At the last presentation of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, the Cupertino not only updated the current watch lines with Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Series SE 2, but also demonstrated a completely new gadget for the company — the Apple Watch Ultra.

To the point:

▶ What is the difference between Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Series 7

▶ What is the difference between Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2

The new watch will cost twice as much as the «regular» model, Series 8. We decided to compare the two gadgets to understand where such a difference in price came from.

1. Dimensions and design

Top Apple Watch Ultra received new dimensions and is now the largest clock designed in Cupertino. Device available in one size 49 x 44 x 14.4mmthe weight 61.3 g.

The case is made of titanium used in the aerospace industry. The front surface is flat without rounding around the perimeter, the display is protected by sapphire crystal. There is only one metallic color available without painting.

The body design has been completely redesigned. The edges have become more strict, the size of the controls has increased, an additional customizable button has appeared.

Housing protected from dust as standard IP6X. The gadget has been certified according to the US military standard MIL-STD 810H (allows you to use the device in the field and camping conditions) and meets the requirements of the European standard DIN EN 13319 (for devices operating under water and suitable for diving).

The specifications allow the watch to be submerged up to 100 metershowever, with regular diving it is not recommended to dive deeper with the gadget 40 meters. With the device, you can engage in water activities that are associated with a high speed of movement, such as water skiing.

Ordinary watch Apple Watch Series 8 are produced in the same design of the line and have the usual dimensions for the company’s gadgets. Two device models are available: 45 mm and 41 mm. Dimensions are: 45 x 39 x 10.7 mm or 41 x 35 x 10.7mm. Weight fluctuates from 32 to 51.5 g (depending on size, availability of cellular module and housing materials).

The body of the device is made of aluminum, steel models will be available in some countries. The front surface is protected by Ion-X glass for aluminum watches and sapphire glass for steel models.

The watch is available in four colors: black, white, gold and Product RED (aluminum models only).

Housing protected from dust as standard IP6X. Declared the possibility of diving to a depth up to 50 meters. It is not recommended to engage in water sports that are associated with moving at high speed with a watch.

2.Display

Apple Watch Ultra equipped with a 49 mm display with a resolution 410 x 502 pixels. Compared to the first generation Apple Watch 4-6/SE, the screen is larger by 27%.

The maximum screen brightness is 2000 nits. Supported Technology Always Onexclusive dial available Wayfinder and night mode, which is handy in low light conditions.

Apple Watch Series 8 equipped with 45 mm displays (396 x 484 pixels) and 41 mm (352 x 430 pixels). Compared to the first generation Apple Watch 4-6/SE, the screen is larger by 20%.

Maximum matrix brightness 1000 nits. There is technology support Always On.

3. Sensors and sensors

Apple Watch Ultra at the moment are the most sophisticated and technological Apple watches.

The device is able to measure the pulse, the level of oxygen in the blood, ECG, notify of an increased or decreased heart rate, and fix arrhythmia. Of the new features of the gadget, it should be noted a temperature measurement sensor and tracking ovulation cycles.

The watch received a new technology for detecting car accidents and satellite communications (the ability to send an emergency signal via satellite). The gadget can detect the fall of the user.

The device has a compass, altimeter, accelerometer and gyroscope. Unique to this device are a depth gauge, a water temperature sensor and a dedicated dive tracking app.

Responsible for performance 64-bit dual-core S8 processor.

Apple Watch Series 8 has a similar set of features. The watch can measure the pulse, blood oxygen level, ECG, notify about arrhythmia or increased / decreased heart rate. The gadget received a built-in thermometer and an application for tracking ovulation cycles.

The watch can detect a fall or car accidents involving the user and send an emergency signal via satellite.

The body of the device has a compass, altimeter, accelerometer and gyroscope.

The clock is controlled by 64-bit S8 processor

4. Other differences

► Apple Watch Ultra are sold in just one modification of GPS + Cellular, and in the model range Apple Watch Series 8 for a model with a cellular module, you will have to pay $100 extra.

► In Apple Watch Ultra installed emergency siren volume 86 decibelsthat can be heard from a distance up to 180 meters.

► On the body Apple Watch Ultra there is additional buttonwhose action can be reconfigured in the system settings.

► Clock Apple Watch Ultra have more accurate dual-band GPS (L1 and L5), while other Apple smartwatches have a conventional single-band GPS module.

► Especially for Apple Watch Ultra developed a couple of new straps: Alpine Loop and ocean band.

► Apple Watch Ultra received a dual speaker system and three microphones.

► Differs installed in devices bluetooth moduleat the clock Ultra this is Bluetooth 5.3and in Series 8 — Bluetooth 5.0

► autonomy Apple Watch Ultra can reach 36 hours. Users Apple Watch Series 8 can count for 18 hours operation.

All differences briefly

⌚ Dimensions of more expensive watches Ultra very different from normal sizes. Apple Watch. The gadget is significantly larger and slightly heavier than the usual line. If you’re used to the smaller 41mm model, the Ultra might be a little too bulky. The reduced model is not provided.

Apple Watch Ultra Available only in metallic titanium case. When choosing Apple Watch Series 8 You can choose the appropriate body materials and color.

⌚ Model display Ultra more (49mm vs 41/45mm), much more important is the doubling of the matrix brightness (2000 nits vs 1000).

Screen Ultra closed with a flat sapphire crystal, and the display Series 8 has a rounded perimeter and is protected by a sapphire crystal only in steel models.

⌚ The set of sensors and sensors is similar for the models. Model Ultra features a depth gauge, water temperature gauge and diving app.

Both devices have the same processor and support all the chips shown in the presentation (satellite communications and fixing car accidents).

⌚ From other watch features Ultra it is worth noting the sound alarm, an additional customizable button, dual-band GPS and better autonomy.

Even with this set of parameters Apple Watch Ultra do not look like a professional measuring tool for divers, rock climbers or extreme sportsmen. We have already had time to doubt the positioning of watches and their place next to the centenarians of the proposed niche.

It is difficult to consider the device as a sufficiently autonomous and indestructible computer that will survive in really difficult operating conditions.

With these parameters, the price tag $799 per Apple Watch Ultra looks overpriced. This is a very niche gadget for smartwatch superfans. If this is not for you, the Series 6, 7 and even more so 8 models will be the best choice.