Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review (Singapore): One of the Most Versatile Smartwatch Options for Athletes, Marathoners & City Runners
- John Yeong
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
How the Ultra 3 performs in real workouts, Singapore weather, and marathon conditions
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 builds on what already made the Ultra line a favourite among many endurance athletes — but this time, it lands with upgrades that feel particularly relevant for Singapore runners, marathoners, and fitness enthusiasts.
From pre-dawn Marina Bay loops to long weekend runs on East Coast Park, and even the humidity-soaked challenge of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, the Ultra 3 proves Apple wasn’t exaggerating: the latest updates of the Ultra really did get better.
Summary: Still the Most Integrated Smartwatch for Athletes who are Apple Users
The Ultra 3 isn’t a radical redesign, but it is a meaningful evolution.
Its brighter display, incredibly accurate GPS and heart rate, and improved battery life make it one of the most complete devices for athletes who want a powerful training tool and a seamless smartwatch in one.
Fair enough, competitors like the Garmin Forerunner 970 and 570 or Fenix line and Coros still offer significantly longer battery life and deeper training analysis. However, these lack the Ultra 3’s seamless software experience via its vast app ecosystem, so when it comes to software integration with the iPhone, the Ultra 3 is unrivalled thus far.
Simpler training analytics may make the watch more appealing to beginners and runners and athletes who do not require advanced training analytics, and while satellite messaging is still not yet available in Singapore — overall Apple’s updated athlete-focused refinements do shine.
Pros
Brighter, larger display perfect for Singapore’s blazing daylight
Ultra-accurate dual-frequency GPS — excellent for city running among skyscrapers
Class-leading heart rate accuracy (especially during SCSM testing)
Reliable 2–3 days of battery life, even with daily workouts
Satellite SOS adds safety for overseas trail runners (when supported)
Cons
Not an essential upgrade for Ultra 2 users
Training analytics still less detailed than Garmin
Satellite messaging not yet supported in Singapore
Design and Display: Built for Singapore Weather and Brightness
The familiar 49mm titanium case remains, but the Ultra 3’s new display changes the experience noticeably:
Brighter than ever — and it matters in Singapore especially for pre-dawn or late night workouts but not just in the dark, during mid-day track sessions at Home of Athletics or running loops at Marina Bay Sands, the brighter screen is significantly easier to read under Singapore’s harsh sunlight.
Data tiles, heart rate zones, and pace metrics remain crystal clear even through sweat and motion.
Comfortable for all-day tropical wear
Despite the size, the Ultra 3 remains surprisingly comfortable — even with humidity reaching 90%.
The Trail Loop band also handled sweat much better than expected and dried fast after post-run showers or whenever we are caught in rainy spells.
GPS Performance: City Race Test in Singapore's Concrete Jungle
Singapore’s skyline is a real test for any GPS watch — especially around: Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Shenton Way, Nicoll Highway and Orchard Road.
During my recent Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) test, the Ultra 3 delivered one of the most stable GPS tracks we’ve seen so far from a smartwatch in the CBD.
What stood out for me during SCSM:
GPS lock was instantaneous at the race start pen at F1 Pit Building
The watch hugged curves along Marina Bay flawlessly
No wild GPS jumps even when running under bridges and flyovers
Only minor distance under-reporting in tunnel sections (expected I supposed, due to Apple’s “no guessing” philosophy)
An interesting point to note for those who use smart watches is that Garmin tends to “fill in the gaps” when running underground, while Apple's Ultra 3 logs exact entry/exit points.
Singapore’s races usually involve a few underpasses — so expect occasional small discrepancies in total distance.
Still, overall GPS fidelity remains among the best you can buy today.
Battery Life: Multi-Day Endurance Even with Daily Training
Apple rates the Ultra 3 at 42 hours, which is pretty consistent with real-world Singapore use or even slightly better if you are not using it extensively.
Our testing showed:
2.5–3 days of battery life with daily runs
Easily handles a full marathon with 60–70% battery left
Sweat, heat, and GPS load didn’t cause abnormal drain
Sometimes can push to ~60 hours on light days
It still can’t match Garmin Enduro or Fenix for week-long endurance or longer — but the Ultra 3’s balance between power and convenience may feel right for many in Singapore daily life.
Most runners who don't log long miles will only need to charge it twice a week.
Training Tools & Software: Simple, Clean, Effective
watchOS 26 gives the Ultra 3 more polish and performance than ever, but Apple still keeps analysis simple.
Great for most athletes:
Clear metrics
Accurate pacing
Reliable HR zones
Super smooth app integration (Strava, Runna, TrainingPeaks)
Fast syncing, solid reliability
Where Garmin still wins:
Advanced training load
VO2Max estimation
Structured race prediction
Deep recovery insights
Trail navigation & topo maps
If you’re a competitive athlete chasing marginal gains and granular data, Garmin remains king. But if you want a high-performance sports device that also functions as the best smartwatch — Apple leads by a mile.
Verdict: The Best Smartwatch for Singapore's Everyday Non-competitive Athletes
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 isn’t perfect — athletes who want hyper-deep training analytics may still prefer a high-end Garmin.
But for everyone else, especially those who train, race, and recover in Singapore’s demanding conditions, the Ultra 3 is a near-perfect companion.
Who should buy it?
New generation athletes who do hybrid workouts
Great dual use between gym life and casual lifestyle events
Fitness enthusiasts using Apple Fitness+
Non elite runners
Short Distance Multi-sport athletes
Anyone who needs a reliable all-day smartwatch with great GPS & HR accuracy
Who should skip it?
Ultra 2 owners (unless you race in sun-drenched conditions often)
Hardcore data-driven athletes who rely on Garmin training readiness
Final Score: 8.5 / 10
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a solid option for smart sports wearables in Singapore — and for city running, it has definitely closed the gap to be among the best for GPS performance available today.
AirPods Pro 3: The Perfect Companion for Apple Watch Ultra 3 Workouts
While the Apple Watch Ultra 3 already excels on its own, pairing it with Apple AirPods Pro 3 elevates the experience for runners and athletes, particularly in Singapore’s city running environments.
Enhanced Audio & Active Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Pro 3 deliver phenomenal Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), allowing you to focus during early-morning runs along Marina Bay or high-intensity interval sessions at East Coast Park, blocking out traffic, crowds, or city distractions. The Transparency mode ensures you stay aware of your surroundings — essential for safety on busy streets.
Improved Sound & Music Motivation
With bass-forward, clear sound, workouts feel more energising, whether you’re streaming Apple Music playlists, podcasts, or guided runs via Fitness+. While some listeners note the boosted bass slightly alters a perfectly balanced profile, most find it motivating for runs, sprints, and endurance sessions.
Health & Fitness Features
The AirPods Pro 3 now include heart rate monitoring, providing a backup to the Ultra 3’s optical sensor. This pairing can virtually eliminate wrist-based dropouts, giving you near-chest-strap accuracy, even in humid Singapore conditions.
Comfort and Fit for Long Runs
The new foam tips improve fit and stability, making them more secure during sprints, city runs, or gym sessions. Combined with the Ultra 3’s robust Trail Loop band, this setup ensures both devices stay comfortable for hours — whether you’re running the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon or logging long weekend endurance runs.
Battery Life for Extended Workouts
AirPods Pro 3 deliver up to 8 hours of playback, enough to cover marathon distances or multi-hour training sessions alongside the Ultra 3. For longer runs, the included charging case ensures you can top up quickly between sessions.
Comments