There’s one very obvious reason why you’d pick/not pick the Apple Watch Ultra over the Apple Watch Series 8: the Ultra is a much bigger watch. But there’s a reason for its size, and it’s a very different watch from the Series 8.
Let’s take a look at the differences between the Apple Watch Ultra and the Series 8. Both watches share many of the same features but the Ultra is more advanced.
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Ultra
Specifications
| Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Series 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $799/£849 | $399/£419 |
| Sizes | 49mm | 41mm, 45mm |
| Weight | 61.3 grams | 41mm = 32 grams (aluminum); 42.3% (stainless steel). 45mm: 38.8 g (aluminum); 51.25 g (stainless) |
| Display | Retina LTPO OLED display always-on | Retina LTPO OLED display always-on |
| Brightness | 2,000 nits | 1,000 nits |
| Materials for cases | Titanium | Aluminium and Stainless Steel |
| Colors | Natural | Aluminum: Midnight, Product(RED), Silver, Starlight Stainless steel: Gold (PVD), Graphite (PVD), Silver |
| Cover | Sapphire crystal | Ion-X glass (aluminum). Sapphire crystal (stainless iron) |
| Durability | 100m water resistance Swimproof IP6X dust resistance MIL-STD 810H Edge protection |
50m water resistance Swimproof IP6X dust resistance |
| Processor | S8 SiP | S8 SiP |
| Battery | You can stay up to 36 hours USB-C fast charging cables |
It can take up to 18 hours USB-C fast charging cables |
| Features and sensors that monitor health | Blood oxygen sensor An electrical heart sensor 3rd-gen optical sensor for the heart Fall detection Sleep stages Temperature sensor Crash detection |
Blood oxygen sensor An electrical heart sensor 3rd-gen optical sensor for the heart Fall detection Sleep stages Temperature sensor Crash detection |
| Other sensors | Accelerometer Ambient light Barometric altimeter Compass Precision dual-frequency GPS Gyroscope Always-on altimeter High-g accelerometer Depth gauge Water temperature sensor |
Accelerometer Ambient light Barometric altimeter Compass GPS Gyroscope Always-on altimeter High-g accelerometer |
| Connectivity | LTE and UMTS cellular Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz, 5GHz) Bluetooth 5.3 |
LTE and UMTS available on GPS + Cellular models Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz, 5GHz) Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Speakers/mic | Two speakers and a three-mic array equipped with beamforming | Speaker and mic of 2nd Generation |
| Additional features | Click on the Action button 86-decibel siren App for the dive computer |
Nike, Hermes Series options |
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8: Design & Display
Apple Watch Ultra retains the same design principles as the original Apple Watch, which has a rectangular shape with rounded corners and edges. But It’s on a bigger scale, and Apple also made changes to increase the durability of the Ultra, such as a raised rim around the watch face, and the bar to protect the Digital Crown and Side button.
The Ultra is only available in a 49mm version. To carry a larger battery, the Ultra is thicker (14.4mm), than the Series 8 (10.7mm). The Ultra weighs 61.3 grams more than the Series 8 at 10.7mm. It also has a 45mm stainless steal case.
The Apple Watch Ultra is stronger than the Series 8 and features a titanium case, Digital Crown guard, and raised bevel around display.
Apple
The Series 8 is the same design as Series 7. However, the Series 8 features a slightly different design than Series 6. These changes include smaller bezels for larger displays and rounder case corners. The Series 8 comes in a 45mm or 41mm size.
Both the Ultra and Series 8 have always-on displays, but the Ultra’s brightness has a maximum of 2,000 nits, which is twice the specification of the Series 8 and the brightest of all the Apple Watches.
Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8: Durability
Apple Watch has always been durable. Since the Series 8 has the same construction as the Series 7, its durability has not changed–both of those watches have a thicker front crystal display than the Series 6, so it’s stronger and more scratch resistant. The Series 8 is IP6X dust-tight and water-resistant to 50 meters.
The Apple Watch Ultra however is a totally different beast. It’s built to withstand the harshest conditions and treatment. This is due to the titanium case which is more durable than stainless steel or aluminum. The case is slightly raised around the display (which has sapphire front crystals) to help protect it, and there’s also a bar to protect the Digital Crown.
The Apple Watch Ultra is water-resistant up to 100 meters
Apple
The Ultra is IP6X and dust-resistant like the Series 8 but Apple takes it one step further. The Ultra has been thoroughly tested. MIL-STD 810HMilitary standard means it can withstand extreme conditions like temperature, rain, physical shock, vibration and more. It is water-resistant to 100 meters and can be used for recreational diving up to 40 meters.
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8: Fitness and health features
Both watches run watchOS 9, and all of new Apple Watch models have the new Crash Detection feature, which can sense if you’ve been in a car crash and can contact emergency services for you. The Apple Watch Ultra has the same health features as the Series 8, including the temperature sensor which tracks temperature trends over the night and can be used to track ovulation cycles.
The Apple Watch Ultra has a whole set of features for athletes that aren’t on the other Apple Watch models. These include:
- Training zones at the heart rate
- Running track detection includes the following: Stride length, ground contact, vertical oscillation, stride length and time to run.
- Dual-frequency GPS allows you to accurately record your location
- The new Oceanic+ app provides functions for scuba and free diving
- Wayfinder watch face. It features a time dial with an option to switch to a compass and room for 8 complications. There is also a Night Mode that turns red the face.
