← Back to Smartwatches
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the better buy for most people - its S10 SiP crushes the S9 in the Ultra 2. In real-world use, that means faster performance for apps and features, making it a no-brainer if you demand speed. While both models have a stunning 3,000-nit display, the Ultra 3's upgraded display resolution of 422 x 514 pixels vs 410 x 502 pixels offers a sharper experience. This makes a significant difference when reading notifications or tracking workouts outdoors in bright sunlight.
📏 Display: 410 x 502 pixels vs 422 x 514 pixels🔋 Battery: both 36h standard⚖️ Weight: 2.17oz vs 2.18oz
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
★4.7
(1,082)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish)
Check Amazon Price→
Apple Watch Ultra 3
★4.7
(425)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black)
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple Watch Ultra 2
1185 sq mm display area
Apple Watch Ultra 3
1245 sq mm display area
Resolution
Apple Watch Ultra 2
410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple Watch Ultra 2
61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only]
Apple Watch Ultra 3
61.8 g
Water Resistance
Apple Watch Ultra 2
100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple Watch Ultra 2
LTE and UMTS (Cellular is standard); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
Apple Watch Ultra 3
LTE and UMTS; Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; U2 Ultra Wideband chip
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple Watch Ultra 2
★4.7(1,082)Amazon
Apple Watch Ultra 3
★4.7(425)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,082)Amazon | ★4.7(425)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later | iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later |
Operating System | watchOS | watchOS |
Case Size | 49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D) | 49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D) |
Case Material | Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish) | Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black) |
Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED (flat sapphire crystal display) | Always-On Retina display (LTPO3 OLED) with flat sapphire crystal |
Display Size | 1185 sq mm display area | 1245 sq mm display area |
Resolution | 410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi) | 422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes |
Water Resistance | 100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319) | 100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft) |
Durability | IP6X dust resistant; tested to MIL-STD 810H (altitude, high/low temp, temperature shock, immersion, freeze/thaw, ice/freezing rain, shock/vibration) | IP6X dust resistance; MIL-STD 810H tested |
GPS | Precision dual-frequency GPS: L1 and L5 (GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou) | Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5) |
Connectivity | LTE and UMTS (Cellular is standard); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip | LTE and UMTS; Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; U2 Ultra Wideband chip |
NFC Payments | Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
Sensors | Electrical heart sensor (ECG app); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; temperature sensing; depth gauge (±1 m accuracy); water temperature sensor; compass; always-on altimeter; high-g accelerometer; high dynamic range gyroscope; ambient light sensor; blood oxygen sensor (feature availability subject to US patent rulings) | Electrical heart (ECG), optical heart (Gen 3), temperature (body/water), blood oxygen, depth gauge, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope |
Health Features | ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Irregular rhythm notifications; Sleep tracking with stages; Sleep apnea notifications; Vitals app; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates; Noise app | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate zones, Sleep Tracking/Apnea notifications, Vitals app, Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates |
Workout Modes | Customizable Action Button for instant workout start; Advanced running metrics (stride length, ground contact time); Multisport; Swimming; Hiking; Diving (Oceanic+ app required for dive computer functions) | Multisport, Running (Advanced Metrics), Hiking (Topographic Maps), Ocean Diving, Swimming, Cycling |
Storage | 64GB | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | Dual speakers (40% louder than Series 8); Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation | Dual speakers; three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation; 86dB Siren |
Calls | Yes (Cellular, Wi-Fi, and iPhone tethering) | Yes (via Cellular or Wi-Fi) |
Battery | Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) | Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) |
Charging | Fast charging capable (0–80% in approx. 1 hour); USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable included | Fast charging (0–80% in approx. 1 hour) with USB-C Magnetic Fast Charger |
Weight | 61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only] | 61.8 g |
Band Sizes | Trail Loop (S/M, M/L); Alpine Loop (S, M, L); Ocean Band (One Size); fits 130–210mm wrists depending on selection | Fits 130–210mm wrists (Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band) |
Extras | S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; On-device Siri; Precision Finding for iPhone 15/16 lineup; 86-decibel Siren; Night Mode (Modular Ultra face) | S10 SiP, Double Tap gesture, On-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, Flashlight/Night Mode, Crash Detection, Fall Detection |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Rating:★4.7(1,082)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish)
