Apple Watch SE vs Ultra – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch depends on your lifestyle, how you plan to use it, and what features matter most to you. The Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE cater to very different types of users. The Ultra is built for adventurers and athletes who need advanced features and rugged durability. The SE offers core Apple Watch features at a more accessible price for everyday users. This comparison outlines the major differences between these two models to help you decide which one better suits your needs.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch SE |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.92″ Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits | 1.57″/1.78″ Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits |
| Case Material | Titanium with sapphire front crystal | Aluminum with Ion-X glass |
| Water Resistance | 100m + EN13319 certified for diving | 50m water resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours (60 hours in Low Power Mode) | Up to 18 hours |
| Chipset | S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor | S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor |
| GPS | Dual-frequency precision GPS | Standard GPS |
| Health Sensors | Blood oxygen, ECG, heart rate, temperature | Heart rate sensor only |
| Emergency Features | Siren, Backtrack, Crash Detection, SOS | Crash Detection, Emergency SOS |
| Cellular Connectivity | Standard on all models | Optional |
| Weight | 61.3g | 26.4g (40mm), 32.9g (44mm) |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Apple Watch Ultra features a larger 49mm titanium case designed for durability in extreme environments. It includes a flat sapphire crystal display and an extra programmable Action Button for quick access to tools. The SE uses an aluminum case that is lighter and less rugged but still durable enough for daily use. It lacks the customizable button and has a more curved design.
Display Quality
The Ultra’s 1.92-inch Retina OLED display is brighter, reaching up to 2000 nits, which helps with visibility under direct sunlight. The SE’s display is limited to 1000 nits and is slightly smaller depending on the case size. Only the Ultra offers an Always-On display, which keeps the time and key info visible at a glance.
Performance and Chipset
Both models use the S8 SiP processor, so general app performance, animations, and responsiveness feel similar. However, the Ultra benefits from more advanced sensors and a more optimized experience in outdoor environments thanks to its GPS enhancements and added hardware.
Battery Life
The Ultra has a major advantage in battery life. It offers up to 36 hours on a full charge, with a Low Power Mode that extends it to around 60 hours. The SE only lasts up to 18 hours, meaning most users will need to charge it daily. This makes the Ultra more suitable for multi-day outdoor adventures or travel.
Fitness and Health Features
The Ultra includes advanced health tools like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and wrist temperature sensing, along with enhanced workout metrics. The SE focuses on the basics, with heart rate tracking and activity rings. It lacks the high-end sensors, making it better for casual fitness tracking rather than performance optimization.
Outdoor and Safety Tools
The Ultra includes exclusive tools like Backtrack for navigating back to your starting point, a loud 86-decibel siren for emergencies, and dual-frequency GPS for better location accuracy in tricky environments. The SE includes Emergency SOS and Crash Detection but does not offer the adventure-specific tools found on the Ultra.
Durability and Use Cases
Designed to military-grade durability standards, the Ultra is suitable for high-impact activities like mountain climbing, scuba diving, and trail running. The SE is more suited for indoor workouts, walking, and casual everyday use. If you work in a rugged environment or enjoy extreme sports, the Ultra is the better fit.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Ultra worth the higher price compared to the SE?
It depends on your needs. The Ultra is designed for extreme sports and outdoor use, with better materials, battery life, and advanced features. If you only need the basics, the SE is a better value.
Does the Apple Watch SE support blood oxygen or ECG features?
No, the SE does not have a blood oxygen sensor or ECG functionality. It is limited to heart rate monitoring and standard health tracking.
Can both models track sleep and steps?
Yes, both the Ultra and SE offer sleep tracking, step counting, and Apple’s Activity Rings for general fitness monitoring.
Is the Apple Watch SE good for fitness?
Yes, it is great for basic fitness tracking, workouts, and heart rate monitoring. However, it lacks the advanced metrics and sensors found in the Ultra.
Can you use both watches without an iPhone?
No, you need an iPhone to set up and use either watch. They are not compatible with Android devices.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra too big for smaller wrists?
The 49mm case is quite large and may feel bulky on smaller wrists. It’s designed with ruggedness and visibility in mind, not compact wearability.
Do both watches have fall and crash detection?
Yes, both the Ultra and SE support fall detection and crash detection features, which can contact emergency services if needed.
How long does the battery last on the Apple Watch SE?
The SE has a battery life of up to 18 hours, so it usually needs to be charged daily.
Do both watches support cellular connectivity?
The Ultra includes cellular by default. The SE offers both GPS-only and GPS + Cellular models, depending on your choice at purchase.
Which Apple Watch is better for outdoor adventures?
The Apple Watch Ultra is the better choice. It includes dual-frequency GPS, a compass, Backtrack, a louder speaker, and better durability for hiking, diving, and endurance activities.