OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£790Screen size:?Battery life:1.75 daysDisplay type:OLED

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 22 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

8.3

Overall score

Score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

Technical score

30%

8.4

Review score ( 10 · 12)

Review score 30% · 8.4 · based on 22 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 18 more reviews are not scored yet.
★Better than 92% of smartwatches
8.3

Technical score

Technical score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

24%

7.7

Health

21%

10

Fitness

16%

5.3

Battery

14%

10

Smart features

12%

8.4

Connectivity

9%

8.4

Display & Design

4%

7.8

Hardware

★Better than 91% of smartwatches
8.4

Review score

Review score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models
Grades by review (22)
10 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
3

7.9%

9.0

trustedreviews.com

7.9%

8.0

techadvisor.com

6.3%

9.0

telegraph.co.uk

Video reviews 3

3.2%

9.0

Nikias Molina

3.2%

9.0

The Quantified Scientist

3.2%

5.0

Brian Minor

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▲Better than 86% of smartwatches
  • apple-watch-ultra-3
apple-watch-ultra-3

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Apple Watch Ultra 3

Technical score
Technical score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components:

24%

7.7

Health

21%

10

Fitness

16%

5.3

Battery

14%

10

Smart features

12%

8.4

Connectivity

9%

8.4

Display & Design

4%

7.8

Hardware

8.3
Review score
Review score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models
Grades by review (22)
10 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
3

7.9%

9.0

trustedreviews.com

7.9%

8.0

techadvisor.com

6.3%

9.0

telegraph.co.uk

Video reviews 3

3.2%

9.0

Nikias Molina

3.2%

9.0

The Quantified Scientist

3.2%

5.0

Brian Minor

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models
Popularity:
Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a popularity of 7.2 points, which is higher than 60.5% of smartwatches.
7.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components:

