Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 6 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch depends on your lifestyle, fitness goals, and how much functionality you expect from your wearable. The Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 6 cater to different types of users and offer distinct levels of performance. The Series 6 focuses on sleek design, health features, and daily convenience, while the Ultra is built for endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers. This article highlights the key differences between these two models to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Series 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.92-inch Retina (410 x 502) | 1.78-inch Retina (368 x 448 on 44mm) |
| Display Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 1000 nits |
| Case Material | Titanium (49mm only) | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium (40/44mm) |
| Water Resistance | 100m + EN13319 certified for diving | 50m |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours (up to 60 hours in Low Power) | Up to 18 hours |
| Processor | S8 SiP | S6 SiP |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| GPS Precision | Dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) | Single-frequency GPS |
| Action Button | Yes (customizable) | No |
| Cellular Option | Standard with all Ultra models | Optional |
| Operating System | watchOS 9 and above | watchOS 7–10 supported |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Apple Watch Ultra features a rugged titanium case with a flat sapphire front crystal and a prominent Digital Crown. It is engineered for durability in extreme environments and only comes in a 49mm size. The Series 6 has a sleeker, more traditional design with curved edges, smaller case sizes (40mm and 44mm), and is available in aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. If you need a lightweight, everyday watch, the Series 6 is more subtle. For adventurers, the Ultra is designed to take a beating.
Display Quality
The Ultra’s 1.92-inch screen is brighter and larger, reaching 2000 nits for superior visibility in sunlight. This makes it ideal for outdoor use and harsh conditions. In contrast, the Series 6 display maxes out at 1000 nits, which is sufficient for daily tasks and workouts but less effective in direct sunlight. The flat display of the Ultra also adds protection compared to the curved glass of the Series 6.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the biggest upgrades in the Ultra. It lasts up to 36 hours on a full charge and can extend up to 60 hours using Low Power Mode. The Series 6, by comparison, offers around 18 hours, which means it requires daily charging. For extended travel or multi-day hikes, the Ultra provides a noticeable advantage.
Performance and Processor
The Ultra uses Apple’s S8 SiP, while the Series 6 runs on the S6 chip. Although both are efficient and smooth, the performance difference is minor for everyday use. However, the newer chip in the Ultra ensures longer software support and more efficient sensor processing, particularly when managing demanding outdoor or fitness tracking tasks.
Fitness and Outdoor Features
The Ultra introduces dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) for improved accuracy in complex terrain, especially useful for hiking or city navigation. It also includes a depth gauge, a built-in 86-decibel siren for emergencies, and an Action Button that can start workouts or mark waypoints. The Series 6 still offers comprehensive fitness tracking with heart rate, SpO2, and altimeter, but it lacks the advanced location and diving capabilities.
Water and Dive Resistance
The Series 6 has water resistance up to 50 meters, suitable for swimming. The Ultra doubles that with a 100-meter rating and meets the EN13319 standard, making it appropriate for recreational diving. It even supports the Oceanic+ dive app, turning it into a basic dive computer.
Durability and Use Case
If you’re active in extreme conditions or need a watch for rugged terrain, the Ultra offers more protection and features tailored for endurance sports. The Series 6 is better suited for urban professionals, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone who prefers a more classic watch profile and doesn’t require outdoor-grade durability.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Ultra too large for smaller wrists?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra comes only in a 49mm case, which may feel bulky on smaller wrists. Its size is optimized for durability and screen space, which benefits athletes but may not suit every wrist size.
Does the Apple Watch Series 6 support the same fitness tracking as the Ultra?
It supports most standard fitness features like heart rate monitoring, SpO2, and sleep tracking, but lacks Ultra-exclusive tools like dual-frequency GPS, dive tracking, and the Action Button.
Can I use both watches with any iPhone?
Both watches require an iPhone 6s or newer, running iOS 15 or later for Series 6 and iOS 16 or later for the Ultra.
Is there a major difference in software experience?
Both run watchOS, so the core experience is similar, but the Ultra benefits from newer hardware, giving it a longer lifespan and smoother experience with updates.
Does the Apple Watch Ultra support cellular by default?
Yes, every Apple Watch Ultra comes with built-in GPS + Cellular, whereas the Series 6 requires selecting a specific model for that feature.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra good for diving?
Yes, it is rated for 100m water resistance and certified for recreational diving with EN13319 compliance. It also supports depth tracking and dive-specific apps.
How long will each watch receive software updates?
The Ultra, being a newer model with the S8 chip, will likely receive updates for more years compared to the older Series 6 with the S6 chip.
Does the Series 6 have an always-on display?
Yes, both models feature an always-on Retina display, though the Ultra’s is larger and significantly brighter.
Are bands interchangeable between these two models?
Yes, most Apple Watch bands are interchangeable. However, due to the larger case of the Ultra, some smaller bands may not look proportionate.
Which is better for long-distance hiking or endurance sports?
The Ultra is the better choice due to its longer battery life, rugged construction, dual-band GPS, and advanced outdoor tools designed for challenging environments.