Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Better screen, same body

To the adventurous wearable, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 adds a larger screen, longer battery life, and Emergency SOS via satellite. What is new in comparison to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is as follows.

Among the range, the Apple Watch line has always been the most flamboyant model. Those who require a larger screen and something that can withstand the rigors and demands of demanding outdoor activities are the target audience.

The Apple Watch Ultra is due for a makeover, but the main Apple Watch line has benefited from frequent updates.

The Apple Watch 2 was the most recent significant update, released in September 2023. When Apple only released a black titanium version in September 2024, it shouldn’t be considered an update.

Apple has made the decision to introduce a new Apple Watch Ultra model in September 2025. There have been some modifications made to the model this time.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 contrasts with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which it is replacing, in this way.

Details of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are different.

Features Apple Watch Ultra 3 Apple Watch Ultra 2 Prices (starting at $799) Dimensions: 49 x 49 mm Display: Retina LTPO3 OLED.

3,000 nits OLED display with retinal LTPO2.

Third-generation optical heart sensor; case materials: titanium; processor: S10, SiPS9, SiP; and health sensors: up to 3,000 nits. ,.

electrical sensor for the heart.

The third-generation optical heart sensor measures temperature. “,”.

electrical sensor for the heart.

Temperature sensor; Water Resistance: 100 meters; Battery Life: 42 hours (72 hours in low power mode); Battery Life: 36 hours (72 hours in low power mode); Connectivity: 5G; Recharging: Wireless.

LTE.

the UMTS.

Wi-Fi 4.

5.3 Bluetooth.

GPS/GNSS.

LTE, or Ultra Wideband.

the UMTS.

Wi-Fi 4.

5.3 Bluetooth.

GPS/GNSS.

Emergency SOS Ultra Wideband Other Sensing.

Emergency SOS via satellite.

Detecting falls.

Crash detection.

Always-on altimeter.

An accelerometer.

gyroscope.

compass.

depth gauge.

SOS emergency water temperature sensor.

detection of falls.

detection of crashes.

always-on altimeter.

The accelerometer.

gyroscope.

Compass.

depth gauge.

Natural colors for the water temperature sensor.

Black Natural.

In black.

Comparing the weight, materials, and case sizes of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 2.

Apple is renowned for its tendency to keep reusing designs that are popular with customers, adapting them to fit different generations, and sometimes making small tweaks.

It is a very real-world illustration of the adage “Don’t fix what ain’t broke.”. “,”.

Industry observers would anticipate a slim possibility of change this time around following the 2024 release of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which was a color-only update. There is, although it is largely insignificant.

The design of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is essentially unchanged from that of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Still, it’s a large smartwatch with a flat face, two buttons, a Digital Crown, and a protruding section.

100% recycled titanium makes up the main enclosure, while the front and back are still composed of ceramic and sapphire crystal. The case of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is made using a novel 3D printing technique, though, which helps use half as many raw materials as earlier models.

For customers, however, this has little bearing on the case’s actual design. With dimensions of 49 mm by 44 mm by 12 mm in thickness, the Apple Watch Series 3 exactly matches the Apple Watch Series 2.

The new model is not any lighter than the previous one, despite the fact that the case is made of less material. The weight of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is 61.04 grams when it is in its natural color or 61.08 grams when it is black.

The black model of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 weighs 61.08 grams, the same as its predecessor in the same color, while the natural model weighs 61.06 grams, which is slightly heavier.

Overall, a 0–2 gram difference is very small.

Other important durability-related design elements are the same, such as MIL-STD 810H testing, IP6X dust resistance certification, and water resistance up to 100 meters (328 feet).

Comparing the displays of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 2.

Apple changed the screen, but the main chassis hasn’t changed from generation to generation other than how it’s actually made.

An LTPO3 wide-angle OLED display is used in the Apple Watch Ultra 3, whereas the Always-On LTPO2 OLED Retina display was used in the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Because of the switch to LTPO3, the screen uses less power and can operate at higher refresh rates when in always-on mode. You no longer have to lift your wrist to turn on the device in order to watch the ticking seconds pass.

Additionally, the wide-angle element enhances the display’s appearance. This feature, which was taken from the Apple Watch Series 9, allows you to view the Apple Watch display from a wider range of side angles rather than having to face it directly.

Additionally, this should make it simpler to glance at quickly throughout the day.

Additionally, Apple is able to increase the active screen size by using display borders that are 24 percent thinner thanks to the screen change. Importantly, this is all done without altering the actual screen size and, thus, without changing the casing design.

This does make the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s screen bigger than the Ultra 2’s, making it the largest screen in the entire line of Apple Watches.

Although both screens measure 49 mm, the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s display area is 1,185 square millimeters, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s screen is 1,245 square millimeters.

This also has a positive effect on the resolutions. Although the resolution of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is 422 by 514 pixels, that of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is 410 by 502 pixels.

Other components, like the 3,000 nits of maximum brightness and the 1 nit of minimum brightness, don’t change from generation to generation.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Processor.

The S9 SiP, a 64-bit dual-core processor with a four-core neural engine, was utilized in the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The S10 SiP was the choice made by Apple for the Watch Ultra 3.

