Apple Watch Series 5 40mm vs Apple Watch Ultra

Side-by-side comparison of specifications and features

AppleWatch Series 5 40mm

AWS5-40

AppleWatch Ultra

AWU1-49

Key Differences

Best Value

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm (AWS5-40)

Starting from $399

Best Water Resistance

Apple Watch Ultra (AWU1-49)

100m (2x more)

Slimmest

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm (AWS5-40)

10.7mm thick

Biggest Price Drop

Apple Watch Ultra (AWU1-49)

-49.5% in 30 days

Price Comparison

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm

MSRP

$399

Apple Watch Ultra

MSRP

$799

New

$660

Used

$359

MSRP New (Amazon) Used (eBay)

Comparison of Apple Watch Series 5 40mm, Apple Watch Ultra
Specification	Apple Watch Series 5 40mmSmartwatch	Apple Watch UltraSmartwatch
Pricing
MSRP	$399	$799
New Price	N/A	$660
Used Price (Low)	N/A	$359
Used Price (High)	N/A	$1,975
30-Day Trend	N/A	↓ -49.5%
Used Price Range	N/A	$359 - $1,975
Identity
Reference	AWS5-40	AWU1-49
Nickname	N/A	N/A
Style	Smartwatch, Digital	Smartwatch, Digital, Diver
Release Era	N/A	N/A
Dimensions
Diameter	40mm	49mm
Thickness	10.7mm	14.4mm
Lug Width	N/A	N/A
Lug to Lug	N/A	N/A
Movement
Movement	Quartz	Quartz
Power Reserve / Battery	N/A	N/A
Accuracy	N/A	N/A
Case
Case Material	Titanium	Titanium
Crystal	Sapphire Crystal	Sapphire Crystal
Water Resistance	50m (swimming)	100m (recreational diving)
Bezel	N/A	N/A
Dial
Dial Color	N/A	N/A
Luminous	No	No
Community
Review Rating	N/A	N/A
In Collections	N/A	N/A
On Wishlists	N/A	N/A
Forum Threads	N/A	N/A

Quick Summary

If you are deciding between Apple Watch Series 5 40mm and Apple Watch Ultra, the real decision is usually about wrist presence versus easier fit, water-ready utility versus dressier everyday wear, entry price versus premium finishing or specs. Start with fit first — case width and lug-to-lug usually matter more than secondary features if wrist comfort is a concern.

How to choose

The biggest practical difference is usually movement and upkeep. Start with wrist fit and movement preference, then use water resistance and price to break the tie.

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm is a better fit for smaller wrists, low-maintenance daily wear, smartwatch styling.

Apple Watch Ultra

Apple Watch Ultra is a better fit for buyers who want more wrist presence, low-maintenance daily wear, smartwatch styling.

Key Differences

Movement and upkeep

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm: quartz movement

Apple Watch Ultra: quartz movement

Both use the same movement type, so maintenance differences are limited and fit or feature details should decide the purchase.

Size and wearability

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm: 40mm

Apple Watch Ultra: 49mm

Fit is a real separator here — compare case width and lug-to-lug before deciding, especially if wrist comfort matters more than headline features.

Water resistance

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm: 50m

Apple Watch Ultra: 100m

Water resistance is a meaningful separator here — the higher-rated option gives more flexibility for swimming or rougher daily use.

Price and value

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm: $399

Apple Watch Ultra: $660

There is a real price gap here — treat the more expensive option as an upgrade decision and confirm whether the extra spend buys something you will notice in weekly use.

Style and use case

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm: smartwatch

Apple Watch Ultra: smartwatch

Both lean into a similar smartwatch use case — the choice is more about fit, features, and price than category.

Crystal and materials

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm: sapphire crystal · titanium

Apple Watch Ultra: sapphire crystal · titanium

Materials are broadly similar, so finish, fit, and price will matter more than the materials list alone.

Choose Apple Watch Series 5 40mm If...

You want a smaller case footprint on the wrist.
You want the lower current entry price.

Choose Apple Watch Ultra If...

You prefer more dial presence and a larger case feel.
Swimming, beach use, or tougher daily wear is part of the plan.
You are comfortable paying more for a stronger feature set.

Price and Value Notes

Apple Watch Series 5 40mm is often the value play at current pricing, while Apple Watch Ultra makes more sense if you will use its extra features regularly.

There is a real price gap here — treat the more expensive option as an upgrade decision and confirm whether the extra spend buys something you will notice in weekly use.

Where to Check Deals

Check current deals on Amazon and eBay using the buttons below — listing prices, seller quality, and condition can change quickly.

Check current eBay listings

eBay listing prices and condition mix can change day to day, so it is worth checking live results.

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Apple Watch Series 5 40mm

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Apple Watch Ultra

Check Price on AmazonOpens in new tab · Price may vary

Check Price on eBayFrom $573 · Live listings

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Comparison FAQ

Which one is better for smaller wrists?

Start with case width and lug-to-lug. The watch that looks smaller on paper is often the safer choice, but lug shape and thickness still affect how it wears.

Which is better for swimming or rough daily wear?

Use the water resistance row as the first filter. Higher ratings generally give more flexibility for swimming and water exposure, but strap choice and overall condition still matter.

Should I choose based on price alone?

Price matters, but the better buy is the watch that matches your fit, feature priorities, and use case. Check live listings first, then decide whether the price gap actually changes the ownership experience.