Garmin – even at MSRP it was about half the price, and now possibly a quarter of the price on sale. Of course, you get shorter battery life and less of the extreme-sport focus, but you gain savings and a more everyday form factor. Another note: Samsung typically provides about 3 years of software updates for watches, so the Watch 6 series should get updates through 2026 at least. Buying one in 2025 is still a safe bet for support, though you might also consider the current Watch 7/8 series if you want the latest (which likely have improved battery life). Still, in terms of value for money, a discounted Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is very compelling – as long as you have an Android phone to use it with.

Availability Summary:

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Just released (Sept 2025). $799. Widely available in Apple Stores and online; no discounts expected this soon. Only works with iPhone.
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro: Released mid-2023. $799 base (up to ~$1,099 for top model), but often on sale in 2025 due to successors. Available via Garmin and outdoors retailers. Works with both iOS and Android (via Garmin app).
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Released late 2023. ~$400–$480 at launch, now often found for less. Available through Samsung and electronics retailers, with frequent sales. Only works with Android phones.

In conclusion, Apple’s Watch Ultra 3, Garmin’s Fenix 7 Pro, and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 Classic each target a slightly different type of user, despite overlapping in being “premium smartwatches.” The Ultra 3 is like a fusion of a luxury smartwatch and an adventure watch – ideal for someone deeply in the Apple ecosystem who wants as much rugged capability as Apple has ever offered (and who doesn’t mind charging every couple of days). The Fenix 7 Pro remains the choice for the hardcore athlete or explorer who values battery life and data over flashy design – as one reviewer put it, “the Fenix 7 Pro is therefore the very best adventure smartwatch going” theguardian.com for those who need a reliable tool in extreme conditions. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic appeals to the general tech consumer who wants a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch for daily wear and workouts, especially if they use Android – it’s a return to form with the beloved bezel and has been called “a good buy” as arguably the best Wear OS watch of its time androidauthority.com.

Ultimately, choosing between them comes down to your priorities and ecosystem:

• If you’re an iPhone user and want a watch that can do a bit of everything (fitness, safety, smart apps) with top-notch build quality – and you’re willing to pay a premium – the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the new king of that hill theverge.com.
• If you need multi-week battery and professional-grade sports tracking/navigation, and don’t care as much about smart apps or a fancy screen, the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro is still a powerhouse that won’t let you down in the field techradar.com.
• If you’re an Android user seeking a balance of style, smart features, and solid health tracking in a watch that’s boardroom-worthy but gym-capable, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic remains an excellent pick (especially at its price), though remember it’s a two-day device, not a two-week one.

Each of these devices stands at the top of its category – Ultra 3 for the Apple realm, Fenix 7 Pro for extreme outdoors, and Watch 6 Classic for Android wearables – and now, with this in-depth comparison, you can decide which one best fits your wrist and lifestyle.

Sources: Apple Newsroom apple.com apple.com; MacRumors macrumors.com macrumors.com; The Verge theverge.com; TechRadar techradar.com techradar.com techradar.com; The Guardian theguardian.com theguardian.com; Android Authority androidauthority.com; Samsung Official samsung.com; Garmin Specs and Reviews theguardian.com theguardian.com; Lance Ulanoff via TechRadar techradar.com.