Compare the Apple Watch Ultra to the Apple Watch Series 8

The improved battery is 1 of the biggest differences between the Watch Ultra and Watch Series 8. With regular use, your Watch Ultra can last 36 hours, which is 2 times as long as the Series 8. That's extra useful if you're on a biking or hiking vacation and you don't always have a socket nearby. In the end of 2022, the Watch Ultra will get an energy-saving mode. When you turn that on, the Watch can last up to 60 hours.

The standard battery life of the Apple Watch Series 8 is 18 hours. You have to charge the Watch every day. The Series 8 already has an energy-saving mode, so you can extend the battery life to 36 hours. In this mode, not all functions will work. For example, the Always On function of your screen turns off. In addition, it'll perform fewer background measurements and animations look a bit less smooth.

The Apple Watch Ultra has a 49mm screen, which is larger than every other Apple Watch model. This way, you can see all your data at a glance when you exercise. With the right watch strap, the watch also fits on a smaller wrist. Due to the large and heavy case, the watch might be less comfortable. You can still see what's on the screen in bright sunlight. The Apple Watch Ultra also has a night mode. This way, you won't be blinded by the light of your screen in the dark

The Apple Watch Series 8 is available in 2 sizes. There's the 41 and 45mm version. Especially the 41mm version looks nice on smaller wrists. You only have a bit less space to read your messages, for example. The 45mm version is a good middle way. You still have enough screen space, but the Watch isn't as large and heavy as the Watch Ultra. The screen of the Series 8 is less bright, so it's more difficult to read it in the sunlight.

The robust titanium watch case of the Apple Watch Ultra can take a hit. the crown with which you control your Watch is larger and extra sturdy. In addition, the Watch Ultra has an extra button on the side. This way, you can quickly start a work-out or mark a running split. Thanks to these buttons, you can also easily control your Watch with gloves or wet hands. The watch is waterproof down to 100m, so you can even wear it while you dive.

With the Apple Watch Series 8, you can choose between an aluminum or stainless steel casing. Both versions are less sturdy than the titanium case of the Watch ultra. they also don't have the extra action button. With the Series 8, you do have more options to customize your Watch. You can choose between 2 materials and multiple colors. The Watch Ultra is only available in the titanium version. The Apple Watch Series 8 is waterproof down to 50m. The Apple Watch Ultra mainly offers something extra in this aspect for professional divers.

The extra functions of the Apple Watch Ultra are especially useful if your are a serious athlete or if you go on hikes in nature. The accurate GPS sensor works better in the forest and among tall buildings. With a push of a button, you can activate the loud siren to attract attention if you've fallen or gotten lost. In addition, the Apple Watch ultra has accident detection and fall detection, just like the Series 8. With a new Pile app, you can change your Watch Ultra into a diving computer.

The Apple Watch Series 8 has enough functions for the average athlete. You can track your trainings and measure your heart rate and oxygen level in your blood. The Watch Ultra also has these functions. The GPS sensor of the Series 8 is less accurate among tall buildings or in the forest. There's not siren on the Series 8, but it does have accident detection and fall detection. This way, your watch automatically sends a message to emergency services and your emergency contacts when you've had a bad fall or if you're in a car accident.