The Apple Watch Series 10 arrived a year after the Apple Watch Ultra 2, introducing a revamped design and a more advanced display. Apple did not launch an Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year, leaving last year's Apple Watch Ultra 2 as the latest version, so how does it compare to the latest Series 10 model?
Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 feature sleep apnea detection, speaker playback, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, an Always-On Retina display, IP6X dust resistance, and more, but there are still some significant differences between the two devices. Since the Series 10 is a year newer than the Ultra 2, it boasts a limited number of superior features, but the Ultra 2 remains the overall more capable device. The Apple Watch Ultra focuses on withstanding extreme environments, a high level of durability, extended battery life, and additional features to aid activities like diving and exploration.
With as little as $50 between the 46mm titanium Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra, some prospective customers will be weighing up whether it is worth spending a little extra to get the 49mm Ultra model. While there is a $400 difference between the GPS-only 42mm aluminum Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra, the high-end model offers a set of features to address specific challenges, so it may even be worth it for some of these buyers. Key differences between the devices include:
| Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) | Apple Watch Ultra (2023, second-generation) |
|---|---|
| Refined design with a thinner casing, display with more rounded edges and a wider aspect ratio, and front glass that extends further over the sides for a higher screen-to-body ratio | Same design as first-generation Apple Watch Ultra |
| 42mm: 1.89-inch display 46mm: 2.04-inch display | 1.92-inch display |
| Anodized or polished aluminum and polished titanium casing options | Blasted titanium casing |
| Front crystal curves at edges onto shaped casing | Corrosion resistant case with raised edges to protect the flat sapphire front crystal |
| 42mm and 46mm casing size options (vertical) | 49mm casing size (vertical) |
| Aluminum: Ion-X front glass Titanium: Sapphire crystal front glass | Sapphire crystal front glass |
| Aluminum: Wi-fi only and cellular connectivity options Titanium: Cellular connectivity | Cellular connectivity |
| Curved display with refractive edge | Flat display |
| 42mm: 989 sq mm display area 46mm: 1,220 sq mm display area | 1164 sq mm display area |
| Aluminum: Available in anodized Silver and Rose Gold, and polished Jet Black finishes Titanium: Available in polished Silver (matches previous stainless steel casing, Apple Watch Hermès only), Gold, Slate, and Natural finishes | Natural Titanium or Black Titanium finish |
One of the most important differences between the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 is their design, with the latter boasting a much chunkier, aggressive look with a flat display. The Apple Watch Series 10 has a much subtler appearance and is available in wider range of finishes, but which look you prefer is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
Ways the Apple Watch Series 10 Is Better
While the Apple Watch Series 10 does have some hardware improvements over the Apple Watch Ultra 2, such as a reengineered metal back with a larger charging coil and an integrated antenna, and a more compact chip, these are not really outwardly noticeable. The most noticeable enhancement is an updated display, which features a faster refresh rate to enable a live ticking seconds hand on certain watch faces. The display is also up to 40% brighter then viewed at an angle, making it easier to glance at the time or complications.
| Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) | Apple Watch Ultra (2023, second-generation) |
|---|---|
| Metal back with larger charging coil and integrated antenna | Ceramic and sapphire crystal back |
| LTPO3 OLED Always-On Retina display (faster refresh rate in always-on mode, enabling a live ticking seconds hand on select watch faces) | LTPO2 OLED Always-On Retina display |
| Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle) | |
| More compact S10 chip | S9 chip |
| Faster charging (0–80% in about 30 minutes) | Fast charging (0–80% in about 60 minutes) |
| 42mm: 374 by 446 pixel display 46mm: 416 by 496 pixel display | 410 by 502 pixel display |
| 9.7mm thickness | 14.4mm thickness |
| Weighs 29.3 grams to 41.7 grams depending on casing size and material | Weighs 61.4 grams |
| Aluminum: Starts at $399 Titanium: Starts at $699 | Starts at $799 |
The Apple Watch Series 10 continues to be thinner, lighter, and cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra. It also charges twice as quickly, but with a considerably shorter battery life.
Ways the Apple Watch Ultra Is Better
Nevertheless, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains the more capable watch with a wide array of superior features:... Click here to read rest of article
Article Link: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2 Buyer's Guide: Which Should You Choose?
