Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra is the clear winner for outdoor enthusiasts and those needing rugged durability. However, the Series 8 offers a more refined, everyday experience with faster charging and a slightly lower price point, making it a better value for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| 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 | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm (1.93 x 1.73 x 0.57 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 61.3 g (2.15 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 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) | IP6X certified 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) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.92 inches | 1.9 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 S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers (86-decibel) | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| 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 (body) |
| Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Depth gauge (±1m accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 60 min | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 542 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Titanium | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A2684, A2622, A2859, watch6,18 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 550 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.60 W/kg (body) | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Ultra
- Exceptional durability
- Larger, brighter display
- Longer battery life
- Advanced GPS and depth tracking
- Premium titanium build
- Higher price
- Larger size may not suit all wrists
- Slightly slower charging
Apple Watch Series 8
- Sleek and refined design
- Faster charging
- Lower price
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Multiple case size options
- Shorter battery life
- Less durable than Ultra
- Smaller display
Display Comparison
The Ultra boasts a larger, brighter 49mm titanium case with a flat sapphire crystal display, offering exceptional visibility even in direct sunlight. The Series 8 features a slightly smaller 41mm or 45mm aluminum or stainless steel case with a rounded display. While the Series 8's display is excellent, the Ultra's is noticeably more robust and easier to read outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a traditional camera. The Ultra does have advanced sensors for GPS and depth tracking, which could be considered a form of 'imaging' for activity tracking, but it's not a camera in the conventional sense. The Series 8 also relies on its sensors for health and fitness data.
Performance
Both watches share the Apple S8 SiP, ensuring smooth performance and responsiveness for apps and features. However, the Ultra's larger size and more rugged design might slightly impact thermal performance during prolonged intensive use, though this is minimal. Overall, performance is comparable.
Battery Life
The Ultra offers significantly longer battery life, advertised at up to 36 hours of normal use and up to 60 hours in Low Power Mode. The Series 8 provides up to 18 hours of battery life. The Ultra charges slightly slower (60 minutes to 80%) compared to the Series 8 (45 minutes to 80%).
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Ultra is ideal for athletes, divers, hikers, and anyone who needs a durable smartwatch for demanding activities. The Apple Watch Series 8 is perfect for everyday use, fitness tracking, and those who appreciate a sleek design and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.