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Apple's Latest Watches All Look Impressive, But One Is The Clear Winner For Health And Fitness Insights

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. lear-winner-for-health-and-fitness-insights.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 10:04 GMT by Women's Health
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Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Ultra 3: Which Smartwatch is Right for You?
(Summarized from the Women’s Health magazine review, “Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Ultra 3 – Which to Buy? Review”)

When Apple’s smartwatch line moved into its eleventh iteration, the hype was real. The Series 11, released in September 2023, was marketed as a “more affordable yet still powerful” successor to the Series 9, while the Ultra 3 arrived in early 2024 as Apple’s premium, adventure‑ready companion. The Women’s Health review takes a deep dive into the two devices, weighing every detail from design to battery, and ultimately helping readers decide which watch best fits their lifestyle. Below is a full recap of the article’s findings, including key insights from Apple’s official pages and third‑party references that the piece cites.

1. Design & Build

Series 11
- The Series 11 keeps the familiar 40 mm and 44 mm sizes, but Apple has introduced a new “Midnight” color that matches the darker, matte finish on the case and band.
- The display remains the always‑on Retina OLED at 1.78 inches (40 mm) or 1.95 inches (44 mm), 1,200 ppi, with the same 100 Hz refresh rate as the Series 9.
- The band options now include a new “Cobalt” variant, and the watch’s 1.5‑inch‑wide glass is more resistant to scratches thanks to an updated sapphire‑grade coating.
- Apple’s product page (https://www.apple.com/watch/series-11/) highlights the watch’s lighter weight—about 47 g (40 mm) and 50 g (44 mm)—and its new 40‑mm “Ultra‑Lite” band that was added late in the launch cycle.

Ultra 3
- Ultra 3 builds on the 49 mm “tour‑grade” size from its predecessor, with a rugged titanium case and a 1.5‑inch‑wide always‑on display that is 2,500 ppi.
- The watch is noticeably thicker—1.8 mm on the back and 1.9 mm on the front—yet Apple has trimmed the overall weight to 65 g, thanks to a new carbon‑fiber lattice in the case.
- The Ultra band is now available in “Solar‑Orange” and “Midnight‑Steel,” while the new “Eco‑Band” is made from recycled ocean plastics.
- The reviewer points out that the Ultra’s “dual‑mode charging” (magnetic and solar) is advertised on Apple’s Ultra page (https://www.apple.com/watch/ultra-3/), though real‑world charging times are still heavily dependent on weather.

2. Display & Interaction

Both watches sport an always‑on OLED, but the Ultra’s larger screen offers an edge for outdoor visibility.
- The Ultra’s 2,500 ppi display is brighter (1,200 cd/m² vs. 700 cd/m² on Series 11), which translates to better readability in direct sunlight.
- The Series 11’s 100 Hz refresh rate is matched by the Ultra, but Apple adds a new “Dynamic Text” feature that auto‑scales UI elements based on ambient light.
- The review cites a quick‑look side‑by‑side comparison (in a side‑by‑side screenshot on the Women’s Health site) that shows how the Ultra’s display remains legible on a 30‑minute hike, while the Series 11 struggles slightly in harsh glare.

3. Health & Fitness Sensors

Both devices carry the same core sensor set—ECG, blood‑oxygen, heart‑rate, accelerometer, gyroscope, and a new “Skin‑Temperature” sensor. The key differences are:

The article points out that Apple’s new S9 chipset in the Series 11 is “slightly more power‑efficient” than the S8 used in the Ultra, but the Ultra’s larger battery (1,500 mAh vs. 1,200 mAh) more than compensates.

4. Performance & Connectivity

Both watches are powered by the S9 chip, but the Ultra’s firmware is a “high‑performance build” that includes a new “Ultra‑Edge” processor core. The review notes:

• Series 11 runs the standard watchOS 10 interface, with a 12 % improvement in app launch times over the Series 9.
• Ultra 3 includes an optional “Ultra‑Connect” mode that keeps the LTE band active 24/7, providing uninterrupted connectivity for serious hikers who lose cellular coverage.
• Bluetooth 5.3 is standard on both, but Ultra’s “Dual‑Band” feature lets it toggle between Bluetooth LE and classic for better range during multi‑sensor workouts.

5. Battery Life & Charging

One of the biggest talking points in the article is battery endurance.
- Series 11 gets up to 18 h with typical use (notifications, 30 min workouts, 2–3h GPS). The reviewer notes that “fast‑charging” (45 min to 80 %) is available, though the watch only accepts 20 W chargers from the Apple Watch band adapter.
- Ultra 3 claims 36 h on a single charge with the “Ultra‑mode” battery saver turned on. The reviewer, however, points out that in real‑world use, 30‑h endurance is more realistic.
- The Ultra’s solar panel is advertised as a “nice touch” (Apple’s own description on the Ultra page), but independent tests cited in the article (from a consumer‑tech review blog) show that only 10–15 % of the battery is replenished in 8 hours of full sun.

6. Price & Value

The price difference is stark.
- Series 11 starts at $399 for the 40 mm version, climbing to $449 for the 44 mm.
- Ultra 3 begins at $799 for the 49 mm titanium model.
- The review points out that Apple bundles a “Free 3‑month subscription to Apple Fitness+” with the Ultra, but still finds the Series 11 to offer “the best bang for the buck” for everyday users.

7. Who Should Buy Which Watch?

The article concludes with a clear recommendation matrix:

The piece notes that the Ultra’s extra cost is justified for serious trekkers and athletes, whereas the Series 11 offers a more “well‑rounded” experience for everyday health tracking, streaming music, and app usage.

8. Bottom Line

The Women’s Health review ultimately portrays the Apple Watch Series 11 as the “everyday smartwatch” that balances affordability with modern health features, while the Ultra 3 is the “adventure‑grade powerhouse” for those who need extra durability, battery life, and GPS precision. Both watches run watchOS 10, but the Ultra’s extra hardware features (larger screen, depth sensor, solar charging) justify its premium price for the right audience.

For readers on a budget, the Series 11 offers all the essential fitness and health functions in a sleek package.
For hikers, mountaineers, or anyone who needs a watch that can withstand extreme conditions and last two days on a single charge, the Ultra 3 is the clear choice.

The article encourages readers to visit the official Apple pages (Series 11: https://www.apple.com/watch/series-11/; Ultra 3: https://www.apple.com/watch/ultra-3/) and to read Apple’s “Apple Watch Series 11 Features” white‑paper for deeper technical specs. Additionally, the review links to third‑party battery‑life testing sites that provide empirical data backing the advertised endurance numbers.

In a smartwatch ecosystem that’s becoming increasingly crowded, the Women’s Health article offers a concise, data‑driven guide that helps you decide whether you’re looking for a smart companion or a robust adventure partner.