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Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE are both Apple’s top smartwatches, but they serve different users. The Ultra is built for adventure with a rugged design and long battery life. Apple Watch SE is sleek and affordable, made for everyday use. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Apple Watch Ultra has the S8 Chip for faster performance and better battery efficiency, and responsive animations.
- Apple Watch SE uses the older S5 chip, which is slower with modern apps and updates.
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Dual Frequency GPS:- Apple Watch Ultra supports precision dual-frequency GPS (L1+ L5) with better location accuracy for mountain hikes and dense city streets.
- Apple Watch SE includes standard single-frequency GPS.
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Display Size:- Apple Watch Ultra features a larger 1.92-inch display with a flat edge design to provide more space for complications, text, and animations.
- Apple Watch SE comes with a smaller 1.57-inch display.
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Display Brightness:- Apple Watch Ultra provides up to 2000 nits brightness to ensure better visibility in bright environments.
- Apple Watch SE reaches only 1000 nits brightness.
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Dual Speaker System:- Apple Watch Ultra includes a dual speaker setup for louder, clearer audio sound output for improving call quality and Siri interactions or alerts.
- Apple Watch SE only includes a single speaker.
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Sapphire Crystal Display:- Apple Watch Ultra has sapphire crystal display to provide superior scratch resistance and durability.
- Apple Watch SE uses Ion-X glass, which is less durable than sapphire.
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Battery Life:- Apple Watch Ultra delivers up to 36 hours of battery life and 60 hours in Low Power Mode for extended usage.
- Apple Watch SE can run up to 18 hours.
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Action Button:- Apple Watch Ultra has a customizable Action Button for quick access to workouts, waypoints, or other tools.
- Apple Watch SE lacks Action Button.
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Microphone:- Apple Watch Ultra has a three-microphone array with wind noise reduction for clearer voice calls in outdoor environments.
- Apple Watch SE only includes a single mic.
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Water Resistance:- Apple Watch Ultra has 100m water resistance with EN13319 certification for scuba diving and deep-water activities.
- Apple Watch SE is water resistant up to 50m.
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Emergency Siren:- Apple Watch Ultra has an 86dB emergency siren for alerting others in case of distress.
- Apple Watch SE does not have this features.
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LTE Connectivity:- Apple Watch Ultra supports GPS + Cellular by default for standalone use.
- Apple Watch SE does not include LTE.
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Rugged Titanium Case:- Apple Watch Ultra uses lightweight titanium case for a stronger, corrosion-resistant build.
- Apple Watch SE uses aluminum which is lighter but less durable.
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Fast Charging:- Apple Watch Ultra supports fast charging that reach up to 80% charge in about 45 minutes to reduce downtime.
- Apple Watch SE lacks fast charging support.
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Bluetooth:- Apple Watch Ultra support Bluetooth 5.3 for better efficiency.
- Apple Watch SE support Bluetooth 5.0.
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Higher Resolution:- Apple Watch Ultra delivers 410x 502 resolution for sharper display with increased pixel density, text and graphics.
- Apple Watch SE has lower 368 x 448 resolution.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch SE |
|---|
| Display | 1.92-inch Always-On Retina OLED | 1.57-inch Retina OLED |
| Display Material | Sapphire Crystal | Ion-X Glass |
| Case Material | Rugged Titanium | Aluminum |
| Brightness | 2000 nits | 1000 nits |
| Processor | S8 SiP | S5 SiP |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging | Fast charging supported | Standard charging |
| Dual Speaker | Yes | No |
| Microphones | Three-microphone array | Single |
| GPS | Dual-frequency precision GPS | Single-frequency GPS |
| Water Resistance | Up to 100m, EN13319 certified | Up to 50m |
| Depth Gauge + Temp Sensor | Yes | No |
| Emergency Siren | Yes | No |
| Cellular | GPS + Cellular | No Cellular |
| Action Button | Yes | No |
| Crash Detection | Yes | No |
| Compass Backtrack | Yes | No |
| Durability Rating | MIL-STD 810H | None |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Ultra if you:- Need a rugged, high-end smartwatch built for adventure and durability.
- Want advanced features like dual-frequency GPS, depth gauge, and an emergency siren.
- Prefer a large, always-on display with higher brightness and resolution.
- Value fast charging, LTE connectivity, and a titanium case.
- Are a serious athlete, diver, or outdoors enthusiast.
Check Apple Watch Ultra Best Price Buy the Apple Watch SE if you:- Want a simple and affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem.
- Prefer a lightweight and compact design for casual daily use.
- Don’t need extreme durability or advanced fitness features.
- Are primarily interested in fitness tracking, heart rate, and notifications.
Check Apple Watch SE Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Dual Frequency GPS | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Display Size | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Brightness | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Dual Speaker System | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Sapphire Crystal Display | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Battery Life | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Action Button | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Microphone | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Water Resistance | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Emergency Siren | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Durability Rating | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Higher Resolution | Apple Watch Ultra |
| LTE Connectivity | Apple Watch Ultra |
What They Have in Common
- Retina Display: Both models feature bright Retina displays, making it easy to see information in direct sunlight or low-light conditions.
- Fitness Tracking: Each watch includes comprehensive fitness tracking with activity rings, step counting, and workout modes to help users stay active.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both offer continuous heart rate monitoring, providing valuable insights for health and exercise tracking.
- Fall Detection: Each model supports fall detection, automatically alerting emergency contacts if a hard fall is detected.
- Water Resistance: Both are swim-proof up to 50 meters, allowing safe use in pools or open water for swim tracking and water sports.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is the Apple Watch Ultra suitable for everyday users or only athletes and adventurers?
While the Apple Watch Ultra is designed with rugged use in mind, its advanced health tracking, premium materials, and extended battery life also make it an excellent choice for everyday users who want the best Apple has to offer.
Does the Apple Watch SE support cellular connectivity?
No, the Apple Watch SE only supports GPS and does not offer a GPS + Cellular version, meaning you must have your iPhone nearby for full functionality.
Can both models track heart rate accurately?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE offer accurate heart rate monitoring through optical sensors, but the Ultra includes more advanced health tracking capabilities overall.
Is there a big difference in display brightness between the two models?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra offers up to 2000 nits of brightness for excellent visibility in direct sunlight, while the SE is limited to 1000 nits, which may be less effective outdoors.
Can the Apple Watch Ultra be used for scuba diving?
Yes, the Ultra is water-resistant up to 100 meters and EN13319 certified, making it suitable for recreational scuba diving and high-speed water sports.
Do both watches support crash detection?
No, crash detection is only available on the Apple Watch Ultra. The SE does not include this safety feature.
What kind of display durability can I expect from each model?
The Apple Watch Ultra has a sapphire crystal front which is highly resistant to scratches, while the SE uses Ion-X glass which is more prone to damage.
How does battery life compare between the two?
The Apple Watch Ultra can last up to 36 hours or more with low power settings, while the SE typically lasts up to 18 hours on a single charge.
Can I use both watches for emergency SOS calls?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Ultra and the SE support Emergency SOS, but the Ultra also includes an 86-decibel siren for added safety in remote environments.
Is the Apple Watch SE still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, it remains a great value for those who want core smartwatch features like fitness tracking, notifications, and heart rate monitoring without spending a premium. However, it lacks the latest safety and performance upgrades found in newer models.