Apple Watch SE 3 vs Ultra 2 – Which Should You Buy?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch SE 3 are two of Apple’s top smartwatches, but they serve different users. Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s most advanced, rugged smartwatch built for adventure with a titanium case, bright 3000-nit display, and precision dual-frequency GPS. Apple Watch SE 3 is the budget-friendly model focused on essential fitness and health features in a lighter and more compact design. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.

Specs at a Glance

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Winner by Category

What They Have in Common

• Design: Both watches feature Apple’s signature curved-square case design with rounded edges and customizable bands. This consistent design ensures comfort, style, and compatibility with a wide range of Apple Watch accessories. It also helps users easily recognize the watches as part of the same ecosystem.
• watchOS 10: Both models run on watchOS 10, giving users access to the latest interface, widgets, and redesigned apps. This ensures software parity, meaning that users get similar functionality, performance, and app support across both devices.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Each watch includes an advanced optical heart rate sensor for continuous heart tracking. This feature supports real-time monitoring during workouts and throughout the day, helping users maintain awareness of their cardiovascular health.
• Activity Rings: Both watches use Apple’s signature Move, Exercise, and Stand rings to gamify fitness goals. These visual indicators motivate daily movement and track progress toward personalized targets, making fitness engagement more consistent.
• Workout Tracking: Both support dozens of workout types, including running, cycling, yoga, and swimming. Built-in sensors and GPS allow for accurate distance and pace tracking, ensuring reliability for both casual users and athletes.
• Water Resistance: Both the Ultra 2 and SE 3 are water-resistant up to 50 meters. This means users can safely swim, shower, or work out in wet conditions without concern for damage.
• Emergency SOS: Each model supports Emergency SOS, allowing users to quickly call for help in critical situations. This is a crucial safety feature for peace of mind during travel, outdoor adventures, or medical emergencies.
• Fall Detection: Both watches can detect hard falls and automatically alert emergency services if the wearer doesn’t respond. This function enhances personal safety for users of all ages, particularly during high-impact activities or accidental slips.
• Crash Detection: Each device includes crash detection technology that uses advanced motion sensors to identify severe car accidents. When triggered, the watch can automatically contact emergency services and share location details.
• Sleep Tracking: Both watches track sleep stages, providing insight into sleep duration and quality. The feature helps users understand patterns, identify rest issues, and build healthier nighttime routines.
• Family Setup: Both are compatible with Family Setup, which allows one iPhone to manage multiple Apple Watches for family members without their own phones. This is particularly useful for parents wanting to stay connected with children or elderly relatives.
• Notifications and Calls: Both models can receive and respond to notifications, calls, and messages directly on the wrist. This offers convenience for staying connected while minimizing dependence on a phone.
• Apple Pay: Each model includes Apple Pay support, enabling secure contactless payments directly from the watch. This adds a layer of convenience for users who prefer leaving their wallet or phone behind.
• App Store Access: Both watches allow users to download apps directly from the App Store on the device. This expands functionality for fitness, productivity, entertainment, and more without needing to use the iPhone as an intermediary.
• Siri Integration: Each model supports Siri for quick commands, dictation, and on-device assistance. This ensures fast interactions, from sending messages to checking weather or starting workouts, using only voice.

FAQ (Quick Answers)

Do both watches use the same operating system?
Yes, both run on watchOS 10, providing access to the latest user interface updates, redesigned apps, and new health and fitness features. This ensures consistency in functionality and performance across both devices.

Is the Apple Watch SE 3 as durable as the Ultra 2?
No, the Ultra 2 has a titanium case, sapphire front crystal, and enhanced water resistance for rugged use, while the SE 3 uses an aluminum body with Ion-X glass. The SE 3 is durable for daily wear, but the Ultra 2 is built to handle more extreme conditions.

Do both watches have GPS?
Yes, both include built-in GPS, though the Ultra 2 features dual-frequency precision GPS for more accurate location tracking in challenging environments. The SE 3’s GPS is sufficient for typical fitness and navigation needs.

