How Apple Watch Series 11 Differs From Ultra 3
In 2025, Apple decided to update all three Apple Watch models at the same time. This happens less often than you might think. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 came out in 2023, and the SE 2 was last updated in 2022. This year, the Series 11 and Ultra 3 came out at the same time, and they share quite a bit of commonality when it comes to internal components. But they’re still quite different. One is a $399 smartwatch that’s perfect for most people, while the other costs twice as much at $799. But it has the largest screen, the longest battery life, the most durable case, and the most accurate GPS of any Apple Watch. Which one is right for you?
Display and design
The Apple Watch Series 11 comes in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm, while the Watch Ultra 3 only comes in one: 49mm. The Series 11 comes in aluminum by default, but you can get a titanium case (starting at $699, which is pretty close to the price of the Ultra 3). The Watch Ultra 3 only comes in titanium.
The Ultra 3, however, stands out. The Series 11 features a thin profile, lightweight body, and curved glass. The Ultra 3 has a large, flat display and a durable titanium case with an extra lip to protect the Digital Crown. It looks like a smartwatch for adventurers.
Both watches have the same basic screen specs, but the Watch Ultra 3’s screen can be much brighter. Both feature wide-angle LTPO3 OLED displays, and without taking anything away from the Series 11, Apple says it’s twice as scratch-resistant as the Series 10.
The Watch Ultra 3 display, however, is beyond reproach. It reaches up to 3,000 nits of brightness (up from 2,000 nits on the Series 11), making it the largest display ever on an Apple Watch. Apple has managed to shrink the bezels this generation to make the screen a little larger. Both devices also support a 1Hz refresh rate in Always-On Display, allowing you to see your watch face update in seconds (and see complications change) without lifting your finger or draining your battery.
While the screen quality is basically the same, for many the deciding factor will likely be how the watch looks and feels on the wrist. The Series 11 is 9.7mm thick, while the Ultra 3 is 12mm thick. That’s pretty big for a wristwatch.
The situation is similar with weight. The 42 mm Series 11 in an aluminum case weighs 30.3 grams, and the 46 mm version, which is closest to the Ultra 3, weighs 37.8 grams. But the Apple Watch Ultra 3 weighs 61.6 grams. That’s almost 24 grams more!
The Apple Watch Series 11 is available in several colors and finishes, such as Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray (new this year), and Jet Black. There is also a Titanium lineup available in Natural, Gold, and Slate finishes. The Ultra 3 model is only available in two colors: Natural Titanium and Black Titanium.
Both smartwatches are powered by the same S10 chip and have 64GB of storage, so they’re about equal in terms of basic performance.
Extended battery life
The Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 promise six hours more battery life than the standard. The Series 11 now lasts up to 24 hours (up from 18 hours). However, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 can last up to 42 hours on a single charge (up from 36 hours for the Ultra 2).
Power Saving Mode on the Series 11 supposedly extends battery life to 38 hours, while the Ultra 3 can extend it to 72 hours. Both models support fast charging: the Series 11 can be charged from 0 to 80% in about 30 minutes, while the Ultra 3 can be charged in 45 minutes. A quick 15-minute charge on the Series 11 will add 8 hours of use, while the Ultra 3 will add 12 hours.
5G, GPS and satellite communications
This year, both phones support 5G connectivity if you opt for the cellular model (which costs $100 more). 5G connectivity allows for faster downloads and streaming of podcasts and music. It also ensures a smooth connection even in patchy conditions.
However, the Ultra 3 goes one step further and adds satellite connectivity, which is not available on the Series 11. It works similarly to how it works on the latest iPhone models. You can use satellite connectivity to contact emergency services, as well as send quick messages to friends and family. This could be a great way to let friends know your safety and location when you’re traveling in areas with poor reception. Satellite connectivity is free for two years after purchase, but we don’t yet know how much it will cost after that. Apple already provides satellite service for free on older iPhones , so it’s possible that Apple will do the same for the Ultra 3.
Ultra 3 supports L1 and L5 GPS including GLONASS, while Series 11 only supports L1 GPS.
Ultra 3 has an action button and exclusive watch faces
Because the Ultra 3 is focused on fitness and activity tracking, it features a dedicated Action button and specialized activity-tracking watch faces that the Series 11 lacks. The side Action button can be assigned to open a favorite workout, app, or shortcut. The Watch Ultra offers a number of unique and useful watch faces, including a modular watch face with seven complications and real-time depth and altitude data.
The Ultra 3 has a slight edge in fitness tracking
The Series 11 and Ultra 3 share many sensors and features. They feature the same electrical heart rate sensor, as well as a third-generation optical heart rate sensor, water temperature sensor, altimeter, and depth gauge.
But the Ultra 3’s depth gauge goes down to 40 meters, while the Series 11’s goes down to 6 meters. That’s a big difference for open-water diving. The Ultra 3’s altimeter gives it an extended range of -500 to 9,000 meters (Apple hasn’t yet provided data for the Series 11). The Ultra 3 also has better water resistance, going down to 100 meters versus 50 meters for the Series 11. Both smartwatches are IP6X dust-resistant.
Both devices also support the same core health features, such as ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, training load updates, and more.
The newly added high blood pressure notifications and sleep score are available on both watches, though they’re also being added to older Apple Watch models with the watchOS 26 software update.
Series 11 is the best choice for most users.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers the largest screen, longest battery life, and most accurate GPS tracking of any Apple Watch. It’s also a much better diving watch. But it also comes at a hefty price. The Ultra 3 starts at $799 for the GPS and cellular model (there’s no GPS-only model).
The Ultra 3 is all about the tactile experience. It’s a solid case and the original straps that come with it. But before you buy, I highly recommend going to an Apple Store and testing the watch in person. Only by putting the Ultra on, given its extra weight, will you know whether it’s right for you or not.
So for most people, the Series 11 is probably the better choice. The 46mm version still has a big enough screen. It’s also thinner and lighter, and now has a promised battery life of up to 24 hours. Plus, it offers all the health and fitness tracking features of the Ultra 3. Plus, the Series 11 starts at $399 for the 42mm model and $429 for the 46mm (plus a $100 cellular upgrade). At those prices, the Series 11 makes more sense, offering everything the average smartwatch user needs in a package that’s not too expensive.