The Apple Watch lineup has long been the gold standard for smartwatches, and with the release of the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8, things just got more interesting. Both models boast advanced health tracking, impressive durability, and seamless integration with your iPhone, but the real question is, which one is the right fit for you? Don’t worry. I did the research, so you don’t have to.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, crown the winner in specific categories, and suggest alternatives if neither of these watches quite meets your needs.
Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8: The Verdict
When choosing between the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8, it all comes down to what you value most in a smartwatch. Whether you're driven by budget constraints, performance needs, or specific health-tracking capabilities, one of these devices will likely stand out to you. Here’s the verdict based on different categories:
Best by Price:
If you’re conscious of your spending, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the clear winner. It’s a powerhouse of features at a more approachable price point, starting at around $399. In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra starts at $799, almost double the price.
Overall Best:
For the ultimate Apple Watch experience, Apple Watch Ultra reigns supreme. With its more rugged design, superior battery life, and enhanced features like dual-frequency GPS and dive-ready functionality, it’s built for those who demand more from their smartwatch. Whether you're a hiker, diver, or just someone who values the most premium tech, the Ultra delivers.
Best for Health Monitoring:
Both watches excel in health monitoring, but Series 8 slightly edges out here, particularly for casual users. It includes advanced sensors for ECG, blood oxygen, and temperature monitoring, making it perfect for daily fitness and health tracking. The Ultra, while equally capable, offers these features in a more rugged package, but you might not need those extreme durability features if health tracking is your primary concern.
Best for Durability:
If you need a watch that can take a beating, Apple Watch Ultra is your best bet. With aerospace-grade titanium, a flat sapphire crystal display, and water resistance up to 100 meters, the Ultra is built for extreme environments. The Series 8 is still durable, with its aluminum and stainless steel options, but it’s not quite in the same league when it comes to rough-and-tumble adventures.
Best for Battery Life:
Apple Watch Ultra blows Series 8 out of the water with its 36-hour battery life, compared to the 18 hours on the Series 8. If you hate charging your devices constantly or need your watch to last through extended hikes, Ultra is the way to go.
Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8: Detailed Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into the specific features and how these two Apple Watches stack up against each other in terms of design, health features, performance, and of course, price.
Design and Build
The Apple Watch Ultra is noticeably larger, with a 49mm titanium case compared to the Series 8’s 41mm and 45mm options. The Ultra’s display is flat and made from sapphire crystal, offering superior scratch resistance, while the Series 8 has a more traditional curved screen. If you're into bold, rugged design, the Ultra screams durability. It also has a more prominent Action Button, which adds extra functionality, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Apple Watch Series 8, on the other hand, is sleek, refined, and better suited for day-to-day wear. Available in aluminum or stainless steel, it feels lighter and less bulky, making it more comfortable for all-day use if you don’t need the Ultra's enhanced durability.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra for adventure lovers, Apple Watch Series 8 for daily wearers.
Display Quality
Both watches feature always-on Retina displays, but the Apple Watch Ultra's display is larger and brighter at 2000 nits, compared to the Series 8’s 1000 nits. This makes the Ultra easier to read in direct sunlight, perfect for outdoor activities.
If you're mainly using your watch indoors or in casual settings, the Series 8’s display is more than sufficient, but if visibility in extreme environments is a concern, Ultra takes the crown.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra
Health and Fitness Features
When it comes to health monitoring, both the Ultra and Series 8 are packed with an arsenal of sensors. They both offer ECG, blood oxygen level monitoring, and fall detection. However, the Series 8 also introduces temperature sensing, which is especially useful for tracking ovulation cycles and overall wellness.
While both models provide a comprehensive suite of health-tracking features, the Series 8 might be a better choice for those who prioritize detailed health insights over rugged durability. The Ultra, on the other hand, integrates the same health features but adds precision GPS, a depth gauge, and is EN13319-certified for diving. So, if your workouts include water sports or mountaineering, Ultra is the winner.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 for everyday health tracking, Apple Watch Ultra for fitness enthusiasts with a love for the outdoors.
Battery Life
One of the biggest upgrades with the Ultra is the battery life. The Apple Watch Ultra offers 36 hours of battery on a single charge, which can be extended to 60 hours with the new low-power mode. This is a game-changer for anyone who hates charging their devices or frequently finds themselves off the grid.
In contrast, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers around 18 hours, which is fine for most day-to-day users but may feel limiting if you’re out on long hikes or don’t want to pack an extra charger.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra
Performance and Software
Both watches are powered by the same S8 processor, which means they’re equally fast and responsive. Whether you’re opening apps, responding to messages, or tracking your fitness, both the Series 8 and Ultra will perform smoothly without any noticeable lag.
Where the Ultra edges ahead is with its additional hardware features like dual-frequency GPS and the Action Button, which provides quicker access to key functions. These additions make the Ultra more customizable and tailored for outdoor enthusiasts or athletes who need quicker access to tools like the compass or dive computer.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra for advanced users, Series 8 for everyday needs.
Price
The Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399, making it more accessible for the average consumer. If you want a solid smartwatch without breaking the bank, the Series 8 is a fantastic choice.
On the flip side, the Apple Watch Ultra starts at $799, but you’re paying for all those extra features, durability, and battery life. If you’re someone who’s going to take full advantage of those features, the price is justifiable. But for many users, the Series 8’s price tag is much more appealing.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8
3 Alternatives to Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 That Might Fit Better to Your Needs
If neither the Apple Watch Ultra nor the Series 8 quite hits the spot for you, here are some alternatives that offer unique features you might appreciate.
Aether X: Powered by TikTik
If you’re looking for something that combines tech with a stylish, designer edge, the Aether X is a great alternative. This limited edition smartwatch doesn’t just offer health tracking and notifications, it’s also designed to make a statement. With a focus on premium aesthetics and a modern design, it might be a perfect fit for fashion-conscious tech lovers.
Garmin Fenix 7
For outdoor adventurers who want detailed maps, solar charging, and even longer battery life than the Apple Watch Ultra, the Garmin Fenix 7 is a worthy competitor. It might not have the same seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, but in terms of performance, especially for athletes, it's a beast.
Fitbit Sense 2
For those who prioritize health tracking but don’t want to splurge on an Apple Watch, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a fantastic alternative. It includes ECG, stress monitoring, and even a skin temperature sensor, all at a fraction of the price. Plus, it’s compatible with both iOS and Android.
Conclusion
In the battle of Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8, your choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle and needs. If you're looking for something rugged, packed with features for the outdoors, and can go days without charging, Apple Watch Ultra is your best bet. However, if you want a sleek, powerful smartwatch at a more affordable price that excels in health monitoring, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the perfect choice.
Whatever you choose, both watches continue to push the boundaries of what a smartwatch can do, cementing Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech space. And if neither quite suits your needs, there are plenty of other options out there that could be the perfect fit!