Apple Watch Series 11 vs Watch Ultra 3: Which One Should You Buy?

Apple continues to dominate the smartwatch market with its latest releases, the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Both models share several advanced features such as hypertension detection, sleep apnea detection, sleep scoring, Always-On Retina display, speaker playback, and IP6X dust resistance. However, they differ significantly in design, durability, performance, and pricing, making the choice between them dependent on individual needs and budgets.

If you are deciding between the two, here’s a comprehensive comparison of the Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3 to help you pick the one that fits your lifestyle.

Short Summary Table

Design and Build

The Apple Watch Series 11 focuses on being sleek, lightweight, and modern. It features a rounded design with curved edges, offering a premium look that appeals to everyday users. The casing options include 42mm and 46mm sizes, built from aluminium or titanium. Depending on the choice, the watch comes with either Ion-X glass (for aluminium) or sapphire crystal (for titanium).

In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 retains the rugged aesthetic of the Ultra lineup. It has a 49mm flat sapphire display, blasted titanium casing, and corrosion-resistant raised edges. This design is particularly suitable for athletes, divers, hikers, and those who use their smartwatch in challenging outdoor environments.

Weight and Thickness Comparison

• Apple Watch Series 11: Weighs between 29.3g and 41.7g, with a thickness of 9.7mm.
• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Much heavier at 61.4g with a thickness of 14.4mm.

Display Sizes

• Series 11: 1.79-inch and 1.99-inch options.
• Ultra 3: 2.04-inch display with higher resolution and larger screen area.

This difference makes the Series 11 better for casual, lightweight use, while the Ultra 3 is built for durability and visibility in demanding environments.

Performance and Features

Both smartwatches come with GPS, water resistance, altimeter, and essential health monitoring functions. However, the Watch Ultra 3 takes performance to another level with features tailored for extreme conditions.

Apple Watch Series 11 Features

• 50m water resistance, suitable for swimming and daily fitness activities.
• Standard GPS for navigation.
• All core health functions including heart monitoring, sleep tracking, hypertension detection, and fitness tracking.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Features

• 100m water resistance, making it suitable for diving and water sports.
• Precision dual-frequency GPS for highly accurate navigation.
• Always-on altimeter with a wider operating range for trekking and climbing.
• Exclusive tools such as:
  • Night Mode for better readability in dark environments.
  • Wayfinder watch face optimized for explorers.
  • Customizable Action Button for quick access to workout or activity tracking.
  • 86-decibel siren for emergencies.
  • Triple-microphone array for clearer audio.
  • Satellite connectivity for Emergency SOS when outside mobile coverage.

Clearly, the Watch Ultra 3 is geared towards adventure seekers, while the Series 11 suits everyday lifestyle and fitness needs.

Battery Life

Battery performance is a major deciding factor between the two models.

• Apple Watch Series 11: Up to 24 hours of regular use and 38 hours with Low Power Mode.
• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Up to 42 hours in normal mode and 72 hours with Low Power Mode.

This makes the Ultra 3 far superior for extended trips and outdoor use, while the Series 11 still provides enough endurance for daily urban use.

Price and Availability

Pricing plays a crucial role in making a decision.

• Apple Watch Series 11: Starts at ₹46,900 (aluminium) and ₹79,900 (titanium).
• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Starts at ₹89,900.

Price Gap

• Comparing the 46mm Series 11 titanium model to the Ultra 3, the difference is around ₹10,000.
• For the 42mm Series 11 aluminium variant, the price gap widens to ₹40,000.

Therefore, buyers must decide whether features like rugged design, advanced GPS, satellite connectivity, and extended battery life justify the additional cost of the Ultra 3.

Final Verdict

Both the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 deliver cutting-edge smartwatch experiences, but they target different user groups.

• The Apple Watch Series 11 is ideal for those who want a sleeker, lighter, and more affordable smartwatch with all essential health and fitness features. Its thinner profile makes it perfect for daily wear, especially for users who prioritize style and comfort.
• The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is built for professionals, explorers, and adventure enthusiasts. With rugged durability, superior battery, customizable controls, and advanced GPS navigation, it is the most feature-rich Apple Watch to date.

Ultimately, if you want extreme durability and advanced outdoor tools, go for the Ultra 3. If you prefer a lighter, stylish smartwatch with most of Apple’s core features at a lower price, the Series 11 is the right choice.

FAQs

Q1. Which is better: Apple Watch Series 11 or Watch Ultra 3?

The Series 11 is better for everyday use and affordability, while the Ultra 3 is designed for outdoor adventures and extreme durability.

Q2. What is the price of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in India?

The Ultra 3 starts at ₹89,900 in India.

Q3. How long does the battery last on the Apple Watch Ultra 3?

It lasts up to 42 hours normally and 72 hours with Low Power Mode.

Q4. Is the Apple Watch Series 11 water-resistant?

Yes, it has 50m water resistance, suitable for swimming and daily fitness activities.

Q5. Does the Ultra 3 have satellite connectivity?

Yes, the Ultra 3 includes satellite connectivity for Emergency SOS, making it reliable in areas with no cellular coverage.

Q6. Which Apple Watch is lighter?

The Series 11 is significantly lighter (29.3g–41.7g) compared to the Ultra 3 (61.4g).