A real-world 11-mile cycling test reveals that while both the Garmin Instinct 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 deliver comparable results, Garmin’s device offers greater consistency and endurance, cementing its position as the safer choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
For cyclists weighing up rugged smartwatches, the latest head-to-head from Tom’s Guide suggests the Garmin Instinct 3 remains the steadier choice. In a second real-world ride test, the publication compared it with Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 over an 11-mile route through central Seattle and found that both devices produced broadly similar results for distance, pace and heart rate, but Garmin again handled the outing with greater consistency.
The test was conducted with the Samsung watch on one wrist, the Garmin on the other and Strava running on an iPhone as a reference point. All three systems landed within a narrow band on distance, with Samsung slightly closer to the Strava reading. Average moving speed and top speed were also closely aligned, which Tom’s Guide said was reassuring. Heart-rate capture was especially strong, with both watches matching on average and maximum heart rate for the ride.
Elevation was the main point of divergence. Tom’s Guide said the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 again overstated climbing, repeating a pattern the reviewer had already seen in hiking and e-mountain-biking tests. The Instinct 3 also recorded more ascent than expected, but the error was smaller and closer to what the reviewer said he usually sees on that route. Tom’s Guide also noted that Garmin’s watch includes a dedicated e-bike mode, which can matter on mixed-assist rides, while Samsung’s model does not.
Battery use was even between the two at around 5% for the ride, but Garmin’s broader outdoor profile still stood out. In earlier Tom’s Guide testing on longer hikes in the North Cascades, the Instinct 3 used far less power than Samsung’s watch and was judged more comfortable to wear for extended periods because it is lighter and less bulky. TechRadar’s review of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 praised its brighter display and slimmer titanium design, but also pointed to the Instinct 3’s stronger endurance for outdoor use. The result, on balance, is that Samsung’s watch looks capable for cycling, but Garmin remains the safer pick for riders who want a rugged tracker built for repeated outdoor use.
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