I recently took the Garmin Instinct 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 on a 11-mile bike ride through Seattle to see which rugged wearable tracks fitness data more accurately. Both devices kept pace with Strava for total distance and speed, proving that modern sensors are capable of capturing reliable metrics across the board.
However, the results for elevation gain reveal a clear divide in performance. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 reported significantly higher climb data than the other devices, a discrepancy I have noted in previous tests while hiking and mountain biking. While this does not affect every metric, it remains a consistent issue for users who prioritize precise terrain tracking.
Garmin continues to prove why it is a preferred choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Although it also slightly overestimated the elevation, the data was closer to expected figures than the Samsung counterpart. Both watches logged heart rate data perfectly, showing matching averages and maximums for the entire duration of the ride.
Battery life was identical between the two devices during this hour-long session, with each dropping only 5 percent. While the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a strong contender with impressive sensor tech, the Instinct 3 remains my go-to choice for outdoor activities. The Garmin provides a level of reliability that makes it the more dependable companion for tracking adventures in the field.