Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8 | Detailed Comparison

Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8: Which One Should You Buy?

Apple has recently announced two new models of its popular smartwatch: the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Series 8. Both devices offer impressive features and performance, but they also have some key differences that may affect your buying decision. In this article, we will compare the Apple Watch Ultra and the Series 8 in terms of design, display, battery life, health and fitness tracking, connectivity, and price.

Design

The Apple Watch Ultra and the Series 8 have similar designs, but the Ultra is slightly larger and heavier than the Series 8. The Ultra has a 45mm case size and weighs 47.1 grams, while the Series 8 has a 41mm or 45mm case size and weighs 38.8 or 46.5 grams, respectively. Both models are made of durable aluminium and are water-resistant up to 50 meters.

The main difference between the Ultra and the Series 8 is the presence of a rotating crown on the Ultra, which allows you to navigate the watch interface without touching the screen. The crown also has haptic feedback, which gives you a tactile sensation when you turn it. The Series 8 does not have a rotating crown, but it has a side button that can be used to access the app grid, Siri, or Apple Pay.

Display

The Apple Watch Ultra and the Series 8 both have stunning OLED displays that are bright, colourful, and responsive. The Ultra has a slightly larger display than the Series 8, with a resolution of 448 x 368 pixels and a pixel density of 326 ppi. The Series 8 has a resolution of 394 x 324 pixels or 448 x 368 pixels, depending on the case size, and a pixel density of 326 ppi as well.

The main difference between the Ultra and the Series 8 is the refresh rate of the display. The Ultra has a variable refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz, which means that the screen can update faster and smoother than the Series 8, which has a fixed refresh rate of 60Hz. A higher refresh rate can improve the user experience, especially when scrolling or playing games on the watch. However, it can also drain the battery faster than a lower refresh rate.

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Battery Life

The Apple Watch Ultra and the Series 8 both have impressive battery life, but the Ultra has a slight edge over the Series 8. According to Apple, the Ultra can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, while the Series 8 can last up to 16 hours on a single charge. Both models support fast charging, which can give you up to 80% of the battery in just an hour.

The main difference between the Ultra and the Series 8 is the wireless charging capability of the Ultra. The Ultra can be charged wirelessly using any Qi-compatible charger, which means that you don't need to carry a separate cable or adapter for your watch. The Series 8 can only be charged using the magnetic charger that comes with the watch.

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Health and Fitness Tracking

The Apple Watch Ultra and the Series 8 both have advanced health and fitness tracking features that can help you monitor your well-being and achieve your goals. Both models have sensors such as heart rate monitor, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, GPS, compass, altimeter, blood oxygen sensor, and ECG sensor. They also support various workout modes, such as running, cycling, swimming, yoga, hiking, etc.

The main difference between the Ultra and the Series 8 is the addition of a body temperature sensor on the Ultra, which can measure your skin temperature and alert you if you have a fever or an infection. The Ultra also has a fall detection feature, which can detect if you fall and automatically call emergency services if you don't respond within a minute.

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Connectivity

The Apple Watch Ultra and the Series 8 both have excellent connectivity options that allow you to stay connected with your iPhone and other devices. Both models support Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, and cellular connectivity (optional). They also support features such as Siri voice assistant, Apple Pay contactless payment, notifications, calls, messages, emails, etc.

The main difference between the Ultra and the Series 8 is the inclusion of an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip on the Ultra, which enables precise location tracking and data transfer between compatible devices. The UWB chip can also be used to unlock your car or your home with your watch.

Price

The Apple Watch Ultra and the Series 8 both have premium prices that reflect their high-end features and performance. The Ultra starts at $699 for the GPS-only model and $799 for the GPS + Cellular model. The Series 8 starts at $399 for the GPS-only model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular model.

The main difference between the Ultra and the Series 8 is the availability of different colors and bands. The Ultra comes in two colors: silver and space grey. The Series 8 comes in five colors: silver, gold, space grey, blue, and (PRODUCT)RED. The Ultra also has a limited selection of bands, while the Series 8 has a wide variety of bands to choose from.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch Ultra and the Series 8 are both fantastic smartwatches that can enhance your lifestyle and productivity. However, they also have some notable differences that may influence your preference. The Ultra is more suitable for those who want a larger display, a higher refresh rate, a rotating crown, a body temperature sensor, a UWB chip, and wireless charging. The Series 8 is more suitable for those who want a lighter and cheaper watch, with more colour and band options. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal needs and budget.