Apple Watch Ultra Vs Series 8 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Bilash Roy Watch

Apple Watch Ultra & Series 8 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Ultra rather than the Apple Watch Series 8.

Table of content Hide
1) Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Ultra?
2) Side By Side Comparison
3) What Common Both Can Do?
4) Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Ultra? 

  • The Apple Watch Ultra is built with a titanium case, & a Digital Crown guard for extreme durability, compared to the lighter aluminum & stainless steel of the Apple Watch Series 8. 
  • The Ultra’s has a maximum of 2,000 nits brightness to read in harsh sunlight & perfect for outdoor, which is twice the specification of the Series 8.
  • Apple Watch Ultra features MIL-STD 810H military standard, which can handle extreme conditions of altitude, temperature, rain, & water resistance up to 100 meters, while the Series 8 focuses on everyday use.
  • The Ultra boasts up to 36 hours of battery life (60 hours in low-power mode), perfect for long trips without frequent charging, while the Series 8 offers up to 18 hours.
  • The Apple Watch Ultra includes dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5), which provides far more accurate location tracking, especially in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons, but the Series 8 doesn’t have it.
  • It has an Action Button, which allows quick access to specific functions like workouts, waypoints, or dive tracking, while the Series 8 lacks.
  • It also features a depth sensor and Oceanic+ app, allowing for precise measurements during diving and other water-based activities, which are not present in the Series 8.
  • The Apple Watch Ultra features dual speakers that provide much louder sound output to hear notifications or take calls outdoors compared to the Series 8.
  • It also has a three-microphone array with beamforming technology for better voice clarity in windy or noisy environments, while the Series 8 uses a less advanced dual-microphone system.

Maybe the Apple Watch Series 8 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Check Ultra Best Price

Check Series 8 Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

Feature Apple Watch Ultra Apple Watch Series 8
Design & Build Made from aerospace-grade titanium Made from aluminum 
Thickness 14.4 mm 10.7 mm
Display Technology 2,000 nits brightness 1,000 nits brightness
Display Size 1.92″  1.9″ 
Display Resolution 410 x 502 pixels 396 x 484 pixels
Material Protection Sapphire Crystal Ion-X Glass 
Weight (Case Only) 61.3g   51.5g 
Durability Certifications WR100  WR50
Water Sports & Diving Suitable for scuba diving Can handle shallow-water activities
Action Button Available Not available.
Battery Life (Standard) Up to 36 hours Up to 18 hours of battery life
GPS Precision Dual-frequency GPS Standard GPS
Microphones  Three-microphone Dual microphones
Temperature Resistance Operational in extreme temperatures Standard operating temperature
Environmental Resistance Enhanced resistance to drops, impacts Standard impact resistance
Compass Backtrack Advanced compass features Provides basic navigation tools
Depth Sensor Built-in depth sensor Not available
Price Check Ultra Price Check Series 8 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System: Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra run on watchOS 9, giving them access to the same features, app ecosystem, and functionality. This includes everything from health and fitness tracking to notifications, messaging, and other smartwatch capabilities. The latest software updates will apply to both watches, ensuring they remain up-to-date with new features and improvements.
  • Health & Fitness Tracking: Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Ultra come equipped with a full suite of health tracking sensors, including the ECG, Blood Oxygen, and heart rate monitors. Additionally, both have a temperature sensor used for cycle tracking and body temperature monitoring, supporting features like menstrual cycle tracking and advanced health metrics.
  • Sleep Tracking: Sleep tracking is a core feature for both models, providing insights into different stages of sleep (light, deep, and REM) and tracking overall sleep quality. Both watches use their suite of sensors to deliver this data in a detailed, user-friendly format.
  • Crash Detection & Fall Detection: Both watches feature Crash Detection, which automatically calls emergency services if a severe car crash is detected. Similarly, both have Fall Detection, which can detect hard falls and automatically initiate an emergency call if the wearer doesn’t respond.
  • Cycle & Ovulation Tracking: Both models feature a temperature sensor specifically designed for menstrual health tracking, including ovulation estimation. This functionality provides detailed data about the wearer’s menstrual cycle and helps track fertility windows.
  • Fast Charging: Both models support fast charging via a USB-C cable. This ensures that both the Series 8 and the Ultra can recharge quickly, with an approximate 80% charge in 45 minutes.
  • Fitness & Workout Modes: Whether you are running, cycling, swimming, or doing yoga, both watches come equipped with an extensive variety of fitness and workout modes. They can track various types of physical activities, making them highly versatile for fitness enthusiasts.
  • Emergency SOS: Both watches are equipped with Emergency SOS that can be triggered in critical situations to alert emergency contacts and services. This feature is especially helpful when the user is in distress, ensuring quick help in case of accidents or other emergencies.
  • Heart Monitoring Features: Both watches have advanced heart monitoring features, including the ability to take an ECG (electrocardiogram) to detect irregular heart rhythms, continuous heart rate monitoring, and blood oxygen monitoring to assess overall health. These sensors are critical for users concerned with health tracking.
  • Compass & GPS Navigation: Both watches feature a built-in compass and GPS functionality, enabling precise tracking of location and navigation. While the Ultra offers enhanced GPS with dual-frequency (L1+L5), the basic functionality is shared between the two.

