Withings ScanWatch Nova vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Withings ScanWatch Nova is the premium pick here, offering an impressive 30-day battery life that crushes the Apple Watch Ultra 3's 72-hour low power mode. In real-world usage, that means you could wear the ScanWatch for an entire month without needing to charge, while the Ultra 3 will require more frequent recharges, especially with its vibrant 3,000-nit display. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 3's rugged titanium build and advanced health features make it a formidable flagship choice. If you're active and need a watch that can withstand the elements, the Ultra 3's 100m water resistance and precision dual-frequency GPS are unbeatable, especially for outdoor adventures in 2026. Key specs: Weight: 2.22 oz vs 2.18 oz and Battery: 30 days vs 72h (low power mode).
Why compare these? The Withings ScanWatch Nova (high-end) and Apple Watch Ultra 3 (premium flagship) represent different approaches to smartwatches. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Withings ScanWatch | Apple Watch |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4★ (268 reviews) | ✓4.7★ (425 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass | Class-leading 3,000-nit display brightness |
| Main Drawback | Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features | Large 49mm case may be too bulky for smaller wrists |
| Market Position | Premium | ✓Flagship |
Withings ScanWatch Nova
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Apple Watch Ultra 3
iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later
watchOS
49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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
Apple Watch Ultra 3
| 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
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid)
0.63 in (digital screen)
Pros
- Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
- Clinical-grade health sensors (ECG, SpO2, Temperature) in a non-intrusive form factor
Cons
- Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features
- No built-in GPS (relies on phone connection for tracking routes)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later
watchOS
49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black)
Always-On Retina display (LTPO3 OLED) with flat sapphire crystal
1245 sq mm display area
Pros
- Class-leading 3,000-nit display brightness
- Rugged titanium build with 100m water resistance
Cons
- Large 49mm case may be too bulky for smaller wrists
- High price point
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 monochrome screen. That said, grab the ScanWatch if you want exceptional battery life at 30 days - it's a no-brainer for less frequent charging.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Withings ScanWatch Nova if: you want 30 days of battery life, prefer an elegant diver aesthetic, or value clinical-grade health tracking without distractions.
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if: you need a rugged watch for outdoor activities, want cellular connectivity and calls, or prioritize a bright, advanced display. (2.18 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple Watch
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 425 reviews vs 268
→ Choose Apple Watch
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Apple Watch
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Withings ScanWatch
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 leads with a 4.7★ rating versus 4★. That said, Withings ScanWatch Nova could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Withings ScanWatch Nova or Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Withings ScanWatch Nova is the better choice if you prioritize elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. Apple Watch Ultra 3 wins if you value class-leading 3,000-nit display brightness. Both are rated highly (4★ vs 4.7★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Withings ScanWatch Nova and Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Key differences: Withings ScanWatch Nova offers elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass, while Apple Watch Ultra 3 stands out with class-leading 3,000-nit display brightness. Consider that Withings ScanWatch Nova small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features. Meanwhile, Apple Watch Ultra 3 large 49mm case may be too bulky for smaller wrists. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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