Can both watches measure heart rate accurately?
Yes, both include Apple’s optical heart sensor that measures beats per minute during workouts and rest. However, the Ultra 2 also includes additional sensors for advanced metrics, such as blood oxygen and temperature sensing.

Are both watches compatible with iPhones?
Yes, both require an iPhone for setup and syncing. They work best with iPhones running the latest version of iOS for seamless integration with apps, notifications, and Apple services.

Do both support cellular connectivity?
Yes, both have optional cellular models that allow users to make calls, send messages, and stream music without carrying an iPhone. The Ultra 2’s connectivity may be more robust due to stronger antenna placement and signal range.

Do they both have always-on displays?
No, only the Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes an always-on Retina display. The SE 3’s display turns off when not in use to conserve battery, though it still offers bright, sharp visuals when active.

Can I use the same watch bands for both models?
Yes, Apple Watch bands are interchangeable as long as they match the same case size range. This allows users to personalize their device with countless band options available from Apple and third parties.

How long does the battery last on each watch?
The SE 3 lasts up to 18 hours on a single charge, while the Ultra 2 can last up to 36 hours with standard use and even longer in low power mode. The Ultra 2’s extended life is ideal for multi-day trips or outdoor activity.

Do both watches have crash detection?
Yes, both include crash detection powered by advanced motion sensors and machine learning algorithms. This feature automatically contacts emergency services if it detects a severe vehicle accident.

Do both track sleep?
Yes, both offer detailed sleep tracking, analyzing sleep duration, stages, and quality. Users can view insights in the Health app to identify patterns and improve their rest habits over time.

Do they both support Apple Pay?
Yes, both watches include Apple Pay for tap-to-pay functionality. Payments can be made securely without needing to pull out an iPhone or card.

Can I swim with both watches?
Yes, both are swim-proof with 50-meter water resistance. The Ultra 2, however, is rated for deeper water activities and can track underwater depth, making it suitable for divers and water sports enthusiasts.

Do both watches measure calories burned?
Yes, both use heart rate and motion sensors to calculate calorie burn during exercise and throughout the day. These metrics integrate with Apple’s Fitness app to track progress toward daily goals.

Can I use both watches for hiking or outdoor navigation?
Yes, both can be used for navigation through Maps and GPS tracking. However, the Ultra 2 provides enhanced precision and additional compass and waypoint features designed for serious hikers and adventurers.

Do they both support Family Setup?
Yes, both can be managed through Family Setup, allowing an iPhone user to control multiple Apple Watches for family members. This is especially useful for children or older adults who may not own an iPhone.

Can both watches control smart home devices?
Yes, both support Apple HomeKit integration through Siri and the Home app. Users can control lights, thermostats, and other connected devices directly from their wrist.

Do both support Siri commands?
Yes, Siri is available on both, enabling users to set reminders, send messages, start workouts, and more. The Ultra 2 may respond slightly faster due to its newer chip and on-device processing.

Are both watches suitable for fitness tracking?
Yes, both excel at tracking daily activity, workouts, and trends over time. The Ultra 2 simply extends this with more specialized features for extreme fitness or outdoor pursuits.

Can I listen to music on both without an iPhone?
Yes, both allow users to stream or store music when connected to Wi-Fi or cellular service. You can pair Bluetooth headphones directly and enjoy playlists on the go.

Do both support app downloads?
Yes, both provide direct access to the App Store, allowing users to download watch-specific apps. This enhances customization for health, productivity, and entertainment.

Do both have customizable watch faces?
Yes, both support a variety of watch faces with different styles and complications. Users can tailor the appearance and functionality to fit their routine and aesthetic.

Can both watches track menstrual cycles?
Yes, both support menstrual cycle tracking via the Health app. The feature helps users log symptoms, predict fertile windows, and monitor trends over time.