Diehard Apple followers pay double for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for its 36-hour battery life and big show. No doubt most Wear OS followers will scoff, since you may get double the battery life for lots of much less with a Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. However, after months of utilizing the Ultra 2, my greatest hope is that we see extra Ultra-style Android watches.Despite being a lifetime iPhone proprietor, I by no means used an Apple Watch earlier than the Ultra 2 as a result of the Series watches lacked the battery and health tips to tempt me. But I pestered the Apple PR crew for a six-month mortgage after seeing watchOS’ health pivot and the way the Ultra 2’s dual-frequency GPS gave me confidence it might compete with the most effective health watches.Google’s Fitbit acquisition and Samsung’s upcoming pivot so as to add AI-based “Vitality” information to Samsung Health show that every one mainstream smartwatch manufacturers see health as a key basis. Apple itself hasn’t fairly hit the Garmin customary I’m searching for. But I believe future updates will convey it throughout the end line, and its third-party exercise apps tip the scales for athletes.As is, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 places strain on future flagship watches just like the Galaxy Watch 7 Pro or Pixel Watch 3 to do greater than their predecessors for critical (or informal) athletes.Apple Watch Ultra 2: Price and bandsThe Apple Watch Ultra 2 retails for a whopping $799, double that of the Series 9. Keep in thoughts, nonetheless, that the 45mm chrome steel Series 9 with mobile prices $749 or extra (relying on the band sort). The 49mm titanium Ultra 2 with built-in LTE does not really fall removed from that premium vary.Courts briefly banned Apple Watch S9 and Ultra 2 gross sales on the finish of 2023 over alleged patent infringement, and Apple’s authorized woes are ongoing. For now, Apple will proceed to promote the Ultra 2 legally by disabling its blood oxygen characteristic, circumventing a doable ban. You have three band choices: Trail Loop (Green/Gray, Blue/Black, or Orange/Beige), Alpine Loop (Blue, Indigo, or Olive), or Ocean Band (Blue, White, or Orange). Of the three, the Trail Loop is our beneficial “default” choice for most individuals, because the nylon is snug and simply adjustable. The Alpine Loop has a titanium G-Hook that retains it rigidly safe, which is vital for adventurer varieties however much less handy in on a regular basis eventualities. The Ocean Band is particularly for swimmers, with a water-repelling fluoroelastomer as a substitute of water-absorbant nylon.Apple Watch Ultra 2: SpecsSwipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryApple Watch Ultra 2Display1.92-inch (502 x 410, 338ppi) Retina LTPO OLED; 3,000 nitsMaterialsAerospace grade titanium, sapphire crystal glassProtectionWR100, IP6X, EN13319, MIL-STD 810H (altitude, excessive temperature, low temperature, temperature shock, immersion, freeze with thaw, ice and freezing rain, and shock and vibration)DesignDigital crown, aspect button, motion button, 2 audio system, 3 micsProcessorS9 SiP w/ 64-bit dual-core processor; 4-core Apple Neural EngineStorage64GBSensorsHRM (passive AFib + excessive and low HR), ECG, pores and skin + water temperature, water gauge, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient lightConnectivityLTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB, dual-frequency GPS, GNSS, Galileo, BeiDouBattery life36 hours; 12 hours (GPS); 72 hours (low energy)Dimensions49 x 44 x 14.4mm; 61.4g / 2.17oz (w/out band)Apple Watch Ultra 2: What I like(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)I’ve already written about my shock at how a lot I like the Ultra 2, due to the large show and dependable battery life. But my appreciation is not solely due to its dimension; not like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, it isn’t only a bigger model of the mainline watch. Apple made extra purposeful modifications to make it really feel like a correct flagship.Look on the specs sheet above: The dual-band GPS, mobile help for emergency calls with out a cellphone, three-mic array and twin audio system, diving certification, military-grade safety in opposition to harm, and motion button are all unique to the Ultra 2 (except you purchase the mobile Apple Watch Series 9). (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)I’d by no means have the prospect to make use of its diving options, however I’ve definitely bonked this chonky watch in opposition to all method of tough surfaces over the previous few months, and each the titanium physique and sapphire show have come via unscathed. I examined calls on a windy mountain hike, and my household might barely inform the distinction once I switched to my cellphone, due to the three-mic array. On my finish, the twin audio system sound much less tinny in comparison with different Bluetooth-enabled watches I’ve worn. (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)The motion button, which pulls up the exercise menu, is one thing I immediately took without any consideration. It’s a much better expertise than having to search for the exercises app in my drawer. I merely want it allow you to program a second shortcut with a double-tap.While I admire all of this, it is simply the nice seasoning on prime of the Ultra 2’s meat-and-potatoes improve that no different watch gives: 3,000 nits of brightness on a 1.9-inch show.