Check Ultra Best Price

Check Series 8 Best Price

Common Features

Feature Apple Watch Ultra Apple Watch Series 8
Operating System watchOS 9 watchOS 9
 Display LTPO OLED, always-on display LTPO OLED, always-on display
Display Technology Retina display with LTPO Retina display with LTPO
Health Tracking ECG, heart rate monitoring, temperature  ECG, heart rate monitoring, temperature 
Sleep Tracking Yes Yes
Fall Detection  Yes Yes
Cycle Tracking Temperature sensor Temperature sensor 
Fast Charging Yes Yes
Blood Oxygen Monitoring Yes Yes
ECG Monitoring Yes Yes
Heart Rate Monitoring Yes Yes
Temperature Sensor Yes Yes
Fitness Modes Running, cycling, swimming, yoga Running, cycling, swimming, yoga
Emergency SOS Yes Yes
Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.0
Magnetic Charging Magnetic fast charging support Magnetic fast charging support
Voice Assistant Siri  Siri 
Price Check Ultra Price Check Series 8 Price

FAQ

  1. Are the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra running on the same operating system?
    Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra run on watchOS 9. This means they share similar software features, including health tracking, fitness modes, and app support from the Apple ecosystem. Users can expect the same functionality from a software perspective.
  2. Do both watches have always-on displays?
    Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra feature an Always-On Retina Display. This display allows users to see the time and other important information without having to raise their wrist or tap the screen. Both displays are based on LTPO OLED technology, which helps manage battery consumption efficiently.
  3. Can both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra track health metrics like heart rate and blood oxygen?
    Yes, both watches are equipped with advanced health sensors, including a heart rate monitor, ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality, and a blood oxygen sensor. These sensors allow users to monitor critical health metrics throughout the day.
  4. Is sleep tracking available on both models?
    Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra offer sleep tracking. They track different stages of sleep, including light, deep, and REM sleep, providing detailed insights into your sleep patterns over time.
  5. Can both watches detect falls and car crashes?
    Yes, both models have built-in fall detection and crash detection. In case of a hard fall or a severe car accident, the watches can automatically alert emergency services and share the user’s location if needed. This feature enhances personal safety in everyday and emergency situations.
  6. Do both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra support cycle tracking and ovulation estimation?
    Yes, both watches come with a temperature sensor that helps in tracking menstrual cycles and estimating ovulation. This is particularly useful for users who want to monitor their reproductive health, fertility windows, and overall well-being.
  7. Do both watches support fast charging?
    Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra support fast charging. Using the magnetic USB-C charging cable, both models can reach 80% charge in approximately 45 minutes, ensuring quick and efficient charging.
  8. Are there significant differences in the types of workouts both watches can track?
    No, both watches support a wide range of workout modes, including running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and more. They both come with extensive fitness tracking options that cater to various physical activities, making them ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
  9. Do the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra have built-in GPS?
    Yes, both models come with built-in GPS for navigation and location tracking. However, the Apple Watch Ultra offers enhanced GPS capabilities with dual-frequency support (L1 + L5) for more accurate tracking in challenging environments, while the Series 8 offers standard GPS.
  10. Are both watches compatible with Apple’s App Store?
    Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra have full access to the Apple Watch App Store. Users can download a variety of third-party apps for health, productivity, fitness, and more, allowing for a personalized experience.
  11. Can I make phone calls and receive messages on both watches?
    Yes, both watches support calling and messaging. Both models can make and receive calls when paired with an iPhone or via their cellular models. Push notifications for calls, messages, and apps are also supported on both.
  12. Are the bands and straps interchangeable between the two watches?
    The Apple Watch Series 8 is compatible with all Apple Watch bands released since Series 1, while the Apple Watch Ultra has specialized straps designed for extreme activities like the Ocean Band and Alpine Loop. Standard bands for Series 8 are compatible with the Ultra, but the Ultra’s bands may offer more durability and specific functionality for outdoor use.
  13. Do both watches come with Siri voice assistance?
    Yes, both watches feature Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. Siri allows users to interact with the watch hands-free for tasks like sending messages, checking the weather, controlling smart home devices, and more.
  14. Are both watches water-resistant?
    Yes, both watches offer water resistance. The Apple Watch Series 8 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and shallow-water activities. The Apple Watch Ultra offers even greater water resistance, rated for diving up to 100 meters, and includes specialized features for underwater activities.
  15. Do both watches offer haptic feedback?
    Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra provide haptic feedback. This feature delivers tactile responses, allowing users to feel vibrations for notifications, app interactions, and system alerts.
  16. Can I use both watches for navigation?
    Yes, both watches come equipped with a built-in compass and GPS navigation features, allowing users to track their location, follow routes, and use mapping apps. While the Ultra offers more advanced wayfinding tools for off-grid navigation, the basic navigation capabilities are available on both models.

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