Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra

The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s ultimate sports watch, offering more features than the Apple Watch 8. But what exactly are the differences? This blog outlines all the distinctions between the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch 8.

Apple Watch 8 vs. Ultra Specifications

Let’s first look at the specifications of the Watch 8 and Watch Ultra.

	Apple Watch Series 8	Apple Watch Ultra
Mobile Data	Optional (£80 extra)	Yes
Dimensions	41mm, 45mm	49mm
Materials	Aluminium, stainless steel	Titanium
Always-On Display	Yes (1000 nits)	Yes (2000 nits)
Sensors	Temperature, ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen	Temperature, ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen
GPS	Yes (L1)	Yes (L1 + L5)
Water Resistance	Swimming	Swimming, diving, waterskiing
Battery Life	18 hours	36 hours

The specification list highlights several key differences between the Apple Watch 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra. However, the main difference is the price: Are these distinctions worth the significant price increase?

Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Price

To get it out of the way: The Apple Watch Ultra comes with a considerably high price. If you’re deciding which Apple Watch suits you best, this is one of the most critical factors to consider.

• Apple Watch 8 Series Price: from £499.00
• Apple Watch Ultra Price: from £999.00

You’re paying nearly double for a Watch Ultra. If you won’t use the extra features, opting for the Apple Watch 8 over the Apple Watch Ultra is likely the smarter choice.

Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Design

The design of the Apple Watch Ultra has been significantly revamped, while the design of the Apple Watch 8 has remained largely unchanged from previous models. Below is an image of the Apple Watch Ultra next to the Apple Watch 8.

In terms of design, the Apple Watch Ultra is fully geared toward sports. The case is made from an exceptionally durable metal, titanium. The digital crown has been enlarged with deeper grooves, allowing operation even with gloves.

A new button has been added on the left side, which you can customise—e.g., to start a workout. The Apple Watch Ultra also comes with new straps exclusive to this model: the Alpine band, Trail band, and Ocean band.

^{The larger Digital Crown of the Apple Watch Ultra.}

The Apple Watch Series 8 looks very similar to the Series 7. You can choose between aluminium or stainless steel for the case. The design is timeless, as expected from an Apple Watch.

You can select from a wide variety of straps for the Apple Watch 8, but the new Ultra straps are unique to that model. This means you have more colour and strap options for the Apple Watch 8, but you won’t be able to order the Apple Watch Ultra straps for it.

The sizes of the Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch Ultra also differ significantly. The Apple Watch 8 offers 41mm and 45mm options, while the Ultra is available only in 49mm. The Ultra is also slightly thicker due to its flat display, whereas the Watch 8 has a rounded display.

Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Display

The Apple Watch Ultra’s display has also been upgraded. Reading the screen during sports in sunlight can be challenging, so the number of nits has doubled, making the Watch Ultra more usable in sunlight than the Watch 8.

• Apple Watch 8: 1,000 nits
• Apple Watch Ultra: 2,000 nits

Both the Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch Ultra feature an Always-On Display.

The Apple Watch Ultra’s display has also been redesigned aesthetically. The screen is much thicker and completely flat. The glass is fully integrated into the titanium case for better protection. All this enhances the Watch Ultra’s durability for adventures and sports.

Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Sensors & Features

Both the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch 8 now run watchOS 9, feature the new skin temperature sensor, a new crash detection feature for emergencies, and the same digital environment for tracking fitness and sports. The two watches are thus quite similar in basics.

Both the Watch 8 and Watch Ultra have an updated Compass app, now allowing you to leave breadcrumbs to find your way back. The key difference: The Apple Watch Ultra offers Dual-Frequency GPS and the latest GPS protocol (L5), providing the most accurate location tracking.

^{The Apple Watch Ultra also features a night mode, seen here in the Compass app.}

Still lost? The Apple Watch Ultra has a new built-in siren you can trigger in emergencies. The 86-decibel siren is audible up to 180 meters, offering added safety when venturing into the wild.

The Apple Watch Ultra also includes an exclusive Depth app, automatically measuring depth when swimming more than 1 meter underwater. It’s suitable for diving up to 100 meters, while the Apple Watch 8 is only suitable for surface swimming.

Thus, the Apple Watch Ultra offers features compared to the Apple Watch 8 that are appealing to extreme athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Activities like diving or watersports such as waterskiing are only possible with the Ultra.

Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Battery Life

The main reason the Apple Watch Ultra is larger than the Apple Watch 8 is to improve battery life. It’s frustrating when your watch nearly dies just as you’re about to start a workout.

The Apple Watch Ultra’s battery is larger than the Apple Watch 8’s, with a promised battery life twice as long. The Apple Watch 8 lasts about 18 hours with regular use, while the Apple Watch Ultra lasts approximately 36 hours.

This is a significant difference, especially for avid athletes or adventurers. During a workout, you’re unlikely to have an outlet nearby. This difference might also matter to regular users, as 18 hours isn’t very long.

Apple Watch 8 vs Apple Watch Ultra at a Glance:

Differences

• The Apple Watch Ultra is made of titanium
• The display of the Apple Watch Ultra is brighter
• The Apple Watch 8 is smaller than the Apple Watch Ultra
• You can use the Apple Watch Ultra for diving and watersports
• The Apple Watch Ultra has more precise GPS
• The Apple Watch Ultra has a much larger battery

Similarities

• Both use watchOS 9
• The sensors are identical (except for the depth gauge)
• Both watches have an Always-On Display
• Option for mobile data

Conclusion

There are numerous differences between the Apple Watch 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra, but the biggest is the price. In many cases, this will be the deciding factor in your choice. The Watch Ultra is truly designed for the avid athlete or adventurer. For daily use, you won’t miss the Ultra’s features except for the battery life.

Do you know which Apple Watch you’ll buy? Don’t forget to pick a nice strap. We offer both straps for the Apple Watch 8 and straps for the Apple Watch Ultra.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s ultimate smartwatch. The Ultra offers the most features, is suitable for diving, and is made of titanium.

Which Apple Watch for women?
The Apple Watch comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm. The choice depends on your wrist size and personal preference. You can identify the model by checking the "About" or "Device Information" section in the watch settings, or by viewing the model details in the Watch app on your phone.

What’s the cheapest Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch Series 8 is available from £499.00. This is currently the cheapest new Apple Watch, though older models may be cheaper depending on the retailer.