From PCMAG · Will Greenwald · · 3m
Apple Watch Series 12 vs. Ultra 4: Worth Double the Price?
The Ultra 4 costs twice as much but shares core features with the Series 12. Here's where each watch wins.
In brief
The Ultra 4 costs twice as much but shares core features with the Series 12. Here's where each watch wins. The Series 12 is the better value for everyday users, while the Ultra 4 justifies its price only if you need satellite messaging, extreme durability, or three-day battery life. Originally reported by PCMAG.
Series 12 starts at $399, Ultra 4 at $799
The Series 12 begins at $399 for the 42mm aluminum GPS model, while the Ultra 4 costs $799 for a single 49mm titanium model with cellular. Ceramic and Hermes editions push both into luxury territory.
Series 12 offers more colors and sizes
The Series 12 comes in aluminum, titanium, or ceramic in two sizes (42mm and 46mm) with multiple color options. The Ultra 4 is available only in one size with black or natural titanium finishes.
Both get the same AI chip
Both watches use Apple's S11 chip, which enables Audio Intelligence. This feature listens to conversations and surroundings all day, providing AI summaries and sound notifications for people who are hard of hearing.
Audio Intelligence processes locally
Apple says the S11 chip has dedicated hardware to locally process and delete audio recordings. Speakers aren't identified, and sensitive information isn't kept, according to the company.
Identical health and fitness features
Both watches offer a readiness score from zero to ten, improved step tracking, and redesigned heart rate sensors that measure every five seconds. Heart rate variability is measured up to twenty-four times more often than before.
iPhone Health app gets longevity tracking
The redesigned Health app includes a new Longevity tab that calculates your body's Health Age based on holistic health data from both watch models.
Ultra 4 has satellite messaging
The Ultra 4 can send messages and emergency signals via satellite even without cellular coverage, useful for remote hiking. It also has dual L1 and L5 GPS for more precise tracking versus the Series 12's L1 GPS only.
Ultra 4 rated for extreme conditions
Both are IP6X dustproof, but the Ultra 4 is water-resistant to 328 feet and safe for diving to 141 feet with EN13319 certification. The Series 12 is only rated to 164 feet and not recommended for diving.
Ultra 4 passes military durability test
The Ultra 4 is tested to MIL-STD 810H military standards for environmental stress, meaning it can survive conditions that might damage the Series 12.
Series 12 lasts 54.5 hours on battery
In real-world testing with always-on display and daily GPS workouts, the Series 12 lasted 54.5 hours, far exceeding Apple's 24-hour estimate.
Ultra 4 lasts 74 hours on battery
The Ultra 4 lasted 74 hours under the same testing conditions, beating Apple's 50-hour estimate. That's enough for a weekend trip without a charger.
Ultra 4 wins on extreme features
The Ultra 4 justifies its $400 premium with satellite messaging, military durability, dive certification, and superior battery life. The Series 12 is the better value for everyday users.
The headline
The Series 12 is the better value for everyday users, while the Ultra 4 justifies its price only if you need satellite messaging, extreme durability, or three-day battery life.
