Black Friday is always a good time to buy new gear, and 2024 is no exception. This year is especially good for outdoor enthusiasts with an iPhone, as Apple Watch Ultra models might be on sale. The rugged, feature-packed premium Apple Watch might see some discounts, so if you’re thinking of buying one, first, you need to figure out which one is for you. Let us help.
The Apple Watch Ultra 1 is a great device that ticks all the boxes from the start. It’s rugged and durable, designed to withstand the elements, so it’s perfect for serious outdoor activities like diving, snorkeling, hiking, or running. With great battery life and a load of features, it’s a good option for anyone looking for a reliable smartwatch that can help you keep up with an active lifestyle.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is very similar to the original in many ways. It has the same rugged design and durability. It has a slightly brighter display, but the overall look is the same. The battery life is the same, and it has nearly the same features for health and fitness tracking.
Instead of repeating the similarities, let’s look at the differences. Knowing these will help you decide between the Apple Watch Ultra 1 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Price
Price is a big factor to consider when comparing the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2 during Black Friday. Knowing the price difference will help you make a decision based on your budget.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Price
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799 from T-Mobile. This premium price is for the extra features and improvements that come with the new model, a brighter display, and maybe better performance. If you want the latest and greatest and don’t mind paying for it, then this might be worth it. Personally, I think if you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone who uses their smartwatch heavily, the price is justified by extra functionality and durability.
Apple Watch Ultra Options
While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 isn’t available from T-Mobile, you can find the original Apple Watch Ultra from Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay. In fact, refurbished units have been spotted for under $500. If you can find a refurbished one from a reputable seller with great reviews, that’s a great deal for a high-end smartwatch.
From my point of view, opting for a refurbished one is a smart move, especially if you want to save money without sacrificing quality. Many refurbished devices are tested thoroughly and come with warranties, so it’s a good option for budget-conscious buyers. Plus, the original Apple Watch Ultra still has great features for outdoor activities and fitness tracking, so it’s a good option for many users.
Specs
When comparing the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2, the specs show some differences that will help you decide. Let’s break it down.
Processor and Storage
Apple Watch Ultra
Processor: Apple S8, dual-core
Ultra-Wideband Chip: First generation
Storage: 32GB
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Processor: Apple S9, dual-core
Ultra-Wideband Chip: Second generation
Storage: 64GB
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a big upgrade with the S9 processor and double the storage at 64GB. While this is a big deal, many users won’t notice a huge difference in everyday use. I jumped from a Series 6 to a Series 9 Apple Watch, which was a bigger jump in specs. I did notice the newer model felt a bit snappier, but the upgrade wasn’t as dramatic as I had thought.
Other
Despite the processor and storage upgrades, many other specs remain the same.
Dust and Water Resistance: Both have the same level of durability, so they are great for outdoor activities and harsh environments.
Customizable Action Button: The side button is still customizable, so you can quickly access various functions.
Sensors: Both have multiple sensors to track temperature, heart rate, and other health metrics, so you have all your fitness data.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is indeed faster, but the original Apple Watch Ultra should still be fast enough for most users. Both are great for everyday tasks like tracking workouts, receiving notifications, and monitoring health metrics.
New Feature: Double Tap Gesture
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has one new feature: the Double Tap gesture. This allows you to perform actions by tapping your fingers together, which can be a convenient way to interact with the watch. However, I struggled to get used to it during my testing and eventually stopped using it. It’s a nice feature for those who can master it, but it’s not a game-changer for everyone.
Design
When it comes to design, the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 look the same, which may surprise those who expected a more visual upgrade.
Display and Brightness
Both have the same display resolution, 410×502 pixels. However, the Ultra 2 has a big improvement in brightness, up to 3,000 nits, compared to the Ultra 1’s 2,000 nits. This is great for outdoor enthusiasts as it’s much easier to read the watch in direct sunlight. I think this is a great upgrade for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, as visibility can be a challenge with many smartwatches in bright conditions.
New Colors and Bands
While the design remains the same, Apple has added some new options to the Ultra 2. One is a jet-black titanium option for those who want a sleek onyx finish. This is a nice touch and may appeal to those who want a more premium look.
