Comparing Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3: Which model should you choose?

Apple has refreshed its smartwatch lineup with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 , which debuted alongside the standard Apple Watch Series 11. If you're looking to buy your first Apple Watch, or upgrade from an older model, the two models may look similar but actually serve very different needs.

 

So, which one is the right choice? Let's compare.

Ultra 3: Bigger, more powerful

With a 49mm case, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the largest smartwatch Apple has ever made. It's thicker, twice as heavy as the lightest Series 11 (61.6g vs. 30.3g), and about a third heavier than the heaviest Series 11. The Ultra 3 comes in just two finishes: natural titanium and black titanium.

Meanwhile, the Series 11 comes in two sizes, 42mm and 46mm, to suit more wrists. Users can choose from aluminum (about 5g lighter) or titanium cases. The colors are also more diverse: four colors for the aluminum version, three colors for the titanium version.

The Ultra 3 has an extremely rugged design with a thick titanium bezel surrounding the screen and a large Digital Crown + side button cluster. In contrast, the Series 11 looks much more 'approachable': it can look like a sports watch, a delicate piece of jewelry, or simply an everyday watch.

If you're going to choose a watch based on your mood, this is the deciding point. The Ultra 3 only comes in one size and has a rather 'cool' style, so it's definitely not for everyone.

 

Same hardware, different experience

Both Ultra 3 and Series 11 share the same S10 chip , launched since Series 10 (2024). Stable performance, more than enough for all tasks.

Both models run watchOS, with all the smart features: wrist gestures, double tap, Siri independent of the iPhone. The displays are both always-on OLED, but the Ultra 3 is brighter (up to 3000 nits, compared to 2000 nits on the Series 11).

The health sensors are also almost identical: heart rate, ECG, arrhythmia warning, body temperature monitoring, blood oxygen measurement (temporarily processed via iPhone to avoid copyright disputes in the US). Both have built-in GPS, but the Ultra 3 is more accurate thanks to dual-frequency GPS.

Water resistance: The Series 11 is water resistant to 50m, while the Ultra 3 is water resistant to 100m and has a depth gauge to 50m (Series 11 is only 6m). The Ultra 3 also measures altitude more accurately, from -500m to 9000m.

Additionally, the Ultra 3 has 3 microphones with wind protection, ideal for harsh outdoor conditions. It's clear: Series 11 is more about lifestyle, while Ultra 3 is 'tuned' for adventurers.

Ultra 3: Much better battery life

The larger battery gives the Ultra 3 42 hours of normal use, and up to 72 hours in power saving mode.

Meanwhile, the Series 11 gets a bump up to 24 hours (up from 18 hours on the Series 10). If you turn on battery saver, it can last 38 hours. But note: this mode will turn off the always-on display, background heart rate measurement, sleep oxygen measurement, and many other features. In other words, it should only be used when you really need to extend the time, not on all the time.

 

Ultra 3: With satellite and exclusive features

The biggest new feature on the Ultra 3 is Emergency SOS via satellite – similar to the iPhone. This means that when there is no mobile signal or Wi-Fi, you can still send location information, emergency situations to rescue services, send SMS/iMessage, or share location via Find My.

Additionally, the Ultra 3 has a louder speaker to activate the Siren (an alarm bell in case of an emergency), Night Mode with red light to maintain night vision, and a customizable Action button (start a Workout, activate a Shortcut…).

Price: Series 11 is up to $300 cheaper

1. Apple Watch Series 11 : from $399 (aluminum, GPS). Add $100 for 5G. Titanium from $699.
2. Apple Watch Ultra 3 : from $799, default titanium + 5G. Add $100 if you choose the titanium Milanese ring.

Which model should I choose?

If you don't need features for climbing, diving or exploring, the Series 11 is more than enough for everyday needs, and is more compact and economical.

On the other hand, if you like long battery life, a robust design, and want a 'ready for anything' watch, the Ultra 3 is worth the money.

It's best to try it on in person at the store. The actual feel on your wrist is sometimes more decisive than any specs.