Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) vs TicWatch Pro 5
The Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra 1st Gen commands premium pricing with superior build quality, exceptional water resistance for diving, and comprehensive health metrics including ECG and skin temperature monitoring. Its titanium construction and 36-hour battery life deliver durability for serious athletes. TicWatch Pro 5 offers compelling value at less than half the price, featuring an innovative dual-display system that extends battery to 80 hours in Essential Mode and delivers sharper resolution at 466x466. While lacking ECG and skin temperature sensors, it handles core fitness tracking admirably with SpO2 monitoring and sleep tracking. Apple's ecosystem integration and watchOS 11 support provide superior app ecosystem and longevity. TicWatch appeals to budget-conscious buyers prioritizing battery life and durability over premium materials. For professional divers and Apple ecosystem users, Ultra 1st Gen justifies its cost. For casual fitness tracking and extended battery needs, TicWatch Pro 5 represents outstanding value.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) if…
- →Titanium case is exceptionally durable for extreme sports and diving
- →36-hour battery life (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) is longest for Apple Watch
- →2000-nit peak brightness is readable in any outdoor condition
Buy the TicWatch Pro 5 if…
- →Dual-layer AMOLED + FSTN display saves battery while staying readable outdoors
- →Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 is the fastest chip in any Wear OS watch
- →Best-in-class 24-hour Wear OS battery with up to 80 hours in Essential Mode
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen)
Pros
- Titanium case is exceptionally durable for extreme sports and diving
- 36-hour battery life (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) is longest for Apple Watch
- 2000-nit peak brightness is readable in any outdoor condition
- Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS provides precise tracking even in canyons
- Action Button is customizable for workouts, compass, and more
Cons
- 49mm case is very large — may be too bulky for smaller wrists
- Heavy at 61.3 g compared to standard Apple Watch models
- $799 is expensive for a first-generation product
- S8 chip is the same as Series 8 — no processing advantage
- Only one 49mm size option with no smaller variant
TicWatch Pro 5
Pros
- Dual-layer AMOLED + FSTN display saves battery while staying readable outdoors
- Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 is the fastest chip in any Wear OS watch
- Best-in-class 24-hour Wear OS battery with up to 80 hours in Essential Mode
- Rugged MIL-STD-810H rated build handles extreme conditions
- Full Wear OS access with Google Maps, Wallet, and Play Store
Cons
- No ECG or skin temperature sensor at this price point
- No cellular LTE option available
- Wear OS 3.5 rather than the latest Wear OS 4
- Large, thick case may feel bulky on smaller wrists
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) | TicWatch Pro 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Wear OS 3.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 61.3 g | 44.1 g |
| Case material | Titanium | Nylon fiber composite |
| Water resistance | WR100, EN13319 (certified for recreational scuba diving to 40m) | 5 ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810H |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 36 hours (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) | Up to 80 hrs Essential Mode, 24 hrs Wear OS mode |
| Display | ||
| Size | 49mm | 1.43 inch |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | AMOLED + FSTN dual-layer display |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 410 x 502 | 466 x 466 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Mobvoi products. View full details for the Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) or the TicWatch Pro 5.