Apple Watch Series 9 vs Ultra 2: Which flagship wearable should you buy?
Each of Apple's new watch models delivers significant technical upgrades. They also have plenty of differences. Here's what you should know before buying one.
Apple has dropped the details on its high-anticipated line of new watches, and while the latest entries – the Series 9 and the Ultra 2 – aren't changing a whole lot stylistically from their predecessors, there are actually a fair amount of technical upgrades.
Both watches have Apple's new "double tap" feature to answer calls or other actions by tapping your index finger and thumb twice, both have a new ultra-wideband chip inside, and both have the new S9 SiP (System in Package) that brings 5.6 billion transistors and a 30% faster GPU.
Also: Everything Apple just announced: iPhone 15, Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirPods
Both can be preordered now and will be available for purchase starting Friday, September. 22.
The two watches do have plenty of differences. How do you decide which one is best for your needs? Here's a breakdown of the Apple Watch Series 9 vs. the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Specifications
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Size
41 and 45mm
49mm
Weight31 to 51 grams depending on model61 grams
Display
Flat
Curved
Battery18 hours with typical use / 36 hours on low power mode36 hours with typical use / 72 hours on low power mode CaseAluminum or stainless steelTitaniumWater resistance50 meters100 metersCustomizable action buttonNoYesPrice:$399$799
You should buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if...
1. You're looking to save a little money
Given that both watches deliver a fair number of upgrades from their previous generations, you're doing well to upgrade to either one of these either from an older Apple Watch -- or if you're a brand-new wearer. But if price is a concern, look to the Series 9. You're not "settling" by any means if you choose this watch, as the Ultra 2 carries a few features that only appeal to certain people. But at a cost difference of $400, you're going to have to really need those features. Don't feel like you're going cheap by choosing the Series 9 over the Ultra 2.
Also: The best smartwatches of 2023: Expert tested and reviewed
2. You want more options
Both watches have a plethora of bands available in materials and colors, but the Series 9 has options for the watch itself, including size and material. The S9 has an aluminum finish with Ion-X strengthened glass display and a stainless steel finish with a sapphire crystal display option plus a choice of sizes: 41mm or 45mm. Counting all finishes and colors available, the S9 offers a total of eight options. When it comes to the Ultra, there's one finish and color. You're just choosing a band. If you want a watch where you have a little flexibility in the device itself, go with the S9.
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3. You're buying your first smartwatch and you want the latest tech
If you're new to the world of smartwatches and you want something that does basic smartwatch things that's in the Apple ecosystem, stick with the Series 9. Both the S9 and the Ultra 2 are high-end smartwatches, but the former will do the job just fine if you're looking for a traditional smartwatch. And if you're the type of person who always wants the latest tech, the S9 does have some "inside" improvements over the S8 and you'll still get that buzz of having the newest thing on the market. The price of the Series 8 will most likely drop more once the Series 9 is officially released, but right now there's only a difference of about $50.
Buy the Apple Watch Series 9
$399 at Apple
You should buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if...
Jason Hiner/ZDNET
1. You'll be using it outdoors
The Ultra 2 packs some features that are especially appealing to people who enjoy outdoor/extreme sports. For starters, it has an exclusive new watch face called "Modular Ultra," which displays details like altitude, depth, and seconds. There are special features for hiking and scuba diving, a built-in siren, plus a deep dive into cycling metrics. Additionally, the Ultra 2 has a slightly stronger frame than the Series 9, making it a bit more durable and rugged.
Also: The best fitness rings of 2023: Oura, Evie, and more
This is also Apple's brightest watch ever at 3,000 nits (both the original Ultra and the new Series 9 max out at 2,000 nits), making it easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. The Ultra 2, like the original Ultra, also has a customizable action button that the S9 lacks. You can assign a task to this button, such as starting/stopping a workout, timing with a stopwatch, turning on the flashlight, etc. The "outdoor-friendly" features are easily the single biggest selling point of the Ultra 2 compared to the Series 9.
2. You like a bigger watch face
If you're looking for a big, bold watch, consider the Ultra 2. The Series 9 comes in 41mm and 45mm options while the Ultra 2 looms large at 49mm. Anything around the 45 mm mark or more is considered a large men's watch by most fashion standards, so the size of the Ultra 2 is definitely eye-catching. This is the same size as the current Ultra watch.
3. You need a longer battery life
While technically one of the "outdoors" features, this difference applies to most users. The Ultra 2 has a 36-hour battery life with typical use and 72 hours on low power mode compared to the Series 9's 18-hour battery life. Surpassing the 24-hour battery life mark is a rarity in the world of smartwatches, so if you absolutely need a watch that claims to carry its battery into the next day, the Ultra 2 should be your choice.
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2
View now at Amazon
Alternatives to consider
BEST FITNESS ALTERNATIVE
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 47mm
Samsung's newest smartwatch features fitness tracking, advanced sleep coaching, wellness insights, and more.
