Introduction
Apple’s smartwatch lineup now features a new model, the Apple Watch Ultra. It is more rugged, which makes the watch suitable for outdoor excursions and the most extreme sports. But, how does the smartwatch compares with the Apple Watch Series 8? Let’s find out.
In this post, we'll compare the two Apple smartwatches—Apple Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Series 8. We’ll compare their specs side-by-side and see what more the Apple Watch Ultra offers. So, without any delay, let’s get started.
Apple Watch Ultra Vs Apple Watch Series 8 Specs Comparision
Here is the side-by-side specifications comparison of the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8.
| Body | IP6X dust resistance, WR50 rating | IP6X dust resistance, WR100 rating, MIL-STD 810H certification, Action Button |
| Display | 1.9-inch always-on Retina display, Up to 1000 nits brightness | 1.9-inch always-on Retina display, Up to 2000 nits brightness |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Apple S8 |
| OS | watchOS 9 | watchOS 9 |
| Special Features | Emergency SOS, International Emergency Calling, Fall Detection, and Crash Detection | Emergency SOS, International Emergency Calling, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and 86-decibel Siren to attract attention |
| Sensors | Temperature sensing, Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass, SpO2, VO2max | Temperature sensing, Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass, SpO2, VO2max |
| Connectivity | GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC | GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC |
| Battery Life | 18-hour battery life, 36 hours in Low Power Mode | 30-hour battery life, 60 hours in Low Power Mode |
| Charging | Wireless fast charging | Wireless fast charging |
Apple Watch Ultra Vs Apple Watch Series 8
Design
The Apple Watch Ultra delivers a new look to the Apple smartwatch, while the Watch Series 8 has the same design as the Watch 7. It also features a 49mm titanium case, which is bigger and more durable than the 41/45mm aluminum and stainless steel case of the Watch 8.
As mentioned above, the Watch Ultra is more suitable for outdoor excursions and the most extreme sports because of its rugged body. It is waterproof up to 100 meters, which is twice the depth of the Watch Series 8. Besides, most of the special features of the Ultra are dedicated to extreme sports.
The Apple Watch Ultra further features MIL-STD 810H certification. This means the watch is tested to survive Altitude, High Temperature, Low Temperature, Temperature Shock, Immersion, Freeze/Thaw, Shock, and Vibration. In conclusion, the Watch Ultra is more suitable for outdoor activities than the Watch 8.
Features
Both Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8 share many similar features like Emergency SOS, emergency calling, Fall Detection, and Crash Detection.
The difference comes in Watch Ultra’s GPS. It features the latest GPS protocol (L5) that provides the most precise location data even in dense urban areas.
In addition, the Apple Watch Ultra packs a new siren app that can ring an 86-decibel alarm from the new speaker grille that's present on the watch. More on, there’s also a physical action button that can quick-launch an assigned feature.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Ultra is intended for those who might find it difficult to charge their devices. It has the longest battery life of any Apple Watch yet, with 36 hours of use between charges. In addition, the duration can be increased by 60 hours per charge in Low Power Mode for an absurd amount of battery life.
Compared to the 18-hour battery life of the Watch Series 8, the Ultra doubles the usage time.
Apple Watch Ultra Vs Apple Watch Series 8: Price
The difference in features between the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8 also brings a huge price difference. The Apple Watch Series 8 comes with a price tag of $399 for the GPS-only model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular variant. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra takes the price to $799 for its sole variant with cellular support.
| Apple Smartwatch | Official Price |
| Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS-only) | $399 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular) | $499 |
| Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular) | $799 |
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8 are the two latest flagship smartwatches. Between the two, the Watch Ultra is more rugged and focused on outdoor excursions, while the Watch Series 8 is much cheaper and affordable.