Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Which should you buy?

The Apple Watch Series 10 packs significant upgrades over its predecessor. However, Apple did not give the same love to the Apple Watch Ultra this year. Instead of a third-gen Ultra, Apple only unveiled a new black titanium finish for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. That makes an unusual comparison — Apple Watch Series 10 versus Apple Watch Ultra 2 — an intriguing proposition.

The “regular” Apple Watch Series 10 comes closer to its rugged Ultra sibling than ever before. But between the two, which is the right pick for you? Read our Apple Watch Series 10 versus Apple Watch Ultra comparison to find out.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Series 10 arrives a year after the second-gen Ultra debuted. This alone gives it a huge advantage on paper. However, Apple’s rugged smartwatch can still hold its own, thanks to its impressive internals and specs sheet. Both watches are expensive, with the Ultra 2 retailing for $799 and the Apple Watch Series 10’s price ranging from $399 to $749.

In our Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2 comparison, we put Apple’s two best smartwatches head-to-head.

Table of contents: Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Design: Apple Watch Series 10 is “thinner than ever”
• Display: Apple Watch Ultra is brighter
• Processors, storage and connectivity 
• Sensors
• Health features
• Battery life: Apple Watch Ultra 2 beats Apple Watch Series 10 handily
• Price
• Conclusion

Design: Apple Watch Series 10 is ‘thinner than ever’

• Apple Watch Series 10: Two case sizes: 42 mm (42 mm x 36 mm x 9.7 mm) and 46 mm (46 mm x 39 mm x 9.7 mm); two case options: aluminum (29.3 grams for 42 mm, 34.4 grams for 46 mm) and a heavier titanium (35.3 grams for 42 mm, 41.7 grams for 46 mm); IP6X dust resistant; 50ATM water-resistant; single speaker; microphone with voice isolation.
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: One titanium case size (49 mm x 44 mm x 14.4 mm, 61.4 to 61.8 grams); IP6X dust resistant; 100ATM water-resistant; EN13319 certification for diving; dual speakers; three-microphone array; MIL-STD 810H tested; customizable Action button.

The Apple Watch Series 10 sports a sleeker and less-rugged design than the Apple Watch Ultra. It’s also noticeably thinner, at 9.7 mm, compared to the Ultra 2’s 14.4 mm. However, this approach brings compromises. The Series 10 only comes with a single speaker and is 50ATM water resistant.

The bigger and bulkier Apple Watch Ultra is 100ATM water-resistant, packs dual speakers, and complies with the EN13319 certification. The last one ensures you can wear the watch while diving. Another advantage of Apple Watch Ultra’s bulky casing is a bright orange, customizable Action button, which you can set to open third-party apps or custom-designed workouts.

You can buy the Apple Watch Series 10 in two case options: aluminum or titanium (which replaces stainless steel models). Both variants feature a metal and sapphire crystal back and come in several color options. Aluminum ones come in silver, rose gold and a new jet black. Titanium models come in natural, gold and slate. As for the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra 2, it comes in two color options: natural titanium and a new satin black titanium finish.

Display: Apple Watch Ultra is brighter

• Apple Watch Series 10: 989 sq mm (42mm) or 1,220 sq mm (46mm); LTPO3 always-on Retina display, with up to 2,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness.
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: 1,185 sq mm; LPTO2 always-on Retina display, with p to 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness.

The 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 sports a slightly larger display than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, the difference is not big enough to benefit daily use. Despite similar-size screens, the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s panel can hit a much higher 3,000 nits peak brightness.

Apple says the Series 10 panel is up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle. Under harsh, direct sunlight, though, the Ultra’s brighter screen should be easier to see. The two OLED panels are the same in other areas: 1-nit minimum brightness and always-on Retina display.

Processors, storage and connectivity: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Apple Watch Series 10: 64-bit S10 SiP; W3 Apple wireless chip; second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; four-core Neural Engine; 64GB storage; Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, LTE and UMTS; L1 GPS
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: 64-bit S9 SiP; W3 Apple wireless chip; second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; four-core Neural Engine; 64GB storage; Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, LTE and UMTS; dual-frequency L1 and L5 GPS

The Apple Watch Series 10 uses a new S10 SiP versus the Ultra 2’s S9 SiP. However, the former does not bring notable performance or efficiency improvements. Even if there are some, they apparently are not big enough for Apple to disclose officially.

