It’s also a nice smartwatch for everyday use.
At the price point of $799 it matches most competitors and boasts the Apple functionality.
It’s not one to miss if you’ll take advantage of the features.
But with a price tag of $799, the new smartwatch is definitely a higher-priced option.
Competing against other Apple Watch models and competitors, how does the Ultra compare?
While keeping the rounded sides with silver titanium, the face of the Apple Watch is flat.
This Ultra watch is also larger at 49mm, rather than the largest 45mm of the standard series.
Turning over to the rear of the Apple Watch Ultra, you’ll find a new ceramic back.
This cream ceramic material replaces the metal from previous models.
You’ll also find four pentalobe screws which allow you to crack open this bad boy with ease.
The titanium sides extend slightly above the face to offer some protection.
On the crown side of the watch, there’s a new crown guard.
This elevates the Digital Crown and side button above the side of the watch.
It lets you press the buttons more easily with gloves on, and offers more rugged protection.
On the other side of the watch is a new customizable Action Button and redesigned speaker grill.
Image Credit:Garmin
You’ll also find a microphone in each corner of the Apple Watch Ultra.
It’s not just the Apple Watch Ultra itself that’s been redesignedthe packaging has too.
Apple has opted for a squarer box than the regular rectangular one.
Opening the box up, and you’ll see an image of a mountainscape printed on the packaging.
These are also more rugged straps with secure fasteners that fit the larger 49mm frame.
There’s no denying that the Apple Watch Ultra looks different, and we certainly like it.
The rugged design makes this Apple Watch look more professional, especially with the surgical-grade titanium on the sides.
The new Action Button and crown guard offer extra functionality and give the watch a more fleshed-out look.
Apple Watch Ultra’s more rugged design looks somewhat familiar thanks to other rugged options from competitors.
And the larger 49mm doesn’t feel too big, which most renders and promos give the impression of.
You’ll find the same GPS, cellular, and Bluetooth connectivity from before.
The stock Apple apps such as Fitness, Walkie-Talkie, and Messages apps are also all there.
And you’ll also find the same ECG, heart-rate, and blood oxygen sensors from before.
New to both Apple Watch Ultra and the Series 8 is car crash detection, and a temperature sensor.
It can then call emergency services to get you help.
The temperature sensors are used to measure the variability in your skin temperature in the Health app.
Then, we come to theUltra exclusive features.
Besides a redesign, the new Retina Display is also brighter.
It can get up to 2,000 nitstwice the brightness of the Series 8.
Thanks to a more accurate dual-band GPS, you’ll benefit from enhanced location tracking.
You’ll particularly notice this in built-up areas, such as towns and cities.
There’s even a new, dedicated Wayfinder watch face to take advantage of it.
Once the app is open, the measurements automatically kick in when you submerge the watch.
The Apple Watch Ultra can also take advantage of temperature sensors to detect water temperature.
And, as we touched upon earlier, there are the new buttons.
Then there’s the new Action Button.
you’re free to customize the button to launch certain apps and dive right in.
In activities, you’ll also be able to segment workouts or drop compass waypoints.
It’s a handier way to get around extra button presses.
Of course, Apple Watch Ultra also takes advantage ofthe new features in watchOS 9.
These include more detailed sleep tracking, extra workout info, new running stats, and more.
However, these features are available across the Apple Watch range.
It’s beefier in size, and this reflects in performance.
The Retina Display is snappy and responsive, as well as being extra bright.
Siri is… well, just as slow as usualso working as expected on the new Ultra.
When it comes to battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra is a monster.
We measured 42% around 45 hours in.
To clarify, this is without anyApple Watch battery saving measures, nor using the new Low Power Mode.
We did, however, keep the Always-On Display switched off.
Perhaps I don’t look at my watch as often as Apple reckons I should.
You’d be absolutely correct.
The new Ultra is built like a Nokia 3310pretty much indestructible.
Since it’s the Ultra version, Apple uses its more premium Sapphire-Crystal glass.
Any JerryRigEverything fans will know that this scratches at a level 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
And since the body is made of titanium, it’s also very ding resistant.
You’re likely to chip the metal before scratching it, which shows just how hard it is.
Like we said, teetering on the edge of indestructible.
Just to be clear, this is the inside tech starting to break from repeated impact.
At this point, the glass remains unshattered, with just a few chips in the titanium body.
Let’s take the new Apple Watch Series 8 for comparison.
Considering the extra features packed into the Ultra, the price difference is actually oddly justifiable in our opinion.
And comparing it to competitors, the Apple Watch Ultra actually undercuts on price.
These watches offer similar features to the Apple Watch Ultra, with a couple of key differences.
Both Garmins boast over 100 hours of battery life.
And while Apple’s offering beats its own battery estimation, the Garmin watches do better.
Should You Buy the Apple Watch Ultra?
If those features don’t particularly matter to you, a Series 8 would serve you well.
It’s similar to picking between the iPhone 14 Pro vs the regular iPhone 14.
Expect less frequent upgrades too, so you’ll be able to hold on to this one for longer.
Image Credit:Garmin
