# Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2: An In-Depth Comparison
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has been officially released, arriving two years after its predecessor, the Ultra 2. This article examines the primary distinctions and improvements that prospective upgraders can look forward to in the latest version.
## Display: Bigger than Ever, with Enhanced Always-On and More
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 showcases the largest display ever seen on an Apple Watch. With a minimized bezel in the identical 49mm case size, it exceeds the screen dimensions of last year’s 46mm Apple Watch Series 10.
### Display Specifications:
– **Ultra 3**: 422 by 514 pixels, 1245 sq mm display area
– **Ultra 2**: 410 by 502 pixels, 1185 sq mm display area
Beyond a larger display, the Ultra 3 features two major display enhancements:
1. **Wide-angle OLED**: Boosts brightness and visibility from various angles.
2. **LTPO3**: Enhances the always-on display performance, facilitating real-time updates every second.
## Battery Life: The Best Becomes Even Better
Battery life continues to be one of the hallmark characteristics of the Apple Watch Ultra series. The Ultra 3 provides up to **42 hours** of battery life on a single charge, an enhancement over the **36 hours** available with the Ultra 2.
### Fast Charging Estimates:
– **Ultra 3**: 0–80% in roughly 45 minutes; 15 minutes for up to 12 hours of usage.
– **Ultra 2**: 0–80% in approximately 1 hour.
## Connectivity: Satellite and 5G Cellular
For outdoor lovers, the Ultra 3 introduces satellite connectivity, enabling users to use Emergency SOS without their iPhone. The two-way satellite link necessitates a clear view of the sky and may take up to 10 minutes to establish a connection in case of a failure.
Moreover, the Ultra 3 is outfitted with a 5G cellular modem, delivering enhanced cellular coverage and quicker speeds compared to the Ultra 2.
## Performance: S10 SiP vs. S9
The Ultra 3 is driven by the new **S10 SiP**, designed for superior performance and power efficiency compared to the **S9** used in the Ultra 2. While the specific upgrades may not be immediately apparent in daily use, the S10 is crafted to better support advanced features.
## Health Features: Shared Advantages
Both the Ultra 3 and Ultra 2 benefit from new health features introduced in watchOS 26, such as hypertension alerts and Sleep Score for sleep monitoring. Therefore, there is no clear advantage in health capabilities between the two models.
## Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2: Conclusion
In summary, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers substantial upgrades over the Ultra 2, particularly in terms of display size, battery life, and connectivity. These advancements make the Ultra 3 an appealing choice for those contemplating an upgrade after two years.
Are you considering transitioning to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 from the Ultra 2? Share your opinions in the comments.
