The smartwatch market has a new contender in the ultra-rugged space: the Honor Watch 5 Ultra. It directly challenges Apple’s established dominance with the Watch Ultra 3, promising similar durability and feature sets. This comparison dissects both devices, moving beyond marketing claims to reveal which smartwatch truly delivers for demanding users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing ecosystem integration and a refined software experience, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 remains the superior choice. However, the Honor Watch 5 Ultra, while lacking detailed specs, presents a compelling alternative for those seeking potentially longer battery life and a more open platform, assuming its build quality matches its rugged aspirations.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 02 | 2025, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 18 | Available. Released 2025, September 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, titanium alloy frame (grade 5), fiber-reinforced plastic back | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame (grade 5) |
| Dimensions | 46.3 x 46.3 x 11.4 mm (1.82 x 1.82 x 0.45 in) | 49 x 44 x 12 mm (1.93 x 1.73 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 51.8 g (1.83 oz) | 61.6 g or 61.8 g (black) (2.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire Glass | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~310 ppi density) | 514 x 422 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.5 inches | 1.98 inches |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED | Retina LTPO3 OLED, 3000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S10 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Proprietary OS | watchOS 26, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 8GB | 64GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers (86-decibel) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter (-500m to 9000m), compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | 480 mAh | Li-Ion 599 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Brown | Natural, Black |
| Models | - | A3281, A3282 |
| Price | $ 315.21 | € 828.00 |
| SAR | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) |
Honor Watch 5 Ultra
- Potential for significantly longer battery life
- Likely more open platform and customization options
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Lack of detailed specifications hinders accurate comparison
- Uncertainty regarding software ecosystem and app availability
- Build quality and durability need independent verification
Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Proven performance with the Apple S10 chipset
- Mature and feature-rich watchOS ecosystem
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices
- Relatively short battery life compared to potential Honor offering
- Higher price point
- Closed ecosystem limits customization
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Honor Watch 5 Ultra, we can infer it will likely feature an AMOLED panel to compete with the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The Ultra 3 boasts a bright display crucial for outdoor visibility. The presence of LTPO technology in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustments, conserving battery when static content is displayed. Honor will need to match or exceed this to be competitive. Bezels will be a key differentiator, and color accuracy, while often similar between AMOLEDs, will be a point of comparison during testing.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s camera, while not a focus, is present for emergency communication and limited functionality. The Honor Watch 5 Ultra’s camera presence (or lack thereof) is currently unknown. Given the focus on ruggedness, a camera could be useful for documenting adventures, but image quality expectations should be tempered.
Performance
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is powered by the dual-core Apple S10 chipset, a proven performer in wearable technology. This chip handles complex tasks like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and app execution efficiently. The Honor Watch 5 Ultra’s chipset remains unknown, but to compete, it must deliver comparable responsiveness. The Apple S10’s architecture is optimized for low power consumption, a critical factor for smartwatch battery life. RAM speed (likely LPDDR5x in both) will also play a role, but the chipset’s efficiency is the primary performance determinant. Thermal management is less of a concern in smartwatches than in phones, but sustained GPS usage could reveal differences.
Battery Life
This is where the Honor Watch 5 Ultra has the potential to shine. Honor has a history of prioritizing battery life in its wearables. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers up to 36 hours of battery life with typical use and 0-80% charge in 45 minutes. The Honor Watch 5 Ultra, lacking specific mAh data, will need to significantly exceed this to justify its existence. Wireless charging on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 adds convenience, but faster wired charging (if available on the Honor) could offset a smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Watch 5 Ultra if you need a smartwatch with potentially exceptional battery life for multi-day expeditions and prefer a platform less locked into a specific ecosystem. Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you prioritize seamless integration with other Apple devices, a mature and feature-rich operating system, and access to a vast app library, even if it means more frequent charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Apple S10 chip handle demanding tasks like extended GPS tracking during a marathon?
The Apple S10 is specifically designed for efficiency. While it's a dual-core processor, its architecture prioritizes low power consumption during continuous GPS usage. Apple’s optimization of watchOS further minimizes battery drain, allowing for several hours of marathon tracking without significant performance degradation. However, the Honor Watch 5 Ultra, if equipped with a comparable chipset and optimized software, could potentially offer even longer tracking times.
❓ What are the implications of the Apple Watch Ultra 3's closed ecosystem for users who don't own other Apple products?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem. While it *can* be paired with an Android phone, functionality is severely limited. You'll lose features like seamless notification syncing, iMessage integration, and access to the full range of Apple Health data. Users invested in Android or mixed-platform setups will find the Honor Watch 5 Ultra, likely offering broader compatibility, a more practical choice.
❓ If the Honor Watch 5 Ultra lacks wireless charging, how quickly can it be charged with a wired connection?
Without specific charging specs, we can speculate. If the Honor Watch 5 Ultra prioritizes battery capacity, it may opt for faster wired charging to compensate. A charging time of under 60 minutes to 80% would be competitive, potentially offsetting the convenience of wireless charging offered by the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
