This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 in this review was provided by a viewer (sponsored).
Quick take
I wore the original Apple Watch Ultra every day for three years and assumed Ultra 2 and Ultra 3 were minor updates. After using an Ultra 3 in Black Titanium side by side with my original, I changed my mind: the larger display with thinner borders makes it look more refined, and the battery (up to 42 hours) means I could probably forget to charge it for two days. If you are on an original Ultra or Ultra 2 and can live with the size, this is a reasonable time to upgrade.
What I tested
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm Black Titanium, Black Titanium Milanese Loop)
- My original Apple Watch Ultra (Natural Titanium), used for three years; battery health is now around 80%
- ESR glass screen protector with an orange edge
- Several bands: a wide hook-and-loop band, an orange band, Braided Solo Loop, Milanese Loop and a perforated sport band
What I found
- Display: the active area is noticeably larger and the black border thinner. Peak brightness is 3,000 nits versus 2,000 on the original (Ultra 2 already had 3,000). Indoors I saw little difference; outdoors it is a bit easier to read.
- Battery: up to 42 hours instead of 36, plus faster charging. Charging while I shower is enough to keep it going.
- Longevity: my original still lasts a full day at about 80% battery health after three years, so I expect the Ultra 3 to last a long time without a battery replacement.
- Screen protector: the same size fits both models. The orange-edged ESR film matches the orange button and looks good on black. The glass is tougher now, but titanium edges do scratch if you knock them.
- Bands: Black Titanium suits both casual bands and the Milanese Loop. The Braided Solo Loop loosens over time, so size it slightly snug; if it is loose, the watch loses wrist contact and asks for your passcode again. The Milanese Loop occasionally pinched my skin at the edge.
| Original Apple Watch Ultra | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Peak brightness | 2,000 nits | 3,000 nits |
| Battery (max) | 36 hours | 42 hours |
| Display | Visible black border | Larger area, thinner border |
| Screen protector | Same size, shared | Same size, shared |
Who it is for
- Anyone choosing an Apple Watch who is fine with the large case: I recommend the Ultra line, and the Ultra 3 if buying new
- Original Ultra and Ultra 2 owners who want better battery life and a more refined display
- If you only want the Ultra experience for less, a used original Ultra is also a good option
One caveat: a new model may arrive with a design change, so timing is tricky. If you like the current design, I do not think you will regret it.
The video is in Japanese. The side-by-side display comparison is near the start, and the band try-on starts around 6:00.
Limitations
I used the Ultra 3 for a few weeks, not years, and battery comments are from my own daily use, not a controlled test. The price was about ¥130,000 to start in Japan at the time of recording.
Products
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm Black Titanium): on Amazon Japan
ESR glass screen protector for Apple Watch Ultra 3/2/1 (2-pack): on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Apple Watch & Wearables (9) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.