The Ultra now has an Action button on its left side. This button can be programmed and used with apps to provide a quick way for the user to activate a particular function. It can be used to drop waypoints while hiking or when you dive. You can also use it to activate an alarm of 89 decibels if you need to alert others around you.
Both the Apple Watch Series 8 Ultra and Series 8 have the new body temperature sensor to track ovulation.
Apple
Apple Watch Ultra vs. series 8: Sensors
These sensors are on the Apple Watch Series 8 as well as the Ultra.
- Blood oxygen sensor
- An electrical heart sensor
- 3rd-gen optical sensor for the heart
- Temperature sensor (for ovulation tracking).
- Fall Detection
- Crash Detection
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light
- Always-on altimeter
- Compass
- Gyroscope
The Apple Watch Series 8 has the following features:
These are the only features available on the Apple Watch Ultra:
- Depth gauge and water temperature sensors
- GPS Dual-frequency (L1 AND L5)
- Beamforming with three-mic array
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8: Colors & Bands
There are two options for the Apple Watch Series 8 case material. The color choices can be different. The Apple Watch Ultra is available only in titanium and in a “Natural” color.
The Apple Watch Series 8 comes in a variety of colors and finishes, including the new Nike bands.
Apple
| Material for cases | Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | N/A | Midnight, Product (RED), Silver and Starlight |
| Stainless Steel | N/A | Graphite (PVD), and Gold (PVD). |
| Titanium | Natural | N/A |
There are many bands for the Series 8, including ones made of nylon, leather or stainless steel. And Apple continues to offer Nike and Hermès version that not only have special bands but also watch faces.
Apple offers three options for Apple Watch Ultra bands, each one designed for a specific activity:
- Trail Loop: A thin, light band that you can pull out to adjust the fit quickly.
- Alpine Loop: A titanium G-hook is used to secure your wrist.
- Ocean BandThis rubber band features a titanium buckle and an extension that can be worn over a wetsuit.
The Ultra band can also be used with any 44mm Apple Watch Ultra. You can purchase the bands at the Online Apple Store for $99 Each. The Ultra can also be used with bands for Apple Watches 44mm and 45mm.
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8: Performance
Both of these watches use an S8 processor, and while we haven’t seen benchmarks or tests yet, there’s no reason to believe that they perform differently.
There are a few key upgrades to the Apple Watch Ultra that will make it feel more powerful. It uses dual-frequency GPS to provide better location metrics than other Apple Watches. Bluetooth 5.3 supports, which is more energy-efficient and provides greater connectivity than Bluetooth 5.0.
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with cellular LTE connectivity and there’s no option to get one without it. You can buy the Apple Watch Ultra with or without LTE.
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8: Battery and Charging
The Apple Watch Series 8 provides the same 18 hour battery life as its predecessors and all Apple Watch models. WatchOS 9 now offers a Low-Power Mode that can extend the battery life up to 36 hours. This mode, however, disables certain features like the always-on display and heart health monitoring. If you want to do sleep tracking and you haven’t been using Low Power Mode, you’ll need to charge the watch sometime before you go to sleep.
At 36 hours, Apple Watch Ultra has twice the battery life as the Series 8–but keep in mind that the Ultra is a bigger watch with a bigger battery. It might be too large to use for sleep tracking.
The U.S. (left), and U.K. (20W) power adapters from Apple.
Apple
You can charge your Series 8 or Ultra with fast charging if you use this accessory Apple Watch Magnetic Fast-Charging USB-C Cable(Model A2515), and a 20W power adapter. Apple claims that fast charging takes eight minutes and will allow you to track eight hours of sleep.
However, Apple only includes the cable with the Apple Watch is you’ll need a 20W adapter or greater with a USB-C port. Apple sells a 20W USB C Power Adapter (Model A2305) for $19, but you might be able to find a third-party offering that’s cheaper and has additional features, such as the Anker 20W Fast Charger with Foldable Plug that’s Amazon $15. An adapter with multiple ports can be purchased for a bit more.
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Pricing
The Apple Watch Series 8 starts from $399 without GPS. If you add cellular connectivity or change the case material, the price will go up. The prices shown below are for the different options.
| Watch size | Prices | Connectivity | Material for cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series 8 41mm | $399/£419 | GPS | Aluminum |
| Series 8 41mm | $499/£519 | GPS + Cellular | Aluminum |
| Series 8 45mm | $429/£449 | GPS | Aluminum |
| Series 8 45mm | $529/£549 | GPS + Cellular | Aluminum |
| Series 8 41mm | $699/£729 | GPS + Cellular | Stainless Steel |
| Series 8 45mm | $749/£779 | GPS + Cellular | Stainless Steel |
The Apple Watch Ultra costs $799 and comes in a 49mm version with a titanium shell, GPS+ cellular connectivity, and either an Ocean Band, Trail Loop, Alpine Loop or Ocean Band watchband. That’s not cheap, of course, but it’s less expensive than the titanium 45mm Apple Watch Edition that Apple recently sold.
Apple Watch Ultra vs. series 8: Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a fine smartwatch, but it doesn’t bring much that the Series 7 doesn’t. We wouldn’t recommend updating from a Series 7 or Series 6 unless you really need to have the latest and greatest watch every year.
However, the Ultra is a completely different story. Although the Ultra’s 49mm screen is too large for most users, it has a great feature set, an excellent battery life and a titanium finish that make it extremely attractive, especially at $799. Even if you won’t use many of the features, the 36-hour battery life and rugged case make it a great purchase for anyone who loves large watches—and maybe even a few people who don’t.
