Apple Watch Ultra 2: My honest opinion after a year
Have you ever felt like technological advancements were holding you back rather than moving you forward? That’s how I felt until I wore the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on my wrist. I didn’t fall in love with it right away, but after a year of use, I can honestly say that this watch has changed the way I approach my daily life and adventures.
First impressions: rugged and ready to go
When the Ultra 2 first arrived, the first thing I noticed was its size. It’s just big. The titanium body was surprisingly sturdy and seemed to be able to take a beating. The flat display was different from previous Apple Watches, but I immediately felt at home. On the wrist, it looks like a rugged little computer. The orange action buttons are hard to miss, and the bright visual icon screams: “I can do anything.” I felt like Apple had finally made a watch that could keep up with my somewhat chaotic life.
Diving into features: what stands out
Once I got over the initial novelty, I started digging into what the watch can actually do. The 3000-nit display is ridiculously bright, and the watch is also very easy to use. I’ve used the watch in direct sunlight, but it reads just as well indoors. This may seem insignificant, but it makes a huge difference when running or hiking.
Thanks to the new S9 chip, the controls are noticeably easier. Menu navigation is smoother and apps open faster. But honestly, the biggest change for me was the double tap gesture. How often do you have to press your finger to operate your watch? However, when both hands are busy, this feature is a lifesaver. Being able to answer a call while you’re carrying groceries, or skip a track while running without having to fumble with the screen is great.
Offline, Siri is great for basic things like the timer, but I tried converting meters to yards while out of cellular range, but unfortunately it didn’t work. I would like to be able to do more things offline. Siri’s new health-related features, like asking for sleep or weight, are not yet available, but we look forward to trying them out.
Real-world use
From the trail to the city, I took this watch with me everywhere. Running, biking, swimming, and even hiking. The fitness tracking is top notch, the GPS is accurate, and the heart rate monitor keeps up with my workouts. It’s not just about the data, but how it fits into my daily life.
I use the cycling feature a lot, and mirroring the screen on my phone is very handy. The power meter support is great, but the FTP detection is a bit unreliable. The lack of a world map is disappointing. This needs to be fixed.
Battery life is another big plus. It’s not 72 hours on low mode, but it’s enough for two days of normal use and workouts. This is a big plus over previous watches and you don’t have to think about constant charging.
It’s not all rosy: but it’s not perfect either.
The sleep tracking is a bit unstable. The sleep time is displayed correctly, but “sleeping” is often wrong. The topographic map is limited to certain areas of California, which is disappointing for people in other parts of the country.
It’s also disappointing that the newer models don’t include a function to determine blood oxygen levels. This feature was listed as a health feature, but is now gone due to patent issues.
I think the siren is cool. It can come in handy if you get in trouble, but thankfully I haven’t had to use it. The action buttons I have yet to use as much as I would like. They’re not intuitive and I often forget they’re there.
One thing to keep in mind is the price. It’s not a cheap purchase, and it’s not for everyone.
Ultra 2 vs. the competition: who’s the winner?
Compared to other smartwatches, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands out for its build, display, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. We tried a few other brands, but they don’t have the same smoothness. Samsung products are there too, but without the same smoothness. Garmin is for serious athletes, but it doesn’t have the same smart features as the Ultra 2.
The Ultra 2 is a good balance between sporty and smart. It’s not designed for those who need a purely fitness device, but it does everything well. Ultimately, it all depends on what you need. If you need something that’s great for working out and doubles as a smartwatch, the Ultra 2 is a good choice. If, however, you need a fitness-oriented device, look elsewhere.
Final Verdict: Worth the investment.
For outdoor enthusiasts or those who just want a watch that can accommodate their busy lifestyles, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great choice. The improved brightness, new processor, and double-tap gestures make them a worthy upgrade, especially compared to older models. The battery life is a big bonus.
It’s not a cheap product, but if you’re looking for a durable watch that you can use for anything, the Ultra 2 is something worth looking at. The fact that Apple is supporting this model with new features is also a great deal. It’s not a must buy for those who already own the Ultra 1, but if you’re looking for a new watch, the Ultra 2 is worth its money. It’s not just a watch, it’s a partner that has become a part of my daily life.
