Apple watch series 10 vs apple watch ultra 2: Detailed Specs Comparison

The Apple Watch Series 10 has just made its debut, but Apple hasn’t launched a new version of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Instead, they’ve updated the existing model by adding some new bands and colors to choose from. Both watches come packed with features to help you monitor your health and fitness, run on the same software called WatchOS 11, and offer access to a wide range of apps. So how do you choose between them? Let’s compare the specs to find out.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: A Detailed Difference

I’ve gone through a very specified difference between the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Ultra 2. There are almost 30 differences between these two gadgets. Some of these are big ticket ones, like screen display, health features, and battery capacity, while the others are precise, such as the water resistance, colors, and Watch faces.

Series 10 Vs Ultra 2 - Specs Compared

Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Size & Dimensions
46mm (46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm) 42mm (42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm)
49mm (49mm x 44mm x 14.4mm)
Weight
46mm: 36.4 grams (aluminum, GPS) 42mm: 30 grams (aluminum, GPS)
61.4 grams (Natural Titanium) 61.8 grams (Black Titanium)
Colors
Jet Black aluminum Rose Gold aluminum Silver aluminum Slate Titanium Gold Titanium Natural Titanium
Natural Titanium Black Titanium
Display
Always‑On Retina LTPO3 display Wide‑angle OLED Ion‑X front glass (aluminum cases) Sapphire front crystal (titanium cases) Up to 2000 nits maximum brightness 1 nit minimum brightness 326 pixels per inch
Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED display Flat sapphire crystal display Up to 3000 nits maximum brightness 1 nit minimum brightness 326 pixels per inch Night Mode using Modular Ultra or Wayfinder watch face
Processor
S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor W3 Apple wireless chip Second-generation Ultra Wideband Quad-core Neural Engine
S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor W3 wireless chip Quad-core Neural Engine
Storage
64GB
64GB
Sensors
Electrical heart sensor Third‑generation optical heart sensor Temperature sensor Compass Always‑on altimeter High‑g accelerometer High dynamic range gyroscope Ambient light sensor Depth gauge Water temperature sensor
Electrical heart sensor Third-generation optical heart sensor Temperature sensor Depth gauge Water temperature sensor Compass Always-on altimeter High-g accelerometer High dynamic range gyroscope Ambient light sensor
Double Tap
Yes
Yes
Battery Life
Up to 18 hours Up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode
Up to 36 hours Up to 72 hours in Low Power Model

Apple Watch Series 10

apple watch series 10 vs apple watch ultra 2

Apple Watch Ultra 2

apple watch series 10 vs apple watch ultra 2

Series 10 vs Ultra 2 - The Hardware Differences

Apple Watch Series 10

Series 10 Case Size

Series 10 has a 42mm and 46mm case size

Series 10 Casing

Series 10 base case is aluminum

Series 10 Battery Life

Series 10 gets ~1 day Battery Life

Series 10 Depth Gauge

Series 10 has depth gauge to only 6m/20ft

Series 10 Water Resistance

Series 10 has water resistance to 50m

Series 10 Microphones

Series 10 has one microphone

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Ultra 2 Case Size

Ultra 2 has a 49mm case size

Ultra 2 Casing

Ultra 2 stock case is titanium

Ultra 2 Battery Life

Ultra 2 gets ~2 days battery life

Ultra 2 Depth Gauge

Ultra 2 has depth gauge to 40m/131ft

Ultra 2 Water Resistance

Ultra 2 has water resistance to 100m

Ultra 2 Microphones

Ultra 2 has three microphones

Series 10 vs Ultra 2 - The Software Differences

Apple Watch Series 10

Series 10 Watch Face

Series 10 does not have Modular Watch Face

Series 10 Night Mode

Series 10 does not have Night Mode

Series 10 Microphones

Series 10 has one microphone

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Ultra 2 Watch Face

Ultra 2 has Modular Watch Face

Ultra 2 Night Mode

Ultra 2 has Night Mode

Ultra 2 Microphones

Ultra 2 has three microphones

Series 10 vs Ultra 2 - Things that are same

Apple Watch Series 10 vs apple watch ultra 2 – Design:

apple watch series 10 vs apple watch ultra 2

Design and Material Choices:

The Apple Watch 10 and the Ultra 2 have been built using two distinct approaches towards design and the needs of the user. Let’s go through their designs more thoroughly and demonstrate their use cases and differences.

