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Comparison

Apple Watch Series 12 vs Apple Watch Ultra 4

Both run the new S11 chip and watchOS 27 and have the same health tracking. The Ultra 4 costs twice as much, and for that you get roughly double the battery life, a brighter 49mm screen, dual-frequency GPS, 5G, satellite SOS and a 40-meter depth gauge.

By PickedTech Editorial TeamLast updated Prices & specs checked Oct 2026

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How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from manufacturer spec pages, official prices and published lab measurements from the outlets we name and link. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and we don’t invent scores. Our methodology.

Quick answer

Choose Apple Watch Series 12 (from $399) if you want Apple’s health tracking for less, you prefer a smaller, lighter watch or you charge your watch every day anyway. Choose Apple Watch Ultra 4 (from $799) if you want multi-day battery life, you hike, dive or run outdoors and want precise GPS or you want satellite SOS and a siren.

Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026

Check Apple Watch Series 12 price (opens in a new tab)Check Apple Watch Ultra 4 price (opens in a new tab)

Key facts at a glance

Key facts (prices checked Oct 2026)
Apple Watch Series 12Apple Watch Ultra 4
Starting price$399 (aluminum)$799
Sizes42mm / 46mm49mm
CaseAluminum, titanium or ceramicTitanium
ChipS11S11
BrightnessUp to 2,000 nitsUp to 3,000 nits

Pick the Series 12 ($399) if you want Apple’s full health and fitness tracking in a lighter 42mm or 46mm watch and can charge daily. Pick the Ultra 4 ($799) for battery life of up to 50 hours (79 hours of general use in The Guardian’s[2] testing), a 3,000-nit screen, precision dual-frequency GPS, satellite Emergency SOS, the Action button and diving to 40 meters. The Guardian calls it the best smartwatch Apple makes, but not a significant upgrade over the Ultra 3.

Apple Watch Series 12
Apple Watch Ultra 4

Apple Watch Series 12 vs Apple Watch Ultra 4: side-by-side

Apple Watch Series 12 vs Ultra 4 (The Verge, The Guardian, Apple; October 2026)
Series 12Ultra 4
Starting price$399 (aluminum)$799
Sizes42mm / 46mm49mm
CaseAluminum, titanium or ceramicTitanium
ChipS11S11
BrightnessUp to 2,000 nitsUp to 3,000 nits
Battery (Apple estimate)Up to 24 hrs; 38 hrs low-powerUp to 50 hrs; 84 hrs low-power
Fast charge to 80%About 30 minAbout 45 min
GPSL1 GPSPrecision dual-frequency GPS
Emergency SOSCellular onlyCellular and satellite
Water resistance50 m; depth gauge to 6 m100 m; depth gauge to 40 m
Siren and Night modeNoYes
WeightFrom 31.5 g (42mm aluminum)63.0–63.1 g

How much do they cost?

Apple Watch Series 12 plans

Apple Watch Series 12 (The Verge, October 2026)
OptionPriceNote
AluminumFrom $39942mm or 46mm
TitaniumFrom $699—
CeramicFrom $899New for Series 12

Apple Watch Ultra 4 plans

Apple Watch Ultra 4 (The Verge, The Guardian; October 2026)
OptionPriceNote
Titanium, 49mm$799Natural or black; 5G

What are the pros and cons?

Apple Watch Series 12: pros

  • Half the price of the Ultra
  • Same S11 chip and health tracking
  • Two sizes, three case materials
  • Lighter, at about 32 g for the 42mm aluminum

Apple Watch Series 12: cons

  • 24-hour battery life
  • Dimmer screen (2,000 nits)
  • No satellite SOS, siren or dive-computer depth

Apple Watch Ultra 4: pros

  • Up to 50 hours of battery life
  • Brightest screen, at 3,000 nits
  • Dual-frequency GPS and satellite SOS
  • Dive computer to 40 m with Oceanic Plus

Apple Watch Ultra 4: cons

  • $799, and not a big upgrade over the Ultra 3 (The Guardian)
  • Large and heavy at 63 g
  • Shorter battery life than adventure watch rivals (The Guardian)

Which should you choose: Apple Watch Series 12 or Apple Watch Ultra 4?

For most iPhone owners, the Series 12 is enough. It has the same S11 chip and the same health tracking as the Ultra 4, including ECG, blood oxygen, hypertension and sleep apnea notifications, for half the price. The Ultra 4 earns its $799 price if you hike, run long distances, dive or hate charging: The Guardian[2] says it lasted into its third day between charges, and calls it the best smartwatch Apple makes.

Choose Apple Watch Series 12 if…

  • You want Apple’s health tracking for less
  • You prefer a smaller, lighter watch
  • You charge your watch every day anyway
Check Apple Watch Series 12 price (opens in a new tab)

Choose Apple Watch Ultra 4 if…

  • You want multi-day battery life
  • You hike, dive or run outdoors and want precise GPS
  • You want satellite SOS and a siren
Check Apple Watch Ultra 4 price (opens in a new tab)

Pricing compared

The Verge[1] lists the Series 12 from $399 in aluminum, $699 in titanium and $899 in the new ceramic, and the Ultra 4 at $799, the same base prices as the previous models. The Guardian[2] also lists the Ultra 4 at $799.

Battery and charging

According to The Verge’s[1] comparison, Apple estimates the Series 12 at up to 24 hours (38 in low-power mode) and the Ultra 4 at up to 50 hours (84 in low-power mode), up from 42 on the Ultra 3. In The Guardian’s[2] testing, the Ultra 4 lasted 79 hours of general use. Its 10W charger reached 82% in under an hour.

Outdoor and safety features

The Ultra 4 adds precision dual-frequency GPS, Emergency SOS via satellite, a siren, Night mode, and 100-meter water resistance with a 40-meter depth gauge. With the Oceanic Plus app, it works as a dive computer. The Series 12 is water resistant to 50 meters, with a 6-meter depth gauge for snorkeling. The Guardian[2] notes the Action button is exclusive to the Ultra.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 4 worth it over the Series 12?
Only if you need the battery life, brighter screen, dual-frequency GPS, satellite SOS or dive features. Health tracking and the S11 chip are the same on both.
How long does the Ultra 4 battery last?
Apple estimates up to 50 hours, or 84 in low-power mode. The Guardian[2] got 79 hours of general use in testing.
Do they have the same health features?
Yes. The Verge[1] lists the same health tracking and notifications for both, including ECG, blood oxygen, hypertension, sleep apnea and fall detection.

Sources

Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.

  1. The Verge: Apple Watch Series 12 vs Ultra 4 spec comparison (theverge.com)
  2. The Guardian: Apple Watch Ultra 4 review (theguardian.com)
  3. Apple: Compare Apple Watch models (apple.com)
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