Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8, SE: In-depth comparison of the new lineup

The Apple Watch 2022 lineup is here and comes with some big changes, mostly thanks to the all-new Ultra model. But there’s a lot to consider between the latest models and their predecessors. Read on for a detailed look at Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8, SE, and more.

Since Apple Watch isn’t necessarily an annual upgrade, we’ve included everything from Apple Watch Ultra to Series 6 and SE 1st Gen to give the best perspective on the differences between all recent models.

Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8, SE and earlier

CPU, storage, more

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

This year, the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 come with the S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor. It appears to be about the same as the S7 and S6 in terms of performance, as Apple didn’t share any performance improvement claims during its keynote or on its website.

While you shouldn’t expect any noticeable slowdown from Series 6 or 7 to 8 or Ultra, if you’re coming from an earlier Apple Watch model, you should notice a faster and more responsive watch.

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

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

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

Another difference between Apple Watch Ultra/Series 8 and SE 2nd Gen is that the latter doesn’t come with the U1 ultra-wideband chip.

Box and display

Apple Watch Ultra comes with Apple’s largest case and display with 49mm for the former and a 410 x 502 resolution display that offers 1164mm². Apple says it’s 27% larger than the Series 4-6/SE screen.

Meanwhile, Apple Watch Series 8 retains the same sizes that launched with Apple Watch Series 7. These are 45mm and 41mm cases and a larger screen 20% larger than Series 4-6/ SE and 50% larger than the Series 3 screen.

	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	seven	6	SE 1
Suitcase size	49mm	45/41mm	44/40mm	45/41mm	44/40mm	44/40mm
Display size	410 x 502 pixels, 1164 mm²	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 mm² (45 mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 mm² (44 mm model)	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 mm² (45 mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 mm² (44 mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 mm² (44 mm model)
Brightness	2,000 nits	1,000 nits	1,000 nits	1,000 nits	1,000 nits	10000 nits
Permanent display	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
Sapphire glass front	✅	Yes with steel models, no with aluminum	❌	Yes with steel models, no with aluminum	Yes with steel models, no with aluminum	❌

Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen has the same 44mm or 40mm case options and display size as 1st Gen/Series 6 and earlier.

Apple Watch band compatibility

As for bands, Apple says those designed for the 44mm and 45mm Apple Watch will work with Apple Watch Ultra and vice versa:

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

Battery life and charging

A major change with Apple Watch Ultra is the larger battery in the line. That’s 36 hours of standard battery life and up to 60 hours of extended use with Low Power Mode.

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

	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	seven	6	SE 1
Battery life – Standard	36 hours	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours
Long-lasting battery with Low Power mode	60 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours
loading	0-80% in 45 mins	0-80% in 45 mins	0-80% in 45 mins	0-80% in 45 mins	0-80% in 60 mins	0-80% in 60 mins

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

If you want to use Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, or 7 for sleep tracking, you also get 8 hours of use from an 8-minute charge.

Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 – Key Features

Here are the main features you get with Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8 and SE compared to previous models.

Apple Watch Model/Specifications	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	seven	6	SE 1
Customizable action button	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
ECG app	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
Blood Oxygen Application	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
High/low heart rate notifications	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
MIL-STD 810H certified	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Precision dual-frequency GPS	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
New Compass app with waypoints + backtracking	✅	✅	✅
IP6X dust resistant	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌
Water resistant to 100m	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Water resistant to 50m	–	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Depth gauge + EN13319 certified	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Oceanic+ app/dive computer	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Siren 86 decibels	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
sleep tracking	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Collision detection	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Fall detection	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Cycle tracking with temperature detection	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Cycle tracking without temperature detection	–	–	✅	✅	✅	✅
Emergency SOS	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅

Price

• Apple Watch Ultra is priced at $799
• Series 8 comes starts from $399/$429
• Apple Watch SE 2nd generation goes from $249

Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 and earlier recap

It’s no surprise that Apple Watch Ultra brings the most changes and improvements to Apple’s wearable lineup. However, the new pro model may be overkill for many.

While the Apple Watch Series 8 may look like the Series 7S or 6SS, if you’re considering upgrading from the Series 3, 4, or SE, you get a bigger screen, an always-on display, faster charging, and all the latest and greatest health features.

What do you think of the new Apple Watch range? Have you already ordered one? Share your opinion in the comments!

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

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