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)As somebody with steadily worsening eyesight, I discover the Ultra 2’s full-sized notifications a lot simpler to learn than I’m used to with a watch or smartphone. I can look on the shared picture or the primary few strains of an electronic mail with out shifting my wrist from its typing place, then go proper again to work except it is one thing related. If it is vital, I can swipe up and see a couple of fast reply choices, all seen due to the squircle design. I do know Android watch followers love their round watches for the design, however the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a lot extra useable that it is onerous to return to round-edged shows that solely have room for one factor at a time. It’s why I’m hoping the rumor a few square-shaped Galaxy Watch is true.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Unlike the Series 9, which is useful however boringly constant, the Ultra 2 feels distinct with its contoured edges carved into titanium. I will not fake it is not large, but it surely’s pleasingly futuristic wanting, with each speaker or mic gap giving the floor standing out for some good texture. And at 14.4mm thick, it is on par with a flagship Garmin watch.Since that is my first Apple Watch, I am unable to declare to know whether or not the Ultra 2 and Series 9 have 30% quicker efficiency during the last technology — courtesy of the primary new CPU because the Series 6. My colleague “didn’t see any noticeable difference” in his Series 9 overview, so all I can say is that I’ve not often noticed lag throughout months of sporadic use. Apps open, and Siri responds directly.While I’m nowhere near utilizing up all 64GB of storage, I’d a lot quite have an excessive amount of than not sufficient. I admire having the choice to save lots of a bunch of audiobooks and music playlists to stream via my AirPods, together with the battery life to play them with out risking the watch dying.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)This space for storing additionally supplies loads of room for apps. Long-time Apple Watch homeowners in all probability take third-party apps without any consideration, however I do not. Having entry to watchOS apps like WorkOutDoors or Nike Run Club makes up for any deficiencies with Apple’s on-device software program as a result of you’ll be able to sometimes discover Third-party software program to fill the hole. This strays past the confines of this overview, however I’ll finish this part by mentioning that WatchOS appears to have extra high-quality apps than Wear OS in key areas — most definitely due to Wear OS 3/4’s relative newness and Apple’s wearable gross sales dominance. I do not like that Android customers get quick shrift, however I’ll nonetheless level it out.Apple Watch Ultra 2: Fitness accuracyMy elevation health take a look at with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Forerunner 965 (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)If you are spending $799 on a health smartwatch, you’ll be able to count on a sure stage of accuracy in your post-run stats. So, how does the Apple Watch 2 Ultra carry out in comparison with a standard health watch just like the $599 Garmin Forerunner 965? Across a number of working and mountaineering actions, I wore each the Ultra 2 and Forerunner 965 so I might evaluate their GPS monitoring, coronary heart price information, and working dynamics (aka working type stats). We’ll begin with this 10Ok metropolis run under, which had minimal bushes or buildings to dam the sign; I used to be shocked to see Apple (orange) beat Garmin (blue):Image 1 of two(Image credit score: Android Central)(Image credit score: Android Central)Garmin normally crushes the competitors, however Apple managed to snap to the real-life map higher in key areas; in others, Garmin did higher, or they each caught to the path. Overall, their outcomes had been solely one-hundredth of a mile aside, whereas a GPS-only watch just like the Series 9 would not do practically as effectively.Later, throughout my smartwatch elevation take a look at sporting a number of watches whereas climbing a mountain, the Ultra 2 got here closest to the official Alltrails information, with simply an eight-foot distinction in complete ft climbed and 24 ft increased than the official max elevation. That being stated, wanting on the precise GPS line on the hilly, tree-covered path, the Ultra 2 did barely worse than the 965; the mileage was solely two-hundredths off throughout 7.5 miles, however you’ll be able to see how the orange line drifts barely extra off the path under:(Image credit score: Android Central)The most noticeable Apple Watch Ultra 2 issue got here throughout a half-marathon path run, which had dense foliage and clouds. For no matter cause, the Ultra 2 had two moments the place it fully misplaced my positioning — see the straight orange strains on the bottom-right and top-left of the map. I believe that Apple’s map-correcting algorithm is not as dependable for path runs as it’s for metropolis runs.Because of this, the Ultra 2 added an additional 0.65 miles to my complete, fully skewing the outcomes regardless of being correct all over the place else. At one level, it registered me working at 88 miles per hour, which suggests I may be able to time journey.