It’s kind of an improvement, and this sounds like it. You won’t have many opportunities to experience it.

Because of its significantly thinner profile, the S10 occupies less space inside the casing than the S9, which is the main distinction between the two models. Any additional room that can be created for a device that is so tiny that millimeters count will be put toward bettering something else.

It’s challenging to talk about performance for an Apple Watch chip because, unlike an iPhone, you won’t be performing any significant onboard processing. The Apple Watch model’s capabilities are more defined by changes to its chip than by its numerical processing power.

The W3 wireless chip used by the S10 and S9, however, has 64GB of storage and a second-generation UW connection.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Sensors and health.

The core of the Apple Watch’s success in healthcare has always been its array of sensors. It should come as no surprise that Apple hasn’t really changed the sensors it offers across generations.

Third-generation optical heart sensors with electrical heart sensing for ECG functionality are featured in both Apple Watch Ultra models. When necessary, the screen is kept bright by the ambient light sensor.

Step counts, sleep monitoring, and workout tracking are just a few of the uses for the high dynamic range gyroscope.

A water temperature sensor is also included to show you how frigid the ocean is. For divers who occasionally descend to 40 meters (131 feet), the depth gauge is useful because it indicates how far below the surface you are.

According to Apple, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3 can be worn down to a depth of 100 meters (328 feet). You simply will not be able to use the depth gauge.

Both models come with three microphones, each with beamforming and wind noise reduction to ensure Siri can clearly hear you. Additionally, there are two speakers to aid in hearing the Apple Watch.

In terms of health features, you have the standard apps for blood oxygen, heart monitoring, and electrocardiograms, along with ways to track your vitals and workout performance.

Prior to this, the Apple Watch Ultra’s sleep tracking features were limited to wrist temperature monitoring, sleep apnea alerts, and simple sleep phase monitoring.

The Sleep Score feature, which is new to watchOS 26, combines several variables into a single score and identifies areas for improvement to help you sleep better.

Hypertension Notifications is another new feature for watchOS 26. The Apple Watch will alert you if it detects any indications of chronic high blood pressure, even though one-touch blood pressure checks are not yet available.

Additionally, this year, you will have the opportunity to test out Workout Buddy, an Apple Intelligence agent that examines your fitness history and workout data. Throughout your workouts, it is intended to provide you with individualized motivation.

The Sleep Score, Workout Buddy, and Hypertension Notifications are watchOS 26 updates, even though they are being promoted as part of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 launch. You can access the features found in some previous iterations of the Apple Watch, such as the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Comparison of Connectivity and Battery.

With typical use, the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s integrated lithium-ion battery could last up to 36 hours. With the new Apple Watch Ultra 3, this has been extended to 42 hours.

Because of this, the newer model appears to be better for activities that last the entire weekend.

Strangely, Apple continues to claim that the new model can operate in Low Power Mode for up to 72 hours, just like the previous model.

This might be a sign that the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s battery hasn’t changed all that much.

Apple used to claim that the Ultra 2 could be charged to 80 percent capacity in an hour with a 20W charger. The Ultra 3 can now complete the same task in forty-five minutes.

Apple is also highlighting the new model’s fast charging features because of its Sleep Score for sleep tracking. A five-minute charge will allow the Ultra 3 to track sleep for up to eight hours, and a fifteen-minute charge will allow you to use it normally for up to twelve hours.

In terms of connectivity, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 supported both Bluetooth 3 and Wi-Fi 4. Also supported were GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 reflects all of these.

In terms of connectivity, satellite and cellular support have changed. Although they are not mmWave, 5G networks have been added to LTE and UMTS on the cellular side.

This year, Emergency SOS has been joined by Emergency SOS via Satellite in the Apple Watch Ultra 3. With satellites, your Apple Watch Ultra 3 can provide you with help if you’re in an area where there is no cellular or Wi-Fi signal.

In relation to safety, fall detection and crash detection are still available. There is also an integrated flashlight and siren in case you need to communicate over somewhat shorter distances in an emergency.

The cost of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 versus the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

At launch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 cost $799. It was offered in two colorways: Natural and Black Titanium.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3, which retails for $799 in Natural or Black Titanium, kept the same assortment.

Which is better to purchase, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

It’s reasonable to assume that you will purchase the newest model if you’re looking for a high-end, durable smartwatch. The most recent model, the Ultra 3, is what most people who want an Apple Watch Ultra will get.

With the Apple Watch Ultra, however, Apple has managed to incorporate enhancements where the untrained eye might miss them.

Although it is a minor alteration, the screen increase is significant. In devices like these, every millimeter and pixel matters, so having more pixels in a component of the same physical size is a significant improvement.

The battery life bump is the same. Those extra six hours can be crucial if you’re in the woods, even though it appears to be more due to improvements in power efficiency than a larger battery.

Compared to its predecessor, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 isn’t much better. However, the changes have made it an even better choice for people who can afford Apple’s most expensive smartwatch.

Where can I get the Apple Watch Ultra 3 versus Ultra 2?

With retail prices starting at $799, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is currently available for purchase on Amazon.