Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Series 10 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 & Apple Watch Series 10 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Ultra 2 rather than the Apple Watch Series 10. 

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Ultra 2

  • The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a 3,000-nit Retina LTPO OLED display for improved visibility in direct sunlight and better readability during outdoor activities, whereas the Apple Watch Series 10 has a 2,000-nit Retina LTPO OLED display.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes with dual-frequency (L1 + L5) GPS for more precise location tracking in dense urban areas and remote terrains, while the Apple Watch Series 10 uses standard single-frequency GPS.
  • It features MIL-STD 810H durability with a 100-meter water resistance rating and EN13319 dive certification for reliable performance in extreme environments, whereas the Apple Watch Series 10 has a 50-meter water resistance rating without military or dive certification.
  • The Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes a depth gauge rated up to 40 meters for accurate underwater pressure readings during scuba diving, while the Apple Watch Series 10 has a depth sensor limited to approximately 6 meters.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 has dual speakers and three microphones for louder sound output and clearer voice capture in noisy conditions, whereas the Apple Watch Series 10 has a single speaker and one microphone.
  • It provides up to 36 hours of typical battery life and up to 72 hours in low-power mode for extended use on long trips, compared to the Apple Watch Series 10’s 18 hours of typical use and up to 36 hours in low-power mode.
  • The Apple Watch Ultra 2 uses a rugged 49-mm titanium case with a button guard for enhanced impact resistance during intense activities, whereas the Apple Watch Series 10 uses a slimmer 42-mm or 46-mm case without a button guard.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes with sapphire crystal front glass and a ceramic + sapphire back for increased scratch resistance and long-term durability, while the Apple Watch Series 10 uses Ion-X glass.

Maybe the Apple Watch Series 10 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureApple Watch Ultra 2Apple Watch Series 10
Display Type & ShapeLTPO 2 OLED flat screen topLTPO 3 OLED curved edges
Max Brightness3,000 nits2,000 nits
Case Thickness14.4 mm9.7 mm
Case Weight61.4 g / 61.8 g29-41 g depending on size
Case Size & Guard49 mm with button guard42 mm & 46 mm, no button guard
ChipsetS9 SiPS10 SiP
GPSDual-frequency (L1+L5) GPS/GNSSStandard GPS/GNSS
MicrophonesThreeOne
SpeakersDualSingle
Front GlassSapphire crystalIon-X (base); sapphire on titanium variant
Back MaterialCeramic + sapphireMetal + sapphire
DLC Coating OptionAvailable on Ultra 2 BlackNone
Military/Dive CertsMIL-STD 810H, EN13319, 100 m water resistance50 m water resistance only
Dive Depth CapabilityUp to 40 mUp to ~6 m
Fast Charging (0–80%)~1 hour~30 minutes
Battery Life (All-Day Use)Up to 36 h (typical); 72 h low-power mode~18 h typical; ~36 h low-power mode
PriceCheck Ultra 2 PriceCheck Series 10 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • watchOS 11: Both models run Apple’s latest watchOS 11, meaning they share the same software interface, app compatibility, and feature updates.
  • Always-On Retina LTPO OLED Display: Each watch offers crisp, always-visible information without having to raise your wrist, thanks to efficient LTPO technology.
  • Touch Controls with Haptic Feedback: Both provide responsive touch navigation and subtle haptic taps for a more tactile interaction experience.
  • Comprehensive Health Sensors: Ultra 2 and Series 10 feature advanced monitoring, including optical heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, skin temperature sensing, and VO₂ Max tracking.
  • Robust Activity Tracking: Both can measure steps, calories, distance, and workouts, and include fall detection for safety.
  • Safety Features: Emergency SOS and Crash Detection are available on both, providing quick access to help in emergencies.
  • Modern Wireless Connectivity: Each supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and optional LTE on cellular versions for standalone use.
  • NFC & Apple Pay: Both enable contactless payments directly from the wrist via Apple Pay.
  • App Store Access: Both allow downloading and running third-party apps directly from the watch.
  • Siri with On-Device Processing: Voice commands are faster and more private since Siri can process many requests locally.
  • Navigation Tools: Integrated compass and always-on altimeter in both watches assist with hiking, climbing, and location-based tracking.
  • Sleep Tracking: Both monitor sleep stages, duration, and trends for better rest analysis.
  • Low-Power Mode: Extends battery life significantly when you don’t need full performance.
  • Fast Charging Support: Both can reach 80% charge in under an hour.
  • Swim-Proof Water Resistance: Both are suitable for pool swimming and general water exposure.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch Ultra 2Apple Watch Series 10
Operating SystemwatchOS 11watchOS 11
Always-On DisplayYesYes
Display TechnologyRetina LTPO OLEDRetina LTPO OLED
Touch ControlsMulti-touch, haptic feedbackMulti-touch, haptic feedback
Health SensorsOptical heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, temperature, VO₂ MaxOptical heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, temperature, VO₂ Max
Activity TrackingSteps, calories, distance, workouts, fall detectionSteps, calories, distance, workouts, fall detection
Advanced Safety FeaturesEmergency SOS, Crash DetectionEmergency SOS, Crash Detection
Wireless ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, LTEWi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, LTE
NFC & Apple PayYesYes
App Store SupportYesYes
Siri & Voice ControlYesYes
Compass & AltimeterIntegrated compass, always-on altimeterIntegrated compass, always-on altimeter
Sleep TrackingYesYes
Low-Power ModeYesYes
Fast Charging SupportYesYes
Water ResistanceSwim-proofSwim-proof
Price Check Ultra 2 Price Check Series 10 Price

