Apple Watch SE 3 vs Ultra 2 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right Apple Watch often comes down to your lifestyle, priorities, and budget. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built for adventurers, athletes, and those who want the most advanced smartwatch Apple offers. The Apple Watch SE 3 focuses on providing core Apple Watch features in a lighter and more affordable package. Both watches have their unique strengths and cater to different types of users. This comparison will break down their key differences so you can confidently decide which model is the best fit for your needs.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Apple Watch SE 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 49mm Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, up to 3000 nits brightness | 40mm or 44mm Retina LTPO OLED, up to 1000 nits brightness |
| Material | Titanium case with flat sapphire crystal front | Aluminum case with Ion-X glass front |
| Processor | S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine | S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours, Low Power Mode up to 72 hours | Up to 18 hours, Low Power Mode up to 36 hours |
| Water Resistance | WR100, EN13319 certified for diving up to 40m | WR50, suitable for shallow-water activities |
| Health Sensors | Blood Oxygen, ECG, Temperature sensing, Heart Rate, Compass | Heart Rate, Fall Detection, Compass |
| Connectivity | GPS + Cellular standard, dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) | GPS or GPS + Cellular options |
| Buttons | Digital Crown, Side Button, Customizable Action Button | Digital Crown and Side Button |
| Audio | Dual speakers, three-microphone array with beamforming | Single speaker and microphone |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction: The Ultra 2 has a rugged titanium case and a flat sapphire crystal display designed to resist scratches, making it ideal for outdoor and professional use. The SE 3 uses a lightweight aluminum case and Ion-X glass that is durable enough for daily wear but not as resistant as sapphire crystal.
Display Quality: The Ultra 2 features a 49mm Always-On Retina display that reaches up to 3000 nits, providing excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The SE 3 has a smaller Retina display with up to 1000 nits brightness, which is sufficient for everyday use but less ideal for harsh lighting.
Battery Life: The Ultra 2 delivers up to 36 hours of battery life on a single charge and can stretch up to 72 hours with Low Power Mode, perfect for multi-day trips. The SE 3 offers 18 hours, which generally means daily charging is necessary.
Durability: The Ultra 2 is certified for diving up to 40 meters and meets EN13319 standards, making it suitable for recreational diving. The SE 3 supports water resistance up to 50 meters but is recommended only for surface swimming.
Health and Fitness Tracking: The Ultra 2 includes advanced health sensors such as Blood Oxygen, ECG, and temperature sensing, providing a more complete wellness profile. The SE 3 covers core features like heart rate tracking and fall detection but does not have advanced sensors.
Performance: Both watches use the S9 SiP chip, ensuring smooth performance and support for the latest watchOS features. This means the SE 3 offers similar speed and responsiveness despite its lower price.
Navigation and GPS: The Ultra 2 uses dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5) for more accurate tracking in challenging environments like cities and mountains. The SE 3 offers standard GPS, which works well for most users but may be less precise in complex locations.
Audio and Microphone: The Ultra 2 includes dual speakers and a triple-microphone system with wind noise reduction, which improves call quality outdoors. The SE 3 has a single speaker and microphone, adequate for calls but not as robust in windy conditions.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 worth the higher price?
Yes, if you need advanced durability, longer battery life, dual-frequency GPS, and extra health sensors. These features justify the price for athletes, divers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Does the Apple Watch SE 3 have the same processor as the Ultra 2?
Yes, both watches use the S9 SiP chip, giving them similar speed and access to the latest watchOS capabilities.
Can the Apple Watch SE 3 track blood oxygen or do ECG readings?
No, those features are exclusive to higher-end models like the Ultra 2 and Series 9 or later.
Is the Ultra 2 too big for small wrists?
The 49mm case is large, so it may feel bulky for users with smaller wrists. The SE 3 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, making it more versatile.
Which watch is better for swimming?
Both watches are swim-proof, but the Ultra 2 supports recreational diving up to 40m, making it better for water sports enthusiasts.
How much longer does the Ultra 2 battery last compared to the SE 3?
The Ultra 2 lasts roughly twice as long in regular mode and up to twice as long in Low Power Mode.
Can I use cellular features on the SE 3?
Yes, there is a GPS + Cellular option available for the SE 3, but it costs extra. The Ultra 2 includes cellular by default.
Does the SE 3 support the same watch faces as the Ultra 2?
Most watch faces are shared, but the Ultra 2 has exclusive faces designed for outdoor activities and adventure tracking.
Which is better for fitness tracking?
The Ultra 2 offers more detailed health metrics and better GPS tracking, but the SE 3 still provides reliable activity rings, workouts, and heart rate monitoring.
Is the titanium case of the Ultra 2 really stronger?
Yes, titanium is more resistant to scratches and corrosion compared to aluminum, making it a better choice for harsh environments.