A good smartwatch makes all the difference in the world and Gen-Z knows it well. This is why the largest customer base of Apple Watch is aged between 16 and 28. But Gen-Z is also smart enough to dodge bandwagons like blindly running after the latest models.
Especially in today’s time, when consumerism is so wild that even Apple has adopted the packaging swap system of sales, it can be hard to trust the latest launches. Now, one thing about these Watches that every tech geek knows is that the Ultra 2 is one of the best releases. But what about Series 10?
The lack of public opinion about the Series 10 hints towards two things: either it’s too bad to be talked about, or it’s being gatekept. If the latter is true, is it a close competition to the Ultra 2? This blog is an answer to all these questions, so stick to the end and uncover which one is better.
Apple Series Ultra 2 - Overview
Released back in September 2023, the Ultra 2 was brought forward as the dream smartwatch for athletes. Its USP was the list of smart features compatible with different sports and accurate progress tracking. Be it pilates or weight gain, this gadget made sure to record it all for you to check at the end of the day.
Despite its target audience being fitness freaks, this baby caught the attention of different age groups, especially working moms. Ever since, this baby has been crowned as one of the fastest processors among all series of smartwatches.
Apple Series 10 - Overview
Compared to other modes, the Series 10 is often seen as a controversial release due to its mediocre hype. Launched in September 2024, the Series 10 was taken as a smartwatch you could go to bed with because it was that comfortable. However, the audience did not accept it as wholeheartedly as it did other models, maybe because of the prolonged reign of the previous model. Despite the creative collab with Nike, this wristwatch didn’t seem to acquire its market share. Its two models, though different in size, function the same way while offering variety to customers.
Difference Between Apple Series Ultra 2 and Series 10
Specs | Ultra 2 | Series 10 |
Dimensions | 49 mm | 42mm, 46 mm |
Material | Titanium | Aluminum, Titanium |
Display Area | 1185 sq mm | 989 sq mm, 1220 sq mm |
Display Resolution | 410x502 pixel | 374x446 pixel, 416x496 pixel |
Color | Black, Natural Titanium | Silver, Rose Gold, Jet Black, Natural, Gold, Slate |
Platform | WatchOS 11 | WatchOS 11 |
Processor | S9 SiP | S10 SiP |
Design & Display
In terms of build, we openly vouch for the Series 10, because not only are its aesthetics on point, but the soft cuts are also complementary with the overall design. The difference in dimensions between the Ultra 2 and both models of Series 10 is also evident in which one is better. In figures, the dial alone of Ultra 2 weighs 61.4 grams, which is half of what the Series 10 variations weigh.
When it comes to display, it’s almost a tie since both gadgets have a decent screen resolution and cover enough area to support visibility. However, the Ultra version is an LTPO-2 OLED with a brightness range of 1-3000 nits, compared to the LTPO-3 wide-angled, 1-2000 nits brightness OLED of the 10th series.
Battery Life
A long battery life is crucial for stress-free performance, but the company’s progress in this department has been somewhat lousy in the past. Both gadgets have the same battery built with recycled titanium, cobalt, and gold; however, both differ in performance. The ultra model has a normal 36-hour use and is expandable to 72 hours in energy-saving mode.
On the other hand, the Series 10 watch runs for a mere 18 hours after a full charge. If you turn on the low power mode, it can run up to max 36 hours, which is like a day and a half. Thus, the score goes to the Ultra version in terms of battery.
Performance
The performance of your watch is dependent on the processor quality. The faster the processor, the smoother your watch works. Now, the Ultra 2 is equipped with the S9 chip, which is the older processor model, while the Series 10 has the S10 SiP, the newer model.
The tie factor is that both processors have 64-bit dual-core and quad-core Neural Engines. But the Series 10 SiP is thinner, facilitating the build of the product. One more rumoured update regarding the 10th version is that the makers might soon launch AI features exclusive to the S10 chip, so that’s a catch.
Highlights
We live for this section of the blog - the part where all the coolest characteristics are unwrapped. The Ultra 2, with its reputation as an elite sports watch, supports watersports tracking. This feature is exclusive to this model and is considered almost revolutionary since no other watch is able to reach a depth of 100 meters without affecting quality.
The Series 10 might not be able to match the water sports tracker but it does have a beyond excellent sound profile. Its intense voice isolation and noise cancellation are said to be perfect for taking calls in public places through your wristwatch.
Other Smart Features
Both these products share many of the smart features like health insights and safety elements. The compass, gyroscope, sleep tracker and apnea notification are all present in these two wristwatches. But we bet you didn’t know of the Siren SOS in the ultra model. On switching on the Siren option, two uniquely high-pitched rings from the watch can be heard up to a 600-foot distance for safety. This feature makes us want to ditch the Series-10 altogether, but let’s still ponder over the next factor.
Price
Many people have a perception that the latest launches are the most expensive, which is not so. Even though it is released at a later date, the Apple Watch Series 10 (both variations) costs less than the Ultra 2 version. The 42mm model starts from $40,0 while the 46mm model starts from $500.
As for the Ultra model, the starting rate of GPS+Cellular is $800. These prices can go up depending on the loops or wristbands you choose, but there are no additional charges for any of the smart or exclusive attributes.
Final Verdict - Which One is Better?
If you’ve been with us from the beginning, you might have concluded the results yourself, but in case not, the Watch Series 10 is the general preference. This gadget, while not a replica of the Ultra 2, performs major functions similarly. Yes, it doesn’t have the durable battery or Siren safety feature, but are these two things worth the extra approx $400 charge? We don't think so.
The Watch Ultra 2 is only perfect if you’re actually into fitness, especially water activities, where you need to gauge your progress. If not, then there’s no reason why you should get a watch that is chunkier and less attractive.