60%

8.3

Overall score

40%

6.3

Price

7.7
Brand name
Apple
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
▲ Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
▲ Better than 33% of models
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
Availability may vary by region or model.
ECG
yes
ECG
yes
▲ Better than 84% of models
This smartwatch supports ECG. 83.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
▲ Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
▲ Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
▲ Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
1.75 days
Battery life
1.75 days
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 1.75 days which is shorter than that of 84.8% of smartwatches.
Converted from the reported 42-hour battery life.
Battery life in training mode
14 h
Battery life in training mode
14 h
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 14 h in training mode which is shorter than 58.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.5% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
14 h
Battery life with GPS on
14 h
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 14 h with GPS on which is shorter than 64.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.9% of smartwatches.
Up to 35 hours in low power.
Battery power
599 mAh
Battery power
599 mAh
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 599 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 98.1% of smartwatches.
Charge time
75 min
Charge time
75 min
▲ Better than 76% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 75 min which is faster than 76.2% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 3.3% of smartwatches.
Approximate value from reported charging range: 75 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
watchOS
Operating system
watchOS
★ Better than 96% of models
This smartwatch runs watchOS which is more advanced than the operating system in 95.7% of smartwatches and the same as that in 4.3% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
regular
Software update frequency
regular
★ Better than 94% of models
This smartwatch has regular software update support which is more active than that of 94% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6% of smartwatches.
Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
▲ Better than 32% of models
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
▲ Better than 82% of models
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
SIM cards
1
▲ Better than 2% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
eSIM
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
▲ Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
Galileo support
no
▼ Worse than 39% of models
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
▲ Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
?
Display type
OLED
Display type
OLED
▼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch uses a OLED display type which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 9.6% of smartwatches.
Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
Resolution
422x 514
Resolution
422x 514
▲ Better than 78% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 422x514 which is higher than that of 78.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
326 ppi
Pixel density
326 ppi
▲ Better than 46% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi which is higher than that of 46.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 8.1% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
3,000 nits
Display brightness
3,000 nits
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 3,000 nits of display brightness, which is higher than that of 96.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 3.2% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
Apple S10
Processor model
Apple S10
★ Better than 98% of models
This smartwatch uses the Apple S10 processor model.
RAM
1 GB
RAM
1 GB
▲ Better than 31% of models
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM which is larger than the RAM in 31.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 45.8% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
64 GB
Internal storage
64 GB
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 64 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 98.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.7% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    ▲ Better than 84% of models
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    regular
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    ▲ Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    ▲ Better than 84% of models
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync. Some models rely on third-party integrations.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
    Tracked through official app logging.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Supports external monitors over Bluetooth/BLE.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
  • Route support
    Route support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 50% of models
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • 20 more exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    100
    ▲ Better than 32% of models
    This smartwatch supports more exercise modes than the average smartwatch (100 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    Available in the Workout app on watchOS 9 or later.
    100 vs 80
  • 45 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    75 min
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (75 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    Approximate value from reported charging range: 75 minutes.
    75 min vs 120 min
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • 299 mAh larger battery capacity
    Battery life
    599 mAh days
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a larger battery capacity than the average smartwatch (599 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Converted from the reported 42-hour battery life.
    599 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    ▲ Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    Maps support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
    Supports offline maps.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.3
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (5.3 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    5.3 vs 5.0
  • UWB chip
    UWB chip
    yes
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This smartwatch includes a UWB chip, while the average smartwatch does not. 2.3% of smartwatches include UWB.
    Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    sapphire
    ▲ Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch uses sapphire display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    sapphire vs mineral glass
  • 2,400 nits higher display brightness
    Display brightness
    3,000 nits
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
    This smartwatch has higher display brightness than the average smartwatch (3000 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    3,000 nits vs 600 nits
  • Rugged construction
    Rugged design
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
    Rugged design supported by MIL-STD/military-grade durability claim.
  • Better case material
    Case material
    titanium
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This smartwatch uses titanium for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    aerospace-grade titanium case
    titanium vs polycarbonate
  • Better band material
    Band material
    silicone, nylon, titanium
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    This smartwatch uses silicone, nylon, titanium for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, nylon, titanium vs silicone
  • Higher resolution
    Display type
    422 x 514
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 422x514, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    422x514 vs 352x430
  • 10 °C higher max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    55.0 °C
    ▲ Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a higher maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (55 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    55.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    regular
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 60 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    64 GB
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
    This smartwatch offers more internal storage than the average smartwatch (64 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    64 GB vs 4 GB
  • 4 year/s newer release date
    Release date
    2025
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch has a newer release date than the average smartwatch (2025 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2025
    2025 vs 2021
  • 2 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    3
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This smartwatch has more microphones than the average smartwatch (3 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    3 vs 1
  • More advanced processor model
    Processor model
    Apple S10
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This smartwatch uses the Apple S10 processor model, while the average smartwatch uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko.
    Apple S10 vs Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IP6X
    ▼ Worse than 90% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP6X vs IP68).
    IP6X vs IP68
  • 5.25 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    1.75 days
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 1.8 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from the reported 42-hour battery life.
    1.75 days vs 7 days
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • 16.6 g heavier weight
    Weight
    61.6 g
    ▼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (61.6 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    61.6 g vs 45.0 g
  • 6 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    14 h
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (14 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    Up to 35 hours in low power.
    14 h vs 20 h
  • 6.08x more expensive
    Apple Watch Ultra 3 is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£790 vs £130).
    £790 vs £130
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 5.25 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    1.75 days
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 1.8 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from the reported 42-hour battery life.
    1.75 days vs 7 days
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 6 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    14 h
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (14 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    Up to 35 hours in low power.
    14 h vs 20 h
  • 5.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    14 h
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (14 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    14 h vs 19.25 h
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IP6X
    ▼ Worse than 90% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP6X vs IP68).
    IP6X vs IP68
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • 16.6 g heavier weight
    Weight
    61.6 g
    ▼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (61.6 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    61.6 g vs 45.0 g
  • 10 m lower water resistance depth
    Waterproof depth rating
    40 m
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <1 m – >50 m
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (40 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    40 m vs 50 m
  • Less practical form
    Form
    rectangular
    ▼ Worse than 72% of models
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 4 mm taller watch height
    Height
    49.0 mm
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (49 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    49.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • 0.4 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    12.00 mm
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (12 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    Some sources mention variant-dependent thickness values.
    12.00 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 4 mm wider band
    Width of band
    26.0 mm
    ▼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <20 mm – >22 mm
    This smartwatch has a wider band width than the average smartwatch (26 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    Uses proprietary/non-standard band connector.
    26.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

