Apple Watch Ultra 2: Better than the original?
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra: A Hands-On Comparison
After using both the original Apple Watch Ultra and now the Ultra 2, I've gotten a good feel for what sets them apart. Both are designed for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts, but Apple made some thoughtful upgrades with the Ultra 2 that make it a compelling choice. However, the original Ultra still holds its own in a few areas.
Design and Display: Ultra 2’s Brightness Upgrade Shines Through
The first thing I noticed about the Ultra 2 was its insane brightness. Apple took the already-bright Ultra display up to 3000 nits, and it shows—literally. With the original Ultra, I sometimes struggled to see the screen in intense sunlight. But with the Ultra 2, the display is super visible even under direct sun, making it easier to check notifications or track workouts without squinting.
Design-wise, though, both watches feel nearly identical. The titanium build and sapphire crystal display were already solid on the Ultra, and that rugged look and feel carry over beautifully. The large 49mm casing may still be a bit much for some wrists, but I’ve found it comfortable for long wears, and it’s never felt too bulky in the field.
Performance and Battery Life: Faster Processing, Slight Edge in Battery
One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is the Ultra 2’s speed. The S9 chip inside the Ultra 2 makes it noticeably faster, especially when launching apps or tracking high-intensity activities. The responsiveness during workouts feels smoother, especially with GPS tracking.
Battery life is similar on both models, but I’ve found that the Ultra 2 can stretch just a bit longer in real-world use. On camping trips or weekends outdoors, the low-power mode on the Ultra 2 gives me about 72 hours, whereas I’d get slightly less on the original Ultra. It’s a small difference, but if you’re frequently outdoors, that extra time matters.
Health and Fitness Tracking: A Few Subtle but Solid Upgrades
Both models shine with their health and fitness tracking capabilities, but the Ultra 2 adds new metrics that make it slightly better suited for serious athletes. For instance, cycling dynamics and additional swimming metrics make workouts even more detailed, and I’ve enjoyed the added insights. The Ultra’s single-frequency GPS was already good, but the Ultra 2’s dual-frequency GPS has been even more accurate on trails where signal tends to get iffy. When hiking, the Ultra 2 keeps a more precise route record, which I found especially useful when backtracking my path.
But the original Ultra holds its ground too. Its health tracking features, like ECG, blood oxygen, and VO₂ max, are just as strong, and I haven’t found significant differences between the two in day-to-day heart rate and oxygen level tracking. If you're satisfied with those metrics alone, the original Ultra still has plenty to offer.
New Features in the Ultra 2: Double Tap and Precision Finding Stand Out
The new Double Tap feature on the Ultra 2 is honestly a game-changer. It lets me control the watch with a quick pinch of my thumb and forefinger—a feature I didn’t know I needed until I used it. Whether I’m in the middle of a run or have gloves on, it’s incredibly convenient to control the watch with just a pinch. The Precision Finding for iPhone has come in handy more times than I’d like to admit. It gives super-specific directions to my phone when I’ve misplaced it, which has saved me a lot of time.
The original Ultra, on the other hand, has a few software updates but lacks these newer controls. The Action Button on both models is customizable, which is great, but I found myself reaching for Double Tap on the Ultra 2 far more often than the Action Button alone. That being said, the Action Button was a fantastic addition in the original Ultra, and both models offer solid functionality here.
What the Original Ultra Still Does Better
Surprisingly, there are a few things about the original Ultra that I actually miss on the Ultra 2. For one, the Ultra 2’s improvements mean it comes with a slightly higher price tag, which might not be worth it for everyone, especially if you don’t need the extra GPS precision or advanced display brightness. Also, I’ve noticed that the battery on the original Ultra doesn’t drain quite as quickly in regular mode as it does on the Ultra 2, possibly because of the Ultra 2’s enhanced display. If you’re mainly using the watch in regular brightness settings, the original Ultra might feel a bit more efficient.
My Takeaway: Which One Wins?
In the end, if you’re looking for the latest in performance, the Ultra 2 is a fantastic upgrade. The brighter screen, faster processor, and additional features make it a serious contender for outdoor and fitness-focused users. However, the original Ultra remains a solid choice, especially if you’re primarily using it for health tracking and don’t need the brightest display or the new Double Tap and Precision Finding.
Ultimately, the Ultra 2 edges out the original Ultra with its small but valuable improvements, but the original Ultra is still a rugged, capable device that covers all the essential bases. Both are outstanding smartwatches, and whichever you choose, you’re in for a powerful experience—just be sure to match the watch to your specific needs.