Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Apple Watch Series 5
Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($320) vs Apple Apple Watch Series 5 ($85) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right smartwatch.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Apple Apple Watch Series 5 |
| Price | $320 | $85 |
| Weight | 61.4g | 36.5g |
| Chip | S9 SiP | S5, 64-bit dual-core |
| Case | 49mm natural titanium | — |
| Display | 3000 nit always-on Retina | Always-on Retina OLED, first Apple Watch |
| Water | 100m, EN13319 dive rated | — |
| Battery | 36 hours, 72 in low power | — |
| Extras | Action button, 86dB siren, depth gauge | — |
| Weight | 61.4g (Apple published) | 36.5g (Apple published, 44mm Aluminum) |
| Compass | — | Built-in |
| Safety | — | International emergency calling |
| WR | — | 50m |
Pros & Cons
Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2
- 36 hour battery, double any other Apple Watch here
- 3000 nits is readable in direct sun
- Dive rated to 100m with a real depth gauge
- Titanium case takes abuse
- 61.4g, nearly double the SE
- Large 49mm case does not suit small wrists
- Overkill unless you actually use the battery or the depth rating
Apple Apple Watch Series 5
- First Apple Watch you can actually glance at without raising your wrist
- Built-in compass, useful for hiking and orientation
- International emergency calling built in
- Same ECG and fall detection as Series 4
- Always-on mode measurably shortens battery life
- No blood oxygen sensor, that arrived with Series 6
- watchOS support window is closing
- Titanium and ceramic variants command a used premium over aluminum
Apple Apple Watch Series 5 is the better value at $85. Both are part of our curated smartwatch index — tap through to check current pricing.