View at Amazon
BEST ANDROID ALTERNATIVE
Google Pixel Watch
Google's entry into the smartwatch game has a beautiful rounded face, domed design, and deep Fitbit integration.
View at Amazon
BEST APPLE ALTERNATIVE
Apple Watch Series 8
If you want to stay in the Apple ecosystem, the Series 8 Watch is still a very solid timepiece with many of the same features.
View at Walmart
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Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Garmin Epix Pro: AMOLED adventure watch head-to-head
The Watch Ultra 2 is Apple's latest smartwatch for athletes, explorers, and even divers. So, how does it stack up against Garmin's best GPS sports watch? Here are the key reasons to buy one or the other for your outdoor adventures.
Apple launched the first Apple Watch Ultra in 2022, targeted at the outdoor adventure market where Garmin is dominant. The updated Apple Watch Ultra 2 provides some minor internal upgrades, along with a new colorway, with continued software updates to make it more compelling. Garmin has also listened to its user base and released the Garmin Epix Pro in 2023 as its flagship GPS sports watch with a brilliant AMOLED display, LED flashlight, and much more.
I've reviewed and tested watches from both companies and it's definitely interesting to finally see the two moving into each other's expertise, with Apple bringing more advanced sports tracking capability while Garmin provides advancements in smartphone-connected experiences.
Also: Apple Watch double-tap feature is a game-changer for accessibility
While this article is pitting Apple's latest with Garmin's best GPS sports watch, the Epix Pro, I've reviewed enough of Garmin's less expensive but very capable watches to recommend them for your consideration, too. For now, and from specs and features alone, here are the clear and distinct reasons to purchase one wearable over the other.
Specifications
Garmin Epix Pro (Sapphire)Apple Watch Ultra 2Display1.4-inch 454x454-pixel resolution, AMOLED sapphire crystal49mm 410x502 LTPO OLED sapphire glass touchscreenMaterialsFiber-reinforced polymer case material with titanium bezel and rear coverTitanium casing and three band optionsStorage32GB internal storage32GB internal storageWater resistance10 ATM (100 meters)100 metersConnectivityWiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+, multi-band and dual frequency GNSSLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+, multi-band and dual frequency GNSSSensorsOptical HR, barometer, compass, altimeter, Pulse OxOptical HR, barometer, compass, altimeter, Pulse Ox, skin temperature, water temperature, depth gaugeBatteryUp to 31 days as a smartwatch, 82 hours with GPS trackingUp to 36 hoursDimensions51 x 51 x 15.0mm and 88 grams49 x 44 x 14.4mm and 61.3 gramsPrice$1,099$799
You should buy the Garmin Epix Pro (2nd Gen) if...
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
1. Extremely long battery life is vital
The Garmin Epix Pro has the longest battery life of any Garmin watch with an AMOLED display. The Epix Pro, 51mm model, can last you up to 31 days in smartwatch mode, up to 82 hours with GPS, up to 62 hours with all satellite systems, and up to 17 hours in GPS mode with music playing. There are even longer battery life options with maximizing GPS modes for less frequent intervals.
Although the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has greatly-increased battery life over existing Watch models, 36 hours is still quite low compared to the Epix Pro. We'll have to see what the battery life is in practical scenarios to have a better understanding of Apple's claims.
Also: Garmin Epix Pro review: A near-perfect sports watch
2. Extensive customizable data fields are needed
Apple's latest version of WatchOS includes several new options for data fields, including running power, but Garmin is known for its exhaustive support of customizable data fields in all of its included sports. There are even third-party data fields in the Garmin Connect store to further expand options for athletes beyond what the sports and modes that the company provides.
If you have particular areas of fitness that you are working to improve, you can include these metrics in your Garmin watch. On top of that, users can have multiple fields appear on the main watch face so the workout experience is tailored to your needs.
3. Mapping on the watch is desired
One of the most compelling features of the Garmin Epix Pro is the extensive topographic map support that includes the NextFork feature which helps guide you to the correct trail during outdoor adventures. The touchscreen and buttons facilitate mapping while the large vibrant AMOLED display of the Epix Pro makes navigating directly on the watch practical. It is clearly the best GPS sports watch for mapping on your wrist.
Also: Best sports watches: Garmin, Coros, Polar, and more
Buy Garmin Epix Pro
$1,099 at Amazon
You should buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if...
1. Connectivity and safety are your priority
First and foremost, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 only connects to the iPhone, so Android phone users should look elsewhere. However, if you're an iPhone user, Apple took connectivity to the next level with cellular support provided by default. This means it supports the new crash detection, fall detection, and emergency SOS features. You can call and text, stream music, get directions, and gather information via Siri.
For awareness, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 provides an 86-decibel siren that is designed to attract attention if you find yourself in trouble on the trail.
