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The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Ultra are two of Apple’s top smartwatches. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple’s most advanced rugged smartwatch with a brighter display, faster processor, and support for 5G and satellite connectivity. Apple Watch Ultra remains a powerful adventure-focused smartwatch with strong durability and premium features at a lower price. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Apple Watch Ultra 3 features the S10 dual-core chip with a Neural Engine for faster performance and efficient on-device Siri processing.
- Apple Watch Ultra has the older S8 dual-core chip with standard performance.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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Display:- Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a 3000-nit LTPO3 wide-angle OLED display to improve outdoor readability and provide sharper 422 x 514 resolution graphics.
- Apple Watch Ultra uses a 2000-nit LTPO2 OLED display with 410 x 502 resolution.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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Battery:- Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 42 hours to support longer use between charges.
- Apple Watch Ultra last up to only 36 hours in single full charge.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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Charging:- Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports fast-charge capable 0–80% in about 45 minutes and includes short-charge options that provide 12 hours of normal use from a 15-minute charge and 8 hours of sleep tracking from a 5-minute charge.
- Apple Watch Ultra supports fast charging that reaches 0–80% in about one hour.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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Connectivity:- Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes with LTE, 5G, and satellite SOS for improved network coverage and emergency communication.
- Apple Watch Ultra features LTE and UMTS connectivity without 5G or satellite SOS.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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GPS & UWB:- Apple Watch Ultra 3 includes dual-frequency GPS with the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip to enhance precision location tracking and Find My accuracy.
- Apple Watch Ultra uses dual-frequency GPS with the first-generation Ultra Wideband chip.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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Wi-Fi:- Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) to provide more stable wireless connections.
- Apple Watch Ultra supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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Safety Features:- Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports Emergency SOS via satellite that enables emergency communication without cellular or Wi-Fi service.
- Apple Watch Ultra does not have satellite-based Emergency SOS.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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Gestures:- Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports wrist flick and double-tap gestures to enable hands-free navigation and quick actions.
- Apple Watch Ultra does not have gesture controls.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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Sensors:- Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports hypertension notifications and sleep apnea tracking to expand health monitoring.
- Apple Watch Ultra does not support hypertension or sleep apnea notifications.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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Voice Assistant:- Apple Watch Ultra 3 features on-device Siri with health data access to process commands faster and privately.
- Apple Watch Ultra uses cloud-based Siri.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|
| Case Size | 49mm titanium (black or natural) | 49mm titanium (natural) |
| Display | 1.92″ LTPO3 wide-angle OLED, 3000 nits, 422 x 514 px | 1.92″ LTPO2 OLED, 2000 nits, 410 x 502 px |
| Processor | S10 64-bit dual-core chip with Neural Engine | S8 64-bit dual-core chip |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Connectivity | Cellular + 5G + Satellite | Cellular (LTE/UMTS) |
| GPS & UWB | Dual-frequency GPS + 2nd-gen UWB | Dual-frequency GPS + 1st-gen UWB |
| Battery Life | Up to 42 hours, 72h Low Power Mode | Up to 36 hours, 72h Low Power Mode |
| Charging | 0–80% in ~45 mins, 15 mins = 12 hrs use | 0–80% in ~1 hr |
| Gestures | Wrist Flick + Double Tap | Not available |
| Voice Assistant | On-device Siri with health data access | Siri (cloud-based) |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you:- Want the newest processor, brighter display, and extra storage capacity.
- Need 5G, satellite SOS, and more precise location tracking.
- Prefer gesture controls and on-device Siri with health data access.
- Care about sustainability and more recycled materials.
- Plan to use quick charge for overnight or emergency top-ups.
Check Apple Watch Ultra 3 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch Ultra if you:- Want a rugged smartwatch with most of the same core features at a lower price.
- Do not need 5G, satellite connectivity, or gesture controls.
- Are satisfied with slightly lower display brightness and resolution.
- Prefer a lighter watch with the same battery life in Low Power Mode.
- Are upgrading from an older Apple Watch and want to save money.
Check Apple Watch Ultra Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Display | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Battery Life | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Charging Speed | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Connectivity | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| GPS & UWB | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Storage | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Gestures | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Voice Assistant | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Durability | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Rugged Titanium Build: Both models feature a titanium case that is lightweight yet strong, providing exceptional durability for outdoor and extreme sports use. This material choice makes them resistant to scratches and corrosion, which is essential for long-term wear.
- Water Resistance: Both Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 3 are rated for 100 meters of water resistance, making them suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving. This shared capability is key for adventurers who spend time in or around water.
- Action Button: Both models include a customizable Action Button that allows users to trigger key functions like workouts, waypoints, or flashlight with a single press. This feature is especially helpful for quick access during workouts or outdoor activities.
- Dual-Frequency GPS: Each watch supports precision dual-frequency GPS, delivering accurate location tracking even in dense cities or remote trails. This is a must-have for runners, hikers, and explorers who rely on exact route mapping.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does Apple Watch Ultra 3 have a better display than Apple Watch Ultra?
Yes, Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a 3000-nit LTPO3 wide-angle OLED display with higher 422 x 514 resolution, making it brighter and sharper than the 2000-nit LTPO2 display on Apple Watch Ultra.
Is the processor in Apple Watch Ultra 3 faster?
Yes, Apple Watch Ultra 3 uses the new S10 dual-core processor with Neural Engine for smoother performance and faster on-device Siri responses compared to the S8 chip in Apple Watch Ultra.
Does Apple Watch Ultra 3 have longer battery life?
Yes, Apple Watch Ultra 3 delivers up to 42 hours of normal use while Apple Watch Ultra lasts up to 36 hours under the same conditions. Both support 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
Does Apple Watch Ultra 3 support faster charging?
Yes, Apple Watch Ultra 3 reaches 80% in about 45 minutes and gives 12 hours of use with a 15-minute charge, while Apple Watch Ultra takes about 1 hour to reach 80%.
Does Apple Watch Ultra 3 have satellite connectivity?
Yes, Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports Emergency SOS via satellite, which is not available on Apple Watch Ultra.
Is 5G available on Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Yes, Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports LTE and 5G for faster connectivity, while Apple Watch Ultra is limited to LTE and UMTS networks.
Does Apple Watch Ultra 3 include new health features?
Yes, Apple Watch Ultra 3 adds hypertension notifications and sleep apnea tracking on top of ECG, SpO2, and other health metrics that both models share.
How much storage does Apple Watch Ultra 3 have?
Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes with 64GB of internal storage for more apps, music, and offline maps, compared to 32GB in Apple Watch Ultra.
Does Apple Watch Ultra 3 support gestures?
Yes, Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports wrist flick and double-tap gestures for hands-free navigation and quick actions, which are not available on Apple Watch Ultra.
Is Apple Watch Ultra 3 heavier than Apple Watch Ultra?
Yes, Apple Watch Ultra 3 is slightly heavier at 61.6g (natural titanium) and 61.8g (black titanium), while Apple Watch Ultra weighs 61.4g with the same case size.