Apple Watch Ultra 3 & Apple Watch Series 11 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Ultra 3 rather than the Apple Watch Series 11.
Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Ultra 3?
- The Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports dual-frequency precision GPS for more accurate location tracking in dense urban areas and remote terrain, whereas the Apple Watch Series 11 uses standard single-frequency GPS.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 includes a high-capacity battery for up to 42 hours of typical use and 72 hours in low-power mode, while the Apple Watch Series 11 provides up to 24 hours and shorter low-power performance.
- It features satellite communication for emergency SOS and off-grid messaging to maintain contact, whereas the Apple Watch Series 11 relies solely on cellular networks.
- The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a 3,000-nit display for excellent readability in direct sunlight or harsh outdoor environments, while the Apple Watch Series 11 reaches about 2,000 nits.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports water resistance to 100 m with full dive computer functionality for recreational scuba diving, whereas the Apple Watch Series 11 supports water resistance to 50 m.
- It includes an Action button for customizable shortcuts to workouts, navigation tools, or emergency features, while the Apple Watch Series 11 lacks a dedicated programmable button.
- The Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes with an advanced three-microphone array and beam-forming technology for clearer voice calls in windy outdoor conditions, whereas the Apple Watch Series 11 uses a standard dual-microphone system.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 features a 49 mm titanium case with a flat sapphire crystal display for superior durability and scratch resistance, while the Apple Watch Series 11 uses a smaller aluminum or titanium case.
Maybe the Apple Watch Series 11 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra 3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
Display resolution | 422 × 514 px | 374 × 446 px |
Display area | ~1245 mm² | ~989 mm² |
Display | Wide-angle OLED + LTPO3, very thin bezels | OLED + LTPO |
Maximum brightness | Very high | High |
Always-On refresh rate | Moves from once per minute to once per second on faces | Standard always-on refresh |
Battery life (normal use) | Up to ~42 hours | Up to ~24 hours |
Battery life (low power mode) | Up to ~72 hours | Extended mode |
Fast charging yield (15 min) | ~12 hours use | ~8 hours use |
Connectivity options | 5G + satellite communications | 5G only |
Water support | Water resistant to 100 m | Water resistant to 50 m |
GPS | Dual-frequency precision GPS | Standard GPS with maps |
Safety features | Emergency SOS via satellite; loud siren; rugged features | Emergency SOS via cellular; crash detection |
Glass | Sapphire crystal | Ion-X |
Price | Check Apple Ultra 3 Price | Check Apple Series 11 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- watchOS 11 operating system: Both models run the same latest watchOS version, ensuring an identical interface, app compatibility, and access to new software features and updates over time.
- S9 SiP processor with Neural Engine: Each watch uses Apple’s S9 system-in-package, delivering the same fast performance, efficient power management, and on-device Siri processing for quicker responses.
- Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display: Both provide a bright, power-efficient screen that stays visible at a glance, allowing users to check the time, metrics, or notifications without raising the wrist.
- 64-bit dual-core CPU architecture: They share the same modern processor design, giving smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and consistent responsiveness.
- 64GB internal storage: Each model offers ample storage for apps, music, podcasts, and watch faces, so users can keep content accessible without relying on constant streaming.
- Heart rate monitoring (optical & electrical): Both watches feature advanced heart sensors for continuous monitoring and high/low heart rate notifications, supporting fitness tracking and health alerts.
- Crash detection: Both can detect severe car accidents using motion sensors and alert emergency services if the user is unresponsive, adding critical safety protection.
- Fall detection: Each can recognize hard falls and automatically call emergency services if needed, offering peace of mind during daily activities or outdoor adventures.
- Emergency SOS (cellular): Both can quickly contact emergency services and share location information through the side button, even without a nearby iPhone when cellular is active.
- International roaming with eSIM: Each watch supports eSIM for global cellular connectivity, allowing calls, texts, and data usage abroad without swapping physical SIMs.
- Apple Pay with double-click side button: Both enable secure, tap-to-pay transactions, letting users leave their wallet or phone behind for convenient purchases.
- Fitness+, Activity rings, and workout modes: Each supports Apple’s comprehensive fitness ecosystem, tracking dozens of workout types and syncing with Apple Fitness+ classes.
- Precision Find My for iPhone: Both integrate the U1 chip for ultra-wideband tracking, making it easy to locate a misplaced iPhone with directional guidance.
- IP6X dust resistance: Each watch is certified for dust protection, ensuring reliability in dusty environments like trails, beaches, or construction sites.
Common Features
Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
watchOS 11 operating system | Yes | Yes |
S9 SiP processor with Neural Engine | Yes | Yes |
Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display | Yes | Yes |
64-bit dual-core CPU architecture | Yes | Yes |
64GB internal storage | Yes | Yes |
Heart rate monitoring (optical & electrical) | Yes | Yes |
ECG app capability | Yes | Yes |
Blood oxygen (SpO₂) sensor | Yes | Yes |
Skin temperature sensing | Yes | Yes |
Sleep tracking with advanced metrics | Yes | Yes |
Crash detection | Yes | Yes |
Fall detection | Yes | Yes |
Emergency SOS (cellular) | Yes | Yes |
International roaming with eSIM | Yes | Yes |
Apple Pay with double-click side button | Yes | Yes |
Fitness+, Activity rings, and workout modes | Yes | Yes |
Precision Find My for iPhone | Yes | Yes |
IP6X dust resistance | Yes | Yes |
Price | Check Apple Ultra 3 Price | Check Apple Series 11 Price |