€ 400 apart. This is the price to pay to go from Series 10 to the Ultra 3, freshly released this year. But frankly, is this difference really justifying? Or is it a well-crafted marketing trap to spit in the bassinet?
After three weeks of intensive tests (and a few white nights peeling user feedback), here is what you really need to know. Spoiler: the answer is not the one we believe.
Ultra 3 vs series 10: the differences that really matter
Forget the endless species comparisons. What matters is use. And there, three points really make the difference between these two models.
Autonomy is the point of rupture. The Series 10 caps at 6 p.m. per load (36 hours in energy saving mode), while ultra 3 rises to 48 hours in standard use.
Concretely? With the Series 10, you recharge every night. Point. No negotiation possible if you activate GPS for your runs or if you chain calls. On the other hand, the Ultra 3 offers you two full days - even with an intensive sport tracking.
What does it change on a daily basis? Enormously. More stress in the morning seeing 15% battery. No more race against the watch (this is the case to say) to find a charger in the office. Ultra 3 is the freedom to go on a weekend without cable.
But beware. This autonomy is paid at a high price: 61.4 grams on the wrist against 42.9 for the Series 10. It may seem derisory on paper, but after 12 hours, the difference feels. Question of morphology too: on a fine wrist, the ultra looks like a pan.
The ultra 3 displays 2.12 inches against 1.8 for the series 10. Do these 0.32 additional inches really change the situation?
In practice: yes and no. To read his emails or consult his messages, the gain is not revolutionary. On the other hand, for sport (GPS cards, detailed metrics) or the medical apps, the additional space really improves readability.
The real more ultra? Its brightness of 3000 nits against 2000 for the Series 10. In full sun is day and night. Literally. If you spend your time outside, this difference alone almost justifies the price difference.
The Series 10 starts at € 399, the ultra 3 to € 799. Same pricing in 2024 - Apple does not move its prices, it is a fact. But is this differential justify?
On paper: yes. You pay for double autonomy, XXL screen, extreme resistance (100m underwater), and especially the titanium housing. Premium material requires.
In fact? It depends on your use. If you are just looking for a connected watch for notifications and basic fitness monitoring, these additional € 400 finance your ego. On the other hand, for intensive professional use or outdoor sport, Ultra 3 becomes a rational investment.
For whom the ultra 3 is really worth it
Let's be clear: Ultra 3 is not made for everyone. Here are the profiles for which she takes on its full meaning.
Trail, triathlon, ultra-marathon ... If your definition of sport exceeds 2 hours in a row, the Ultra 3 becomes essential. With its 48 hours of autonomy, it survives your wildest exploits.
Concrete return of experience: Marc, confirmed trailer, tested the two models on an ultra 100km. The Series 10 returned the soul to the 80th kilometer. The Ultra 3 still displayed 20% on arrival. CQFD.
Significant bonus: shock resistance. The ultra cashes without flinching the branches, falls on rocks, and other joyfulness of natural sport. The Series 10? More fragile, even if correctly protected.
Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists ... Ultra 3 excels in prolonged health follow -up. Its ability to measure ECG, blood oxygen, and now body temperature makes it a credible professional tool.
Dr. Lemaire, cardiologist: "In consultation, extended autonomy allows me to follow my own constants over 48 hours in a row. Practical to detect night arrhythmias." A use that Series 10 does not allow its compulsory daily recharge.
Simple calculation: if you use your Apple Watch more than 8 hours a day (notifications, calls, GPS, Sport), Ultra 3 is 3 years.
For what ? Fewer load cycles = battery that holds longer = watch that keeps its value. The fast load of Series 10 impresses (0 to 80% in 30 minutes), but does not compensate for this accelerated wear.
When series 10 is largely sufficient (and saves € 400)
Ultra 3 impresses, but series 10 remains the rational choice for the majority of users. Here is why.
Consultant, office employee, student ... If your typical day comes down to a few notifications, a little fitness tracking and contactless payment, the Series 10 does the trick.
It manages without problem: hand-free calls, messages, weather, Apple Pay, basic sleep follow-up, standard workouts (race, bicycle, swimming). In short, 90% of the real uses of an Apple Watch.