(Image credit score: Android Central)Overall, I’m inclined to consider that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers me dependable monitoring information and that my newest expertise throughout my half-marathon was an aberration. In regular circumstances, it matches Garmin’s industry-leading dual-frequency monitoring step for step. But should you use it for mountaineering in tree-rich areas, hold a watch out for moments when it might need sudden gaps in protection.For coronary heart price information, Apple Health’s GPX export does not embody coronary heart price information, so I can solely evaluate usually in opposition to different watches. Across six tracked exercises sporting the Forerunner 965 and Ultra 2, they shared the very same common coronary heart price. Given how effectively Garmin’s Elevate v4 sensor has completed in comparison with chest straps in my testing, this reassures me of Apple’s accuracy on the whole, even when the Apple Fitness HR charts are too imprecise to dissect correctly. I additionally like that you would be able to customise your coronary heart price zones. Next, I checked out every watch’s working stats information. In phrases of cadence (variety of steps per minute), Apple and Garmin had been in lockstep, by no means multiple SPM aside. The similar goes for stride size — sometimes about 1m on each watches. For extra nitpicky stats like vertical oscillation and common floor contact time, Apple barely underreported my numbers in comparison with Garmin, however at a constant hole. I do not know which is extra correct, however you’ll be able to rely on utilizing both as a benchmark to guage your progress.The solely noticeable distinction is that Apple constantly studies my working energy as about 100W decrease than Garmin does, regardless of sharing the identical working type, coronary heart price, and distance stats. After checking different post-run summaries from COROS and Polar, I’m sure Apple’s energy calculation is off in comparison with different manufacturers. Apple Watch Ultra 2: What you will not love(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Once you pay for an iPhone 15 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2, you are taking a look at near $2,000. It form of evens out whenever you put it in opposition to a Galaxy S24 Ultra and Watch 5 Pro as a result of Samsung’s flagship cellphone is so costly. Either approach, it is some huge cash to spend on a smartwatch. You could make the case that the Ultra 2 has the longevity to justify it, however you’ll be able to simply as simply argue that no smartwatch ought to value a lot. I wasn’t sure should you’d be allowed to spend $799 on the Ultra 2, given Apple’s months-long authorized woes with Masimo over its alleged blood oxygen patent infringement. As is, it is lacking a fairly essential characteristic for sleep monitoring, one that almost all health watches (or common smartwatches) have. If that is a difficulty for you, we’ve got a information on the most effective watches for SpO2 monitoring.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)As for the watch itself, you may have to just accept how heavy it’s. To be clear, anybody who wears a premium Garmin Fenix or COROS VERTIX would possibly discover the Ultra 2 on the sunshine and skinny aspect, particularly with the nylon band. I’ve gotten used to its weight over time, and it sits flatly on my wrist with out an excessive amount of discomfort once I bend it. That stated, virtually some other watch will really feel much less noticeable in your wrist.Plus, in fact, Apple’s Ultra 2 battery life is just lengthy within the context of on a regular basis smartwatches; its 12 hours of dual-band GPS is strong, and it rapidly recharges, but it surely’s much more prone to idle all the way down to a questionable proportion the night time earlier than a race should you’re not cautious. Compared to the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro’s 80-hour common, 36 hours is extra pedestrian. (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)My larger situation with the Ultra 2 is what it is lacking in comparison with different health manufacturers. Because I’m not a lot of an indoor exercise individual, Apple Fitness Plus does not enchantment to me. Apple mechanically tracks sure outside actions, and watchOS 9 and 10 have prioritized working, mountaineering, and biking, but it surely hasn’t absolutely caught as much as devoted health manufacturers.Apple has but to announce an equal to a day by day readiness rating based mostly in your sleep and exercise information or a day by day beneficial run based mostly in your VO2 Max and up to date exercises. It does not observe the coaching load or impact of a exercise, nor does it inform you how lengthy to attend till your subsequent