Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 10 – Which Should You Buy?

Imagine you are standing at the Apple Store, ready to upgrade your watch. One model promises rugged adventure while the other represents the latest in everyday elegance. Choosing between the Apple Watch Ultra and the new Apple Watch Series 10 can feel overwhelming. Both are popular choices, but they target very different users. Should you pick the Ultra’s extreme durability or the refined advancements of the Series 10? This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle better.

Side By Side Comparison

Detailed Feature Comparisons

Design and Construction

The Apple Watch Ultra is built for adventure. It features a large titanium case, raised edges to protect the display, and a more rugged aesthetic. It is heavier and bulkier but designed to survive tough conditions. The Series 10 sticks closer to the classic Apple design. It is thinner, lighter, and available in different materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. The Series 10 feels more comfortable for everyday wear and formal settings.

Display Quality

Both watches have stunning displays. The Ultra features a 49mm screen that gets very bright, making it easy to read outdoors. The Series 10 also improves brightness compared to earlier models and adds better energy efficiency. However, the Series 10 offers two size options (41mm and 45mm), making it more versatile for different wrist sizes.

Performance and Processor

The Series 10 introduces the S10 SiP chip, offering noticeable performance improvements in speed and efficiency compared to the Ultra’s S8 chip. Apps open faster, Siri responds quicker, and animations feel smoother on the Series 10. While the Ultra is no slouch, the Series 10 feels more future-proof.

Battery Life

The Ultra wins easily when it comes to battery life. It provides up to 36 hours of use on a full charge, and up to 60 hours with low-power settings. The Series 10 maintains the usual 18-hour battery life but can stretch to about 36 hours with optimized low-power mode. If multi-day use without charging is important, the Ultra has a big edge.

Health and Fitness Features

Both models feature advanced health tracking, including heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, and sleep tracking. The Ultra adds specialized tools like a depth gauge and dual-frequency GPS for outdoor adventurers. The Series 10 refines temperature tracking and offers more accurate cycle tracking and sleep metrics. For most users, the Series 10 offers everything needed unless you are into deep-sea diving or backcountry hiking.

Durability and Water Resistance

The Ultra is built to withstand harsh environments. It meets military durability standards and is water-resistant up to 100 meters. It also supports recreational diving. The Series 10 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it great for swimming but not for deeper underwater activities. If you need something nearly indestructible, the Ultra is the better pick.

Special Features

The Ultra introduces the Action Button for quick access to custom features like workouts or dive sessions. It also includes the Wayfinder watch face optimized for outdoor use. The Series 10 brings new gesture control, allowing you to interact with your watch without touching the screen. It also improves Siri functionality by enabling offline voice commands.

FAQ

Is the Apple Watch Ultra more durable than the Apple Watch Series 10?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra is designed with extreme durability in mind, featuring a titanium case, military-standard toughness, and 100m water resistance. The Series 10 is durable enough for daily use but is not built for extreme adventures.

Which has a better battery life, Apple Watch Ultra or Series 10?
The Apple Watch Ultra offers much better battery life, lasting up to 36 hours in standard use and up to 60 hours with low power settings. The Series 10 lasts about 18 hours on a full charge and up to 36 hours using low-power mode.

Is the Apple Watch Series 10 faster than the Ultra?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 10 uses the new S10 chip, making it faster and more efficient compared to the Ultra’s S8 chip. You will notice quicker app launches and smoother overall performance.

Does the Apple Watch Series 10 have an Action Button like the Ultra?
No, the Action Button is exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra. The Series 10 does not include a customizable external button.

Can both watches make phone calls without an iPhone?
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with GPS + Cellular as standard, allowing it to make calls independently. The Series 10 offers a GPS-only version, but you can pay extra for a GPS + Cellular model.

Are both models good for fitness tracking?
Yes, both the Ultra and Series 10 are excellent for fitness tracking. However, the Ultra offers more specialized outdoor and underwater features suited for extreme sports and adventures.

Which one is better for small wrists?
The Apple Watch Series 10 is better for small wrists since it comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes. The Ultra only comes in a large 49mm size, which might feel bulky for smaller wrists.

Does the Series 10 have better Siri performance?
Yes, the Series 10 improves Siri performance with on-device processing, making voice commands faster and more reliable even without internet access.

Is the Ultra overkill for everyday users?
For most everyday users, yes. The Ultra’s rugged features are great for athletes and adventurers but unnecessary for typical daily use. The Series 10 offers plenty of features at a lower price.

Can I swim with both the Ultra and Series 10?
Yes, you can swim with both watches. The Ultra is rated for up to 100m water resistance and supports diving, while the Series 10 is water-resistant up to 50m and suitable for swimming but not diving.