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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple Watch Ultra 2 vs Suunto Race
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 crushes the Suunto Race when it comes to display brightness: 3,000 nits vs 1,000 nits. If you're outside often, that visibility difference is a game changer, especially in bright sunlight. Battery life is impressive for both, with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 lasting up to 36 hours in normal use, while the Suunto Race offers up to 40 hours in max GPS mode. So, whether you're hiking, running, or just need a reliable smartwatch, both options are contenders, but their strengths cater to different needs.
⚖️ Weight: 2.18 oz vs 2.93 oz💽 Storage: 64 GB vs 16 GB🏷️ Display: 3,000 nits vs 1,000 nits
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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)
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Suunto Race
★4.2
(297)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
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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
Suunto Race
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple Watch Ultra 2
1185 sq mm display area
Suunto Race
1.43 in
Resolution
Apple Watch Ultra 2
410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi)
Suunto Race
466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Apple Watch Ultra 2
64GBWinner
Suunto Race
16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Suunto Race
Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple Watch Ultra 2
61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only]Winner
Suunto Race
83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Water Resistance
Apple Watch Ultra 2
100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319)
Suunto Race
100 m (10 ATM)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple Watch Ultra 2
watchOS
Suunto Race
Suunto UI
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
Suunto Race
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
+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 Suunto Race
Apple Watch Ultra 2
★4.7(1,082)Amazon
Suunto Race
★4.2(297)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Suunto Race |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,082)Amazon | ★4.2(297)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) |
Operating System | watchOS | Suunto UI |
Case Size | 49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D) | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in) |
Case Material | Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish) | Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone |
Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED (flat sapphire crystal display) | AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable) |
Display Size | 1185 sq mm display area | 1.43 in |
Resolution | 410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi) | 466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness) |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes |
Water Resistance | 100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319) | 100 m (10 ATM) |
Durability | IP6X dust resistant; tested to MIL-STD 810H (altitude, high/low temp, temperature shock, immersion, freeze/thaw, ice/freezing rain, shock/vibration) | MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) |
GPS | Precision dual-frequency GPS: L1 and L5 (GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou) | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU |
Connectivity | LTE and UMTS (Cellular is standard); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads) |
NFC Payments | Apple Pay | No (Not supported) |
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) | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; 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 | HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status |
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) | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates |
Storage | 64GB | 16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model) |
Speaker Mic | Dual speakers (40% louder than Series 8); Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | Yes (Cellular, Wi-Fi, and iPhone tethering) | No (Notification alerts only) |
Battery | Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) | Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS) |
Charging | Fast charging capable (0–80% in approx. 1 hour); USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable included | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A) |
Weight | 61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only] | 83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model) |
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 wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width |
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) | Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation |
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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
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Suunto Race
Rating:★4.2(297)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Display Type:AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable)
Display Size:1.43 in
Resolution:466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (10 ATM)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F)
GPS:Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope
Health Features:HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status
Workout Modes:95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates
Storage:16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A)
Weight:83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation
✓ Pros:
- • Vibrant 1.43” AMOLED screen with sapphire crystal durability
- • Excellent battery life (up to 40 hours in max accuracy GPS mode)
- • Free global offline maps with intuitive digital crown zooming
- • Dual-band GNSS provides highly accurate tracking in difficult terrain
- • Military-grade (MIL-STD-810H) durability
✗ Cons:
- • No NFC payments or music storage (music controls only)
- • No built-in speaker or microphone for calls
- • 49mm case size is bulky for smaller wrists
- • Steel version is noticeably heavier (83g) than the Titanium model (69g)
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Which one is better?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the better buy for most people - its 3,000 nits display crushes the Suunto Race's 1,000 nits. That said, grab the Suunto Race if you need longer battery life for outdoor adventures and want to save some weight at 2.93 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if: you want the brightest display for outdoor use, you need seamless iPhone integration, or you require advanced health features like ECG. (2.18 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Choose the Suunto Race if: you need up to 40 hours of battery life for extended outdoor activities, you prefer a similar-weight watch at 2.93 oz, or you want offline maps for navigation on hikes.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
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. Suunto Race is better if you prioritize vibrant 1.43” amoled screen with sapphire crystal durability. 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.
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