Apple has raised the bar again with the launch of the Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3. These watches offer a wealth of features in various ways. I’ve written about them here.
In this comparison, you will learn:
- The full specifications of Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 in a side-by-side table
- How the two watches differ in design, display, and durability
- The latest health, fitness, and Apple Intelligence features you should know
- Which model offers better value for your needs in 2025
Let’s start immediately!
Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 Specifications
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Case Sizes | 46mm or 42mm | 49mm |
| Case Materials | Aluminum (Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black), Titanium (Natural, Gold, Slate) | Titanium (Natural, Black) |
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, up to 2000 nits, 416×496 px (46mm), 374×446 px (42mm) | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, up to 3000 nits, 422×514 px, 1245 sq mm area |
| Brightness Range | 1 nit minimum to 2000 nits max | 1 nit minimum to 3000 nits max |
| Chipset | S10 chip, 64-bit dual-core, W3 wireless, 4-core Neural Engine, 64GB storage | S10 chip, 64-bit dual-core, W3 wireless, 4-core Neural Engine, 64GB storage |
| Sensors | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Optical HR, Temp sensing, Sleep apnea notifications, Vitals app, Depth gauge to 6m, Water temp sensor | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Optical HR, Temp sensing, Sleep apnea notifications, Vitals app, Depth gauge to 40m, Water temp sensor |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS (L1), 5G/LTE (Cellular models), Ultra Wideband chip, Precision Finding | Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5), 5G/LTE, Ultra Wideband chip, Precision Finding, Satellite |
| Safety | Emergency SOS, Fall & Crash Detection, International emergency calling | Emergency SOS, SOS via satellite, Fall & Crash Detection, International emergency calling, Built-in Siren |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs (38 hrs Low Power), fast charge (0–80% in 30 mins), 15 min = 8 hrs use | Up to 42 hrs (72 hrs Low Power), fast charge (0–80% in 45 mins), 15 min = 12 hrs use |
| Durability | WR 50m, Swim/Snorkel (up to 6m), Ion-X glass (aluminum), Sapphire crystal (titanium), IP6X dust resistant | WR 100m, Swim/Snorkel/Scuba (up to 40m), Sapphire crystal display, IP6X dust resistant, MIL-STD-810H certified |
| Weight | 30–43g (depending on case size/material) | 61.6–61.8g (depending on finish) |
| Price (USD) | From $399 (GPS, aluminum) / $499 (GPS+Cellular) / $699 (Titanium) | $799 (GPS+Cellular only) |
Let me break down the features so you know what to expect with these two.
Design and display
Apple Watch Series 11
The Series 11 continues Apple’s tradition of slim, lightweight cases, prioritizing comfort and style. It is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes and caters to different wrist sizes without overwhelming smaller wrists. Buyers can choose from colorful aluminum finishes or premium titanium options, allowing the watch to fit casual, professional, or formal settings.
Its Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display delivers up to 2000 nits of brightness, which is more than enough for outdoor use, including bright summer days. With support for as low as 1 nit, it adapts seamlessly in low-light conditions, like theaters or at night, without straining the eyes.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Ultra 3 takes design in a different direction. It measures 49mm and weighs over 61 grams, and is built exclusively from titanium in either natural or black finishes. The case is designed to withstand shocks, extreme climates, and demanding environments. Its flat sapphire crystal display is surrounded by protective edges, reducing the chance of impact damage.
The brightness climbs to 3000 nits, making it the brightest display Apple has ever shipped in a watch. This matters for divers, mountaineers, and outdoor athletes who rely on their watches in challenging light conditions. The larger display area also provides more room for maps, workout stats, and health data at a glance.
Verdict: The Series 11 appeals to those who want a sleek, stylish watch for daily use, while the Ultra 3 is for those who want the toughest and brightest option possible.
Chipset and connectivity
The Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 run on the S10 chip, a 64-bit dual-core processor with a 4-core Neural Engine designed for faster performance, smoother app handling, and advanced on-device AI tasks such as gesture control and health insights. Each model includes 64GB of storage for apps, music, and maps.
The Series 11’s connectivity covers Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 4, 5G/LTE, and L1 GPS for standard navigation. The Ultra 3 expands this with dual-frequency L1 and L5 GPS for precision tracking and satellite connectivity for SOS, Find My, and messaging. It also features a three-microphone array for clearer calls and the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, enabling Precision Finding and integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
Verdict: Tie performance.
Health and fitness features
Both models are equipped with Apple’s most advanced health suite to date:
- ECG app for detecting irregular heart rhythms.
- Blood Oxygen app for monitoring oxygen saturation.
- Optical heart rate sensor for tracking everyday activity and workouts.
- Temperature sensing for cycle tracking and wellness insights.
- Sleep apnea notifications powered by new algorithms.
- Vitals app that consolidates core health stats.
Unique to Ultra 3
The Ultra 3 sets itself apart in its expanded range of sensors. Its depth gauge is rated for up to 40 meters for scuba diving, far beyond the Series 11’s 6-meter recreational swim support. When coupled with a water temperature sensor, it becomes a genuine tool for professional divers and water sports enthusiasts.
Additionally, the Ultra 3’s dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) enhances accuracy in dense urban areas, forests, and mountain ranges, where single-band GPS often struggles. This ensures precise route mapping for runners, cyclists, and hikers, even in challenging terrain.
