In the world of Wear OS smartwatches, Mobvoi’s TicWatch line has emerged as a top contender for Android users. Two of their latest models, the TicWatch Pro 3 and TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, offer robust health tracking and smart features. But with similarities in many capabilities, how do you choose between them?
This in-depth comparison examines the distinctions between the TicWatch Pro 3 and Pro 3 Ultra. Whether you’re an athlete, mobile professional, or just want a stylish smart accessory, one TicWatch likely fits your needs and budget better.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | TicWatch Pro 3 | TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra |
| Display | 1.4″ AMOLED + 2.0” LCD | 1.4″ AMOLED + 2.0” LCD |
| Battery Life | Up to 3 days | Up to 3 days |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, SpO2 | Heart rate, SpO2 + skin temp |
| GPS | Yes | Dual GPS + Beidou |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Price | $299.99 | $329.99 |
Overview of TicWatch Pro 3
The TicWatch Pro 3 was released in 2020 as an upgraded version of the Pro series. It runs Wear OS by Google and is powered by the Snapdragon Wear 4100 platform. With its flagship-level specs, the TicWatch Pro 3 is snappy and responsive for app use.
The TicWatch Pro 3 has a round stainless steel and plastic case measuring 47 x 48 x 12.3mm. It has a dual display with a 1.4-inch circular AMOLED screen layered over a 2.0-inch transparent LCD display. This helps preserve battery life with an Essential mode using the LCD. It is waterproof up to 5 ATM.
Key health and fitness features include continuous heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and more than 100 sports modes with built-in GPS. The TicWatch Pro 3 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Overview of TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra
The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra is a slightly upgraded version of the Pro 3, released in 2021. It has the same dual-layer display and Wear OS software as the Pro 3. The Ultra keeps the 577mAh battery for long life between charges.
Design-wise, the Ultra has a more rugged, rounded look with added metal reinforcements on the bezel. At 45 x 45 x 12.3mm, it has a chunkier build that meets US military standard specs for durability. The Ultra also raises waterproofing up to 10 ATM.
Enhanced sensors include two GPS chips able to use both GPS and Beidou navigation satellite systems. The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra adds a skin temperature sensor to its arsenal of health tracking abilities. Otherwise, the health and fitness features match the Pro 3.
Also Read: Differences Between Garmin Fenix 6X And 6X Pro.
Key Differences Between TicWatch Pro 3 and Pro 3 Ultra
Now that you understand the core capabilities of each smartwatch, let’s compare them across some major factors to help decide which best fits your needs.
- Display and Design
Both watches have the same dual-layer display technology with transparent LCD atop a circular AMOLED screen. This allows for visually appealing smartwatch modes along with a power-saving essential display.
The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra has a slightly larger, more rugged build with reinforced metal bezels for enhanced durability. Its larger 45mm case may appeal to buyers wanting a chunky, masculine aesthetic. But it is heavier.
For those wanting a lighter, more classic round watch design, the TicWatch Pro 3 fits the bill. Ultimately both have excellent displays and premium stainless steel touches.
- Battery Life
Thanks to dual screens that sip battery in Essential mode, both the TicWatch Pro 3 and Pro 3 Ultra offer exceptional battery life. Each watch can run for an estimated 3 days before needing a recharge. Normal use mixing AMOLED and LCD modes enables multi-day longevity.
With the same battery capacity, no major differences exist in battery performance. Both watches charge from 0 to 100% in about 1.5 hours using the magnetic charger. Battery life is a strong suit for both Pro models.
- Health/Fitness Tracking
The TicWatch Pro 3 provides comprehensive health and activity monitoring with heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, stress, and over 100 sports modes with built-in GPS. It covers all the essential fitness tracking features at a competitive level.
The Pro 3 Ultra adds one extra sensor: a skin temperature monitor. This measures changes in surface skin temp that may indicate fatigue or illness. The rest of its health tracking abilities mirror the Pro 3’s, including 24/7 heart rate monitoring.
