Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 9 are two of Apple’s top smartwatches, but they serve different users. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple’s most rugged, feature-packed model with a bigger display, longer battery life, and dive-ready durability. Apple Watch Series 9 is lighter, slimmer, and ideal for everyday wear with essential fitness and health tracking. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 features the S10 dual-core chip for faster performance and smoother app navigation.
- Apple Watch Series 9 uses the S9 dual-core chip.
Winner:
Apple Watch Ultra 3
|
|
Dual Frequency GPS:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 features precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) for better tracking accuracy in dense areas.
- Apple Watch Series 9 has standard L1 GPS.
Winner:
Apple Watch Ultra 3
|
|
Display:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a 49mm LTPO3 wide-angle OLED display for clearer visuals and more screen area.
- Apple Watch Series 9 has an LTPO OLED display in 45mm or 41mm sizes.
Winner:
Apple Watch Ultra 3
|
|
Dual Speaker System:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 includes a dual speaker setup for louder, clearer audio sound for improving call quality and Siri interactions or alerts.
- Apple Watch Series 9 has a single speaker.
Winner:
Apple Watch Ultra 3
|
|
Brightness:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 includes 3000 nits peak brightness for improved outdoor readability in bright sunlight.
- Apple Watch Series 9 has 2000 nits brightness.
Winner:
Apple Watch Ultra 3
|
|
Battery Life:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 includes up to 42 hours of battery life for extended use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
- Apple Watch Series 9 has up to 18 hours of battery life and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode.
Winner:
Apple Watch Ultra 3
|
|
Satellite Connectivity:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports Emergency SOS via satellite that enables emergency communication without cellular or Wi-Fi service.
- Apple Watch Series 9 does not support satellite connectivity.
Winner:
Apple Watch Ultra 3
|
|
Microphone:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes with three-microphone array with wind noise reduction to improve voice clarity in outdoor environments.
- Apple Watch Series 9 has a dual-microphone system.
Winner:
Apple Watch Ultra 3
|
|
Durability:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports MIL-STD 810H durability for protection against extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration.
- Apple Watch Series 9 is not MIL-STD 810H certified.
Winner:
Apple Watch Ultra 3
|
|
Depth Gauge Range:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 features a built-in depth gauge with Depth app to track underwater depth during dives.
- Apple Watch Series 9 does not include a depth gauge.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 3
|
|
Water Resistance:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports 100m water resistance for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving up to 40m.
- Apple Watch Series 9 is water resistant up to 50m for pool and open-water swimming.
-
Winner:
Apple Watch Ultra 3
|
|
5G Support:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports 5G connectivity to improve data transfer and call reliability when on cellular.
- Apple Watch Series 9 does not support 5G.
Winner:
Apple Watch Ultra 3
|
|
Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Case Size & Material |
49mm titanium case |
45mm or 41mm aluminum or stainless steel |
| Display |
Always-On Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED, up to 3000 nits |
Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, up to 2000 nits |
| Chip |
S10 dual-core processor |
S9 dual-core processor |
| Battery Life |
Up to 42 hrs, 72 hrs in Low Power Mode |
Up to 18 hrs, 36 hrs in Low Power Mode |
| Water Resistance |
100m, suitable for diving up to 40m |
50m, swim-proof |
| Special Sensors |
Depth gauge, water temperature sensor |
Not available |
| Connectivity |
Precision dual-frequency GPS, cellular, satellite, 5G capable |
GPS + Cellular models, no satellite, no 5G |
| Durability |
MIL-STD 810H tested, sapphire crystal |
IP6X dust resistant |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you:
- Want the brightest display and largest case size for better readability.
- Need advanced outdoor features like depth gauge, dual-frequency GPS, and satellite SOS.
- Value long battery life for multi-day trips or workouts.
- Prefer premium titanium construction with extreme durability.
- Do diving, hiking, or adventure sports where ruggedness is essential.
Check Apple Watch Ultra 3 Best Price
Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you:
- Prefer a smaller, lighter smartwatch for daily wear.
- Want a lower-cost Apple Watch with most health and fitness features.
- Do not need advanced outdoor or diving features.
- Value compact design that fits more wrist sizes.
- Use the watch mainly for casual fitness tracking and notifications.
Check Apple Watch 9 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Display |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Brightness |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Water Resistance |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Depth Gauge |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Water Temperature Sensor |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Satellite Connectivity |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| 5G Capability |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Battery Life |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Dual-Frequency GPS |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Always-On Retina Display: Both watches use LTPO OLED technology for smooth refresh rates and an always-on experience.
- Health Tracking: Both include ECG, Blood Oxygen app, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking for comprehensive health insights.
- Cycle Tracking: Both offer temperature sensing and ovulation tracking for advanced cycle tracking support.
- Crash Detection and Fall Detection: Both can detect serious falls and car crashes and alert emergency services.
- International Emergency Calling: Both support calling emergency services globally when connected to cellular.
- On-Device Siri: Both support on-device Siri with access to health data for faster responses.
- Find My Support: Both include Precision Finding for iPhone, helping locate lost devices.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Which Apple Watch is newer, Ultra 3 or Series 9?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the newer and more advanced model, released after the Series 9, with upgraded performance and features focused on durability and outdoor use.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 bigger than the Series 9?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a 49mm titanium case, making it larger and more rugged, while the Series 9 is available in 45mm or 41mm sizes and is lighter.
Which watch has the better display?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a brighter 3000-nit display with a wide-angle OLED screen, while the Series 9 peaks at 2000 nits and has a smaller screen area.
Do both watches support the same health features?
Yes, both models include ECG, Blood Oxygen monitoring, heart rate tracking, and sleep tracking, but the Ultra 3 also has a depth gauge and water temperature sensor.
Can the Apple Watch Series 9 be used for diving?
No, the Series 9 is water resistant up to 50m and is suitable for swimming, but it is not rated for scuba diving. The Ultra 3 is certified for depths up to 40m.
Which Apple Watch lasts longer on a charge?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 lasts up to 42 hours on a single charge and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode, while the Series 9 lasts up to 18 hours and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode.
Does either watch support satellite connectivity?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports Emergency SOS via satellite, allowing you to get help when you are off the grid. The Series 9 does not have this feature.
Are both watches compatible with the same bands?
Yes, both the Ultra 3 and Series 9 are compatible with most Apple Watch bands, although some Ultra-specific bands are designed for rugged and outdoor use.
Which Apple Watch is better for outdoor activities?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is better for outdoor and extreme activities thanks to its rugged build, dual-frequency GPS, longer battery life, and MIL-STD 810H durability certification.
Which one is more affordable?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the more affordable option, making it a better choice for users who do not need advanced outdoor features or satellite connectivity.
