Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Series 6: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra is a rugged, feature-packed powerhouse designed for extreme activities and outdoor enthusiasts. The Series 6 remains a fantastic everyday smartwatch offering excellent value. For serious athletes and adventurers, the Ultra wins; otherwise, the Series 6 is a smarter buy.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Series 6 |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| 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, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| 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, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2020, September 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2020, September 18 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel 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) | 47.1 g (1.66 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 ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Sapphire crystal 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 | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Apple S6 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 7.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers (86-decibel) | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, 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, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max |
| 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) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 60 min | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 542 mAh | Li-Ion 303.8 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Titanium | Silver, Graphite (DLC), Gold (PVD) |
| Models | A2684, A2622, A2859, watch6,18 | A2293, A2294, A2375, A2376 |
| Price | About 550 EUR | About 710 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.60 W/kg (body) | - |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Ultra
- Exceptional durability
- Extended battery life
- Larger, brighter display
- Advanced sensors (depth gauge, temperature)
- Premium titanium build
- High price
- Larger size may not suit all wrists
- More features than most users need
Apple Watch Series 6
- More affordable
- Stylish design
- Excellent everyday smartwatch features
- Compact size options
- Mature ecosystem
- Shorter battery life
- Less durable than Ultra
- Fewer advanced features
Display Comparison
The Ultra boasts a significantly larger 49mm titanium case and a brighter, more durable flat sapphire crystal display with a unique 'always-on' mode optimized for visibility in all conditions. The Series 6 has a smaller 44mm or 40mm stainless steel or aluminum case with a standard sapphire crystal display. The Ultra's display is noticeably more impactful and easier to read outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a front-facing camera. The Series 6 has a rear camera for taking photos and videos, but its quality is limited. The Ultra prioritizes functionality over photography.
Performance
Both watches are powered by dual-core processors, but the Ultra utilizes the newer Apple S8 chip, offering a slight performance edge. However, in everyday use, both watches feel incredibly responsive. The Ultra's enhanced processing power is more noticeable with its advanced features like the depth gauge and more complex workout metrics.
Battery Life
The Ultra offers significantly improved battery life, with Apple claiming up to 36 hours of regular use and up to 60 hours in Low Power Mode. The Series 6 typically lasts around 18 hours. This is a major advantage for the Ultra, especially for multi-day adventures.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra if you're a serious athlete, diver, or adventurer who needs a durable, feature-rich smartwatch with extended battery life and advanced sensors. Buy the Apple Watch Series 6 if you want a stylish, capable smartwatch for everyday use, fitness tracking, and notifications, without breaking the bank.