Apple’s latest smartwatch lineup offers two distinct options: the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Both models include features such as hypertension detection, sleep scoring, sleep apnea detection, speaker playback, an Always-On Retina display, and IP6X dust resistance. Despite these common features, the devices target different users and use cases.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers durability and extended battery life. It is designed for extreme conditions, offering features to support activities like diving, hiking, and exploration. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 11 focuses on being lighter, thinner, and more affordable, while still offering core health and fitness functions. If you’re standing outside the Apple Store, unsure which to choose, here’s a detailed specs comparison to help you make an informed decision.
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Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: Design and Build
The Apple Series 11 features a rounded design with a thinner casing and curved display edges. It comes in 42mm and 46mm aluminium or titanium options, with Ion-X or sapphire front glass depending on the material. Meanwhile, the Watch Ultra 3 retains the flat display and aggressive design introduced with the first-generation Ultra, featuring a 49mm blasted titanium casing, corrosion-resistant raised edges, and a flat sapphire front crystal.
Weight and thickness also differ considerably in both watches. The Apple Watch Series 11 ranges from 29.3g to 41.7g with a thickness of 9.7mm, while the Watch Ultra 3 weighs 61.4g and measures 14.4mm. Display sizes vary slightly: the Series 11 offers 1.79-inch and 1.99-inch options, while the Ultra 3 features a 2.04-inch display with higher resolution and a slightly larger display area.
Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: Performance and Features
Both watches come equipped with GPS, water resistance, altimeters, and essential health monitoring features. The Watch Series 11 supports 50m water resistance and standard GPS, whereas the Watch Ultra 3 provides 100m water resistance, precision dual-frequency GPS, and an always-on altimeter with a wider operating range. The Wacth Ultra 3 also adds exclusive features like Night Mode, the Wayfinder watch face, a customizable Action button, an 86-decibel siren, a triple-microphone array, and satellite connectivity for Emergency SOS.
Battery life differs as well. The Apple Watch Series 11 lasts up to 24 hours in normal use, with up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode. Meanwhile, the Watch Ultra 3 extends up to 42 hours normally and 72 hours in Low Power Mode, claims the company.
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Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: Price and Options
The Apple Watch Series 11 starts at Rs. 46,900 for aluminium and Rs. 79,900 for titanium, while the Watch Ultra 3 begins at Rs. 89,900. For users comparing the 46mm Series 11 to the Ultra, the price gap may be as low as Rs. 10,000. For the GPS-only 42mm Series 11, the difference rises to around Rs. 40,000. Buyers need to weigh whether additional features like improved durability, water resistance, and advanced GPS justify the extra cost.
Final Thoughts
The Watch Ultra 3 is the largest and most feature-rich Apple Watch yet. Its rugged design, extended battery, Action button, louder speakers, and advanced GPS make it suitable for hiking, diving, and navigation. Some users may prefer it even without needing extreme-environment features.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 11 remains a compelling choice for those who value a thinner, lighter, faster-charging watch with a more polished appearance. Its design may appeal more to users looking for a subtle smartwatch with many core features of the Ultra, including water resistance and key health functions, at a lower price.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to usage and preference. Those seeking extreme durability and advanced features will find the Watch Ultra 3 hard to beat. Users who prioritise size, lighter weight, and cost may prefer the Series 11 while still accessing many of Apple’s latest smartwatch capabilities.
