Apple dropped a new premium rugged smartwatch this fall, the Apple Watch Ultra 4. While it looks the same as its predecessor on the outside, don't be fooled: Its has some updated internal hardware and fresh features that make it "an essential upgrade" for certain users, according to our reviewer.

Here's a closer look at the key differences between the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and last year's Apple Watch Ultra 3.

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Ultra 3 both start at $799 in one size with cellular connectivity. The latter is no longer available in new condition through the Apple Store, but third-party retailers were still selling it as of this writing.

As mentioned up top, both Apple Watch Ultras look virtually identical. They both have 49mm titanium cases that are water-resistant for up to 100 meters. The Ultra 4 is just slightly heavier by up to 1.4 grams, depending on the case color, and the back of it is made from ceramic and zirconia instead of ceramic and sapphire crystal.

Apple didn't make any changes to the Ultra's display between the two generations. The Ultra 3 and 4 both have a wide-angle, always-on OLED display with up to 3,000 nits of brightness. They're 50 percent brighter than the standard Apple Watch Series 12.

The titanium cases on the Ultra 3 and 4 both come in the same two colors: natural and black. You can pair them each with an Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band, Titanium Milanese Loop ($100 extra), or premium bands from the Apple Watch Hermès collection that Apple designed in partnership with the luxury French fashion brand.

Source link