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 UltraAnd the Series 8. They are two watches with a lot of the same features, but then the Ultra takes it to the next level—so much so that some users may want to Switch to Garmin watches.
Updated 11/19/19 Current Apple Watch Series 8 Sale: $50 Off $349 (41mm) $379 (45mm), and Apple Watch Ultra is now available at 60 percent offBlack Friday
Specs
| Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Series 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $799/£849 | $399/£419 |
| Sizes | 49mm | 41mm, 45mm |
| Weight | 61.3 grams | 41mm: 32g (aluminum); 42.3g (stainless) 45mm: 38.8 grams for aluminum; 51.5 grams for stainless steel |
| Display | Retina LTPO OLED display always-on | Retina LTPO OLED display always-on |
| Brightness | 2,000 nits | 1,000 nits |
| Material for case | Titanium | Aluminium and Stainless Steel |
| Colors | Natural | Aluminum: Midnight, Product(RED), Silver, Starlight Stainless steel: Gold (PVD), Graphite (PVD), Silver |
| Display cover | Sapphire crystal | Ion-X glass (aluminum). Sapphire crystal (stainless iron) |
| Durability | Water resistance 100m Swimproof IP6X dust resistance MIL-STD 810H Protect your edges |
50m water resistance Swimproof IP6X dust resistance |
| Processor | S8 SiP | S8 SiP |
| Battery | You can stay up to 36 hours USB-C fast charging cable |
Maximum 18 hours USB-C fast charging cable |
| Features and sensors for health | Blood oxygen sensor Sensor for electrical heart rate Third-generation optical heart sensor Fall detection Sleep stages Temperature sensor Crash detection |
Blood oxygen sensor Sensor for electrical heart rate Third-generation optical heart sensor Fall detection Sleep stages Temperature sensor Crash detection |
| Other sensors | Accelerometer Ambient light Barometric altimeter Compass Precision dual-frequency GPS Gyroscope Always-on altimeter Accelerometers of high-g 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 for 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 |
| Other features | Click here to take action 86-decibel siren Dive computer app |
Nike and Hermes Series options |
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Design and 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. In order to hold a larger battery, Ultra is thicker (14.4mm), compared to Series 8. (10.7mm). The Ultra is 61.3g heavier than the Series 8 at 45mm stainless steel and more than 10g heavier than the Series 8.
The Apple Watch Ultra is more durable than the Series 8 with a titanium case and Digital Crown guard. It also features a raised bevel around its 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 can be waterproof for up to 100 metres
Apple
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 Ultra is IP6X dust-resistant, just like the Series 8. But Apple takes it a step further. The Ultra has been tested to the following specifications: MIL-STD 810HIt is a military standard. This means that it can withstand extreme conditions such as temperature, rainfall, physical shocks, vibrations, and more. It can withstand water up to 100m and has a recreational diving limit of 40m.
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Health & Fitness Features
Both watches run watchOS 9, and all 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, Series 8 and Series 8 have the same health features. They both include the new temperature sensor that can track temperature trends and can also be used for tracking ovulation cycles.
The Apple Watch Ultra has features for athletes that aren’t on the other Apple Watch models. These features include:
- Dual-frequency GPS allows you to accurately record your location
- The new Oceanic+ app provides functions for scuba and free diving
- Wayfinder watch face. The dial switches to a clock, there are eight complications and there is a Night Mode, which turns the face red.
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. In case you need to alert someone around you, it can also be used to activate an alarm at 89 decibels.
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
- Sensor for electrical heart rate
- Third-generation optical heart sensor
- Temperature sensor (for ovulation tracking).
- Fall Detection
- Crash Detection
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light
- Always-on altimeter
- Compass
- Gyroscope
These are the only features available on the Apple Watch Series 8:
These are the only features available on the Apple Watch Ultra:
- Depth gauge and water temperature sensors
- GPS dual-frequency (L1 & L5)
- Three-mic array with beamforming
Apple Watch Ultra vs. series 8: Colors, bands
The Apple Watch Series 8 comes in two case materials. However, the colors available are very different. The Apple Watch Ultra is available only in titanium and in a “Natural” color.
The Apple Watch Series 8 can be purchased in many colors and finishes including new Nike bands.
Apple
| Material for cases | Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | N/A | Midnight, Product(RED), Starlight, Silver, Starlight |
| Stainless Steel | N/A | Graphite, Silver (PVD), Gold (PVD), |
| Titanium | Nature | 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 versions that not only have special bands but also watch faces.
Apple offers three bands options for the Apple Watch Ultra. Each band is designed for specific activities.
- Trail Loop: A thin, light band that you can pull out to adjust the fit quickly.
- Alpine Loop: Securely fits around your wrist with a titanium Ghook
- Ocean BandThis rubber band features a titanium buckle and an extension that can be worn over a wetsuit.
Ultra bands are available for any Apple Watch, 44mm and 45mm. You can purchase the bands at the Apple online store starting at $99. 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. The first is the dual-frequency GPS. This uses both L1 and L5 frequencies to give more precise location metrics than other Apple Watches. Bluetooth 5.3 supports, which provides better connectivity and energy consumption than Bluetooth 5.0.
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with cellular LTE connectivity and there’s no option to get one without it. LTE can be added to the Apple Watch Series 8 or removed.
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8: Battery and Charging
The Apple Watch Series 8 has the same battery life of its predecessor, and all other Apple Watch models, at 18 hours. The new watchOS 9 Low-Power Mode can increase battery life by up to 36 hours. However, this mode disables certain features such as the always on display, heart monitoring and workout autostart. 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. Some may find it too bulky to wear for sleep tracking.
The U.S. (left), and U.K. (20W) power adapters from Apple.
Apple
If you use the USB cable, fast charging is possible for the Series 8 as well as the Ultra. Apple Watch Magnetic Fast-Charging USB-C Cable(Model A2515), as well as a 20W 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 the following: 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 is available for $399 only with GPS. You can increase the price if you need cellular connectivity, or change the band material. These are the prices of the various 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 is available in a 49mm model and starts at $799. It comes with a titanium case and GPS+ cellular connectivity. You can also choose from a Trail Loop or Alpine Loop watch band. 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, excellent battery performance, and a titanium finish that make it very 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.
