Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8, SE, and more

The 2022 Apple Watch lineup has more variety than ever thanks to the new Ultra model and updated SE. This means that there is a lot to consider between the latest shoes as well as their predecessors. Read on for a detailed look at the Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 vs SE, and read more to find out what’s the best choice for you or the person you’re shopping for.

Since the Apple Watch isn’t necessarily an update every year, we’ve reviewed everything from the Apple Watch Ultra to the Series 6 and SE 1st gen to give the best perspective on the differences between all the latest models.

Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8, SE, and earlier

Processor, storage, more

Last year, Apple used the same dual-core 64-bit processor in the Series 7 that debuted in the Series 6, but with the updated name S7.

This year, the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 come with dual S8 SiP 64-bit processors. It seems that the performance of the S7 and S6 is almost the same as Apple did not share any claims of performance improvements during the keynote or on its website.

While you shouldn’t expect a significant speed bump from the Series 6 or 7 to the 8 or Ultra, if you’re coming from an earlier Apple Watch model, you should find a faster, more responsive watch.

Apple says the S8 is 20% faster than the S5 chip.

Another benefit, if you’re coming from a Series 3 or 4 Ultra, Series 8, or SE gen 2, is the storage upgrade to 32GB.

	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	7	6	THREE 1
SiP/Processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S7 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S6 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S5 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor
U1 (wideband)	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
Bluetooth	5.3	5.3	5.3	5.0	5.0	5.0
Storage	32 GB	32 GB	32 GB	32 GB	32 GB	32 GB

Another difference between the Apple Watch Ultra / Series 8 and the 2nd SE is that the latter does not come with the ultra-wide-band U1 chip.

Cases and exhibits

The Apple Watch Ultra comes with Apple’s largest case and display yet at 49mm for the former and a 410 x 502 display that offers 1164mm square. Apple says it’s 27% larger than the Series 4-6/SE display.

Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 8 continues with the same sizes that started with the Apple Watch Series 7. It’s 45 by 41 mm and a larger display that’s 20% larger than the Series 4-6/SE and 50% larger than the Series 3 display.

	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	7	6	THREE 1
Case size	49 mm	45/41 mm	44/40 mm	45/41 mm	44/40 mm	44/40 mm
Display size	410 x 502 pixels, 1164 mm square	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 mm square (45 mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 mm square (44 mm model)	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 mm square (45 mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 mm square (44 mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 mm square (44 mm model)
Brightness	2000 nits	1000 nits	1000 nits	1000 nits	1000 nits	10000 nits
Always show	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
Sapphire crystal front	✅	With steel models, not with aluminum	❌	Yes with steel models, no with aluminum	With steel models, not with aluminum	❌

The Apple Watch SE 2nd gen features the same 44 or 40mm case options and the same screen size as the 1st generation / Series 6 and earlier.

Apple Watch band compatibility

When it comes to the bands, Apple says those designed for the 44 and 45mm Apple Watches will work with the Apple Watch Ultra and vice versa:

And with the Series 8 and SE 2nd gen using the same form factors as before, all the bands for the right sizes will continue to work.

Battery life and charging

A big change with the Apple Watch Ultra is the biggest battery yet in the series. 36 hours of standard life with Low Power mode and up to 60 hours of extended use.

Notably, Low Power mode will come to Apple Watch Series 4 and later and will double the battery life of those models from 18 to 36 hours.

	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	7	6	THREE 1
battery life – as usual	36 hours	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours
Extended battery with Low Power mode	60 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours
Charging	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 60 minutes	0-80% in 60 minutes

First introduced with the Apple Watch 7 and continued with the Apple Watch Ultra, the Series 8 is 33% faster than the Series 6 and earlier. This means going from 0-80% in 45 instead of 60 minutes for other models.

If you’re interested in using the Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, or 7 for sleep tracking, you also get 8 hours worth of use from an 8-minute charge.

Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 – Key features

Here are the key features you get with the Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and SE versus previous models.

Apple Watch model/features	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	7	6	SE 1
Custom action button	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
ECG app	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
Application of blood oxygen	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
High/low heart rate information	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
MIL-STD 810H certified	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Dual-frequency precision GPS	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
New Compass app with waypoints + backtracking	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
IP6X dust resistant	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌
It is water resistant up to 100 m	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
It is water resistant up to 50 m	–	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Depth gauge + EN13319 approved	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Oceanic+ application / dive computer	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
86-decibel siren	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Sleep tracking	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Accident detection	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Fall detection	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Circuit tracking with heat sensing	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Cycle tracking without sensing heat	–	–	✅	✅	✅	✅
Emergency SOS	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅

The price

• Apple Watch Ultra is expensive $799 (Apple, Amazon, more)
• Series 8 begins $399/$429 and above (Apple, Amazon, more)
• The 2nd generation Apple Watch SE goes from there $249 (Apple, Amazon, more)

Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 and earlier versions

It’s no surprise that the Apple Watch Ultra brings the most changes and improvements to Apple’s line of wearables. However, the new pro model may be too much for most people.

While the Apple Watch Series 8 may feel like the Series 7S or 6SS, if you’re considering upgrading from the Series 3, 4, or SE, you’ll get a larger display, always-on display, fast charging, and all the latest and greatest. get the biggest health characteristics.

What do you think of the new Apple Watch series? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading our guide on Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 and SE!

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