Apple Watch Ultra 2 Isn’t Just for Fitness Enthusiasts
Marketed as the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an exciting device designed for those looking for a great fitness tracker with plenty of health features. But maybe fitness isn’t your thing. You may be looking for a top-notch smartwatch that does the basics well and includes a lot of extra bells and whistles. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 may be your choice.
In its advertising, Apple makes it clear that the Ultra 2 is largely aimed at athletes who want a reliable watch equipped with every fitness tracking feature imaginable. And Apple offers a lot of this device, and there are plenty of reviews that break down the effectiveness of the Ultra 2’s various workout features. But the more I used this smartwatch, the more I became convinced that the advertising gives the wrong impression, or at least an incomplete one.
Battery life that can’t be beat by any other Apple Watch
The battery life of the Ultra 2 played a big role in my decision to buy it. Of course, the Series 9 offers excellent battery life of 18 hours, which is ideal for those who typically charge their watch overnight. But the Ultra 2 literally doubles those expectations, with an average battery life of 36 hours . That’s a day and a half without needing to recharge.
With the Ultra 2, I can finally wear the watch all day and still count on it to track my sleep. As I write this, my Ultra 2 is only 72 percent charged and hasn’t been charged in 24 hours. Eliminating the need to worry about charging your watch before (or after) wearing it to bed is itself worth the price premium over cheaper models.
Stronger frame and brighter display
But Ultra 2 is more than just the sum of battery percentages. The larger smartwatch also has a stronger titanium frame than the aluminum one on the standard Series 9. You can also opt for a stainless steel frame on the Series 9, but in that case you’re paying almost the same for the Series 9 as for the Ultra. 2. The stainless steel Series 9 costs around $699 for the 41mm size and $750 for the 45mm model. The Ultra 2 also costs $750.
If you’re stuck on a smaller watch, save $50 and enjoy the Series 9 in stainless steel. But if you want the larger stainless steel Series 9 for its secondary display, consider the Ultra 2. Not only are they even larger at 49mm, but the display is also brighter, with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits compared to the Series 9’s 2,000 nits. When you’re out in the sun, an extra 1000 nits will make a huge difference.
And since the frame is made of titanium, it should resist wear and tear better than the aluminum Series 9. I found this especially tempting since my old Apple Watch took a lot of wear and tear over the years I wore it. The Series 9 frame is by no means weak, but if you think you might need something bigger, stronger, the Ultra 2 is the one for you.
Multifunctional
But what if you just want a great smartwatch with lots of smart features? Does Ultra 2 still make sense? Honestly, probably not. Almost every major feature you want or expect from an Apple Watch can be found on both the Series 9 and Ultra 2. For example, the Mindfulness app became my personal favorite on the Ultra 2, helping me remember to simply take time to clear my mind and breathe, but I would be able to use all the same features if I bought the Series 9.
One of the great Ultra 2 exclusives, however, is the action button, which makes using features like the compass waypoint option exceptionally easy. With this feature, you can set a pin that you can easily return to using the updated Ultra Wideband support in Ultra 2. The waypoint isn’t new, but the ability to move a waypoint down with the press of a single button is useful. (While this can be useful for navigation while hiking or walking, I’ve also found it useful to remember where I parked in large parking lots. If you live in a big city, this is a reliable way to find your way back and to public transportation.)
Of course, just like the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro , you can trigger other functions with this unique button. If Waypoint isn’t your thing, you can use it to start a workout, start a stopwatch, activate Backtrack, track your dive, activate a flashlight, or bring up a shortcut.
Is it worth upgrading to Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Ultimately, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a modest upgrade, and you won’t find a compelling reason to upgrade from the first-gen Ultra. And if you’re looking for a lot of Apple Watch at a more affordable price, the standard Series 9 is still the way to go.
But if you’re looking for a highly functional wearable that you know will last, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 almost makes sense even as a smartwatch for the average user—even if you don’t need a fitness-focused watch, it’s the best option. durable, largest Apple Watch.
True, most ordinary users will find the price of Ultra 2 exorbitant. But if it’s within your budget and you want one of the best smartwatches on the market right now, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is well worth its high asking price.
Pros:
- Contains many functions for both fitness and general users.
- A stronger frame means it can take more hits before showing.
- A brighter display means you’ll never have to squint to see the latest notifications.
Minuses:
- Bulky design not for everyone
- The price is prohibitive for most regular users.