Apple Watch Showdown: $250 SE vs $900 Ultra – Worth the Splurge?

In this comparison, the differences between the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Ultra were outlined. Key differences are:

1. Cellular connection: The Apple Watch Ultra allows you to make calls, send texts, and use other features without your phone nearby, thanks to the cellular connection. The SE doesn’t have this feature.
2. Screen brightness: The Ultra offers slightly better brightness, which might be more advantageous for outdoor use.
3. Battery life: The Ultra has a considerably better battery life. The SE lost 10% battery life after about two hours of use, while the Ultra lost about 20% in the same amount of time. However, this test did utilize the Ultra’s cellular capabilities which tends to consume more battery.
4. Advanced features: The Ultra has advanced health monitoring features, including blood oxygen monitoring, EKG, and body temperature, which the SE does not have.
5. Ultra-wideband (U1) chip: The Ultra also has a U1 chip that allows more accurate tracking of items like AirTags and potentially other compatible devices in the future. This feature is absent in the SE model.
6. Workout tracking: The Ultra has a dual-band GPS, making it more accurate for outdoor exercise tracking. Both models track heart rate but for accurate heart rate tracking during workouts, a chest strap was recommended.
7. Water resistance: The Ultra is more water-resistant and can be used for scuba diving, whereas the SE is only suitable for shallow water activities like swimming.
8. Texting: The Ultra has a keyboard allowing for typing, which the SE lacks.
9. Action button: The Ultra has an additional action button for easier navigation and usage during workouts.
10. Always-on display: The Ultra has an always-on display feature, which isn’t available in the SE.

As to whether it’s worth spending $900 on the Ultra compared to $250 on the SE, it really depends on your specific needs and usage. The SE offers most of the core features of an Apple Watch and may be adequate for general users who primarily use their watch for tracking workouts, notifications, and everyday tasks. The Ultra could be seen as more of a luxury device with advanced features that may be more useful for users who need its advanced health tracking capabilities, require standalone cellular functionality, or those who use their watch for navigation in outdoor activities.