Apple Watch Series 12 vs Motorola Watch Ultra: which should you buy?

Key differences

Still a tie on the makers' figures: the two read the same on water resistance. Pick on price, or on what each Guide says it is best for.

• Peak brightness: 2,000 nits vs 2700 nitsApple Watch Series 12: 2,000 nits (LTPO3 OLED, 2,000 nits; Ceramic Shield 2 on aluminium) ConfirmedSourceMotorola Watch Ultra: 2700 nits (1.5-inch curved pOLED, up to 2700 nits, always-on) ConfirmedSource
• Weight: close (52.9 vs 51g)Apple Watch Series 12: 52.9g (31.5–52.9g (by size/material)) ConfirmedSourceMotorola Watch Ultra: 51g ConfirmedSource

From each maker's own specifications. A point is listed only when both makers state a figure and the two differ; a point either maker does not state is left out, never guessed. Two figures measured under different conditions are shown side by side, not compared.

Who should buy which

• The Apple Watch Series 12 Guide names it for health, training readiness and cycle tracking.Health: Heart rate is read every five seconds, all day long, and on runs it matched a Garmin chest strap almost exactly. ReportedTraining readiness: Its daily readiness score analyzes recent activity, vital signs, and sleep. Source linkedSourceCycle tracking: Cycle Tracking now covers perimenopause and menopause, on the watch and in the Health app. Reported
• The Motorola Watch Ultra Guide names it for fitness, sleep and navigation.Fitness: Fitness tracking powered by Polar, with calorie estimates, activity breaks and dual-band GPS for workouts. Source linkedSourceSleep: Multi-stage sleep tracking with Polar's Sleep Plus Stages and Nightly Recharge. Source linkedSourceNavigation: Built-in dual-band GPS and Google Maps on the wrist, with LTE so you can leave the phone at home. Source linkedSource

From what each Guide names the product best for.