5.0
Brian Minor
≈ estimated
18/01/2026
Long-term test · 100 days of daily use
Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra 3 is loved by this reviewer, but hard to recommend beyond a few select buyers; Ultra 2 is the better buy.
9.0
Nikias Molina
≈ estimated
14/10/2025
Long-term test · new features, battery and health
Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an excellent watch, especially for Series owners, but not worth upgrading from Ultra 1 or 2.
9.0
The Quantified Scientist
≈ estimated
05/10/2025
Scientific review · heart rate, GPS and data accuracy tests
Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra 3 is one of the best sports trackers for raw data, though its recovery metrics trail Whoop and Oura.
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What reviewers agree on

Based on 11 · 12

The display and satellite connectivity impress, but most find it bulky, battery life splits opinion, and upgrading feels hard to justify.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

dcrainmaker.com
17/11/2025
Not graded yet
8.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
04/02/2026
Hands-on review · Fitness and sleep
Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 suits people new to Apple Watch who want a rugged, long-lasting watch, but it barely differs from the Ultra 2.
theguardian.com
27/10/2025
Not graded yet
theruntesters.com
16/09/2025
Not graded yet
9.0
telegraph.co.uk
✓ explicit
11/02/2026
Three-month test · Fitness and comfort
Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an accurate fitness watch with a rugged design that suits both mountains and meetings, but it is big and heavy.
techradar.com
02/10/2025
Not graded yet
iculture.nl
03/10/2025
Not graded yet
tweakers.net
09/11/2025
Not graded yet
global.techradar.com
14/10/2025
Not graded yet
8.0
wielrenner.eu
≈ estimated
11/01/2026
Sports test · Cycling and training
Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a solid cycling watch for iPhone users, though Garmin's Fenix 8 Pro and 970 win on battery, weight and sport-specific features.
iphoned.nl
19/09/2025
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Apple Watch Ultra 3

  • Brighter wide-angle OLED display with 1Hz always-on refresh rate for easier viewing at angles
  • New satellite connectivity allows for emergency SOS and two-way messaging without cellular signal
  • Longest battery life in the Apple Watch lineup, lasting up to 42 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode)
  • Faster charging, reaching 80% in approximately 45 minutes
  • Rugged titanium build with high water resistance (100m) and dive-ready certification (40m)
  • Highly accurate dual-frequency GPS and heart rate monitoring for intensive outdoor sports

What we don't like about Apple Watch Ultra 3

  • High retail price of approximately $799/£749
  • Incremental update with few major hardware changes compared to the Ultra 2
  • Bulky design can be uncomfortable or look oversized on smaller wrists
  • Battery life still falls significantly behind dedicated adventure watch rivals like Garmin
  • Basic native training analysis compared to professional sports-focused competitors
  • Only compatible with iPhone, limiting its user base

Verdict

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a rugged 49mm aerospace-grade titanium smartwatch featuring a 1.92-inch LTPO3 wide-angle OLED Retina display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a 422x514 resolution. Powered by the S10 SiP with a 4-core Neural Engine and 64GB of storage, it introduces 5G cellular connectivity and emergency satellite SOS capabilities. Main pros include its industry-leading durability with WR100 water resistance and MIL-STD 810H certification, advanced health insights like hypertension and sleep apnea notifications, and an improved battery life of up to 42 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode) with faster charging to 80% in 45 minutes. Main cons are its premium $799 starting price, a bulky design that remains unchanged from previous generations, and the fact that many of its new health features are also available on older models via software updates.

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