It’s hard to believe, but almost a decade has passed since the first Apple Watch was released. Since then, we’ve witnessed the introduction of annual “Series” releases, along with a few “SE” and “Ultra” models. This year, the Apple Watch Series 10 made its debut at the Apple event in September, but that same event didn’t update the Apple Watch Ultra. Instead, we got a new Black Titanium colorway alongside the existing Natural Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2.
How does the new Apple Watch compare to the Apple Watch Ultra 2? It’s time to find out.
Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: specs
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|
| Size and dimensions | 42mm: (42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm) 49mm: (49mm x 44mm x 14.4mm) |
| Weight | 42mm: 30 grams (aluminum, GPS) 61.4 grams (Natural Titanium) 61.8 grams (Black Titanium) |
| Colors | Jet Black aluminum, Rose Gold aluminum, Silver aluminum, Slate Titanium, Gold Titanium, Natural Titanium, Black Titanium |
| Display | Always‑On Retina LTPO2 OLED display, Flat sapphire crystal display, Up to 3000 nits maximum brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness, 326 pixels per inch |
| Processor | S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Sensors | Electrical heart sensor, Third-generation optical heart sensor, Temperature sensor, Depth gauge, Water temperature sensor, Compass, Always-on altimeter, High-g accelerometer, High dynamic range gyroscope, Ambient light sensor |
| Double Tap | Yes |
| Battery life | Up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode |
| Charging | 0-80% in 60 minutes |
| Price | $799 |
| Review | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: design
The Apple Watch Series 10 had a significant face-lift compared to the Apple Watch Series 9. The new watch is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes and comes in titanium and traditional aluminum. The aluminum cases are offered in Jet Black, Rose Gold, and Silver, while the titanium options are Slate, Gold, and Natural.
Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: display
The Apple Watch Series 10 boasts a larger display than its predecessor, the Series 9, and features Apple’s cutting-edge third-generation LTPO OLED technology. This advancement translates to a wider refresh rate range and enhanced power efficiency, surpassing the Series 9 and Ultra 2.
Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: health and fitness tracking
The Series 10 and Ultra 2 watches share the same health and fitness features, including the iconic activity rings we expect from these wearable devices. With the introduction of watchOS 11, it’s now possible to pause these rings on specific days without breaking a streak, which is important to note.
Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: software and performance
The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 share the same watchOS 11 software, offering identical features like Emergency SOS, fall and crash detection, and a mindfulness app for tracking your mental well-being.
Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: battery and charging
If you’ve made it this far in this article and still haven’t found a reason to pick the year-old Ultra 2 over the Series 10, keep reading. The power efficiency gains from the S10 SiP don’t appear to have extended the Apple Watch Series 10’s battery life. Like the Series 9 and earlier models, the Series 10 only offers 18 hours of use between charges. In contrast, the Ultra 2 has been designed to provide up to 36 hours of battery life.
Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: price
The Ultra 2 has one price: $799. For that, you get GPS and the option of paying for cellular. The Series 10 costs as low as $399 for the 42mm GPS-only aluminum version, but can go as high as $799 if you select a 46mm GPS + Cellular version in titanium with a stainless steel band.
Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 share many similarities, resulting in a tie across various features. This makes the Series 10 an excellent value proposition, especially considering its more accessible price point than the higher-end Ultra 2 models. However, the Ultra 2 maintains a clear advantage in critical areas such as display brightness, health and fitness tracking capabilities, and battery life.