More: Apple Watch Ultra review: Tougher than a Tough Mudder
2. Smartwatch functions are vital
At its core, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an Apple Watch so all of the smartwatch functionality that makes the Apple Watch the best smartwatch available is present on the Ultra 2. Vast third-party app support, seamless connectivity to an Apple iPhone, and more are provided.
All of the health and wellness features that are a part of the Apple Health ecosystem are present on the Ultra 2 so the watch provides everything you love about the Apple Watch in a larger package.
3. You scuba dive
Garmin offers only a few watches focused on diving experiences so it was interesting to see how far Apple went with support for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in this niche market. The Ultra 2 serves as a full-featured dive computer in combination with the Oceanic Plus app. Air status, ascent/descent tracking, and more are provided in a simple and easily understood format. It helps that the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 design has a rugged design with tactile buttons and a new Ocean Band for aquatic environments. Depth session logs are also now provided on the Watch Ultra 2.
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2
$799 at Apple
Alternatives to consider
There are other GPS sports watches and smartwatches to consider if neither of these meets your needs. Consider these ZDNET-recommended devices:
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Samsung's 2022 Watch 5 Pro remains in the lineup and is the best Galaxy Watch available with a sapphire display and titanium body to handle any adventure.
View at Amazon
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Garmin Enduro 2
Despite being one year old, the Enduro 2 continues to excel with the longest battery life of any Garmin watch. Solar charging helps extend battery life while the LED flashlight is a daily tool.
View at Amazon
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Coros Vertix 2
Coros has its most powerful watch priced less than Garmin while providing much of the same functionality. Battery life is stunning on the Vertix 2 so get out and explore.
View at Coros
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Apple Watch Series 9: Top 4 features that warrant the upgrade from Series 8
The latest Apple Watch doesn't have the flashiest of upgrades, but these four should make a big difference to usability.
We've been waiting for Apple to launch a new lineup of iPhones for months now, but the new Apple Watch is also a highly expected drop. Apple's flagship wearable, the Apple Watch and, more recently, the Apple Watch Ultra have become the go-to fitness trackers for iPhone users.
But beyond fitness, wearing an Apple Watch extends the Apple ecosystem for users, as it works much like an extension of your iPhone, giving you access to many of the apps and games available for the smartphone.
Also: Everything announced at Apple's 'Wonderlust event'
Apple had already built up a lot of hype for Apple Watch updates with the WatchOS 10, the latest version of the wearable's operating system. But even if consumers welcome software changes, these new Series 9 exclusive features will catch many people's eye.
The Apple Watch Series 9 can be preordered now at a starting price of $399, and will officially be available on September 22.
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1. Double-tap feature
The Apple Watch Series 9 will let you control it by simply tapping your index finger and thumb twice. In an innovative leap towards accessibility, Series 9 users will be able to answer and end calls, stop timers, snooze alarms, play and pause music, and more, just by double-tapping two fingers on the hand wearing the Watch.
June Wan/ZDNET
This is possible thanks to an algorithm that combines data gathered by the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor to detect unique changes in hand movement when the users tap their index and thumb together twice within a short timeframe.
Also: You can already use the Apple Watch's double-tap feature. Here's how
When the Apple Watch Series 9 is on the home screen, wearers can double-tap to access the smart stack and then double-tap again to scroll through the widgets.
2. A new S9 SiP
Jason Hiner/ZDNET
Though the Series 9 has a wide, edge-to-edge display, what's on the inside makes it a better day-to-day companion. The Apple Watch Series 9 also boasts a new Apple Silicon processor, the S9 SiP, which will be the same chip on the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The redesigned Apple Watch processor features 5.6 billion transistors for a 30% faster GPU, making animations and effects on the Watch look smoother.
Also: Buying an Apple Watch? Here's how to pick the best one for you
With a second-generation ultra wideband chip, the Apple Watch Series 9 will now give you the distance and direction of your iPhone when trying to find it, even if it's in another room. It also features new HomePod integrations, letting you control nearby HomePods when you approach them.
The Series 9 is also better at processing speech, as it is 25% more accurate in dictation.
3. More detailed Siri prompts
Apple/ZDNET
The S9 SiP's 4-core neural engine allows smarter Siri requests that are now processed on the Watch without relying on the cloud or cellular connectivity. This makes for faster and, hopefully, more accurate responses from the voice assistant.
Users will also enjoy a new integration of Siri with the Health app, making accessing Health data through Siri easier. Apple Watch Series 9 users can ask Siri, "How many hours did I sleep last night?" or tell it to log a workout. This feature is available in English and Mandarin, expanding to more languages in the future.
4. A new look
Jason Hiner/ZDNET
The Apple Watch Series 9 is now available in a new pink aluminum case. This is a simple change that has been widely expected and requested.
Consumers will have the choice of a pink, starlight, silver, midnight, or Product(Red) aluminum Apple Watch Series 9. A stainless steel version will also be available in gold and graphite.
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