The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s most premium smartwatch. It targets athletes, extreme sports enthusiasts, and adventurers.

Its price is higher than the Apple Watch Series 10. Many buyers ask if Ultra justifies its cost in 2026. This review explores specs, features, battery, durability, and usability.

Design and Build Quality

The Ultra has a titanium case that resists scratches and dents. It is heavier (≈61g) and larger than Series 10. Dimensions are 49mm x 44mm, slightly bigger than Samsung Ultra. Sapphire crystal glass protects the screen from scratches. The casing meets MIL-STD 810H standards for extreme durability. It feels sturdy in hand but slightly bulky for small wrists. Side buttons and the new Action Button are easy to press. Apple Watch Ultra is water-resistant up to 100m for diving. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is rugged too but less dive-focused. The design balances toughness with a premium titanium look.

Display Quality

The Ultra features a 1.97-inch Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display. Peak brightness reaches 2000 nits, ideal for outdoor sunlight. Colors are vivid with accurate whites and deep blacks. Series 10 offers a smaller, slightly dimmer AMOLED display. Samsung Ultra has comparable brightness but slightly larger screen area. Touch responsiveness is smooth for swiping, scrolling, and workouts. Ultra supports always-on display, showing metrics without raising the wrist. Text and icons remain sharp in bright sunlight. It also supports Night Mode for dark environments. Display size and quality make the Ultra ideal for outdoor adventures.

Battery Life

Apple claims 36 hours battery under normal use. With Low Power Mode, battery can extend up to 72 hours. This beats Series 10’s typical 18–24 hour battery. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra can last 4–5 days in normal usage. Battery life is excellent for long hiking or multi-day trips. Heavy GPS use reduces endurance to roughly 20–24 hours. Streaming music and cellular calls drain battery faster. Charging is fast with USB-C, reaching 80% in 45 minutes. Long battery is critical for athletes and explorers. Overall, Ultra outperforms most Apple Watches in battery efficiency.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Apple Watch Ultra features advanced sensors for health tracking. Tracks heart rate, SpO₂, ECG, temperature, and VO2 max. Sleep tracking and stress monitoring are integrated with Apple Health. Series 10 offers similar sensors, but Ultra ads precision. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra includes heart rate, SpO₂, and sleep. Ultra supports multi-sport modes, including running, swimming, cycling, and hiking. It auto-detects workouts in select activities. Heart rate notifications alert during abnormal readings. ECG and SpO₂ readings are FDA-cleared in several regions. Apple Watch Ultra is ideal for serious fitness enthusiasts.

GPS and Outdoor Features

Ultra has dual-frequency GPS for highly accurate location tracking. Supports offline maps for hiking and backcountry navigation. Action Button allows quick start of workouts or waypoints. Series 10 supports GPS but lacks advanced navigation features. Samsung Ultra offers GPS but offline maps are limited. Compass, altimeter, and barometer provide precise outdoor metrics. Ultra supports waypoint marking for multi-day trekking. Hikers and explorers benefit from GPS reliability in Ultra. Ultra’s tracking is superior to most smartwatches under $800. Navigation integration with Apple Maps enhances real-time guidance.

Dive and Water Sports

Apple Watch Ultra is certified for water sports up to 100m. It supports recreational scuba, snorkeling, and freediving. Depth gauge and water temperature sensors assist diving metrics. Series 10 is swim-proof but unsuitable for diving. Samsung Ultra supports swimming but not deep dives. Water-based athletes gain actionable data with Ultra. Notifications remain active in waterproof mode. Apple Watch Ultra sets a new benchmark for dive watches.

Connectivity and Smart Features

Ultra supports cellular LTE models for calls without iPhone. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi maintain seamless connectivity for notifications. Apple Pay works independently on Ultra, even without phone nearby. Series 10 also supports LTE, but smaller battery limits use. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra offers LTE but integration is Android-focused. Music control and camera remote enhance convenience. Third-party app support is rich via watchOS. Ultra supports emergency SOS and fall detection. For adventurers, cellular LTE is highly valuable. Ultra provides a complete connected experience.

Software and Ecosystem

Apple Watch Ultra runs watchOS 10, fully compatible with iPhone. Series 10 shares many software features but lacks Ultra’s hardware. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra runs Wear OS, compatible with Android. Ultra supports Apple Fitness+ integration for guided workouts. Notifications, reminders, and calendar alerts sync instantly with iPhone. Software experience is smooth, intuitive, and reliable. Fitness apps, timers, alarms, and navigation apps are pre-installed. Watch-OS updates are free and frequent for Ultra users. Ultra-integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices. Samsung cannot match full iOS ecosystem integration.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Apple Watch Ultra:

• Rugged titanium build
• Bright 1.97-inch OLED display
• Long battery: 36–72 hours
• Advanced fitness and health tracking
• Water/dive ready up to 100m
• Cellular LTE and Apple Pay
• Accurate GPS and offline maps

Cons of Apple Watch Ultra:

• Expensive ($799+ in 2026)
• Heavy for small wrists
• Android users cannot use Ultra
• Some features overlap Series 10
• Large size may feel bulky for casual users

Price vs Value

Apple Watch Ultra starts at $799–$899 in 2026. Series 10 costs $399–$499 with most features. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra costs $699–$749 in 2026. Battery, build, and dive features justify Ultra’s price for adventurers. For casual users, Series 10 or SE offers better value.

Who Should Buy Apple Watch Ultra?

Athletes and adventurers benefit most from Ultra. Hikers, runners, and divers gain from GPS and durability. Frequent travelers like LTE models for calls without iPhone. Casual fitness users may save money on Series 10. Ultra is worth it only if you need toughness.

Apple Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Series 10 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

Conclusion

The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s most rugged smartwatch. It excels in battery, sensors, GPS, and durability. Casual users may not need Ultra’s premium features. Athletes and explorers find Ultra a justified investment. Price is high, but performance and reliability justify cost. Ultra continues to set the benchmark in premium smartwatches.