Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8 and SE: which is better for the holidays?

The 2022 Apple Watch lineup has more variety than ever before, thanks to the new Ultra model and updated SE. This means there is a lot to consider between the latest wearables and their predecessors. Read in-depth reviews of Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, SE and more to understand which one works best for you or who you're buying for.

Apple Watch Ultra versus Series 8, SE and earlier
- Processor, storage and more
- Case and Display
- Apple Watch Band Compatibility
- Battery Life and Charging
- Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8 Key Features
- Price
Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8 and earlier

Because Apple The Watch isn't necessarily updated every year, we've included everything from the Apple Watch Ultra to the Series 6 and SE 1st Gen to better understand the differences between all the latest models.

Apple Watch Ultra versus Series 8, SE, and earlier

Processor, Memory, Other

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

This year, the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 come with a 64-bit dual-core S8 SiP. Performance appears to be about the same as the S7 and S6 as Apple did not communicate any performance improvement claims during their keynote or on their website.

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

Apple claims the S8 is 20% faster than the S5 chip.

Another benefit if you're upgrading from Series 3 or 4 to Ultra, Series 8 or SE gen 2, that's a jump in storage to 32GB.

< td>Series 8

< /tr>

< td>Storage

	Ultra	SE 2	7	6	SE1
SiP/Processor	64-bit Dual Core S8 SiP	64-bit dual-core S8 SiP	64-bit dual-core S8 SiP	64-bit dual-core S7 SiP	64-bit dual-core S6 SiP	S5 SiP 64-bit dual core processor
U1 (ultrawide)	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
Bluetooth	5.3	5.3	5.3	5.0	5.0	5.0
32 GB	32 GB	32 GB	32GB	32GB	32 GB

Another Apple Watch Ultra/Series difference 8 by SE The second generation does not feature the U1 ultra-wideband chip.

Case and display

Apple Watch Ultra comes with Apple's largest case and display: 49mm for the first and a display with a resolution of 410 x 502. which offers 1164 square meters. mm. Apple claims it is 27% larger than the Series 4-6/SE display.

At the same time, the Apple Watch Series 8 has the same dimensions as the Apple Watch Series 7. It&# 8217; 45mm and 41mm bodies and a large display that is 20% larger than the Series 4-6/SE and 50% larger than the Series 3.

td>

< td>Always on display

td>

	Ultra	Series 8	SE 2	7	6	SE 1
Case Size	49 mm	45/41 mm	44/40 mm	45/41 mm	44/40mm	44/40mm
Screen Size	410 x 502 pixels, 1164 sq. mm	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 square meters mm (45 mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 square meters mm (44 mm model)	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 square meters mm (model 45 mm)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 square meters mm (44 mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 square meters mm (44mm model)< /td>
Brightness	2000 nits	1000 nits	1000 nits	1000 nits	1000 nits	10000 nits
✅	✅	❌	✅< /td>	✅	❌
Sapphire front	✅	Yes for steel models, no for aluminum models	❌	Yes for steel models, no for aluminum models	Yes for steel models, no for aluminum models	❌

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

Apple Watch Band Compatibility

As for bands, Apple says those that are designed for 44mm and 45mm Apple Watch will work with Apple Watch Ultra and vice versa:

Apple Watch Ultra Band Compatibility Explained

And since Series 8 and SE 2nd generation use the same form factors as before, all straps for the correct sizes will continue to work.

Battery life and charging

A big change from the Apple Watch Ultra is the biggest battery in the lineup. That's 36 hours of typical battery life, and up to 60 hours with extended use in power saving mode.

Here's how to get 60 hours of Apple Watch Ultra battery life.

< p>Notably, Power Saving Mode is coming to Apple Watch Series 4 and later, doubling the battery life 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 o'clock	18 o'clock	18 hours
Extended battery with power saving mode	60 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours
Charging< /td>	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 in Apple Watch 7 and continued in Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8, charging is 33% faster than Series 6 and earlier. This means going from 0 to 80% in 45 minutes instead of about 60 minutes for other models.

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

Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 Key Features

Here are the main features you get with Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8 and SE compared to previous models.

< td>✅

< td>❌

< td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">✅

< td>Fault Detection< /td>

< td>✅

< td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">✅

Apple Watch Model/Features	Ultra	Series 8< /td>	SE 2	7	6	SE 1
Custom action button	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
ECG Application	✅	✅	❌
Blood Oxygen Application	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
High/Low Heart Rate Alerts< /td>	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
MIL-STD 810H Certified	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Accurate Dual Frequency GPS	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
New Compass app with waypoints and return	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
IP6X dustproof< /strong>< /td>	✅	✅	❌	✅< /td>	❌	❌
100m water resistant	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Waterproof up to 50m< /strong>< /td>	–	✅	✅	✅< /td>	✅	✅
Depth stop + certified EN13319	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Oceanic+ app/dive computer	✅	❌< /td>	❌	❌	❌	❌
86 decibel siren< /td>	✅	❌	❌	❌< /td>	❌	❌
Sleep Tracking	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
✅	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Fall detection	✅	✅	✅	✅
Cycle tracking with temperature detection	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌< /td>	❌
Cycle tracking without temperature detection	–	–	✅	✅	✅	✅
SOS Emergency	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅< /td>	✅

Price

Apple Watch Ultra is priced at $799 (Apple, Amazon, etc.)
Series 8 is priced from $399/$429 and up (Apple, Amazon, etc.)
Apple Watch SE 2nd generation costs $249 (Apple, Amazon, more)

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8 and up up

Unsurprisingly, the Apple Watch Ultra has made the most changes and improvements to Apple's wearable lineup. However, for many, the new pro model may seem like overkill.

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

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

Thank you for reading our Apple Watch Ultra vs. Series 8 vs. SE comparison guide!