Apple Watch Ultra Review: Is It Worth It?
Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the Apple Watch Ultra, the biggest, baddest, and most rugged Apple Watch ever made. If you’re wondering whether this beast is worth your hard-earned cash, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to break down everything from its design and durability to its performance and features, so you can make an informed decision. Let's get started!
Design and Durability
The Apple Watch Ultra screams premium and tough right out of the box. The first thing you’ll notice is its size. It's significantly larger than the standard Apple Watch, featuring a 49mm titanium case that's built to withstand some serious abuse. Apple claims it’s their most rugged watch yet, and after putting it through its paces, I’m inclined to agree. The titanium case not only looks fantastic but also provides exceptional protection against scratches and dents. The raised edges around the sapphire crystal display offer an extra layer of defense, minimizing the risk of screen damage.
Beyond the size and materials, the design incorporates several thoughtful features aimed at enhancing usability in extreme conditions. The Digital Crown is larger and has deeper grooves, making it easier to use with gloves on. The side button is also more prominent, ensuring you can activate it even when your fingers are cold or wet. And then there’s the new Action button – a customizable button that can be programmed to launch specific apps or functions, providing quick access to essential tools when you need them most. This is incredibly useful for activities like starting a workout, marking a compass waypoint, or activating the siren.
The durability of the Apple Watch Ultra extends beyond its case and buttons. It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters, meeting the EN13319 standard for dive computers. This means it can handle recreational scuba diving and other water sports without breaking a sweat. Apple has also designed new straps specifically for the Ultra, including the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and Ocean Band. Each strap is tailored to different activities and environments, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit no matter what you’re doing. Whether you're climbing mountains, running trails, or exploring the depths of the ocean, the Apple Watch Ultra is built to keep up.
Display and User Interface
The display on the Apple Watch Ultra is a significant upgrade over previous models. It’s not only larger but also brighter, reaching a peak brightness of 2000 nits. This makes it incredibly easy to see in direct sunlight, which is crucial for outdoor activities. The always-on display ensures that you can quickly glance at the time and your workout stats without having to raise your wrist or tap the screen. The resolution is also higher, resulting in sharper and more detailed visuals.
Apple has optimized the user interface to take full advantage of the larger display. The watch faces are more informative, displaying more data and complications at a glance. The Wayfinder face, exclusive to the Ultra, is particularly impressive, offering a customizable layout that can show everything from altitude and compass direction to sunrise and sunset times. The user interface is smooth and responsive, thanks to the powerful S8 SiP chip. Navigating through menus, launching apps, and interacting with notifications feels effortless.
The Night Mode is another standout feature, automatically activating in low-light conditions to turn the display red. This reduces eye strain and preserves your night vision, making it ideal for nighttime adventures or simply checking the time in bed. The larger display also makes it easier to read text messages, emails, and other notifications. Whether you're using it for navigation, fitness tracking, or communication, the display on the Apple Watch Ultra is a joy to use.
Performance and Features
Under the hood, the Apple Watch Ultra is powered by the S8 SiP chip, which delivers lightning-fast performance. Apps launch instantly, animations are smooth, and multitasking is a breeze. The Ultra also boasts a larger battery than previous Apple Watch models, providing up to 36 hours of battery life on a single charge. In low-power mode, you can extend that to up to 60 hours, making it ideal for multi-day adventures. GPS performance is also improved, thanks to the dual-frequency GPS system that supports both L1 and L5 frequencies. This results in more accurate tracking, especially in areas with tall buildings or dense tree cover.
The features of the Apple Watch Ultra are extensive, catering to a wide range of activities and interests. It includes all the standard Apple Watch features, such as heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen tracking, and fall detection. It also adds new features specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. The Depth app, for example, turns the Ultra into a dive computer, displaying depth, water temperature, and dive time. The redesigned Compass app offers more detailed information and the ability to mark waypoints and backtrack your route. The Action button can be customized to launch specific workouts, start a dive, or activate the siren, providing quick access to essential tools.
The siren is another notable feature, emitting an 86-decibel sound that can be heard up to 180 meters away. This can be a lifesaver in emergency situations, helping you attract attention if you’re lost or injured. The Apple Watch Ultra also supports international emergency calling, allowing you to call for help in almost any country, even if you don’t have cellular service. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just someone who enjoys exploring the outdoors, the Apple Watch Ultra has something to offer.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra truly shines. Apple claims up to 36 hours of battery life on a single charge, and in my testing, it lived up to that promise. With typical usage, including activity tracking, notifications, and occasional phone calls, I was able to get through a full day and a half without needing to recharge. In low-power mode, the battery life can be extended to up to 60 hours, making it ideal for multi-day adventures. This is a significant improvement over previous Apple Watch models, which typically require daily charging.
The larger battery in the Apple Watch Ultra is a game-changer for anyone who uses their watch for extended periods or in remote locations. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, camping in the wilderness, or simply traveling to a place where you don’t have easy access to a charger, the Ultra’s battery life will give you peace of mind. The watch also charges relatively quickly, reaching 80% capacity in about an hour. Overall, the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra is one of its strongest selling points.
Is It Worth It?
So, the million-dollar question: Is the Apple Watch Ultra worth it? The answer, as always, depends on your needs and priorities. If you’re a serious athlete, outdoor enthusiast, or someone who works in demanding environments, the Apple Watch Ultra is definitely worth considering. Its rugged design, enhanced features, and long battery life make it the ultimate adventure companion. The larger display is easier to see in direct sunlight, the Action button provides quick access to essential tools, and the dual-frequency GPS ensures accurate tracking in challenging conditions.
However, if you’re primarily looking for a smartwatch for everyday use, the standard Apple Watch may be a better fit. The Ultra’s larger size can be cumbersome for some people, and its premium price tag may be difficult to justify if you don’t need its advanced features. The standard Apple Watch offers many of the same core features, such as heart rate monitoring, ECG, and fall detection, at a more affordable price. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you value durability, performance, and long battery life above all else, the Apple Watch Ultra is the clear winner. But if you’re on a budget or prefer a smaller, more streamlined design, the standard Apple Watch is still an excellent choice.
In conclusion, the Apple Watch Ultra is a remarkable device that pushes the boundaries of what a smartwatch can do. Its rugged design, advanced features, and long battery life make it the ultimate adventure companion. While it may not be for everyone, those who need its capabilities will find it to be an invaluable tool. So, if you’re ready to take your adventures to the next level, the Apple Watch Ultra is definitely worth considering. Just make sure you’re prepared to pay a premium for it!