Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: which one to choose? Here is the list of all the differences

Apple launched two connected watches on September 20, 2024: the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. If the two models were launched at the same time, they clearly do not have the same ambitions. Here are all the elements to take into account when making your choice.

• See all our other comparisons here

Finishes, design and material

Material

Apple Watch Series 10

• Aluminum (jet black, rose gold, silver) or titanium (slate, gold, natural) case
• Metal back and sapphire crystal

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Grade 5 titanium case in two colors: natural and black
• EN 13319 certification (diving equipment standard)
• Tested according to MIL-STD 810H (military robustness)
• Ceramic back and sapphire crystal

The Apple Watch Series 10 offers two finishes: aluminum or titanium with several colors to choose from. The metal back combined with the sapphire crystal ensures a resistant structure while remaining light. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, for its part, aims for another range with its Grade 5 titanium case and its ceramic back.A model designed for those looking for maximum solidity. The MIL-STD 810H standard proves in particular that it can withstand extreme conditions, while the EN 13319 certification guarantees its reliability when diving.

Water resistance

Apple Watch Series 10

• Resistance up to 50 m
• Depth gauge up to 6 m
• Suitable for swimming
• Water temperature sensor

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Resistance up to 100 m
• Depth gauge up to 40 m
• Suitable for high-speed water sports and diving
• Water temperature sensor

The Series 10 accompanies you without any problem to go swimming. If it is already quite sufficient with a resistance of up to 50m, the Ultra 2 goes further and can go down up to twice as deep.

Size

Series 10, two sizes and options, Ultra 2, only one version

For Series 10, two sizes are available: 42 mm and 46 mm. You have the choice between the GPS or GPS + Cellular versions, which allows you to stay connected to the mobile network even without Wi-Fi. As for the Ultra 2, it is offered in a single size of 49 mm and automatically includes GPS + Cellular connectivity.

Dimensions and weight: the more massive Ultra 2

Apple Watch Series 10 (42 mm)

• Height: 42 mm
• Width: 36mm
• Thickness: 9.7mm
• 989 mm² display area
• Weight: 30 g for the aluminum version with GPS, 29.3 g for the aluminum version with GPS + Cellular, 34.4 g for the Titanium version

Apple Watch Series 10 (46 mm)

• Height: 46 mm
• Width: 39mm
• Thickness: 9.7mm
• 1220 mm² display area
• Weight: 36.4 g for the aluminum version with GPS, 35.3 g for the aluminum version with GPS + Cellular and 41.7 g for the Titanium version

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Height: 49 mm
• Width: 44mm
• Thickness: 14.4mm
• Weight: 61.4 g (natural color), 61.8 g (black color)

In terms of weight, this varies depending on the materials. The Series 10 is lighter, especially if you opt for the aluminum version. The Ultra 2 plays in another category: it is reallymore imposing, with a size that greatly exceeds that of the Series 10.

Components and sensors

processor chip

• Apple Watch Series 10 :SiP S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 :SiP S9 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor

Victory for the most recent watch, the Series 10, taking advantage of the S10 generation of the chip. The Ultra 2 remained at the S9.

Screen

Apple Watch Series 10

• Écran Retina OLED LTPO3 grand angle
• 2,000 nits of brightness
• 374 x 446 pixels (for the 42mm version)
• 416 x 496 pixels (for the 46 mm version)

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Écran Retina OLED LTPO2
• 3,000 nits of brightness
• 410 x 502 pixels

The Watch Ultra 2's screen is brighter. The Series 10 one is better seen from different angles. Other than that, the two panels seem pretty comparable.

Microphone and audio

Apple Watch Series 10

• Microphone with voice isolation
• Single speaker

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Three-mic array with beamforming and wind noise reduction
• Two speakers

Sensors

• Apple Watch Series 9 :depth gauge up to 6 m, basic altimeter
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 :depth gauge up to 40 m, altimeter from -500 to 9,000 m and siren

GPS

• Apple Watch Series 9 :GPS single frequency L1
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 :High precision dual frequency GPS L1+L5

Battery

Apple Watch Series 10

• Up to 18 hours of battery life, extendable to 36 hours in energy saving mode
• Fast charge from 0% to 80% in 30 minutes

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Up to 36 hours of battery life, extendable to 72 hours in power saving mode
• Fast charge from 0% to 80% in 1 hour

Advantage for the Series 10 with its faster charging, but the Ultra 2 takes over forthe total duration of autonomy.

Choice of bracelets

Apple Watch Series 10

• Rubber strap: sport version or single buckle
• Textile strap: sport buckle version, modern buckle, braided buckle or magnetic links
• Stainless steel bracelet

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Alpine buckle bracelet for outdoor activities
• Trail loop bracelet for all types of activities
• Ocean bracelet for water sports
• Milanese titanium bracelet

On the Series 10, you can vary the bracelet according to your preferences. The Ultra 2, for its part, is not just trying to offer you an aesthetic choice. Each bracelet is designed for a specific use: you will have the right support and resistance depending on your activity.

Shared Features: All the Health Basics

• Electrical heart rate sensor (ECG app)
• Vital Signs app with respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep time
• Sleep tracking with sleep apnea notifications.
• Mindfulness app with mindset tracking.
• High g-force accelerometer (up to 256 g) with Fall Detection and Crash Detection.

On this point, the two watches share a multitude of sensors and health features. Whether you choose one or the other, you will find the essentials.

Prix

Apple Watch Series 10

Aluminium

• From €449 for the 42mm version with GPS
• From €479 for the 46mm version with GPS
• From €569 for the 42mm version with GPS + Cellular
• From €599 for the 46mm version with GPS + Cellular

The price may increase if you opt for more premium straps, such as those made from stainless steel, or specific styles made from rubber or textile.

Titanium

• From €799 for the 42mm version
• From €849 for the 46mm version

As with aluminum, prices vary depending on the choice of bracelet.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Base price at €899
• At €999 if you opt for the titanium bracelet

The Series 10 therefore remains more accessible, but the customization options can quickly increase the price.

Conclusion : Apple Watch Series 10 ou Ultra 2 ?

For everyday use, the Series 10 is the best in a connected watch. With all the features you'd expect from an Apple Watch, it's sleeker and lighter, making it convenient to wear every day.

The Ultra 2 is clearly there for those who want more, ready to take on terrain where the Series 10 will have no place. We are here on a modelbuilt for adventure, which stands out with features that Sunday athletes will surely never use... but that some more seasoned athletes or adventurers in general like to have. It is also the Apple Watch which has the best autonomy to date, which may be a sufficient parameter to tip the scales in its favor, especially for those who carry out long activities (ultra-trail, hiking, ultra- cycling distance, etc.).

Editor-in-chief for iPhon.fr. Pierre is like Indiana Jones, looking for the lost iOS trick. Also a long-time Mac user, Apple devices hold no secrets for him. Contact: pierre[a]iphon.fr.