Case Sizes and Materials:

Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Ultra 2 retains its 49mm titanium case that stands rugged evident in its unfavorable conditions.

It has a strong and angular design that aims to withstand extreme weather conditions such as diving and mountain climbing. 

It is also compliant with military standards after the latest upgrade MIL-STD 810H which offers added benefits of dust and water resistance (up to 100m).

Apple Watch 10: About 42mm and 46mm, the 10 Series is thinner (9.7mm vs 14.4) and lighter in mass (up to 50%) and targets an audience that prefers a watch that is slim and inconspicuous. 

It is available in aluminum and titanium, including a host of new hues (Jet Black and Rose Gold) and the same Silver and Gold colors that were offered in finished types previously.

Display Technology:

Ultra 2: With the use of the latest LTPO OLED display technology, Ultra 2 is able to produce stunning visuals with 3000 nits brightness, allowing great visual attention to devices under sunlight. The flat design and the sapphire crystal front also add to the overall toughness.

Series 10: Series 10 now has LTPO3 technology and an OLED display with a wide angle. As a result, the display is 40% brighter when viewed from the side. Although it is rated at 2,000 nits at peak, its display area of a 46mm model at 1220 sq mm is marginally more than the Ultra’s 1185 sq mm area, hence offering more space for notifications and interactions.

Functional Elements:

Ultra 2: Has the use of the exclusive action button! With an action button, the user can program and access specific functions such as quickly accessing workouts or navigation at the touch of the button – fantastic for adventure seekers who need efficiency during high-intensity activity.

Series 10: Did not include the action button, but the use of watch OS 11 has added an enhanced interface that takes advantage of the better wide-angle screen to enable better viewing even at awkward view angles.

Design Aesthetics:

Ultra 2: The watch is not the most pleasing to the eye – bulky and angular and rugged and outdoor focus – not suitable for everyday or semi-formal or formal outings.

Series 10: The all-new series 10 features rounded edges and thinner bezels, which makes it far more elegant, and allows it to go from a workout to a formal event with ease.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Wearability:

The wearable just may be the most important single factor in smartwatches. At a glance, both the Apple Watch 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 certainly live up to show, which is why Apple is synonymous with premium design and conversely using premium materials. However, in terms of their wearability, it says two different things: ultra-light everyday companions versus rugged trekkers.

Yet, enough, their usage says two different things, more or less: ultra-light, everyday companions and rugged, adventurous devices. Give yourself a few moments to absorb the subtlety in the design and comfort, then move on to wise choice. Let’s look closer at their wearability and performance:

Weight and Dimension – Trim vs Heavy machinery:

The Apple Watch 10 is celebrated as the thinnest and the lightest Apple Watch ever, ideal for all-day wear:

Apple Watch 10:  Weighing just 32g (aluminum) and measuring only 9mm thick, it offers unparalleled comfort, even for users with smaller wrists or those wearing it overnight for sleep tracking. Its curved edges and contoured design blend seamlessly with the wrist, reducing pressure points.

The Ultra 2: At 61.3g (titanium) and 14.4mm thick, it is more in bulk to hold its rugged features in place: larger battery, dual speakers, and reinforced screen. Apple manages to optimize the weight-distributing factor so it is comfortable to use for much longer periods while doing outdoor stuff even if this one is heavy.

Apple Watch 10 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Price and Availability:

The Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 however are designed for different parts of the Apple audience, with corresponding price and availability regardless of the timing. Here’s a close look at all their features in comparison

Launch Timeline and Starting Prices:

Apple Watch Ultra 2 super tough model was initially targeted at outdoor enthusiasts and was released in September of 2023. It cost 799 dollars. This model goes after the outdoorsy and rough.

Apple Watch Series 10 aluminum versions start at $399 for the 42 mm model and $429 for the 46 mm while the special titanium case goes for $699 and $749 for the 42 mm and 46 mm respectively with a launch in between 2024. Their higher cost reflects more upscale finishes.

Pre-orders and Availability:

It is expected that the date when the watch Series 10 will be available for people is September 20, 2024. Pre-ordering was opened around the beginning of the Series 10 advertisement. It can be found on Apple’s webpage including the app, during the series release.

Apple Watch station Ultra 2 remains available for users since it is a premium device that Apple offers globally with the rest of the devices for ultra users who require a durable device with more features, it is within arms reach. 

Cellular Options:

Ultra 2 though comes with cellular built-in as the standard feature while series 10 users will have to pay 100 extra to use cellular features which makes it best for budget too.

