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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerCOROS VERTIX 2S vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
The COROS VERTIX 2S is the smarter buy for adventure enthusiasts thanks to its jaw-dropping 118-hour GPS battery life. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers a stunning 3,000-nit display that makes it hard to ignore. In real-world use, this means the VERTIX 2S can last an entire week on a single charge during outdoor activities, while the Ultra 3's battery can handle multiple days of smart features and notifications without a hitch. But if you crave vibrant visuals and seamless integration with your iPhone, the Ultra 3 is tempting for its superior display and additional features.
⚖️ Weight: 3.07 oz vs 2.18 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 118h vs 72h
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COROS VERTIX 2S
★4
(89)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via COROS app)
Operating System:COROS UI
Case Size:50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal
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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)
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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
COROS VERTIX 2S
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
COROS VERTIX 2S
1.4 in
Apple Watch Ultra 3
1245 sq mm display area
Resolution
COROS VERTIX 2S
280 x 280 pixels (64 colors)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
COROS VERTIX 2S
32 GB (Music storage and Maps)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
COROS VERTIX 2S
Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Design2 specs
Weight
COROS VERTIX 2S
87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
61.8 gWinner
Water Resistance
COROS VERTIX 2S
10 ATM (100 m)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft)
Software1 specs
Operating System
COROS VERTIX 2S
COROS UI
Apple Watch Ultra 3
watchOS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
COROS VERTIX 2S
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates)
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: COROS VERTIX 2S vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
COROS VERTIX 2S
★4(89)Amazon
Apple Watch Ultra 3
★4.7(425)Amazon
| Criterion | COROS VERTIX 2S | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(89)Amazon | ★4.7(425)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android and iOS (via COROS app) | iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later |
Operating System | COROS UI | watchOS |
Case Size | 50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in) | 49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D) |
Case Material | Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal | Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black) |
Display Type | Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (LCD) touchscreen | Always-On Retina display (LTPO3 OLED) with flat sapphire crystal |
Display Size | 1.4 in | 1245 sq mm display area |
Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels (64 colors) | 422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (Memory LCD technology) | Yes |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (100 m) | 100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft) |
Durability | Operating temp: -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C); scratch-resistant sapphire; titanium chassis | IP6X dust resistance; MIL-STD 810H tested |
GPS | Dual-Frequency GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS | Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates) | LTE and UMTS; Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; U2 Ultra Wideband chip |
NFC Payments | No (Not supported) | Apple Pay |
Sensors | Next-Gen Optical Heart Rate; Barometric Altimeter; Accelerometer; Gyroscope; 3D Compass; Thermometer; Optical Pulse Oximeter; ECG Sensor | Electrical heart (ECG), optical heart (Gen 3), temperature (body/water), blood oxygen, depth gauge, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope |
Health Features | HRV Index; Sleep tracking (REM/Deep/Light); SpO2 (Altitude mode); Daily Stress; Recovery time; Resting Heart Rate | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate zones, Sleep Tracking/Apnea notifications, Vitals app, Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates |
Workout Modes | Multi-pitch climbing, Trail Running, Hiking, Skiing (XC/Touring/Downhill), Surfing (Speed/Wind), Whitewater, Triathlon, Strength | Multisport, Running (Advanced Metrics), Hiking (Topographic Maps), Ocean Diving, Swimming, Cycling |
Storage | 32 GB (Music storage and Maps) | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | No (Beep alerts and vibration only) | Dual speakers; three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation; 86dB Siren |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only) | Yes (via Cellular or Wi-Fi) |
Battery | Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency) | Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) |
Charging | COROS proprietary charging cable (USB-A) | Fast charging (0–80% in approx. 1 hour) with USB-C Magnetic Fast Charger |
Weight | 87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only) | 61.8 g |
Band Sizes | Silicone: 130–240 mm; Nylon: 155–225 mm; 26 mm Quick Fit width | Fits 130–210mm wrists (Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band) |
Extras | Global offline landscape/topo maps; Music playback (MP3 via Bluetooth); GoPro/Insta360 camera control; Digital Dial navigation; Storm alerts | S10 SiP, Double Tap gesture, On-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, Flashlight/Night Mode, Crash Detection, Fall Detection |
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COROS VERTIX 2S
Rating:★4(89)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via COROS app)
Operating System:COROS UI
Case Size:50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal
Display Type:Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (LCD) touchscreen
Display Size:1.4 in
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels (64 colors)
Always On Display:Yes (Memory LCD technology)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 m)
Durability:Operating temp: -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C); scratch-resistant sapphire; titanium chassis
GPS:Dual-Frequency GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Next-Gen Optical Heart Rate; Barometric Altimeter; Accelerometer; Gyroscope; 3D Compass; Thermometer; Optical Pulse Oximeter; ECG Sensor
Health Features:HRV Index; Sleep tracking (REM/Deep/Light); SpO2 (Altitude mode); Daily Stress; Recovery time; Resting Heart Rate
Workout Modes:Multi-pitch climbing, Trail Running, Hiking, Skiing (XC/Touring/Downhill), Surfing (Speed/Wind), Whitewater, Triathlon, Strength
Storage:32 GB (Music storage and Maps)
Speaker Mic:No (Beep alerts and vibration only)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency)
Charging:COROS proprietary charging cable (USB-A)
Weight:87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only)
Band Sizes:Silicone: 130–240 mm; Nylon: 155–225 mm; 26 mm Quick Fit width
Extras:Global offline landscape/topo maps; Music playback (MP3 via Bluetooth); GoPro/Insta360 camera control; Digital Dial navigation; Storm alerts
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading battery life (118 hours standard GPS, 40 days daily use)
- • Updated next-gen heart rate sensor for improved accuracy over Vertix 2
- • Dual-frequency GNSS provides rock-solid tracking in steep terrain
- • Bombproof build quality with full titanium body and sapphire glass
- • 32GB storage for offline global maps and music without phone dependency
✗ Cons:
- • No NFC payments or streaming music support (Spotify/Apple Music)
- • Large 50.3mm case is very bulky for smaller wrists
- • Screen is less vibrant and lower resolution than AMOLED competitors
- • No built-in speaker or microphone for voice notes or calls
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 COROS VERTIX 2S is the better buy for most people - its 118-hour GPS battery life crushes the Apple Watch Ultra 3's 72 hours in Low Power Mode. That said, grab the Ultra 3 if you need a brilliant display and integrated cellular capabilities - it offers a stunning 3,000-nit brightness that’s hard to beat.
Who should buy each?
Choose the COROS VERTIX 2S if: you want unmatched battery life for long trips, you prioritize rugged outdoor features, or you need extensive offline map storage. (3.07 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if: you want a bright, vibrant display, you need cellular connectivity for calls, or you use Apple Pay frequently. (2.18 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
COROS VERTIX 2S 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?
COROS VERTIX 2S excels if you value class-leading battery life (118 hours standard gps, 40 days daily use). 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.
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