| Apple Watch Ultra | Suunto Race | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $799 | $499★ |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 63g | 60g★ |
| Water resistance | 100m | 100m |
| Battery | 2.1 days | 16 days★ |
| Always-on display | ✅ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅★ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS only | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Sep 18, 2026 | Aug 27, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | good★ | bad |
| Deals advice | neutral | great★ |
| Next model | — | Suunto Race 3S (Announced — on sale in the US October 29, 2026) |
The Ultra 4 lasts roughly twice as long as the Series 12, with up to 45 hours of GPS workout tracking in Max Extended Workout mode. Satellite Emergency SOS works without cellular or WiFi coverage.
The new health sensing system samples heart rate every five seconds all day and HRV every five minutes, feeding a 0–10 readiness score.
The 49mm titanium case and 3000-nit display make this watch usable in full direct sunlight and water depths up to 100m (recreational scuba diving to 40m).
The redesigned optical HR sensor on Race 2 delivers far more reliable readings during high-intensity sessions — a notable weak point of the original Race that has been addressed.
Dual-frequency L1+L5 multi-constellation GPS for sub-meter precision in urban areas and dense forests, with 55 continuous GPS hours on a single charge.
The display grows to 1.5" at 2000 nits while the case slims to 12.5mm and drops to 76g — more readable in sunlight and easier to wear day-to-day than its predecessor.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$499 vs $799 over 3 years.
16 days vs 2.1 days battery.
12 sensors · 0.2 Hz HR sampling.
60g.
Serious athletes, trail runners, triathletes, and outdoor adventurers who need the most durable, most accurate GPS watch Apple makes. Also for iPhone users who simply want the best Apple Watch regardless of sport, and value the extra battery life over the Series 12.
Full details →Competitive road and trail runners who want Suunto's precise multi-band GPS tracking and a vivid AMOLED display in a lighter, thinner package. A strong alternative to Garmin for athletes who prefer Suunto's clean interface and ecosystem.
Full details →