Apple has also added more bands to the Ultra 2. You now have the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band, and Titanium Milanese Loop. This gives you more options to customize your watch to fit your style and activities. I like the band options, as you can switch them up depending on the occasion or activity.
Health and Fitness Tracking
When it comes to health and fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have the same features. However, Apple has rolled out some updates recently, and Ultra 2 has more.
Shared Features
Both track:
Heart Rate: Both have accurate heart rate tracking, which is great for fitness enthusiasts and those who monitor their heart health.
Sleep: You can track your sleep to understand your sleep quality and make adjustments for better rest.
Water Depth and Temperature: Great for outdoor enthusiasts, both can track water depth and temperature, and it is perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Crash and Fall Detection: Both the Ultra and Ultra 2 have safety features that detect falls and crashes and will call emergency services if needed.
New in Ultra 2
With Ultra 2, Apple has added some new health features.
Sleep Apnea Detection: One of the big upgrades for the Ultra 2 is sleep apnea detection, which can affect overall health. This feature is not available on the first-generation Ultra, so the Ultra 2 is a more complete health monitoring tool. It is also worth noting that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10 have this feature, so Apple is rolling out this feature across its product line.
A Quirk of the Original Ultra
Interestingly, the original Apple Watch Ultra has one advantage over the Ultra 2: it has a blood oxygen sensor. This allows you to track your blood oxygen levels, which is great for athletes and those with specific health conditions. However, the Ultra 2 doesn’t have this sensor in the US due to a legal battle between Apple and medical tech company Masimo. This raises questions about what health features will be available in future models and how they will affect the user experience.
My Thoughts
For me, the Ultra 2’s sleep apnea detection is a big plus, especially for those who are at risk for sleep-related issues. Sleep is a big part of overall health, and being able to track it better can lead to better health outcomes. However, the lack of a blood oxygen sensor in Ultra 2 is a disadvantage for those who want that feature, especially for high-altitude sports or those with respiratory conditions.
Battery Life
Both the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are designed for active lifestyles, but there are some differences to consider.
Battery Life Specs
Apple Watch Ultra:
Standard Battery Life: 36 hours
Extended Battery Life in Low Power Mode: 60 hours
Apple Watch Ultra 2:
Standard Battery Life: 36 hours
Extended Battery Life in Low Power Mode: 72 hours
Ultra 2 Improvements
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the same standard 36-hour battery life as the original Ultra, which is great for a smartwatch with so many features. However, it has improved extended battery life in Low Power mode from 60 hours in the Ultra to 72 hours in the Ultra 2.
While this may not be a big change, it can be a big deal for those who use their watch for extended periods of time, like multi-day hikes or ultra-long races. Personally, I think this is a nice addition for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who use their devices to track performance and health metrics for extended periods.
Practicality
If you find yourself in situations where charging opportunities are scarce, the extra battery life in the Ultra 2 will make a big difference. You’ll have more flexibility and peace of mind knowing you can use your watch for longer periods without needing to charge.
But if you use your watch for daily activities and shorter workouts, the standard battery life of both models should be enough. In my experience, smartwatch battery life often exceeds expectations, especially when using power-saving features.
Apple Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Upgrade?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $799, which is a good price point, especially when you compare it to sports watches from Garmin and Suunto, which are above $1,000. While those models have a much longer battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a solid set of features that are suitable for both fitness enthusiasts and everyday users.
Original Ultra Availability
The Apple Watch Ultra is no longer available for purchase, but you can still consider a refurbished or pre-owned unit. The original Ultra has many similarities with the Ultra 2, so it’s a good option if you want to save some cash and still have a great smartwatch. If you can find a reputable seller with good reviews, a refurbished Ultra is a great deal.
Upgrade Now?
If you’re deciding to upgrade to Ultra 2, consider the following:
Sleep Apnea Detection: If sleep apnea detection is a must-have for you, then Ultra 2’s new feature might be the reason to upgrade. This feature can give you valuable insights into your health and help you make informed decisions about your sleep habits.
New Color Options: The new jet-black titanium model might also be a reason to upgrade. If you like this finish and want a more premium look, the Ultra 2 has got you covered.