Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 vs SE: What’s the best pick for the holidays?

December 2, 2022

7 min read

There’s more variety than ever before with the 2022 Apple Watch lineup thanks to the new Ultra model and updated SE. That means there’s a lot to consider between the latest wearables and also their predecessors. Read on for a detailed look at Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 vs SE, and more to figure out what’s the best pick for you or someone you’re shopping for.

Since Apple Watch isn’t necessarily an every-year upgrade, we’ve included everything from Apple Watch Ultra down to Series 6 and SE 1st gen to give the best perspective on the differences between all the recent models.

Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8, SE, and earlier

Processor, storage, more

Last year, Apple used the same 64-bit dual-core processor in the Series 7 that launched in the Series 6, but with the updated S7 name.

This year, the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 come with the S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor. It appears to be roughly the same as the S7 and S6 performance-wise as Apple didn’t share any claims of performance advancements during its keynote or on its website.

While you shouldn’t expect a noticeable speed bump from Series 6 or 7 to 8 or Ultra, if you’re coming from an earlier Apple Watch model you should notice a faster, more responsive watch.

Apple does say that the S8 is 20% faster than the S5 chip.

Another benefit, if you’re coming from a Series 3 or 4 to Ultra, Series 8, or SE gen 2, is a jump in storage to 32GB.

	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	7	6	SE 1
SiP/Processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S7 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S6 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S5 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor
U1 (ultra wideband)	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
Bluetooth	5.3	5.3	5.3	5.0	5.0	5.0
Storage	32GB	32GB	32GB	32GB	32GB	32GB

One more difference between Apple Watch Ultra/Series 8 and SE 2nd gen is the latter doesn’t come with the U1 ultra wideband chip.

Case and display

Apple Watch Ultra comes with the biggest case and display yet from Apple with 49mm for the former and a 410 x 502 resolution display that offers 1164 sq mm. Apple says it’s 27% bigger than the display on Series 4-6/SE.

Meanwhile, Apple Watch Series 8 carries on with the same sizes that launched with Apple Watch Series 7. That’s 45 and 41mm cases and a larger display that’s 20% bigger than Series 4-6/SE and 50% larger than the Series 3 display.

	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	7	6	SE 1
Case size	49mm	45/41mm	44/40mm	45/41mm	44/40mm	44/40mm
Display size	410 x 502 pixels, 1164 sq mm	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 sq mm (44mm model)	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 sq mm (44mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 sq mm (44mm model)
Brightness	2,000 nits	1,000 nits	1,000 nits	1,000 nits	1,000 nits	1,0000 nits
Always-on display	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
Sapphire crystal front	✅	Yes with steel models, no with aluminum	❌	Yes with steel models, no with aluminum	Yes with steel models, no with aluminum	❌

Apple Watch SE 2nd gen features the same 44 or 40mm case options and the same display size as the 1st gen/Series 6 and earlier.

Apple Watch band compatibility

When it comes to bands, Apple says those designed for 44 and 45mm Apple Watches will work with Apple Watch Ultra and vice versa:

Apple Watch Ultra band compatibility explained

And with the Series 8 and SE 2nd gen using the same form factors as before, all bands for the correct sizes will continue working.

Battery life and charging

Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 battery and charging

A major change with Apple Watch Ultra is the biggest battery yet in the lineup. That’s 36 hours of standard battery life and up to 60 hours of extended use with Low Power mode.

Here’s how to get 60-hour battery with Apple Watch Ultra

Notably, the Low Power mode will come to Apple Watch Series 4 and later and will double the battery of those models from 18 to 36 hours.

	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	7	6	SE 1
Battery life – standard	36 hours	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours
Extended battery with Low Power mode	60 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours
Charging	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 60 minutes	0-80% in 60 minutes

First introduced with Apple Watch 7 and continued with Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 is 33% faster charging than Series 6 and earlier. That means going from 0-80% in 45 instead of around 60 minutes for the other models.

If you’re interested in using Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, or 7 for sleep tracking, you also get 8 hours worth of use from an 8-minute charge.

Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 – Key features

Here are the core features you’re getting with Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and SE vs the previous models.

Apple Watch model/features	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	7	6	SE 1
Customizable action button	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
ECG app	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
Blood Oxygen app	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
High/low heart rate notifications	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
MIL-STD 810H certified	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Precision dual-frequency GPS	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
New Compass app w/ waypoints + backtrack	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
IP6X dust resistant	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌
Water resistant to 100m	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Water resistant to 50m	–	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Depth gauge + EN13319 certified	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Oceanic+ app/dive computer	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
86-decibel siren	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Sleep tracking	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Crash detection	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Fall detection	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Cycle tracking with temp sensing	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Cycle tracking without temp sensing	–	–	✅	✅	✅	✅
Emergency SOS	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅

Price

Apple Watch Ultra is priced from $799 (Apple, Amazon, more)
Series 8 comes starts from $399/$429 and up (Apple, Amazon, more)
Apple Watch SE 2nd gen goes from $249 (Apple, Amazon, more)

Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 and earlier wrap-up

No surprise that Apple Watch Ultra brings the most changes and improvements to Apple’s wearable lineup. However, the new pro model may be overkill for many.

While Apple Watch Series 8 may feel like Series 7S or 6SS, if you’re thinking of upgrading from Series 3, 4, or SE, you get a larger display, always-on screen, faster charging, and all of the latest and greatest health features.

What do you think about the new Apple Watch lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading our guide on Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 and SE!

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.