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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerWithings ScanWatch Nova vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Withings ScanWatch Nova is the premium choice here, boasting an impressive 30-day battery life, perfect for long-term health tracking without frequent charges. The Apple Watch Ultra 3, however, is the flagship with a jaw-dropping 3,000-nit display that shines even in bright sunlight. In real-world use, the ScanWatch Nova's clinical-grade health sensors (like ECG and SpO2) are a major selling point, but its small monochrome screen limits functionality. The Ultra 3, on the other hand, offers a robust titanium build and built-in GPS, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and fitness tracking. So, if you’re focused on health metrics while enjoying a classic watch design, the ScanWatch is worth considering, but for tech enthusiasts needing cutting-edge features, the Ultra 3 shines through.
⚖️ Weight: 2.22 oz vs 2.18 oz📺 Display: 3,000 nits vs 0.63 in🔋 Battery Life: 72h vs 30d
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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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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
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Withings ScanWatch Nova
0.63 in (digital screen)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
1245 sq mm display area
Resolution
Withings ScanWatch Nova
14,504 pixels (282 PPI)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch
Apple Watch Ultra 3
64GB
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Design2 specs
Weight
Withings ScanWatch Nova
63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband
Apple Watch Ultra 3
61.8 gWinner
Water Resistance
Withings ScanWatch Nova
10 ATM (100 meters)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Withings ScanWatch Nova
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
watchOS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Withings ScanWatch Nova vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
Withings ScanWatch Nova
★4(268)Amazon
Apple Watch Ultra 3
★4.7(425)Amazon
| Criterion | Withings ScanWatch Nova | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(268)Amazon | ★4.7(425)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+) | iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later |
Operating System | HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary) | watchOS |
Case Size | 42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness) | 49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D) |
Case Material | Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal | Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black) |
Display Type | Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid) | Always-On Retina display (LTPO3 OLED) with flat sapphire crystal |
Display Size | 0.63 in (digital screen) | 1245 sq mm display area |
Resolution | 14,504 pixels (282 PPI) | 422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (Analog hands always visible) | Yes |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (100 meters) | 100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft) |
Durability | Sapphire crystal face; Stainless steel case; Ceramic bezel; 5-year guarantee (region dependent) | IP6X dust resistance; MIL-STD 810H tested |
GPS | Connected GPS (Requires smartphone connection) | Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) | LTE and UMTS; Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; U2 Ultra Wideband chip |
NFC Payments | No (Not supported) | Apple Pay |
Sensors | Multi-wavelength PPG (Heart rate/SpO2); TempTech24/7 Module (Body temp); High Dynamic Range Accelerometer; Altimeter; ECG electrodes | Electrical heart (ECG), optical heart (Gen 3), temperature (body/water), blood oxygen, depth gauge, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope |
Health Features | ECG (AFib detection); Body temperature variation (day/night); Blood oxygen (SpO2); Sleep quality score; Respiratory scan; Heart rate variability (HRV) | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate zones, Sleep Tracking/Apnea notifications, Vitals app, Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates |
Workout Modes | 40+ sports modes; Automatic activity detection (Walking, Running, Swimming, Cycling); Fitness Level (VO2 max estimation) | Multisport, Running (Advanced Metrics), Hiking (Topographic Maps), Ocean Diving, Swimming, Cycling |
Storage | Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) | 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 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion | Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) |
Charging | USB-C compatible docking station (approx. 2 hours to 100%) | Fast charging (0–80% in approx. 1 hour) with USB-C Magnetic Fast Charger |
Weight | 63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband | 61.8 g |
Band Sizes | Fits wrist sizes (approx. 163–239 mm); Standard 20 mm lug width | Fits 130–210mm wrists (Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band) |
Extras | Luminova hands/indexes; Digital crown for navigation; Stopwatch; Timer; Alarm; Breathwork; Apple Health & Google Fit sync | S10 SiP, Double Tap gesture, On-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, Flashlight/Night Mode, Crash Detection, Fall Detection |
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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
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 3,000-nit display crushes the Withings ScanWatch Nova's limited grayscale screen. That said, grab the ScanWatch Nova if you prefer a sleek design and 30 days of battery life - it's an impressive alternative with a luxury feel.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Withings ScanWatch Nova if: you want 30 days of battery life, prefer a classic diver aesthetic, or need clinical-grade health tracking.
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if: you need a bright display for outdoor use, want built-in GPS for fitness tracking, or require a rugged watch for adventures. (2.18 oz weight)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Withings ScanWatch Nova excels if you value elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. 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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