Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 - Which One Fits Your Lifestyle Best?

Apple recently unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 alongside the iPhone 14, with each model catering to different users. The Ultra is designed for adventurers and extreme sports enthusiasts, offering advanced features, while the Series 8 is aimed at everyday users.

That said, the Apple Watch Ultra isn’t exclusive to athletes—if you want top-tier performance, it’s a great option even without needing extreme capabilities.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the differences and similarities between the Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8, helping you choose the model that best suits your needs, whether you’re after extreme outdoor performance or a more everyday wearable tech experience.

Overview of Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8

The Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra both feature the S8 chip, always-on display, crash detection, and temperature sensor. Series 8 is ideal for everyday use with various colors and sizes at a more affordable price. The Ultra, designed for extreme environments, offers enhanced durability, longer battery life, and specialized features for diving and outdoor activities. While both share similar functions, the Ultra provides more advanced features and a larger display, catering to users seeking extreme challenges.

Apple regularly adds new features, so if you've used an Apple Watch for a few years, it might be time to upgrade. Whether you choose Series 8 or Ultra, both models offer key features like emergency SOS, heart health notifications, blood oxygen monitoring, fall detection, temperature sensing, sleep tracking, backtrack compass, and car crash detection.

Apple Watch Ultra Vs Series 8 - Specifications

Apple Watch Ultra Vs Series 8 - Design

The Apple Watch Series 8 retains its narrow-bezel, large-display design, making it nearly indistinguishable in appearance from its predecessor. Comparing Apple Watch Series 7 vs 8, the differences are minimal. The Series 8 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes with aluminum or stainless steel cases in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED.

The Apple Watch Ultra, however, offers a bold new design. With a 49mm titanium case—the largest yet—it’s built for rugged adventures. Key features include a larger digital crown with deeper grooves, a new action button for quick functions, a second speaker, and a three-microphone array for outdoor use.

Both models work with the best Apple Watch bands, but the Ultra features exclusive bands like the Alpine Loop, available in various sizes for outdoor activities. For more options, consider third-party brands like Bandletic, a premium outdoor sports band.

Apple Watch Ultra Vs Series 8 - Software and Features

Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra run on watchOS 9, offering new watch faces, an enhanced Workout app, and support for the best Apple Watch apps. They both feature a skin temperature sensor (especially useful for women’s health) and crash detection, which automatically contacts emergency services and your designated contacts in the event of a car accident.

Both models also include a redesigned Compass app that allows you to save waypoints and retrace your steps. In terms of communication, both watches offer the same options, and both support the full suite of fitness tracking features.

Apple Watch Ultra Vs Series 8 - Extreme Sports and Advanced Features

While the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra share many software features, the Ultra offers several enhancements aimed at extreme sports and outdoor activities. The Ultra supports 100m water resistance and 40m recreational scuba diving, and it includes a depth gauge with the Oceanic+ app, certified for diving with EN 13319. This makes it a specialized dive computer, outperforming many Garmin watch models, including the Garmin Descent Mk2, in terms of diving functionality.

The Apple Watch Ultra also offers dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5), providing more accurate location tracking than the Series 8. This advanced GPS system competes with high-end Garmin models like the Garmin Fenix 7 series. The Ultra is also equipped with unique features such as an 86dB siren, a real-time compass, and a red night mode on the Wayfinder dial, making it ideal for outdoor adventurers.

For general health and fitness, both models support a wide range of activities and offer comprehensive tracking features, making the Apple Watch Series 8 suitable for everyday fitness tracking. However, for those seeking professional-grade performance, especially in extreme environments, the Apple Watch Ultra stands out with its specialized capabilities.

Apple Watch Ultra Vs Series 8 - Battery Life

Battery life is a key difference between the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. The Series 8 offers up to 18 hours of usage before needing a recharge. In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra lasts up to 36 hours with normal use, doubling the Series 8’s battery life.

Both models feature a low-power mode to extend battery life. When activated, the Series 8 can last up to 36 hours, while the Ultra can reach up to 60 hours. However, this mode disables the always-on display feature.

Reasons to Buy Apple Watch Ultra

The Apple Watch Ultra excels in outdoor performance with advanced features. Key reasons to buy:

1. Outdoor Durability: Titanium case and sapphire crystal for added durability. Water-resistant up to 100m, suitable for diving (up to 40m) and water sports.
2. Display and Lighting: 2000-nit brightness for clear visibility in sunlight, with a flashlight and night mode for varied lighting conditions.
3. GPS and Navigation: Dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) ensures precise location tracking. Backtrack helps retrace steps if lost.
4. Health and Fitness: Tracks multiple workout modes, heart rate, blood oxygen, and more, ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
5. Durability and Battery Life: 36-hour battery life with normal use, 60 hours in low-power mode, and faster charging. Larger, brighter, and more durable display.
6. Additional Features: Emergency siren (86dB), precise GPS, rugged titanium, deeper water resistance, and improved microphones/speakers. At $799, it offers great value compared to Series 8’s highest-end model.

Reasons to Buy Apple Watch Series 8

The Apple Watch Series 8 offers key benefits:

1. Compact and Stylish: Available in 41mm and 45mm sizes with a variety of finishes (aluminum in starlight, midnight, silver, and red; stainless steel in silver, graphite, and gold). More color options than the Ultra.
2. Versatile Design: Works well with both formal and casual outfits, with many strap options (Series 8 straps can also be used with Ultra but don’t fit perfectly).
3. Core Features: Offers around 80% of the Ultra’s functionality, especially essential health features.
4. Affordable: Starting at $399, half the price of the Ultra ($799).
5. Display: Larger, borderless screen for easier readability and fewer accidental taps.
6. Durability: Improved dust and water resistance, suitable for light exercise and daily use.
7. Faster Charging: Quick charge time, reducing downtime.
8. Health & Safety: Includes temperature monitoring, crash detection, SOS emergency contacts, and global emergency calling.

Apple Watch Ultra Vs Series 8 - Which One Should You Buy?

If budget is not a concern and you don't mind a heavier smartwatch, go for the Apple Watch Ultra. It offers longer battery life, a larger display, and exclusive features like improved GPS, rugged durability, and enhanced outdoor performance.

However, if you prefer a smaller, more affordable watch with more color options, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the better choice. It delivers essential features at a lower price point. If the Ultra fits your wrist and budget, it's a solid choice for its extended battery life and extra functionality. Even if you're not an athlete or outdoor adventurer, the Ultra offers a more engaging experience.