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Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8 are two of Apple’s top smartwatches, but they serve different users. The Apple Watch Ultra is built for adventure with a rugged design and long battery life. The Series 8 delivers an elegant look with essential health tracking. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
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 Series 8 has single-band 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 Series 8 has a 1.69-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 Series 8 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 Series 8 has a single speaker that is less powerful in outdoor environments.
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Sapphire Crystal Display:- Apple Watch Ultra has sapphire crystal display to provide superior scratch resistance and durability.
- Apple Watch Series 8 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 Series 8 delivers up to 18 hours on a full charge.
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Action Button:- Apple Watch Ultra has a programmable Action button for quick access to workouts, waypoints, or other tools.
- Apple Watch Series 8 lacks Action button.
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Microphone:- Apple Watch Ultra has a triple-microphone array with wind noise reduction for clearer voice calls in outdoor environments.
- Apple Watch Series 8 has a standard single microphone.
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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 Series 8 supports up to 50 meters for swimming.
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Emergency Siren:- Apple Watch Ultra has an 86dB emergency siren for alerting others in case of distress.
- Apple Watch Series 8 does not have this features.
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Connectivity:- Apple Watch Ultra supports GPS + Cellular by default for standalone use.
- Apple Watch Series 8 does not include cellular.
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Rugged Titanium Case:- Apple Watch Ultra uses lightweight titanium case for a stronger, corrosion-resistant build.
- Apple Watch Series 8 uses aluminum which is lighter but less durable.
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Durability Rating:- Apple Watch Ultra has MIL-STD 810H military durability rating for more resistant to shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures.
- Apple Watch Series 8 has does not meet MIL-STD standards.
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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 Series 8 has lower 352 x 430 resolution.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|
| Case Material | Titanium | Aluminum |
| Display Size | 1.92 inches | 1.69 inches |
| Display Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 1000 nits |
| Display Glass | Sapphire front crystal | Ion-X front glass |
| Processor | S8 SiP (64-bit dual-core) | S8 SiP (64-bit dual-core) |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours (60 in Low Power Mode) | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging | Fast charging supported | Fast charging supported |
| Water Resistance | WR100 + EN13319 certified | WR50 |
| Depth Sensor + Water Temp | Yes | No |
| Action Button | Yes | No |
| Emergency Siren | Yes | No |
| Dual-Frequency GPS | Yes (L1 + L5) | Standard GPS only |
| Microphone and Speaker | Three-mic array + dual speakers | Single mic + single speaker |
| Cellular | Built-in Cellular | GPS only (model-dependent) |
| MIL-STD 810H Certification | Yes | No |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Ultra if you:Check Apple Watch Ultra Best Price Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if you:- Want a more compact and lightweight design for daily wear.
- Are looking for a more affordable Apple Watch with core features.
- Don’t need diving features or military-grade durability.
- Primarily want a fitness tracker and health companion for casual use.
- Prefer a stylish, modern smartwatch at a mid-range price point.
Check Apple Watch 8 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| 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 |
| Rugged Titanium Case | Apple Watch Ultra |
| MIL-STD 810H Certification | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Depth Gauge + Temp Sensor | Apple Watch Ultra |
What They Have in Common
- Always-On Retina Display: Both the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 include an always-on Retina display, allowing users to check the time and information at a glance without raising their wrist.
- Health Sensors: Both models feature advanced health sensors such as ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and heart rate tracking, helping users stay on top of their wellness and detect potential issues early.
- Fitness Tracking: Both watches provide comprehensive fitness tracking, including activity rings, GPS-based workouts, and goal tracking, which support users in maintaining an active lifestyle.
- watchOS Compatibility: Both devices run on watchOS, giving users access to the same interface, apps, and updates, ensuring a consistent experience across models.
- Safety Features: Both include Crash Detection and Emergency SOS, enabling automatic alerts to emergency services in case of accidents, which can be life-saving in critical moments.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is the Apple Watch Ultra suitable for scuba diving?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra is EN13319 certified and supports recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters with a built-in depth gauge and water temperature sensor.
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have an Action Button?
No, the Apple Watch Series 8 does not feature an Action Button. This feature is exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra, providing quick access to apps or functions.
What’s the battery life difference between Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8?
The Apple Watch Ultra offers up to 36 hours of battery life, and up to 60 hours with Low Power Mode. The Apple Watch Series 8 provides up to 18 hours on a full charge.
Do both watches have the same display material?
No, the Apple Watch Ultra uses a sapphire crystal display which is more scratch-resistant. The Series 8 uses Ion-X glass which is less durable in comparison.
Can both watches be used for emergency situations?
Yes, both support Emergency SOS and Crash Detection, but the Ultra includes an additional 86-decibel siren designed for alerting others in outdoor emergencies.
Is there a size difference between the displays?
Yes, the Ultra features a 1.92-inch display while the Series 8 has a smaller 1.69-inch screen. This results in more on-screen content visibility on the Ultra.
Do both models support temperature sensing?
Yes, both Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 include a temperature sensor for improved cycle tracking and sleep insights.
What material is used for the watch cases?
The Apple Watch Ultra is made of rugged titanium, which is more durable and corrosion-resistant. The Series 8 comes with a lightweight aluminum case.
Which model supports dual-frequency GPS?
Only the Apple Watch Ultra supports dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5), offering higher location accuracy in dense or remote environments.
Do both watches support Bluetooth 5.3?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8 support Bluetooth 5.3 for improved energy efficiency and wireless range.