In almost all other aspects, the two smartwatches are the same. They pack the same Ultra Wideband chip, a four-core Neural Engine, the same amount of storage, and almost identical connectivity options. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 adds dual-frequency precision GPS, allowing faster and more precise GPS data capture. This feature only proves useful in hiking or other adventure sports. Otherwise, the two watches will deliver the same experience.

Sensors: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Apple Watch Series 10: High-g accelerometer, high dynamic gyroscope, water temperature sensor, always-on altimeter, depth gauge and Depth app, Tides app, compass waypoints, double-tap gesture, Apple Pay.
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: High-g accelerometer, high dynamic gyroscope, water temperature sensor, always-on altimeter with higher operating range, depth gauge and Depth app, Tides app, siren, compass waypoints, double-tap gesture, Apple Pay.

Both Apple Watch models sport almost the same set of sensors and features. Aside from the Ultra’s Action button, there are only two major differences. The Apple Watch Ultra sports a superior altimeter with a higher operating range of 500m to 9000m. And, the rugged watch comes with a siren, capable of emitting a continuous, high-pitched sound that can be heard from up to 180 meters away.

Health and safety features

• Apple Watch Series 10: ECG, third-gen optical heart rate sensor, cycle tracking with ovulation estimates, wrist temperature tracking while sleeping, sleep apnea detection, Vitals app, Training Load, international emergency calling, Emergency SOS.
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: ECG, third-gen  Optical heart rate sensor, cycle tracking with ovulation estimates, wrist temperature tracking while sleeping, sleep apnea detection, Vitals app, Training Load, international emergency calling, Emergency SOS.

Regardless of which Apple Watch you pick, you will benefit from the same set of health and safety features. You get the ECG feature for electrocardiograms, an optical heart rate sensor, cycle tracking, wrist temperature while sleeping and sleep apnea detection. Both smartwatches come with the Emergency SOS feature that ensures you can contact emergency services during a life-threatening situation.

Unlike older Apple Watch models, Series 10 and Ultra 2 do not offer blood oxygen monitoring. This is due to a patent dispute between Masimo Corp and Apple.

Battery life: Apple Watch Ultra 2 beats Apple Watch Series 10 handily

• Apple Watch Series 10: Up to 18 hours (up to 36 hours in Low Power mode); fast charge (zero to 80% in 30 minutes).
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: Up to 36 hours (up to 72 hours in Low Power mode): fast charge (zero to 80% in 60 minutes).

When it comes to battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 packs a big advantage versus the Apple Watch Series 10. Apple’s official data shows the rugged Ultra enjoys twice as long battery life as the Series 10. Using Low Power mode, you can extend the runtime to three days. The Apple Watch Series 10 lasts a claimed 18 hours on regular usage.

The Ultra’s longer runtime results from its larger battery. But there’s a downside to this. Despite fast charge support, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 takes an hour to go from zero to 80%. In comparison, the Apple Watch Series 10 can charge to 80% from empty in just 30 minutes. This should more than make up for its shorter battery life in most cases.

Price

• Apple Watch Series 10: Aluminum GPS models start at $399 (42mm) and $429 (46mm); $100 extra for cellular connectivity; titanium models starts at $699 (42mm) and $749 (46mm). Prices go up with certain Apple Watch band choices.
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: Starts at $799, but comes with cellular connectivity. The price goes up with certain Apple Watch band choices.

As you can see, there’s a big price gap when you put Apple Watch Series 10 versus the Ultra 2. The former starts at 50% cheaper than the Ultra. Once you level the playing field by switching to a titanium casing, however, the gap drops to $50.

The 46mm titanium Apple Watch Series 10 costs $749, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 retails for $799.

Apple Watch Series 10 or Apple Watch Ultra 2: Which one should you buy?

For the additional $50, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers nearly twice as long battery life, a slightly bigger display, a more rugged design, and useful features like the siren and a brighter display. However, deciding between the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 does not come down to price. If you can spend $750 on a smartwatch, you can stretch your budget another $50.

The right pick here depends on your requirements. If you are an athlete, frequently go hiking, or are into adventure sports, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is definitely a better choice. Its brighter display, rugged design and longer battery life will come in handy. It should also be the only choice for divers. The EN13319 certification ensures you can use the watch for recreational scuba diving at depths of up to 40 meters.

The Apple Watch Series 10 fits better for regular, less-adventure-oriented users. It can track all your health metrics, last all day long, and provide all the latest safety features. And it will do so in a more polished and sophisticated package, at a much lower starting price.

Buy now

You can preorder the two new Apple Watches now. Apple says they will become available on September 20.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Amazon | Apple

Apple Watch Series 10: Apple