run. It simply expects you to shut your rings day-after-day.And on that observe, the Ultra 2’s exercise rings aren’t all the time correct in the case of transfer reminders, telling me I’ve stood up or burned energy throughout hours at my desk, presumably because of my nervous fidgeting. That being stated, I nonetheless love Apple’s ring-closing idea sufficient that I do not thoughts the occasional glitch. It’s nonetheless motivational, and that issues to me greater than excellent accuracy.I hope that watchOS prioritizes post-workout information whereas including new watch face problems to indicate this information on the huge Ultra 2 show. Heck, I’d even take one thing so simple as exhibiting your step rely on the watch show with out having to look within the Activity app.Apple Watch Ultra 2: CompetitorsIf we’re strictly taking a look at smartwatches with lengthy battery life and app help, the 80-hour Galaxy Watch 5 Pro could be my first advice. It additionally makes use of a titanium, military-grade design with comparable sapphire glass however with out the diving capabilities. It constantly lasts for much longer, although the 1.4-inch show is not as spacious or shiny. Plus, in fact, it does not work for iOS customers. The Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2), with its titanium body, shiny AMOLED show, and health focus, is one other different with one main draw back: the shortage of apps and phone-watch synchronicity. If you’ll be able to settle for that, you may get the identical dual-frequency GPS, sturdy mapping instruments, and comparable well being information because the Ultra 2. It arguably wins for health with recommended exercises, calculated hill and endurance scores, and a built-in LED flashlight. It lasts considerably longer at 31 days or 38 dual-band GPS hours. It’s fairly costly, so chances are you’ll wish to take a look at different Garmin watch choices. Lastly, in fact, you might have the Apple Watch Series 9, which has the identical watchOS software program with out the doubled battery life, rugged design, and bigger, brighter show. Despite this, you’ll be able to nonetheless use the Series 9 for primary health actions; you may simply have to cost it afterward. Compared to the most effective Android watches, the Pixel Watch 2 has the upside of its Fitbit Premium recs and dependable coronary heart price information for a a lot lower cost, however that tiny show takes getting used to after turning into accustomed to the Ultra 2. As for Samsung, my Galaxy Watch 6 health take a look at underwhelmed me with its wonky GPS outcomes and lack of correct exercise steerage. I’m nonetheless holding out hope that the Watch 7 Pro will present a extra Ultra 2-like expertise with an even bigger health focus, together with higher sleep information through the Galaxy Ring.Apple Watch Ultra 2: Should you purchase?(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)You can purchase the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if…You need an Apple smartwatch that you do not have to cost day-after-day.You need a baseline of health accuracy for exercises in a standard smartwatch.You favor having a wide range of third-party exercise app choices. You need a standalone watch that’ll hold working in case your cellphone dies. You should not purchase the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if…You do not wish to spend an enormous sum of money. You need coaching load or exercise recs baked into the watch’s foremost software program.You do not wish to be locked into the Apple ecosystem. As my first Apple Watch expertise, the Ultra 2 made a robust impression. I have never spent years getting used to (or sick of) the software program, so it appears like a robust, polished expertise immediately. I did not have house to debate each characteristic I favored, such because the Smart Stack widgets and mountaineering waypoints, however relaxation assured that you would be able to spend months utilizing this watch and nonetheless study new options or uncover new apps. I spent many days sporting my Apple and Garmin watches concurrently, and never simply due to the working exams. I like Apple’s polish and responsive notifications, however I do not wish to hand over Garmin as a result of its health algorithm has really helped me get healthier, even when its smarts aren’t as much as par. If Apple can advance any additional in its health journey, the Ultra 2 will grow to be much more compelling. As I stated above, that places strain on the Galaxy Watch 7 Pro — or the rumored Galaxy Watch Ultra — to be greater than a battery powerhouse. It must be a health powerhouse, too. The Watch 5 Pro began this with offline GPX mapping, but it surely must go a lot additional this summer season. Your transfer, Samsung! Don’t let Apple personal this class.
Worth getting jealous over
I can solely hope that Samsung or Google begin promoting Ultra-style (or squircle) smartwatches of their very own, as a result of proper now, Apple has the market cornered on long-lasting smartwatches with large shows that do not really feel like a compromise to make use of. It has quick efficiency, dependable exercise outcomes, and a surprisingly snug match for its dimension.