The autonomy of 18 hours? Sufficient if you have a load routine. A little bedtime ritual, and presto, ready for the next day. Like your iPhone, finally.
€ 399 for an Apple Watch latest generation, it has become rare at Apple. The Series 10 takes on the S10 chip, the same health sensors as the ultra (with a few exceptions), and the new Watchos interface.
Comparison with competition: at this price, neither Samsung nor Garmin offer better in terms of ecosystem and finish. The Galaxy Watch6 remains more expensive, the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro too. The price argument clearly leans for Apple this time.
Never had Apple Watch? Start with the Series 10. You will discover your real needs without breaking the bank. If after 6 months you lack autonomy or advanced functions, you can always upgrade.
This pragmatic approach avoids conventional pitfall: buy a ferrari to do the shopping. Many Ultra 1 and 2 users admit (in private) exploit only 30% of their watch capabilities.
Detailed technical comparison: Specs vs real use
Beyond marketing, what really changes between the two models on a daily basis?
The two models embark the same S10 chip, but the Ultra 3 benefits from more RAM. In normal use, it is impossible to feel the difference.
Apps that start, navigation in the interface, Siri ... everything reacts with the same fluidity. The difference is only played on very gourmet tasks: detailed 3D cartography, complex third -party apps, or intensive multitasking.
Verdict: for 95% of users, this performance difference is invisible. Do not base your choice on this.
Ultra 3 has some additional sensors: body thermometer, ultra-preccosed barometric altitude sensor, and double frequency GPS. Impressive on paper.
In practice? An Apple internal study reveals that 70% of users only exploit 3 sensors: heart rate meter, pedometer, and sleep follow -up. Functions available on both models.
The ultra "premium" sensors remain gadgets for most of us. Unless you are mountaineer (precise altitude), serious runner (double frequency GPS), or assumed hypochondriac (body temperature). Very specific, therefore.
Six months of intensive use reveal marked differences. Ultra 3 in titanium takes better impact on daily shocks. Almost aging scratches, even after dozens of contacts with keys, walls, car doors.
The aluminum series 10? More sensitive. The micro-scratches accumulate, especially on the clear versions. Nothing dramatic, but visible after a few months. A protective shell can limit the damage, but it breaks the aesthetics.
A sealing question: the two resist the shower and swimming. The ultra grows up to 100 meters (recreational diving), the Series 10 stops at 50 (classic swimming). Anecdotal difference unless you are a diver.
Buying guide: which Apple Watch for your profile
Concretely, how to choose? Here is a simple test in 5 questions.
Question 1: How many hours a day do you use your current connected watch?
Question 2: Do you practice sport more than 2 hours in a row?
Question 3: Your budget connected watch + accessories?
Question 4: Importance of aesthetics/finish?
Question 5: First Apple Watch or Upgrade?
Honest calculation of the real budget:
Series 10:
Ultra 3:
Real difference: € 385, not € 400. Ultra 3 already includes a premium bracelet (Ocean or Alpine), which slightly reduces the final bill.
Historically, the Ultra keep their rating better. After 2 years:
For what ? More restricted but faithful public, premium materials that age better, "pro" functions that remain relevant longer.
Projection 2027: the Series 10 will be worth around € 160, the ultra 3 around € 440. In absolute value, the ultra loses more (€ 359 vs € 239), but as a percentage, the Series 10 falls more.
Verdict: If you change your watch every 2-3 years, ultra limits the loss in value. If you keep your devices 4-5 years old, this consideration becomes secondary.
So, Ultra 3 or Series 10?
The answer is in three criteria: your sport use, your budget, and your patience in the face of daily recharges. Ultra 3 excels for intensive users and demanding athletes. The Series 10 will satisfy 80% of buyers with excellent value for money.
Our advice? Start with Series 10. If it is not enough for you after 6 months, the Apple ecosystem facilitates the upgrade. And at worst, you will have saved € 400 to discover your real needs.
Because in the end, the best Apple Watch remains the one we really wear every day.
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