The smartwatch market caters to diverse needs, from fitness tracking to seamless smartphone integration. This comparison pits the ZTE RedMagic Watch, likely geared towards mobile gamers given the brand's history, against the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple’s top-tier offering focused on durability, advanced features, and ecosystem integration. The core question is whether a gaming-centric smartwatch can compete with the established premium experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a polished ecosystem, comprehensive health tracking, and robust build quality, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the clear winner. However, if ZTE delivers on gaming-specific features and a competitive price point, the RedMagic Watch could appeal to a niche audience of dedicated mobile gamers.
| 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 | 2021, March 04 | 2025, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 11 | Available. Released 2025, September 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame (grade 5) |
| Dimensions | 47.8 x 46.4 x 12.4 mm (1.88 x 1.83 x 0.49 in) | 49 x 44 x 12 mm (1.93 x 1.73 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 30 g (1.06 oz) | 61.6 g or 61.8 g (black) (2.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 514 x 422 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.39 inches | 1.98 inches |
| Type | 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 | - | 64GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes, with dual speakers (86-decibel) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, QZSS | 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, heart rate, 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 | Li-Ion 420 mAh | Li-Ion 599 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Natural, Black |
| Models | - | A3281, A3282 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 828.00 |
| SAR | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) |
ZTE RedMagic Watch
- Potential gaming-focused features (low latency, optimized health metrics)
- Likely more affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life during gaming
- Unknown chipset and specifications
- Limited ecosystem integration
- Uncertain software support
Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Powerful Apple S10 chipset
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Advanced health and safety features
- Higher price point
- Battery life may be shorter during intensive gaming
- Less focus on dedicated gaming features
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display details for the ZTE RedMagic Watch, we can infer it will prioritize refresh rate and responsiveness for gaming. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 boasts a bright display, crucial for outdoor visibility, but lacks specific nit ratings in the provided data. The Ultra 3’s likely use of LTPO technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate to conserve battery, a feature potentially absent in the RedMagic Watch if it focuses solely on maximizing refresh rate. Bezels are likely minimized on both, but the Ultra 3’s focus on durability may necessitate a slightly thicker bezel.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 may include a basic camera for quick tasks. The ZTE RedMagic Watch’s camera specifications are unknown, and it’s unlikely to be a key selling point. Image processing will be minimal on both devices, focusing on basic functionality rather than advanced features.
Performance
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is powered by the Apple S10 dual-core chipset, offering a significant performance advantage due to Apple’s silicon design and optimization. While the RedMagic Watch’s chipset is unknown, it will likely prioritize efficiency to maximize battery life during gaming sessions. The Apple S10’s architecture allows for smooth animations and quick app loading times. The RedMagic Watch may attempt to compensate with optimized software, but will likely lag behind in raw processing power. RAM speed (likely LPDDR5x in the Ultra 3) contributes to multitasking performance, further favoring the Apple device.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers wireless charging and achieves 0-80% charge in 45 minutes. The RedMagic Watch’s charging capabilities are unknown. Battery life will be a critical factor for both, with the RedMagic Watch potentially prioritizing longer gaming sessions over all-day battery life. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 balances battery life with its extensive feature set, and the 45-minute charge time provides a convenient top-up option. The RedMagic Watch’s battery capacity and charging speed will determine its viability for extended gaming use.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE RedMagic Watch if you are a dedicated mobile gamer seeking potential features like low-latency connectivity and gaming-focused health metrics, and are willing to compromise on ecosystem integration. Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you prioritize a seamless experience within the Apple ecosystem, advanced health and safety features, a durable design for outdoor activities, and a refined user interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE RedMagic Watch support game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now?
Given ZTE’s focus on gaming, support for cloud gaming services is highly probable. However, the quality of the experience will depend on the watch’s connectivity (Wi-Fi and/or cellular) and chipset performance. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has limited support for these services.
❓ How does the Apple S10 chip handle graphically demanding games compared to typical smartwatch chipsets?
The Apple S10 is a significant step up in performance compared to most smartwatch chipsets. Its dual-core architecture and optimized GPU allow for smoother frame rates and more detailed graphics in compatible games. While not a replacement for dedicated gaming hardware, it provides a noticeably better gaming experience than competing devices.
❓ Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s titanium case truly scratch-resistant, and how does it compare to the RedMagic Watch’s build materials?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3’s titanium case offers excellent scratch resistance and durability. The RedMagic Watch’s build materials are unknown, but it’s likely to utilize a combination of plastic and metal to balance cost and weight. The Ultra 3’s titanium construction provides a premium feel and enhanced protection against everyday wear and tear.
