Apple Watch 10 vs. Ultra 2: All the differences in comparison

The differences between the Series 10 and Ultra 2 are small – but depending on your requirements, they can be very big.
The differences between the Series 10 and Ultra 2 are small – but depending on your requirements, they can be very big.

Apple is launching a new top smartwatch: the Series 10. On paper, it comes dangerously close to the current Ultra version, as our sober comparison of the two watches shows.

So much in advance: Both watches have very clear target groups and it is precisely where the needs diverge that the biggest differences arise.

Apple Watch 10 and Ultra 2 in spec comparison

	Apple Watch 10	Apple Watch Series 2
Sizes	42 millimeters 46 millimeters	49 millimeters
Colors	Aluminium: Silver, Rose Gold, Diamond Black Titanium: Natural, Gold, Slate	Naturally Black
Mass	42 millimeters: 36 x 9.7 millimeters 46 millimeters: 39 x 9.7 millimeters	44 x 14.4 millimeters
Weight	42 millimeters: 30 grams; 46 millimeters: 36 grams	61 grams
Advertisement	42 millimeters: 374 x 446 pixels, 326 PPI 46 millimeters: 416 x 496 pixels, 326 PPI	410 x 502 pixels, 326 PPI
Maximum brightness	2,000 nits	3,000 nits
Features	Electrical heart sensor (ECG app) 3rd generation optical heart sensor Blood oxygen app Cycle protocol with retrospective ovulation estimates Nighttime temperature measurement on the wrist Sleep Tracking Sleep Apnea Messages Vital signs app with heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration Mindfulness app with state of mind protocol Training load Waypoints, backtrack and elevation view	Electrical heart sensor (ECG app) 3rd generation optical heart sensor Blood oxygen app Cycle protocol with retrospective ovulation estimates Nighttime temperature measurement on the wrist Sleep Tracking Sleep Apnea Messages Vital signs app with heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration Mindfulness app with state of mind protocol Training load Waypoints, backtrack and elevation view
Battery life	18 hours	36 hours
Waterproof	50 meters	100 meters EN 13319 standard
Oceanic+	Snorkeling app	App for use as a dive computer
Altimeter	Always active altimeter	Always active altimeter with extended operating range from -500 m to 9,000 m
siren	No	Yes
Dust-proof	Yes, according to IP6X	Yes, according to IP6X
GPS	L1 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and BeiDou	L1 and L5 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and BeiDou
LTE	Optional	Yes
compatibility	iOS18	iOS 17 or higher
processor	Season 10	Season 9
Price	from 449 euros	899 euros

Apple Watch 10 vs. Ultra 2: Display and casing

The display of the two smartwatch generations differs in several ways, for example in brightness:

Apple Watch Ultra 2: up to 3,000 nits
Apple Watch 10: up to 2,000 nits

While we’re still impressed by the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s peak brightness in direct sunlight, we find the Series 9’s brightness of up to 2,000 nits to be more than sufficient.

New to the Series 10, however, is a special OLED display for the outwardly curved edge of the display, which, according to the manufacturer, boasts a “40 percent bright viewing angle.”

Such an improvement could be beneficial when cycling, for example.

Ultra2
Series 10
Ultra2

The Series 10 is again available in many colors and options.

Further differences can be found in the display sizes. While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts a whopping 49 millimeters, the Series 10 comes in either 42 or even 46 millimeters. This means that the differences in display size are smaller than ever.

The Series 10 is also getting closer to its big sister with its new (and above all more expensive) case selection: the tenth generation is also available in titanium.

Apple Watch 10 vs. Ultra 2: Wearing comfort

We haven’t been able to strap the Series 10 around our wrists yet, but we have been able to wear the previous versions and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

It is obvious (or rather obvious on the arm) that Apple’s Ultra iteration is much bulkier and more ostentatious – which some people will certainly like.