Apple Watch heart rate accuracy vs. rivals: devil is in the details

Apple has introduced two new Apple Watch models, the Apple Watch Series 12 and the premium Apple Watch Ultra 4. This comparison aims to help you determine which watch best suits your needs.

The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is priced at $799. The Series 12 offers a more budget-friendly option, with even the top-tier model costing $250 less than the Ultra 4. However, the Series 12 with a ceramic case reaches $899, which is still less than the Ultra 4.

In terms of design and durability, the Ultra 4 outperforms the Series 12. The Ultra 4 is more rugged, with a 100-meter water resistance rating that allows for scuba diving and twice the water resistance of the Series 12. It also features a more scratch-resistant sapphire crystal display. The Ultra 4 includes an additional customizable Action button on the side, unlike the Series 12.

Both watches boast the same display technology but with slightly different specifications. The Ultra 4 offers a larger display with 3,000 nits of brightness, ideal for reading in direct sunlight. The Series 12's display has 2,000 nits brightness but the same pixel density of 326 pixels per inch.

Health and fitness features on both watches are nearly identical, thanks to Apple's redesigned holistic sensor array. They both support heart rate tracking, ECGs, heart rate variability insights, GPS for tracking outdoor activities, and fall and crash detection. However, the Ultra 4 has a more advanced dual-band GPS antenna, which may provide slightly more accurate location-based data in obstructed areas.

Safety features are also comparable, with both watches offering fall and crash detection, alerts for high and low heart rates, hypertension alerts, and sleep apnea notifications. Still, the Ultra 4 stands out with Emergency SOS via satellite, which allows users to connect to a satellite for help, even without a paired smartphone or cellular signal.

Lastly, both watches support AI features like Siri AI-based functions, Live Rewind, Sound Recognition, and Siri Recap. The main difference lies in the Ultra 4's Emergency SOS via satellite, making it the better choice for users who prioritize safety.