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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple Watch Ultra 2 vs Withings ScanWatch Nova
Get the Apple Watch Ultra 2 unless you prefer a stylish classic. It’s the flagship option, boasting a stunning 3,000-nit display that makes outdoor visibility a breeze. In real-world use, that means you'll see your notifications clearly even in bright sunlight. While the Withings ScanWatch Nova offers an impressive 30-day battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 2's 36-hour standard battery life is plenty for daily wear. Plus, it’s ruggedly built with a titanium casing, making it a more durable choice for active lifestyles. If you need a smartwatch that handles the elements and delivers top-tier performance, the Ultra 2 shines brighter.
⚖️ Weight: 2.18 oz vs 2.22 oz🏷️ Display: 3,000 nits vs 0.63"🔋 Battery: 36h vs 30d
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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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Withings ScanWatch Nova
★4
(268)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
Operating System:HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case Material:Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
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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
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple Watch Ultra 2
1185 sq mm display area
Withings ScanWatch Nova
0.63 in (digital screen)
Resolution
Apple Watch Ultra 2
410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi)
Withings ScanWatch Nova
14,504 pixels (282 PPI)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Apple Watch Ultra 2
64GB
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple Watch Ultra 2
61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only]Winner
Withings ScanWatch Nova
63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband
Water Resistance
Apple Watch Ultra 2
100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319)
Withings ScanWatch Nova
10 ATM (100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple Watch Ultra 2
watchOS
Withings ScanWatch Nova
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
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
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
+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 Withings ScanWatch Nova
Apple Watch Ultra 2
★4.7(1,082)Amazon
Withings ScanWatch Nova
★4(268)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Withings ScanWatch Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,082)Amazon | ★4(268)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later | iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+) |
Operating System | watchOS | HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary) |
Case Size | 49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D) | 42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness) |
Case Material | Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black finish) | Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal |
Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED (flat sapphire crystal display) | Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid) |
Display Size | 1185 sq mm display area | 0.63 in (digital screen) |
Resolution | 410 x 502 pixels (326 ppi) | 14,504 pixels (282 PPI) |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (Analog hands always visible) |
Water Resistance | 100 m (ISO 22810); 40 m recreational high-speed water sports (EN13319) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | IP6X dust resistant; tested to MIL-STD 810H (altitude, high/low temp, temperature shock, immersion, freeze/thaw, ice/freezing rain, shock/vibration) | Sapphire crystal face; Stainless steel case; Ceramic bezel; 5-year guarantee (region dependent) |
GPS | Precision dual-frequency GPS: L1 and L5 (GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou) | Connected GPS (Requires smartphone connection) |
Connectivity | LTE and UMTS (Cellular is standard); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) |
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) | Multi-wavelength PPG (Heart rate/SpO2); TempTech24/7 Module (Body temp); High Dynamic Range Accelerometer; Altimeter; ECG electrodes |
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 (AFib detection); Body temperature variation (day/night); Blood oxygen (SpO2); Sleep quality score; Respiratory scan; Heart rate variability (HRV) |
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) | 40+ sports modes; Automatic activity detection (Walking, Running, Swimming, Cycling); Fitness Level (VO2 max estimation) |
Storage | 64GB | Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch |
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 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion |
Charging | Fast charging capable (0–80% in approx. 1 hour); USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable included | USB-C compatible docking station (approx. 2 hours to 100%) |
Weight | 61.4 g (Natural Titanium); 61.8 g (Black Titanium) [case only] | 63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband |
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 (approx. 163–239 mm); Standard 20 mm lug 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) | Luminova hands/indexes; Digital crown for navigation; Stopwatch; Timer; Alarm; Breathwork; Apple Health & Google Fit sync |
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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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Check Price on Amazon→
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Rating:★4(268)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
Operating System:HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case Material:Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Display Type:Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid)
Display Size:0.63 in (digital screen)
Resolution:14,504 pixels (282 PPI)
Always On Display:Yes (Analog hands always visible)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 meters)
Durability:Sapphire crystal face; Stainless steel case; Ceramic bezel; 5-year guarantee (region dependent)
GPS:Connected GPS (Requires smartphone connection)
Connectivity:Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Multi-wavelength PPG (Heart rate/SpO2); TempTech24/7 Module (Body temp); High Dynamic Range Accelerometer; Altimeter; ECG electrodes
Health Features:ECG (AFib detection); Body temperature variation (day/night); Blood oxygen (SpO2); Sleep quality score; Respiratory scan; Heart rate variability (HRV)
Workout Modes:40+ sports modes; Automatic activity detection (Walking, Running, Swimming, Cycling); Fitness Level (VO2 max estimation)
Storage:Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion
Charging:USB-C compatible docking station (approx. 2 hours to 100%)
Weight:63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes (approx. 163–239 mm); Standard 20 mm lug width
Extras:Luminova hands/indexes; Digital crown for navigation; Stopwatch; Timer; Alarm; Breathwork; Apple Health & Google Fit sync
✓ Pros:
- • Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
- • Clinical-grade health sensors (ECG, SpO2, Temperature) in a non-intrusive form factor
- • Exceptional battery life (30 days) compared to standard smartwatches
- • Water-resistant to 10 ATM (100m), suitable for swimming and snorkeling
- • Distraction-free interface with a small, discreet digital screen
✗ Cons:
- • Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features
- • No built-in GPS (relies on phone connection for tracking routes)
- • No music controls, NFC payments, or third-party apps
- • Heavy on the wrist (63g watch head only) due to steel construction
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Which one is better?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the better buy for most people - its 3,000-nit display crushes the Withings ScanWatch Nova's small screen. That said, grab the ScanWatch Nova if you want a sleek design and a similar-weight feel at 2.22oz - it's perfect for dressier occasions.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if: you want the brightest display at 3,000 nits, need 36 hours of battery life for daily wear, or plan to use it in rugged outdoor conditions.
Choose the Withings ScanWatch Nova if: you prefer a stylish watch with a diver aesthetic, need a battery that lasts up to 30 days, or want clinical-grade health tracking without the bulk.
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. Withings ScanWatch Nova is better if you prioritize elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. 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
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