The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers increased value as a ‘smartwatch,’ with minimal distinctions from the initial Watch Ultra. Despite similarities, it stands out as a more cost-effective choice.
The Apple Watch Ultra, introduced last year, can be aptly described as an Apple Watch on steroids. It made its debut adorning the wrists of adventurous individuals who explored snow-capped peaks, delved into the depths of the ocean, and ventured everywhere in between. Essentially, it elevated the everyday Apple Watch experience to unprecedented depths and heights, pushing beyond the limits of an average consumer-grade smartwatch.
After a year, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (₹89,900) has emerged as an iterative upgrade, boasting some desirable spec improvements and a handful of new features that collectively enhance the overall experience, albeit only marginally for those who owned the first-gen Ultra. However, for potential first-time buyers—be they intrepid explorers or not—what does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offer? We aim to address the significant queries surrounding Apple’s most substantial Watch upgrade to date.
What sets the Watch Ultra 2 apart?
Brighter Screen: The standout feature for most users is the significantly larger display, making its impact even in everyday moments. The new Modular Ultra watch face accommodates more widgets, and tasks like glancing at map directions or using the on-screen keyboard benefit from the increased size. Particularly noteworthy for outdoor enthusiasts, the screen brightness has been elevated from 2000 to 3000 nits, enhancing visibility for quick checks on workout stats or navigation in sunny outdoor conditions. In low-light settings, the brighter screen not only facilitates a more capable flashlight but also allows the watch to operate at a single nit, making it suitable for discreet use in bed without disturbing others in the room.
Swift Performance Boost:
The Apple Watch series has always delivered top-notch performance, but the introduction of the new S9 chip takes it to the next level. This powerful chip enables tasks that previously required external processing by Apple to now occur entirely on the device, without any need for connectivity. For example, on-device Siri requests for launching an app or starting a timer can now be executed seamlessly.
One of the standout features facilitated by the S9 chip is the introduction of “Double Tap” — a unique thumb-forefinger double-pinching gesture on your watch hand. This gesture allows you to manage tasks such as receiving calls, controlling music playback, and tapping buttons on the screen, all with just one hand. This proves especially practical when your hands are dirty or occupied, although it may take a bit of time to become accustomed to this innovative functionality.
In conclusion, the introduction of a novel ultra-wideband chip enables swifter and more precise location tracking for your paired Apple iPhone 15 series phone. Simultaneously, the on-board storage has been augmented, doubling its capacity to accommodate a greater volume of data and applications.
Comprehensive Enhancements:
For individuals aiming to extend the usage of this watch beyond the confines of weekend hikes and swimming pool laps, the Ultra 2 brings about notable advancements that surpass its predecessor. Noteworthy improvements span from significantly enhanced operating altitudes, now reaching up to 9000m, to improved depths, both on land and in the sea, at -500m and 40m respectively.
Designed to endure challenging conditions, the Ultra 2 boasts a capacity to withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -20 to 55°C, as well as other environmental hazards. This durability allows it to venture into places where a standard Apple Watch might falter.
Despite the increased demands posed by the brighter screen and enhanced on-device processing capabilities, the Ultra 2 still delivers an impressive two days of battery life on a single charge. Even with features like the always-on-display and GPS activated during walks, this endurance is roughly double that of a regular Apple Watch. For endurance athletes relying on GPS, the Ultra 2 remains reliable for approximately 12 hours without any compromise in functionality.
Elevated Aesthetics and Sustainability Focus:
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 maintains the distinguished design of its predecessor, while introducing a significant shift to a 90% recycled titanium construction for the 49mm case. This environmentally conscious choice, coupled with the introduction of new bands and more eco-friendly logistics and packaging, enables Apple to proudly assert a ‘carbon neutral’ status for this year’s watches.
Beyond its eco-friendly initiatives, the Watch Ultra continues to be a visually appealing wearable. The matte titanium case and premium sapphire display contribute to its sophisticated aesthetics. Notably, it remains compatible with all existing Watch bands, offering users the flexibility to personalize their device according to their style preferences.
Areas for Enhancement:
- Unaltered Design: While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts a premium appearance fitting its price range, the lack of discernible changes from the Apple Watch Ultra 1 may leave some desiring more visual distinctiveness. Incorporating subtle hues to the titanium case, akin to the iPhone 15 Pro series, could have added a refreshing touch to this year’s model.
- Bulkier Build: The Ultra 2 retains its robust and weightier build, standing as a notably chunky smartwatch. Although it’s not considerably heavier than the stainless-steel variant, its weight may be a consideration for potential users, especially those who wear their watches overnight for sleep tracking and alarms. It is advisable to try on the device for size before purchasing, especially for women, given its availability in a single, 49mm case size. The somewhat hefty build may be a deterrent for some, especially when considering the relatively high price tag, not in terms of the value it offers—a resilient, all-encompassing, cellular-connected Apple Watch—but in absolute terms.
Unified Software and Fitness Tracking:
The positive aspect is that whether you opt for the Series 9 or the Ultra 2, you’ll enjoy identical watchOS10 features and fitness tracking capabilities. However, it might have been reasonable to anticipate Apple introducing an exclusive software feature or an additional fitness sensor, akin to its approach with the iPhone, to distinguish the Watch series further
Battery Life Considerations:
While you won’t find yourself reaching for the charger on overnight trips, it’s worth noting that, in comparison to many outdoorsy watches with battery life measured in weeks, the Watch Ultra 2 falls short in this department. However, it’s crucial to recognize that none of its competitors offer the same level of integration with your iPhone or are as well-suited for daily wear. The Ultra 2 excels as a highly capable smartwatch first, with added ruggedness, rather than the reverse. Its strength lies not only in its robust features but also in its seamless integration with the broader Apple ecosystem—an advantage that sets it apart from competitors like Garmin.