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After nearly a year-long break, I've switched back to an Ultra Series Apple Watch and there's lots to love (and only one thing I miss).
I test a lot of smartphones and smartwatches over the course of a year. At this point in my tech reviewing career I'm pretty fluid at switching between phones. But when the time comes to try a new smartwatch, I just can't give up my Apple Watch, so I end up wearing two watches (and getting strange looks) whenever I'm reviewing a non Apple Watch.
This is to say, I'm a very big fan of Apple Watch.
There's many "secret" benefits Apple watches don't fully reveal until you're using them everyday alongside other Apple devices. Sure most high-end smartwatches today have good battery, good displays, and great fitness/health tracking.
But the Apple watch is seamless way the watch connects with and allows you to control other Apple devices.
Watching TV and can't find the remote? Easily use your watch to navigate through menus on Apple TV and change the volume.
Arriving home with your hands full of groceries? I can tap my watch against my smart lock to open my door.
All the stuff I described above, are features I enjoy using that are part of the Series 10 Watch (and 9, and 8, and 7…). So with the "regular" watch being so good, why would you upgrade to the Ultra 2?
After spending two weeks with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (following a year-long break with the Utlra series) it's reminded me of the main benefits of this device, so if you're on the fence for your next smartwatch between the Series 10 and the Ultra 2, maybe my recent experience will help?
What Apple Watches are available right now?
Apple has three main products in their watch line-up:
- The Apple Watch SE - lowest cost option with core functionality
- The Apple Watch Series 10 - the "main" one with a large display, slim case, and the major features that appeal to most people.
- The Apple Watch Ultra 2 - the "best" one that includes the longest battery life and unique features for exceptionally active people.
While the Ultra 2 is bigger, the Series 10 technically has a larger display. And the main Series 10 comes with an aluminum case; however, you have the option to upgrade to Titanium (just like the Ultra).
With these two watches being so similar, which one should you pick?
Top 3 Reasons To Choose Apple Watch Ultra 2
I'm working on the assumption that if you're reading this article, you're an iPhone user (who possibly owns a few other Apple devices).
While the choices available for Android smarwatches have grown significantly with some top-notch options (like the OnePlus Watch 3), if you're in the Apple ecosystem, you're likely going to want something that works well with the other gadgets you already own, so I'm focusing my advice on Apple users who are considering the Ultra 2.
Here's a few reasons why you might choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 over the Series 10.
1. Apple Watch Ultra 2 Display
While the Series 10 technically has a larger display than the Ultra 2, in the real world, the Ultra 2's display translates to a better experience.
It's flat, not curved like the Series 10, so the screen real estate is being used in a different way. When you're doing workouts or activities (like cycling) there's just more room to display more metrics or when previewing messages and emails you see more of the information at a glance.
Plus, it's brighter. While 2,000 nits peak brightness on the Series 10 is very bright, the Ultra 2's 3,000 nit brightness is noticeably brighter in direct sunlight. So if you're hiking outdoors and glancing at your compass, this further enhances the visibility of info on your screen.
2. Action Button
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an additional button on the side. While you can launch so many things through Siri on the Series 10 or the Ultra 2, the convenience of a physical button, custoimzed to your favourite function, just can't be beat.
Right now I have mine set up to take advantage of a feature in the compass app called Backtrack. This function uses GPS settings to help you retrace your steps in the event you become lost while exploring.
I was recently touring the countryside in Newfoundland Labradour with a friend of mine. He's a filmmaker and photographer and we wanted to get some majestic shots of countryside that was unique to the area, so we were traipsing through locations that were off the explored trail. Having Backtrack available at the tap of the button gave me extra confidence on these side quests.
3. Improved Battery Life
If you want the longest-lasting battery on an Apple Watch, then the choice is easy, you'll want the Ultra 2. With no compromises to features and functions you can easily get a day and a half between charges (and longer if you slip this into low power mode).
The first thing I discovered when I took that previously-mentioned trip to Newfoundloand was that I forgot my watch charger. This meant I had to share with my friend. I didn't want to be an inconvenience (but I also wasn't going to buy yet another charger when I have so many at home), however, sharing a charger was a non-issue thanks to the great battery.
This watch is capable of fast-charging, which allowed me to top it up during short breaks at the hotel, while wearing it all day and night (I wanted to track sleep so I could also monitor metrics in the "Vitals" app).
With my Series 10 I had no problems gettings through a full day, but am generally relucatant to wear it overnight for sleep tracking because I don't want a low battery in the morning. With the Ultra 2, this was never a concern.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 - The Downsides?
I love this watch, but putting myself in someone elses's shoes there are a few factors that could impact your decision to go all-in on Apple's all-powerful smartwatch.
Size
The thing that will be an advantage for some people will be a disadvantage for others.
The 49mm case makes the watch feel tough and rugged. However it may also seem just too big for some wrists.
With the Series 10, you have two size options, allowing you to choose the size that makes the most sense for you.
Price
The price difference of a few hundred dollars between the Seires 10 and the Ultra 2, may not make sense if you're not using the Ultra-specific features.
If you're not going to tap into features like enhanced cycling metrics (by connecting to Bluetooth devices for cadence), diving capabilities (in addition to being able to wear this underwater key info like temperature and depth are displayed), or hiking features (extra lound emergency siren courtesy of the extra large built-in speakers) then it's probably not worth the cost difference between the Ultra and the Series 10.
The caveat to this would be if you're looking at a Titanium series 10, then the price different becomes about $100; so relatively negligible on a purchase that's over $1,000.
But if you're comparing the price between the Series 10 and the Ultra, and you don't see yourself needing some of those outdoor adventure-centric features, it's likely you (and most people) will be equally happy with the Series 10.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Worth It? The Bottom Line
For the excellent display, long-lasting battery life, and unique features for active lifestyles, the Ultra 2 is worth it if you have the money in your budget.
The Seires 10 is an incredibly capable smartwatch that's only "missing" a few features of the Ultra 2; but for people leading active outdoor lifestyles, those features could be quite important.
The watch also has a unique look courtesy of the colour-accented and customizable Action button, which is not available on the Series 10.
Geeking Out Shop
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Ultimate Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Ultra takes everything great about the regular Apple Watch series and amplifies it further. With its larger, brighter screen, you can track a variety of metrics for your outdoor activities much more easily. Hikers, in particular, will find the Action button helpful, which launches Backtrack, recording your journey. This means you can easily find your way back to your starting point if you get lost. The Action button can also be customized to perform your favourite action on the watch. Cyclists can tap into cadence sensors on their bikes to see deeper metrics on their watch. Divers can monitor tides, water temperature, and depth with a quick glance. The Apple Watch Ultra offers the ultimate Apple Watch experience (or even smartwatch experience), so if you can justify the higher initial cost, it's a great piece of gear.
The only thing I missed after I switched was how slender my other watch is. The Ultra 2 is neither bulky nor heavy in my opinion (it's only 20 grams more weight-wise). But I do remember the wow-factor when I first put on the Series 10 and was appreciating how slim the watch casing was to still be so sensor-rich and have such a great display and battery.
If you decide to go with the Series 10 or the Ultra 2, you'll no doubt be happy with your choice (because they're both great watches). But if you want the one that is the most feature-rich and, in my opinion, easiest to navigate thanks to the uniquely designed display, you'll enjoy the benefits of the Ultra 2.
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