Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch SE (2022): The Ultimate Showdown
| Phones Images | |||||
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra is the clear winner for adventurers and serious athletes needing rugged durability, advanced features like depth gauge, and extended battery life. However, the Apple Watch SE (2022) provides excellent value with core smartwatch functionality at a significantly lower price point, making it ideal for everyday use.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch SE (2022) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm (1.93 x 1.73 x 0.57 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 61.3 g (2.15 oz) | 33 g (1.16 oz) |
| IP6X certified 100m water resistant (WR100) 40m swimproof/diving (EN13319) MIL-STD 810H certified ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | 50m water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 502 x 410 pixels (~338 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.92 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Always-on display | - | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Apple S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers (86-decibel) | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass |
| Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Depth gauge (±1m accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 60 min | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 542 mAh | Li-Ion 296 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Titanium | Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Models | A2684, A2622, A2859, watch6,18 | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 |
| Price | About 550 EUR | € 289.00 |
| SAR | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.60 W/kg (body) | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Ultra
- Exceptional durability and ruggedness
- Larger, brighter display
- Extended battery life
- Advanced features (depth gauge, temperature sensor)
- Premium materials (titanium)
- High price point
- Larger size may not suit all wrists
- Features may be overkill for casual users
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- More affordable
- Compact and comfortable design
- Essential smartwatch features
- Good performance for everyday tasks
- Shorter battery life
- Less durable than the Ultra
- Lacks advanced features like depth gauge and temperature sensor
- Smaller display
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch Ultra boasts a significantly larger and brighter 49mm titanium case with a more rugged display, offering superior visibility in direct sunlight. The SE (2022) features a smaller 44mm display, which is still sharp and clear but lacks the Ultra's brightness and durability.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. This is a consistent feature across the Apple Watch line.
Performance
While both watches share the Apple S8 chip, the Ultra's larger size and additional sensors might lead to slightly more efficient thermal management during prolonged intensive use. However, day-to-day performance is virtually identical for most tasks.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Ultra offers significantly longer battery life, advertised at up to 36 hours of regular use and up to 60 hours in Low Power Mode. The SE (2022) provides around 18 hours of battery life, requiring more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Ultra is perfect for outdoor adventurers, divers, and athletes who demand a robust, feature-rich smartwatch with exceptional battery life. The Apple Watch SE (2022) is a great choice for first-time smartwatch users, students, or anyone looking for essential smartwatch features without breaking the bank.