Verdict: The Series 11 provides more than enough health and fitness tracking for most users. The Ultra 3, however, is the clear choice for divers, endurance athletes, and those who need top-tier GPS accuracy.
Durability and battery life
Apple Watch Series 11
Apple has designed the Series 11 with everyday durability in mind. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not for high-depth diving. Aluminum models utilize Ion-X glass, while titanium models employ sapphire crystal for enhanced scratch resistance. The Series 11 is also IP6X dust-resistant.
Battery life lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge, with the option to extend to 38 hours in Low Power Mode. Thanks to fast charging, 15 minutes on the puck delivers around 8 hours of use, making it convenient for overnight recovery.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Ultra 3 is built for extremes. Rated water-resistant up to 100 meters, it handles recreational scuba diving, high-velocity water sports, and rugged conditions. The display is sapphire across all models, protected by titanium edges. It also meets MIL-STD-810H, a U.S. military standard for testing equipment against shock, temperature, and altitude.
Battery life is extended to 42 hours on standard mode and 72 hours on Low Power Mode. Its fast charging offers 12 hours of runtime from a 15-minute charge, essential for athletes who can’t afford downtime.
Verdict: The Ultra 3 doubles down on durability and battery life, making it the best choice for demanding users, while the Series 11 is tuned for balanced, everyday resilience.
Apple intelligence and software
Both watches debut with watchOS 11, enhanced by Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new personal AI framework built into iOS 26 and beyond.
Key capabilities
- Contextual Siri: Smarter responses that reference your calendar, health data, or reminders without needing your iPhone.
- Adaptive insights: Personalized coaching based on fitness patterns.
- Natural notifications: The watches now summarize long alerts into concise, actionable updates.
- Safety enhancements: Crash, fall, and emergency alerts now integrate with location-aware satellite features (Ultra 3 exclusive).
Differences
On the Ultra 3, Apple Intelligence also powers extended outdoor features like route optimization for GPS workouts and more innovative dive analytics. Series 11, while equally capable in daily AI functions, doesn’t integrate satellite-based SOS or advanced outdoor metrics.
Verdict: Both deliver Apple’s most advanced AI-driven software yet, but Ultra 3 layers in more outdoor-oriented enhancements.
Price and value
The Apple Watch Series 11 costs $399 for the aluminum GPS version, $499 for the GPS + Cellular model, and $699 for the titanium model.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a single cellular titanium configuration at $799.
From a value perspective, the Series 11 offers consumers more flexibility at a lower entry price, particularly those who require fitness tracking, notifications, and everyday convenience. The Ultra 3 is priced higher but offers durability, advanced GPS, an extended battery, and satellite connectivity, which justify the cost for its target audience.
Final takeaways
- The Apple Watch Series 11 is best suited for general users who want a stylish, lightweight, and affordable smartwatch with all the latest Apple Health features.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 is perfect for athletes, divers, and explorers who require extreme durability, advanced GPS, and longer battery life.
- Both models benefit from Apple Intelligence and represent significant steps forward in AI-driven health and productivity.
Finally,
The choice between the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Ultra 3 is influenced mainly by lifestyle. If you want a versatile everyday smartwatch at an accessible price, the Series 11 is more than enough. If your life demands rugged endurance, brighter displays, and satellite-enabled safety, the Ultra 3 is built for you. Both reflect Apple’s strategy of tailoring its technology to different needs, ensuring a model for every type of user.
Looking to upgrade? Pre-order offers are available on Apple’s official store or check carriers for trade-in deals that make stepping up to Series 11 or Ultra 3 even more worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the main differences between Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3?
- Series 11 is slimmer, lighter, and more affordable, while Ultra 3 is larger, more durable, brighter, and built for extreme sports.
2. Which Apple Watch is better for fitness tracking?
- Both track core health metrics, but Ultra 3 offers dual-frequency GPS and diving features, making it better for serious athletes.
3. Can I swim with both models?
- Yes, but Series 11 is limited to 50m and recreational swimming, while Ultra 3 is certified for up to 40m scuba diving.
4. Do both models support Apple Intelligence?
- Yes, both run watchOS 11 with Apple Intelligence, though Ultra 3 gets added outdoor and satellite-based features.
5. How long does the battery last on each watch?
- Series 11 lasts up to 24 hours (38 hours in Low-Power Mode), and Ultra 3 lasts 42 hours (72 hours in Low-Power Mode).
6. What materials are available for each watch?
- Series 11 is sold in aluminum and titanium. Ultra 3 is titanium-only.
7. Do they both support fast charging?
- Yes. Series 11 charges 0–80% in 30 minutes, Ultra 3 in 45 minutes.
8. Which model is better for small wrists?
- Series 11, with its 42mm and 46mm sizes, is more suitable for smaller wrists. Ultra 3 is larger at 49mm.
9. What is the starting price of each?
- Series 11 starts at $399, while Ultra 3 is $799.
10. Should I upgrade if I own a Series 10 or Ultra 2?
- Yes, if you want the latest Apple Intelligence integration, brighter displays, and improved sensors. For casual users, Series 10 and Ultra 2 remain capable, but Series 11 and Ultra 3 push forward on AI, battery, and safety.