Display Type:Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED (flat sapphire crystal display)
Display Size:1185 sq mm display area
Resolution:410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319)
Durability:IP6X dust resistant; tested to MIL-STD 810H (altitude, high/low temp, temperature shock, immersion, freeze/thaw, ice/freezing rain, shock/vibration)
GPS:Precision dual-frequency GPS: L1 and L5 (GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou)
Connectivity:LTE and UMTS (Cellular is standard); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
NFC Payments:Apple Pay
Sensors:Electrical heart sensor (ECG app); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; temperature sensing; depth gauge (±1 m accuracy); water temperature sensor; compass; always-on altimeter; high-g accelerometer; high dynamic range gyroscope; ambient light sensor; blood oxygen sensor (feature availability subject to US patent rulings)
Health Features:ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Irregular rhythm notifications; Sleep tracking with stages; Sleep apnea notifications; Vitals app; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates; Noise app
Workout Modes:Customizable Action Button for instant workout start; Advanced running metrics (stride length, ground contact time); Multisport; Swimming; Hiking; Diving (Oceanic+ app required for dive computer functions)
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Dual speakers (40% louder than Series 8); Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation
Calls:Yes (Cellular, Wi-Fi, and iPhone tethering)
Battery:Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Charging:Fast charging capable (0–80% in approx. 1 hour); USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable included
Weight:61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only]
Band Sizes:Trail Loop (S/M, M/L); Alpine Loop (S, M, L); Ocean Band (One Size); fits 130–210mm wrists depending on selection
Extras:S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; On-device Siri; Precision Finding for iPhone 15/16 lineup; 86-decibel Siren; Night Mode (Modular Ultra face)
✓ Pros:
- • Brightest Apple display ever (up to 3,000 nits) for superior outdoor visibility
- • Excellent battery life for an Apple Watch (up to 36 hours standard, 72 hours low power)
- • Rugged titanium build with sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance
- • Fast S9 SiP allows for Double Tap gesture and on-device Siri
- • Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) offers accurate tracking in dense environments
✗ Cons:
- • Large 49mm x 14.4mm casing is bulky on smaller wrists
- • Blood Oxygen feature is disabled on units sold by Apple in the US (post-Jan 2024)
- • Requires an iPhone to function; no Android compatibility
- • Expensive entry price compared to standard Series models
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Rating:★4.7(425)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black)
Display Type:Always-On Retina display (LTPO3 OLED) with flat sapphire crystal
Display Size:1245 sq mm display area
Resolution:422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft)
Durability:IP6X dust resistance; MIL-STD 810H tested
GPS:Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5)
Connectivity:LTE and UMTS; Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; U2 Ultra Wideband chip
NFC Payments:Apple Pay
Sensors:Electrical heart (ECG), optical heart (Gen 3), temperature (body/water), blood oxygen, depth gauge, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope
Health Features:ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate zones, Sleep Tracking/Apnea notifications, Vitals app, Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
Workout Modes:Multisport, Running (Advanced Metrics), Hiking (Topographic Maps), Ocean Diving, Swimming, Cycling
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Dual speakers; three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation; 86dB Siren
Calls:Yes (via Cellular or Wi-Fi)
Battery:Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Charging:Fast charging (0–80% in approx. 1 hour) with USB-C Magnetic Fast Charger
Weight:61.8 g
Band Sizes:Fits 130–210mm wrists (Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band)
Extras:S10 SiP, Double Tap gesture, On-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, Flashlight/Night Mode, Crash Detection, Fall Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading 3,000-nit display brightness
- • Rugged titanium build with 100m water resistance
- • Excellent battery life relative to category (up to 72h low power)
- • Precision dual-frequency GPS ideal for outdoor sports
✗ Cons:
- • Large 49mm case may be too bulky for smaller wrists
- • High price point
- • Exclusive to iPhone ecosystem
- • Minimal design changes from previous generation
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the better buy for most people - its S10 SiP crushes the Ultra 2's S9, offering smoother performance. That said, grab the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if you want to save money without sacrificing battery life - both models last up to 36 hours under standard use.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if: you want to save money, prefer a slightly lighter watch at 2.17oz, or appreciate a rugged design with excellent battery life.
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if: you want the fastest performance with the S10 chip, need a sharper display for outdoor use, or desire the latest features for fitness tracking.
Conclusion
Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple Watch Ultra 2 excels if you value brightest apple display ever (up to 3,000 nits) for superior outdoor visibility. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is better if you prioritize class-leading 3,000-nit display brightness. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.