Apple Watch Ultra Review: Is It Worth It?

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Apple Watch Ultra Review: Is It Worth It?

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Apple Watch Ultra, the beefiest, most rugged smartwatch Apple has ever created. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, an athlete, or just someone who wants a smartwatch that can handle anything life throws at it, the Ultra is definitely on your radar. But with a price tag to match its impressive features, is it really worth the investment? Let's break it down.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Apple Watch Ultra makes a statement. This isn't your sleek, minimalist Apple Watch. The sheer size of the titanium case is immediately noticeable. We're talking about a 49mm display, which is significantly larger than the standard Apple Watch sizes. The weight also adds to the feeling of robustness; it feels like a serious piece of equipment. The action button on the left side, finished in international orange, is a welcome addition, offering customizable functionality for quick access to features like starting a workout or setting a compass waypoint. The Digital Crown and side button are also designed for ease of use, even when wearing gloves, thanks to their larger size and more pronounced grooves.

The display itself is gorgeous. It's the brightest Apple Watch display yet, reaching up to 2000 nits of peak brightness. This makes it incredibly easy to see in direct sunlight, a crucial feature for outdoor activities. The flat sapphire crystal display is not only scratch-resistant but also provides excellent clarity. Setting up the Apple Watch Ultra is as seamless as you'd expect from Apple. It pairs effortlessly with your iPhone, and the Watch app guides you through the customization process. You can choose from a variety of watch faces, including the exclusive Wayfinder face, which is designed specifically for the Ultra and offers a ton of complications for displaying information like altitude, compass direction, and more. The initial setup also allows you to configure the action button to your preferred function, ensuring that your most frequently used feature is just a press away. Overall, the initial impression is one of quality and durability. The Apple Watch Ultra feels like it's built to withstand the elements and perform reliably in demanding situations. But does it live up to the hype in real-world use? Let's find out.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Apple Watch Ultra is a significant departure from the standard Apple Watch aesthetic. It's all about ruggedness and functionality. The titanium case is incredibly strong and lightweight, providing excellent protection against scratches and impacts. The raised edges around the sapphire crystal display offer additional protection, minimizing the risk of damage to the screen. The size, as mentioned earlier, is substantial. While some may find it too large for everyday wear, it's perfectly suited for activities where a larger, more readable display is essential. The action button is a standout feature. Its placement and tactile feel make it easy to locate and press, even when wearing gloves. The ability to customize its function adds a layer of convenience that's hard to live without once you've used it. The Digital Crown and side button have also been redesigned for improved usability. They're larger and have deeper grooves, making them easier to grip and operate, especially in wet or cold conditions. The speaker and microphone have also been improved, providing clearer audio during calls and voice recordings, even in noisy environments. The Apple Watch Ultra is also water-resistant to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming, diving, and other water activities. It also meets the EN13319 standard for dive computers, meaning it can be used for recreational scuba diving to a depth of 40 meters. Overall, the design and build quality of the Apple Watch Ultra are exceptional. It's clear that Apple has put a lot of thought into creating a device that can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. But it's not just about durability; the Ultra also offers a level of refinement and attention to detail that you'd expect from an Apple product. The materials, the fit and finish, and the overall design aesthetic all contribute to a premium feel that sets it apart from other rugged smartwatches.

Features and Performance

The Apple Watch Ultra is packed with features designed for outdoor adventures and fitness tracking. The enhanced GPS is incredibly accurate, providing precise location data even in challenging environments like forests or canyons. The compass app has been redesigned with a more intuitive interface and offers features like backtrack, which allows you to retrace your steps if you get lost. The depth gauge and water temperature sensor are valuable tools for divers, providing real-time information about depth, water temperature, and dive time. The Apple Watch Ultra also includes all the standard Apple Watch features, such as heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen tracking, and sleep tracking. It also supports fall detection, crash detection, and emergency SOS, providing added safety and peace of mind. Performance is blazing fast, thanks to the S8 SiP chip. Apps launch quickly, animations are smooth, and everything feels responsive. The larger display makes it easier to read notifications and interact with apps, and the improved battery life means you can go longer between charges. In our testing, we were able to get up to 36 hours of battery life with normal use, and even longer with low-power mode enabled. This is a significant improvement over the standard Apple Watch, making the Ultra a great option for multi-day adventures. The Apple Watch Ultra also supports cellular connectivity, allowing you to make calls, send texts, and stream music without your iPhone. This is a great feature for staying connected while you're out exploring. Overall, the features and performance of the Apple Watch Ultra are top-notch. It's a powerful and versatile smartwatch that can handle just about anything you throw at it. Whether you're a serious athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, or just someone who wants a smartwatch that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Ultra is a great choice.

