The changes between the Apple Watch 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra are considerable. While the Apple Watch Series 8 is just an evolutionary upgrade, the rugged Apple Watch Ultra is unlike any other wristwatch we’ve seen from Apple – it’s expected to be the biggest and longest-lasting Apple Watch ever. Are you are confused about choosing the right Apple Watch for you? If yes then read our quick comparison between Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. After reading this blog, you will be able to choose the best Apple Watch for you according to your required features. So, let’s get Started1
Both gadgets were unveiled by Apple during the September 7 Apple Event and are currently available for pre-order. So, you’re probably wondering how these two gadgets compare. When you compare the Apple Watch Series 8 with Apple Watch Ultra, you’ll notice changes in design, functionality, battery life, and, of course, pricing.
There is maybe one set of prospective buyers who should purchase the Apple Watch Series 8 and another group who should purchase the Apple Watch Ultra. Here’s how an Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra comparison matches up based on our initial impressions and important specifications. After all, they might be two of the greatest smartwatches of the year.
Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra Specifications
| Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Ultra | |
| Starting price | $399 | $799 |
| Cellular | Optional ($100 premium) | Yes |
| Materials | Aluminum, stainless steel | Titanium |
| Sizes | 41mm, 45mm | 49mm |
| Always On Display | Yes (1000 nits) | Yes (2000 nits) |
| Water resistance | 50 meters | 100 meters |
| Health sensors | Temperature sensing, ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen | Temperature sensing, ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen |
| Safety features | Emergency SOS, fall detection, crash detection, compass backtrack | Emergency SOS, fall detection, crash detection, compass backtrack, 86 decibel siren |
| Connectivity | NFC, WiFi, LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS (L1) | NFC, WiFi, LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS (L1 + L5) |
| Battery life | 18 hours (36 with low power mode) | 36 hours (60 with low power mode) |
Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: What’s the difference?
One of the most significant distinctions between the AppleWatch 8 and the AppleWatch Ultra is the price. The Apple Watch Series 8 begins at $399, as have many of the previous greatest Apple Watch flagships. Cellular connection costs an extra $100 for both the 41mm and 45mm models.
The Apple Watch Ultra costs $799 and is available in a single configuration with Cellular connectivity. Though it is pricey in contrast, we should mention that Stainless Steel, Titanium, and Edition variants of the Apple Watch have been as costly (or more expensive.)
Check out our Apple Watch 8 ordering guide. Both watches are now available for presale, with the Apple Watch Series 8 being available on September 16 and the Apple Watch Ultra becoming available on September 23.
Design and Shape: Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra
In terms of design, these timepieces are indistinguishable from one another. Unlike the Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch 7 design, which is almost similar, the Apple Watch Ultra design gives Apple’s smartwatch series a whole new appearance. It’s marketed as being ready for excursions in all types of terrain.
The Apple Watch Ultra, in particular, sports a titanium 49mm casing, making it the biggest Apple Watch ever. The Apple Watch Series 8 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes (both in aluminum and stainless steel), with the Apple Watch Ultra dwarfing the 45mm Series 8. The Ultra features a flat display as well, however, the Series 8 screen has a gentle curvature.
Another noticeable variation is the placement of the buttons, with the Apple Watch Series 8 sporting the usual digital crown and side button on the right side of the casing. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra sports a bigger digital crown with more pronounced grooves that are now located in a projecting extension beside the usual side button.
On the left side, there is an additional action button that may be used to quickly activate an assigned function, as well as a visible speaker grille.
The Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra can both be personalized with the finest Apple Watch bands, while the Ultra has a distinct variety of straps that seem to be tailored for certain outdoor activities.
Key Features: Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra
We’ll start with the features that are the same across the AppleWatch 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. Both watches run watchOS 9, including a new skin temperature sensor, a new crash detection emergency function, a familiar set of communication choices, support for the finest Apple Watch applications, a full fitness tracking suite, and more. They’re comparable gadgets at their core.
Both watches also have revamped compass software that allows you to store waypoints and retrace your travels using the trackback function. But, when it comes to differences, only the Apple Watch Ultra features the most recent GPS protocol (L5), providing the most exact position data of any Apple Watch to date.
The AppleWatch Ultra also has a new siren app, which uses the speaker stated in the design section to sound an 86-decibel alert. It is said to be audible up to 180 meters away. Even if you know how to utilize the Apple Watch in an emergency, this siren provides an additional piece of mind.
There’s also a Depth app that’s only available on the Apple Watch Ultra. The gadget is waterproof to 100 meters, or double the depth of the Apple Watch Series, and can immediately begin monitoring a plunge below 3 feet. 8. Apple is also collaborating with Huish Outdoors to transform the Apple Watch Ultra into an on-wrist dive computer. It’s a little specialized, but some of the finest Garmin watches for diving have a following, so we expect the Apple Watch Ultra to do the same.
Still, the Apple Watch Ultra seems to offer the finest capabilities for folks who like outdoor activities. Hiking, mountain climbing, trail running, and aquatic sports are nearly totally represented by the specific software capabilities.
Battery Life: Apple Watch 8 vs Apple Watch Ultra
The battery life of the Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra may be a deciding factor for many buyers, both outdoor sports fanatics and normal users. The Apple Watch Ultra has a standard battery life of 36 hours, which is double the 18-hour estimate for the Apple Watch Series 8. That’s more than two days of endurance, which is something we’ve long desired from the Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch Series 8 lasts up to 36 hours and the Apple Watch Ultra lasts up to 60 hours with the new Apple Watch’s low power mode, which eliminates battery-draining functions like the Always On Display and automatic exercise tracking.
While low power mode extends the battery life of the iPhone and iPad, we don’t yet know how beneficial it is for the Apple Watch. This is something we’ll put to the test once we get our hands on these smartwatches.
Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Which Is Better?
The Apple Watch Ultra is, without a doubt, a more intriguing wristwatch than the Apple Watch 8. Having said that, the Apple Watch 8 will be the superior wristwatch for the majority of consumers. The Apple Watch Ultra is best suited for people who would benefit from the outdoor sports functions or who can afford to invest $300 for double the battery life and a bigger screen.