Unique Pricing Advantages Affordability: 

One particular selling point of the Series 10 is its affordability for consumers who desire the basic features of a smartwatch but still wish for a premium design.

Premium Options:

The Series 10 has even been offered as being priced lower than the base cost of an Ultra 2 by still using quality materials.

Contextual Insights:

This comparison illustrates well the two models prepared for the competition. The Ultra 2 possesses strong outdoor design features that allow it to charge a strong appeal to a small niche market while the Series 10 touches a wider audience market by having affordable pricing.

Consequently, one can view the 10 Series as an all-rounder in terms of bang for the buck, while for the Ultra 2, a high initial cost appears justified by its sturdy construction and various useful outdoor functionalities.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Health Features:

Apple has always shown its heart and desired footprints towards integrating cutting-edge health technologies through the Apple Watch 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Although both devices have similarities, the latter has certain differences, and future updates may vary the decision based on health requirements. 

Complete health monitoring: The common denominator 

Apple built in some of the essential health features in both the Series 10 and the Ultra 2: 

  • Heart Rate Tracking: Monitors resting, active, and recovery heart rates as well as irregular heart rhythms being a sign of Afib.
  • Body Temperature: Basal Thermometry for help during clocking cycles, and also establishing patterns regarding general wellness.
  • Blood SpO2 Saturation: Assessing oxygen tissue levels for respiratory diseases or general health indications.
  • Sleep Patterns: Advanced analysis lets understanding of sleeping hours and their quality. 
  • Potential Sleep Apnea SiAD: Monitoring irregular breathing patterns through movement data of an accelerometer designed to be Embedded in a future version. This is pending FDA approval and an endorsement from the rest of the world.

Unique Differentiators in Approach:

many features are common, but differentiation in Apple’s Ultra 2 and Series 10 can be seen in their hardware emphasis and target audience:

Ultra 2’s Adventurer’s Edge: The Ultra 2 includes a dive computer and water-temperature sensors, thus making it a valuable device for water sports lovers and divers. 

It’s also certified for high altitudes and extreme waters.

Series 10 can be defined as everyday precision: It is supposed to help with average health management and thus aims at appealing to the masses with an emphasis on ergonomics.

Case Study: Sleep Apnea Detection in Real Life:

“Anna, a 45-year-old school teacher, and a beta tester of the Ultra 2 model, wore the Apple watch with the apex accelerometer detection function which recognizes apneic episodes. Whenever she would perspire and it irregularly moving, her watch would send her notifications to see a doctor. Upon correctly diagnosing her, she started treatment and felt increased energy and an overall healthier state. This case enhances the idea of how new ways of supervision do not only help in detecting problems, but such advanced features can make a difference for patients before the approved release of the feature.”

Legal and Technological Context:

Legal and Technological Context Apple’s preference to employ the usage of the accelerometer data in sleep apnea detection instead of the SpO2 measurement also demonstrates their innovative ways out as should engage in legal provocations. 

These are matters that could engage Apple into further trouble with Masimo over the development of blood oxygen technology that was powerfully demonstrated in the struggles out in the courts. 

What Are The Attributes That Set The Ultra 2 Apart?

The rugged nature of the Ultra 2, therefore, allows it to be used for health monitoring purposes in more adverse environments for longer periods. For example: 

  • Endurance Athletes: Ultra runners and hikers with many separate days of training will be encouraged to have stronger battery endurance to ensure continual health data gathering over the multi-day attacks.
  •  Divers: EN13319 certified, Ultra 2 heart rate and oxygen saturation tracking during the dive gives more to an athlete than just fitness tracking at the surface level.

Who Should Choose What?

Series 10 is aimed at urban professionals and off-the-shelf casual users looking for essential attributes in a small-footprint watch.

On the other hand, athletes, divers, and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Ultra 2 for its wide features and emphasis on sturdiness. 

Closing Thoughts Both the Apple Watch 10 and Ultra 2 are massive if not revolutionary leaps in the health technology field.

Apple Watch 10 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Smart Features:

apple watch series 10 vs apple watch ultra 2

The Apple Watch 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are state-of-the-art for what Apple can do with smartwatches but how smart are they? The Series 9 is mostly just an awarded feature set running on more capable hardware driven by watchOS 11, but each watches try to fit in some specific demographic because it caters to different functionalities. Let’s dive in deeper.

