Quick LinksBetter, More Rugged Design Superior Battery Life Action Button Better Water Resistance
Although the Apple Watch Series 10 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, it's still not on the same level as the Apple Watch Ultra 2. That's probably why we only got a new color option this year. Let's discuss what makes the Ultra 2 better.
1 Better, More Rugged Design
Sure, one of the best new features of the Apple Watch Series 10 is an ever so slightly larger screen and a thinner case. However, the Ultra 2 still has the edge in terms of design.
I've been using the Ultra since the original landed in 2022, and I can't get enough of the titanium case and flat sapphire-covered screen. My Ultra 2 looks as good as it did the first day I took it out of the box. I've worn the watch on camping trips, vacations, yard work, and pretty much anything else you can imagine, and it has held up spectacularly. I can't wait to see how the satin black Ultra 2 looks in person, especially with the orange highlights.
If you're looking to purchase the aluminum version of the Series 10, don't expect it to stand the test of time. I've worn almost every Apple Watch model since the first edition arrived in 2015, and the lower-end models suffer from some major flaws. The Ion-X glass simply doesn't hold up. Every model I've worn always seems to attract scratches, even if I'm careful. The aluminum case also seems to scratch very easily.
While the Jet Black Series 10 variant looks amazing, I expect case scratches to be an even bigger issue due to its polished aluminum finish.
2 Superior Battery Life
A big part of the Apple Watch is its battery life. Despite the new design and more efficient processor, Apple still rates the Series 10 for up to 18 hours of battery life with normal use and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode.
But the Ultra 2 is still the undisputed king in the battery department. Apple says you can go for up to 36 hours of use before needing a charge and stretch that to up to 72 hours with Low Power Mode.
In my use, those numbers are conservative, as I've been able to go for around four days without needing to recharge my Ultra 2 with normal use. So, if battery life is an important factor, the Ultra 2 should be your choice.
3 Action Button
Another exclusive feature that helps make the Apple Watch Ultra 2 great is the Action button. Just like on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, the Action button on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is easy to use and customize.
It's by far one of my favorite features of the Ultra 2. I've used it for various actions, like starting a workout, turning on the watch's flashlight, or even running a Shortcut that will turn on my car's ambient lighting system. Being able to do different tasks without having to fiddle with Siri or the watchOS menus is a huge timesaver.
4 Better Water Resistance
The Series 10 is taking a page from the Ultra 2 with some of its new features, including a water temperature sensor and access to the Depth app that can automatically turn on when the Apple Watch is submerged.
But don't expect the Series 10 to go as far and deep as the Ultra 2. The Series 10 is water-resistant up to 50 meters while the Ultra 2 is double that. The depth gauge on the Series 10 is good for 6 meters, while the one on the Ultra 2 works for up to 40 meters. You can also use the Ultra 2 for recreational scuba diving and other high-speed water sports.
It's a great time to be in the market for an Apple Watch. While the Apple Watch Series 10 offers some great features, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is still my top choice. Don't forget that the Apple Watch Ultra is still the only model with the Wayfinder and Modular Ultra faces. The new watch faces Apple introduced alongside Series 10 -- Flux and Reflections -- will be available for all compatible Apple Watch models with watchOS 11, even the Ultra 2.