For most buyers, the Pro 3 has all the fitness and wellness tracking needed. But the skin temp sensor is a nice upgrade if you want that extra data point.
- Smart Features
As Wear OS watches, both the TicWatch Pro 3 and Pro 3 Ultra have a robust set of smartwatch capabilities powered by Google’s software. You get app notifications, contactless payments, music control, intelligent assistance with Google Assistant built-in, and seamless syncing with Android phones.
Between the two watches, there are no differences in smart features. Both also work with iOS, though with more limited functionality than Android pairing. You’ll have the full smartwatch experience no matter which Pro model you pick.
- Durability
The TicWatch Pro 3 has solid durability with a stainless steel bezel, 5ATM water resistance rating, and Corning Gorilla Glass over the display. It meets standards for all-day outdoor and exercise use.
But the Pro 3 Ultra steps up the durability a notch. Its reinforced metal bezel better protects the watch. The Ultra model is 10ATM water resistant for swimming use. And it meets US military standard specs for resistance to shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. This is one of the most rugged TicWatches available.
If your lifestyle demands extra durability, the Ultra has you covered. But the standard Pro 3 is still sufficiently robust for everyday wear.
Watch this review video:
- GPS Accuracy
Both the Pro 3 and Pro 3 Ultra contain onboard GPS chips for tracking outdoor activities sans phone. The Pro 3 uses standard GPS satellites.
The Ultra upgrades to a dual GPS configuration, adding China’s Beidou navigation satellite system. This improves accuracy in challenging conditions where satellite connections falter. Dual GPS gives the Ultra an edge for trail runners or hikers navigating remote locations.
For most users, the Pro 3’s GPS gets the job done. But hardcore outdoor athletes may benefit from the Ultra’s enhanced GPS.
- Price
The TicWatch Pro 3 retails at $299.99, delivering premium specs and features at a competitive mid-range price point.
The Pro 3 Ultra costs $329.99, about a $30 premium over the standard Pro 3. You’re paying a small upcharge for the added ruggedness, dual GPS, and skin temp sensor.
Both provide good value. But buyers on a budget may find the Pro 3 the smarter buy for core features. The Ultra appeals if you specifically want the extras it includes.
Also Read: Comparison Between GizmoWatch And Apple Watch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main differences are the Ultra has a more rugged, durable design with 10ATM water resistance, dual GPS support, and a skin temperature sensor. The regular Pro 3 lacks those extras but is lighter and cheaper.
The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro and Ultra lines are different models. The Pro 3 and Pro 3 Ultra have dual displays, more health sensors, WiFi, and updated software versus the original TicWatch Pro. The Ultra model adds ruggedness and dual GPS over the Pro 3.
The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra is a great choice if you want maximum durability for active use and the best GPS connectivity. Its extras like skin temperature sensing are nice bonuses too. But the standard Pro 3 has nearly identical features for less money, so the Ultra is best for those who need its specific upgrades.
Yes, the TicWatch Pro 3 is an excellent Wear OS smartwatch that offers smooth performance, robust health tracking, multi-day battery life, and a stylish design at a reasonable price. It’s a top contender in its smartwatch category that delivers great value and quality. Unless you need the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra’s extras, the standard Pro 3 is likely the better buy for most.
Also Read: Choose Between Polar Grit X Pro And Garmin Fenix 7.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose the TicWatch Pro 3 or Pro 3 Ultra, you’re getting a powerful, capable smartwatch that can keep up with your busy lifestyle. Both models have the same foundation of health sensors, fitness tracking modes, smart features, long-lasting batteries and sleek displays.
If your top concerns are durability and GPS connectivity for outdoor sports, splurging on the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra makes sense. But for shoppers who don’t need the ruggedness or dual GPS, the TicWatch Pro 3 provides near equivalent performance and value in a lighter build. Carefully weigh which additions matter most to make the right choice for the smartwatch that will meet your needs and fit your budget.