WIRED's reviews of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 land on a similar conclusion: Apple's latest watches are easier to use and better at health tracking than before. Both reviews highlight faster charging and a cleaner interface as meaningful improvements over earlier models.
The key difference is positioning. The Ultra 4 review stresses that the Series 12 now comes close enough for most people, making the Ultra's extra ruggedness and longer battery life a niche selling point. The Series 12 review, meanwhile, focuses on how the watch feels in daily life after a week of constant wear, calling it noticeably easier to live with.
Taken together, the reviews suggest Apple's lineup is converging: the premium Ultra still has clear advantages, but the mainstream model may be sufficient for the typical buyer. That could matter for shoppers deciding whether the higher price of the Ultra is justified, though neither review specifies prices or sales figures.