Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8 both are new-generation smartwatch models by Apple. Both these smartwatches were announced and released together on September 2022 alongside the iPhone 14. Also, Both these smartwatches have their own purpose made. Being a pro model Apple Watch Ultra should have better features and performance than Series 8. But does Apple Watch Ultra is really better than the Apple Watch Series 8? Hence, in this Apple Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch 8 Series guide we will discuss some key features of both smartwatches to know which of them is the best.
Apple Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Series 8
If you are looking for a smartwatch that can keep up with your active lifestyle, you might be interested in the new Apple Watch Ultra or the Apple Watch Series 8. Especially, the Apple Watch Ultra which is the most rugged and capable Apple Watch ever designed to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, water, and shocks. Also, it has a larger screen, a longer battery life, and a precision dual-frequency GPS than the standard Apple Watch Series 8. But is it worth buying? To know the answer to this we have compared the features like design, features, battery life, and price to know which is the best as mentioned below:
Design
The Apple Watch Ultra has a 49 mm titanium case that is flat and sleek, with extra protection around the Digital Crown and Side button. Also, it has a sapphire front crystal with display edge protection, making it more resistant to scratches and cracks. The Ultra comes with three specialized straps for different activities i.e., a Sport Loop for everyday use, a Diver Strap for underwater adventures, and an Expedition Strap for extreme environments.
The Apple Watch Series 8 has a similar design to the previous generation, with 41 mm and 45 mm case sizes and various finishes i.e., aluminum or stainless steel. It has a curved display that covers the edges of the case, giving it a more elegant look. The Series 8 also has more color options than the Ultra, including midnight, starlight, silver, gold, and graphite.
Display
Both models have an Always-On Retina display that shows key information at a glance, but the Ultra has a brighter screen up to 2,000 nits than the Series 8 which is only 1,000 nits. The Ultra also has a larger screen area than the Series 8, making it easier to read and interact with.
Features
The Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 share many health and fitness features, such as the Blood Oxygen tracker, ECG, heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, cardio fitness notifications, temperature sensing, cycle tracking, emergency SOS, international emergency calling, fall detection, high-g accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, always-on altimeter, and cellular connectivity.
However, the Apple Watch Ultra has some unique features that make it more suitable for adventurous users like Crash Detection, which can automatically call emergency services if it detects a hard impact or sudden deceleration. Also, it has a Depth Gauge with a water temperature sensor, which can measure how deep you are in water and alert you if you exceed safe limits. The Ultra also comes with an Oceanic+ app that can turn your watch into a dive computer. Also, the Apple Watch Ultra has a redesigned Compass app that can show waypoints and backtrack your route.
Battery Life and Performance
The Apple Watch Ultra has a remarkable battery life of up to 36 hours on a single charge, which is twice as long as the Series 8 which lasts up to 18 hours. Also, the Apple Watch Ultra has a Night mode that can dim the screen and conserve power when you are sleeping.
Both models have the same S8 processor that is about 20% faster than previous generations. They also have the same cellular connectivity that allows you to make calls, send messages, stream music, and use apps without your iPhone nearby.
Price and Availability
The Apple Watch Ultra is more expensive than the Series 8, starting at $699 for the GPS + Cellular model. It only comes in 49 mm size with a titanium finish. This makes finding a compatible band for Apple Watch Ultra difficult. While the Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular model. Also, it comes in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes and has aluminum or stainless steel finishes. This also gives Apple Watch Series 8 a huge variety of options for watch bands.
In short, the decision between the Ultra and the Series 8 depends on your personal preference and needs. If you are looking for a smartwatch that can go anywhere and do anything, the Ultra might be worth the splurge. If you are looking for a smartwatch that can do most things well and save you some money, the Series 8 might be a better option.
That was the end of this Apple Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Series 8 guide. Also, you can check out our other guides, such as How long does the Apple Watch Ultra battery last? to know more.