Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review: A lot of the same, but just a little better

A new version of Apple’s best smartwatch has been published. But what has gone better? And what not? Read that in your Apple Watch Ultra 3-review!

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review: Much the same, but just a little better

At first glance, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 speaks of its predecessor. The sturdy titanium housing is again, just like the familiar, striking buttons. The shape of the cabinet is also almost unchanged, and it is available in the same colors: silver and black.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a suggested retail price 899 euros. This is the same price that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 had during the introduction. But the Ultra 2 is already available for € 695.95.

These are the new functions

The biggest change at the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is in the screen. Apple has made the edges a bit thinner. This makes the display look slightly larger and you have slightly more usable screen surface. Those thinner edges also ensure that the Ultra 3 and slightly more chic looks.

With 3000 Nits, the brightness remains the same as that of the Ultra 2, but Apple has improved the viewing angle. You notice that especially when you look at the watch in bright sunlight, from an oblique angle. On the Ultra 2 the brightness was already fine, but then you had to look straight on the screen with a lot of sunlight.

In addition, there is a striking improvement in the Always on-position. On the Ultra 2, the screen in this mode was only refreshed once a minute. With the Ultra 3 it happens every second, just like with the Apple Watch Series 10. You will also see the second guide on the Always On screen. Unfortunately, the function only works with specific dials.

Furthermore, the Ultra 3 has now also received satellite connection. This allows you to send an emergency signal or pass on your location, even if you do not have a mobile internet connection. In America you can even send messages with it via the Message app, but that function is not yet available here.

Now you will not have that much about it in the middle of the city, but if you sometimes go abroad to go into the mountains, it is nice to have the function.

New chip: S10

The S10 chip contains the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The Ultra 2 still had an S9 chip. In practice you don’t notice that much. The chip is a bit more economical and also ensures that you can charge the Apple Watch Ultra 3 a little faster.

Better battery (with normal use)

The Ultra 3 battery lasts a little longer than the Ultra 2. For example, with normal use you can now go for about 42 hours ahead. With the Apple Watch Ultra 2 this was 36 hours. If you put the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in the economical mode, you can move forward up to 72 hours. This is the same as with the previous Ultra. In practice, the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is excellent, the smartwatch easily keeps it full for two days or even longer.

Is the Apple Watch still empty? Then you put the smartwatch briefly on the charger, so that you can move forward for a long time. You can charge the Ultra 3 a little faster than the Ultra 2. In about 45 minutes it is charged to 80 percent (with the Ultra 2 this was still 60 minutes). And with 15 minutes you can go up to 12 hours ahead with normal use.

High blood pressure warnings and sleep score

From Watchos 26 your Apple Watch Ultra 3 registers your blood pressure. The Apple Watch uses an optical sensor for measuring blood pressure. These measure how your blood vessels react to beating your heart.

All measurement data of a period of thirty days are analyzed to determine whether there is high blood pressure. You will then see a report after thirty days. The addition of hypertension warnings is an interesting step, but be aware that it is not a replacement for a real blood pressure monitor.

The sleep score and sleep apnea detection are also new functions that are available on the Ultra 3. This gives you more insight into your sleep quality and your Watch even gives you a score.

However, these functions are not exclusive for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. They also get the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9 or newer.

Conclusion: Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is not a revolution, but a further development with a number of interesting improvements. Anyone who already has an Ultra 2 does not have to run to the store immediately, because the upgrades are really too small for that.

Owners of an Ultra 1 can now consider switching. That is because the first generation of the Ultra now lacks quite a few functions compared to the newer versions. But even then you can always consider a refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 2.

If you still have an older, regular Apple Watch (think of an Apple Watch Series 9) and you want to upgrade, then the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a big step forward. After all, it is currently the very best Apple smartwatch that you can buy. The smart watch is robust, has a very long battery life and the largest screen of all.

Don’t you necessarily need the longest battery life? Or the biggest screen? Then you can go well with, for example, the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Series 10 or even the Apple Watch Series 9. Also check the refurbished Apple Watches if you find the new smartwatches a bit too expensive. For the money that you save with that you can still buy a nice Apple Watch band and even a set of Airpods Pro 3!

Buy Apple Watch Ultra 3

You get the advanced Apple Watch for 899 euros. Do you find that too expensive? Keep an eye on our price comparison than good, because it always shows the lowest prices. Here you get the Apple Watch Ultra 3 the cheapest:

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