If you’re looking for the latest and greatest Apple Watch models available, you’ll find two choices—Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8.

To help you make the best buying decision, we’re comparing both models.

Design and Screen Size

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Image Credit: Apple

The Apple Watch Ultra features an all-new and more rugged design with a titanium case. Both the Side Button and Digital Crown are raised from the case to make them easier to use when wearing gloves.

On the opposite side is a new Action button that can be customized to start different tasks like starting a workout.

The 49mm screen, the largest ever for an Apple Watch, is protected by a sapphire cover and offers up to 2,000 nits of brightness.

There is also an improved, three-microphone array for windy environments and dual speakers for improved audio call volume and Siri interaction. It's also swimproof up to 100 meters.

All of that design does come at a cost of added weight. The Apple Watch Ultra is 61.3 grams, substantially more than the 38.8 grams of the largest aluminum Apple Watch Series 8.

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Image Credit: Apple

On the outside, the Apple Watch Series 8 shares the same design ushered in with the Apple Watch Series 7. Available in a 41mm or 45mm version, the Always-On display features an almost bezel-free design that integrates with the curve of the case.

The screen features up to 1,000 nits of brightness. Along with IP6X dust resistance, it is swimproof up to 50 meters.

Battery Life

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Image Credit: Apple

Battery life is another big difference between the two models. The Apple Watch Series 8 can go for up to 18 hours of use before needing to be recharged. The Apple Watch Ultra offers double that, 36 hours of use.

Both models can use a low-power mode to extend battery life. The Series 8 can go for up to 36 hours and the larger model up to 60 hours. That mode does limit features like the Always-On Display.

Make sure to find out more reasons to buy the Apple Watch Ultra.

Available Features

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Image Credit: Apple

On the software side, both new watch models can take advantage of some great watchOS 9 features like additional watch faces, a better Workout app, and more.

Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra also sport built-in temperature sensors for better understanding a woman’s health and sensors for the crash detection feature. That will automatically call emergency services and your emergency contacts if it detects you are in a crash and don’t respond.

Taking full advantage of the rugged design, the Apple Watch Ultra also offers some exclusive features.

An 86-decibel siren can be heard from up to 600 feet away. There is also a new depth gauge and Depth app that shows you the time, current depth, water temperature, and more.

The Apple Watch Ultra also uses the exclusive Wayfinder watch face. It has room for eight complications and even shows a live compass. At night, you can turn the Digital Crown to see Night Mode with a red color.

Size, Color, and Price

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Image Credit: Apple

The Apple Watch Ultra is $799. There is just one color of case, but you can choose from one of three new bands—Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and Ocean Bad. The model comes with cellular connectivity.

For the Apple Watch Series 8, there are more options and sizes available.

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Image Credit: Apple

The lower-cost aluminum model starts at $399 for the 41mm version and $429 for the 45mm size. Add $100 if you want a cellular-capable model. You can choose from four colors—midnight, starlight, silver, and (PRODUCT)RED.

A silver, gold, or graphite stainless steel version offers built-in cellular capability and starts at $699 for the 41mm version and $749 for the 45mm option.

So if you have the cash and don’t mind a heavier watch, the Apple Watch Ultra is definitely for you thanks to its longer battery life, larger screen, and other exclusive features. But if you’re looking for a smaller and less expensive watch with more colors to select from, try out the Apple Watch Series 8.

Making the Best Apple Watch Choice

It’s a great time to be in the market for an Apple Watch.

Both the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8 offer a great slate of features to cater to different types of users.