From PCMAG · Will Greenwald · · 2m
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Ultra 3: Clear Winner, But Upgrade Not Recommended
Apple Watch Ultra 4 beats Ultra 3 in health features but upgrading costs more.
In brief
Apple Watch Ultra 4 beats Ultra 3 in health features but upgrading costs more. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has better health tracking and AI features than the Ultra 3, but the price difference makes upgrading unnecessary for most users. Originally reported by PCMAG.
Price: Still Starts at $799
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 comes in one size (49mm), one casing material (titanium), and one wireless configuration (GPS and cellular) for $799, the same as the Ultra 3.
Design: Identical Look and Feel
The Ultra 4 is nearly identical to its predecessor, with the exact same shape and measurements for its titanium body, and the same choice of natural titanium or black finishes.
Health and Fitness: Smarter Sensors and Readiness Scores
Apple introduces its new S11 chip as the brains of the Ultra 4 and the Series 12, adding new AI and health features that the S10-equipped Ultra 3 lacks.
AI Features: Audio Intelligence and Always-On Processing
The S11 adds new AI tricks to the Ultra 4 beyond holistic health tracking, enabling an upcoming Audio Intelligence feature that listens throughout the day for AI summaries and guidance.
Durability: Equally Equipped for Adventure
The Ultra 3 is already a practically bulletproof smartwatch with a titanium body and a sapphire crystal display, tested to MIL-STD-810H standards.
Connectivity: Equal Signal Strength Everywhere
Both watches get dual-band Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G, LTE cellular connectivity, satellite connectivity, and precision L1/L5 dual-frequency GPS.
Battery Life: A Weekend-Ready Endurance Bump
The Ultra 4 has an estimated battery life of up to 50 hours, running for 74 hours before needing a charge without power-saving mode.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 wins in health features and AI capabilities but ties in design, durability, and connectivity.
Price: Still Starts at $799
The Ultra 4 with a Titanium Milanese Loop costs $899, and the Hermès Ultra 4 ranges from $1,499 to $3,149.
Here's the gist
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has better health tracking and AI features than the Ultra 3, but the price difference makes upgrading unnecessary for most users.