Battery Life

Battery life is a major selling point of the Apple Watch Ultra. Apple claims up to 36 hours of battery life with normal use, and up to 60 hours with low-power mode enabled. In our testing, we found these claims to be largely accurate. With normal use, including activity tracking, notifications, and occasional phone calls, we were able to get around 36 hours of battery life. When we enabled low-power mode, which reduces the frequency of certain background processes, we were able to stretch the battery life to over 60 hours. This is a significant improvement over the standard Apple Watch, which typically lasts for around 18 hours on a single charge. The extended battery life makes the Ultra a great option for multi-day adventures, where you may not have access to a power source. It also means you don't have to worry about charging your watch every night, which is a convenience that many users will appreciate. The Apple Watch Ultra also charges relatively quickly. Using the included USB-C magnetic fast charging cable, we were able to charge the watch from 0% to 80% in about an hour, and to 100% in about 90 minutes. This is faster than the standard Apple Watch, which can take up to two hours to fully charge. Overall, the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra is excellent. It's a significant improvement over the standard Apple Watch and makes the Ultra a great option for anyone who needs a smartwatch that can last for more than a day on a single charge. The combination of long battery life and fast charging makes the Ultra a very practical and convenient device to use.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Incredibly durable design: The titanium case and sapphire crystal display offer excellent protection against scratches and impacts.
  • Bright and clear display: The brightest Apple Watch display yet, making it easy to see in direct sunlight.
  • Long battery life: Up to 36 hours of battery life with normal use, and up to 60 hours with low-power mode enabled.
  • Accurate GPS: Enhanced GPS provides precise location data even in challenging environments.
  • Action button: Customizable action button for quick access to frequently used features.
  • Water-resistant to 100 meters: Suitable for swimming, diving, and other water activities.

Cons:

  • Large size: May be too large for some users, especially those with smaller wrists.
  • High price: The Apple Watch Ultra is significantly more expensive than the standard Apple Watch.
  • Limited compatibility: Only compatible with iPhones.

Who is it for?

The Apple Watch Ultra is designed for a specific type of user: the outdoor enthusiast, the athlete, and anyone who needs a smartwatch that can handle demanding activities. If you're a hiker, runner, swimmer, diver, or anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, the Ultra is a great choice. Its durable design, long battery life, and advanced features make it well-suited for these activities. It's also a good option for people who work in demanding environments, such as construction sites or factories. The Ultra can withstand the rigors of these environments and provide valuable information and communication tools. However, if you're just looking for a basic smartwatch for everyday use, the Apple Watch Ultra may be overkill. Its large size and high price may not be worth it for you. In that case, the standard Apple Watch or the Apple Watch SE may be a better option. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Apple Watch Ultra depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you need a rugged, powerful, and long-lasting smartwatch, the Ultra is a great choice. But if you're just looking for a basic smartwatch, there are more affordable options available.

Conclusion: Is the Apple Watch Ultra Worth It?

So, is the Apple Watch Ultra worth the hefty price tag? For the right person, absolutely. If you're a dedicated outdoor adventurer or athlete who demands the best in durability, battery life, and specialized features, the Ultra is a game-changer. The enhanced GPS, action button, and rugged design make it an invaluable tool for exploring the great outdoors. However, if your daily routine consists mostly of office work and the occasional gym visit, the standard Apple Watch models likely offer a better balance of features and value. The Ultra's size and price point might be overkill for those who don't truly need its extreme capabilities.

Ultimately, the Apple Watch Ultra is a niche product that excels in its intended use case. It's not for everyone, but for those who need its unique combination of features and durability, it's an investment that will pay off in the long run. Consider your lifestyle and priorities carefully before making a decision. If you're always pushing your limits and exploring new frontiers, the Apple Watch Ultra is ready to join you on your adventures.