FAQ

Which watch has the better battery life between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 10?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the better battery life, lasting up to 36 hours in typical use and up to 72 hours in low power mode, while the Apple Watch Series 10 lasts about 18 hours in normal use and up to 36 hours in low power mode.

Do both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 10 run the same software?
Yes, both models run watchOS 11, which means they have identical core features, app compatibility, and software updates.

Which model is more durable for outdoor use?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is more durable with MIL-STD 810H certification, 100-meter water resistance, and EN13319 dive certification, while the Series 10 is water resistant up to 50 meters but lacks military and dive certifications.

Is the display brighter on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Series 10?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a brighter display at up to 3,000 nits, compared to the Series 10’s 2,000 nits.

Do both watches support Always-On Display?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 10 feature an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display, allowing you to view time and complications without waking the screen.

Which model is lighter and slimmer to wear daily?
The Apple Watch Series 10 is lighter and slimmer, with a thickness of around 9.7 mm and weight starting at about 29 g, compared to the Ultra 2’s 14.4 mm thickness and 61 g weight.

Do both watches have the same health tracking features?
Yes, both offer optical heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen measurement, skin temperature tracking, VO₂ Max, and sleep tracking.

Which watch charges faster?
The Apple Watch Series 10 charges faster, reaching 80% in about 30 minutes, while the Ultra 2 takes around 60 minutes to reach 80%.

Do both models support LTE and Bluetooth 5.3?
Yes, both support optional LTE for standalone connectivity and use Bluetooth 5.3 for improved wireless performance.

Which model has better GPS performance?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has better GPS performance thanks to dual-frequency (L1 + L5) GPS, which is more accurate in challenging environments compared to the Series 10’s standard GPS.

Do both watches support Apple Pay?
Yes, both models include NFC for Apple Pay, allowing contactless payments directly from the watch.

Which model is better for scuba diving?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is better suited for scuba diving with a depth gauge up to 40 meters, whereas the Series 10 is limited to shallow water use of about 6 meters.

Do both have loudspeakers and microphones?
Yes, but the Ultra 2 has dual speakers and three microphones for louder audio and clearer calls, while the Series 10 has a single speaker and one microphone.

Are both watches swim-proof?
Yes, both are swim-proof and safe for pool swimming, but only the Ultra 2 is certified for high-pressure water activities and diving.

Which should I choose for everyday wear?
If you prefer a lighter, slimmer watch with faster charging and a more refined look, the Apple Watch Series 10 is better for everyday wear, while the Ultra 2 is ideal for outdoor adventures and extreme sports.

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