WatchOS 11 – The Innovation Foundation:

Cupertino will introduce the Apple Watch 10 and Ultra 2 with watchOS 11, which will come out of the box with numerous groundbreaking features.

  • Check-in Safety Feature – Owners can let their loved ones know that they are safe via the Check-In feature offered by Apple. Users can choose to enable Check-In via Siri or by tapping on the display; this automatically sends location updates and alerts if they don’t reach a destination at the end of the time elapsed.
  •  Translation App with Offline Support – Unlike competitors that show simple language translation, Apple steps it up by adding real-time and offline features of over 20 languages. That’s especially handy for travelers or professionals working from remote locations where steady Internet connectivity isn’t always a given. The Ultra 2 adds location-based phrases like trail directions for the GPS dual-frequency capability. 
  • Other Features – Both versions also provide pause, reset, and activity rings to suit the needs and the goals of the user while working out. The Action Button introduced by the Ultra 2 allows the pause or resume in a workout’s intense moments.

Connectivity & Accessibility:

Apple Watch 10:

  • Fine Handoff Handover from WiFi to cell network; all differences when hearing a song and cycling work throughout.
  • Enhanced Family Setup: Apple Watch Series 10 supports standalone use by kids, with geofencing tools available to allow parents to set safe zones.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

  • Dual-Band GPS for Adventure Tracking: Ultra 2 offers ultra-accurate location monitoring, making features like Backtrack – which traces your steps back in unfamiliar environments – possible.
  • Extended Dive Metrics: The Oceanic+ app on Ultra 2 now comes with user-activated smart alerts for surface interval, complete with linkage to Apple Health recovery tracking.
  • Health and Safety Alerts: Although both watches pack fall detection, crash detection, and emergency SOS, the Ultra 2 has some upgrades aimed at extreme environments:
  • Automated Altitude-Based Alerts: Suitable to use by mountaineers, this feature recalculates oxygen consumption recommendations according to their altitude.
  • Deep-Water Alerts: Ultra 2 features a 100-meter water-resistance rating. It will display smart notifications, including ascent rate alerts during dives.

Case Study:

“Practice would have it that the Ultra 2 user took the watch up Mount Kilimanjaro. The automated altitude alerts reminding him to hydrate helped him to hydrate at critical points. The dual frequency also showed GPS guidance safely guiding the climber back to the base camp when a fog suddenly obscured him.”

Seamless interoperability with the Apple Ecosystem: Both feature tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem, but the Ultra 2 holds many other enhancements specifically for professionals and for the adventurer.

Cross-Device Functionality: Handoff lets a user pick up where they were on their Apple Watch on a MacBook or iPad.The L5 GPS inside Ultra 2 brings improved location accuracy to be used along with the Find My app to locate missing devices in the outdoor environment.

Smart Home Controls: HomeKit device management is a cinch with watchOS 11. But while the Apple Watch 10 is a city slicker, the Ultra 2 has its strength elsewhere in more remote smart-home environments.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Water Resistance:

apple watch series 10 vs apple watch ultra 2

The Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 both boast impressive water resistance capabilities, yet they’re tailored for distinctly different types of users and activities.

Starting with the Apple Watch Series 10, this model can withstand water pressure up to 50 meters deep. This level of water resistance makes it an excellent companion for daily activities such as swimming in a pool, showering, or even enjoying water sports like paddleboarding. Its design prioritizes convenience and versatility, appealing to fitness enthusiasts and casual users who want a reliable watch for their everyday workouts.

In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is engineered to endure more extreme conditions, featuring an impressive water resistance of up to 100 meters. This robust construction caters specifically to professional divers and adventure seekers who venture into deeper waters or engage in challenging activities like snorkeling or scuba diving. The Ultra 2 stands out with specialized functionalities, including a precise depth gauge and additional tools specifically designed for diving. These features serve to enhance safety and provide essential data for those exploring underwater environments.

While the Series 10 emphasizes fitness tracking and general health monitoring, making it a great fit for individuals focused on enhancing their physical performance and wellbeing, the Ultra 2 is aimed at those who require a highly resilient watch capable of withstanding serious aquatic challenges. Thus, if you’re considering which model to choose, the Series 10 is ideal for those prioritizing fitness in their daily lives, while the Ultra 2 is the preferable option for anyone seeking a durable and feature-rich watch specifically for intensive water activities and outdoor adventures.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Colors:

apple watch series 10 vs apple watch ultra 2

The Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 have colors that have been designed for certain aesthetics and purposes.

Series 10 also comes in Starlight, Midnight, and Product Red aluminum finishes, while there are also strong titanium options in Jet Black and Slate for those wanting a premium build. 

This kind of diversity enables customers to be able to wear their watches according to their preferences or select a case that serves the purpose of beauty and practicality APPLE.

However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 which is designed for people who love adventures and sports has two tough titanium color options; Natural Titanium and Black Titanium. 

The premium Black Titanium color has caught the eyes of many people due to its simple and elegant look that suits a variety of people needing a watch for outdoor, and corporate environments​.

There are new carbon-neutral strap alternatives seen on both models. This includes further emphasis for the brand on its environmental policies and eco-processes.

More so, bespoke looks can be created thanks to Herm’s and Nike’s exclusives such as their straps with dimensioned aesthetics​.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Battery lives:

apple watch series 10 vs apple watch ultra 2

The Extraordinary Lifespan of the Two Watches’ Batteries:

Apple Watch 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have the same ancestry, which emphasizes their sharing of numerous similar attributes.

Regardless of the same family lineage, they acutely branch off regarding their battery performance and life.

As we all know, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was released on September 22, 2023. Its long-lasting battery life is more than 35 hours on a single charge.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 also provides an impressive battery life of 72 hours in low power mode, which makes Ultra 2 different from other watch.

On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a watch specifically designed for convectional users, who like to wear their watch occasionally.
This watch boasts a battery life of 18 hours in normal usage and 36 hours in low-power mode.

Real-World Case Study: The Ultra 2’s Outdoor Dominance:

“I was reading a case study about, John, a mountain climber, John recently decided to test the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and he did so. He planned a 3-day trek journey through the Rockies, where he decided to activate low power mode on his brand new Apple watch Ultra 2. But the main twist was, that he relied on GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and even the built-in diving gauge without having a single recharge. This hands-on experience demonstrates the Ultra 2’s exceptional usability for explorers.”

“Another Latest Case Study about Sarah, a business executive, complimented the Series 10’s convenience, as Apple according to her Apple Watch Series 10 helps her a lot in managing work alerts, monitoring her fitness goals, and helping her manage her hectic day routine, Sarah was also amazed by Series 10 s capacity to achieve more than 80% charging in just 30 minutes, which helped her a lot in her busy schedule.”

Charging capabilities:

Though Existence can be equated with the Ultra 2 able to perform well in terms of battery life, it is the Series 10 that has been reinventing quick recharging features.

With a fast charge feature, it can charge around 80% in just half an hour, making downtime very low as they can remain connected in very little time.

The Ultra 2 takes about one hour to perform the same turnaround despite having a larger battery which might be a minus for some users.

Balancing Battery with Use Case The choice ultimately depends on the user’s lifestyle.

The Ultra 2’s additional battery extends life for explorers and athletes while the series 10 is more optimized for charging times for metropolitan workers.

Essentially, when it comes to the needs of the consumers, the performance of the battery is quite relevant to the purpose of use of the device, and it is beneficial to appreciate all these distinctions to arrive at an informed decision.

Closing Thoughts:

What Truly Matters The Ultra 2 may be the one with endurance in this category but the Series 10 does not lack as well due to its efficiency and quick charging.
Apple can make sure that both devices are suitable and desirable for their target audiences by concentrating on specific use cases.

Completing these tasks – whether climbing mountains or managing business operations in the corporate head office – one can be sure of the reliability of Apple’s battery technologies.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Watch OS 11 and Watch Faces:

apple watch series 10 vs apple watch ultra 2

As both watches operate on watch OS 11, it is exciting to note that certain features are said to improve the overall user experience.

These include the S9 processor’s novel control system that allows for a double tap on a device when users want to control their watch.

This would come in handy, especially in multitasking, which is likely to be a norm among users of both the Series 10 and Ultra 2.

​In a major way regarding watch faces, the Series 10 particularly utilizes the flat-edge design through the wide-angle OLED which showcases dynamic faces which makes visibility from awkward angles better.

It introduces options like a “Flow” face which shows time in an artistic manner dominated by gradients and a face designed to trace routes for use in hiking, kayaking, and others.

​On the other hand, the Ultra 2 does include some faces that are dedicated to outdoors in cases like depth gauging and altitude tracking.

These faces use the Ultra 2’s strong sensors to stress the point that this watch is more suited for extreme sports and adventures.

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