Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Watch Ultra: Is it time to upgrade?

Apple released the First Apple Watch Ultra of 2022, targeting the outdoor adventure market dominated by Garmin.It has been updated apple watch ultra 2 offers some minor internal upgrades and continuous software updates to make it more attractive.

Rumor has it that the Watch Ultra 2 will come in a new black color, but that was never announced. Internal updates and case material sourcing have been revealed, making the Apple Watch Ultra 2 a fairly minor update for the best smartwatch available today.

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If you look at the specs below, only one line has been updated in the new Apple Watch Ultra 2.

specification

	apple watch ultra	apple watch ultra 2
screen	49mm 410×502 LTPO OLED Sapphire Glass Touchscreen	49mm 410×502 LTPO OLED Sapphire Glass Touchscreen
material	Titanium case and three band options	Titanium case and three band options
processor	64-bit dual-core Apple S8	64-bit dual-core Apple S9
storage	32GB	64GB
Connectivity	LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+, multi-band and dual frequency GNSS	LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+, multi-band and dual frequency GNSS
sensor	Optical heart rate, barometer, compass, altimeter, pulse ox, skin temperature, water temperature, depth meter	Optical heart rate, barometer, compass, altimeter, pulse ox, skin temperature, water temperature, depth meter
battery	up to 36 hours	up to 36 hours
size	49 x 44 x 14.4 mm, 61.3 grams	49 x 44 x 14.4 mm, 61.4 grams
maximum display brightness	2000 nits	3000 nits

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You should buy Apple Watch Ultra 2 if:

1. I want to make the display brighter

The original Apple Watch Ultra launched with a vibrant display with 2,000 nits of brightness. After using it for a year, I couldn’t have asked for a brighter display, even in sunlight. However, the Ultra 2 has a display that supports 3,000 nits of brightness.

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Since the Apple Watch Ultra doesn’t have an LED flashlight, it could potentially provide a similar experience in low-light conditions by increasing the display brightness and offering a flashlight boost mode. You can assign the large action button as a flashlight and make the display appear all white.

2. I want Apple’s latest processor

The Apple Watch Ultra 2’s most significant internal update is the move to Apple’s S9 internal processor. We’ll have to see if there’s a significant improvement in the speed and responsiveness of the watch, but I never had any issues with the original Watch Ultra, so I don’t think it’s a noticeable improvement.

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Despite the new processor, battery life remains the same as the advertised 36 hours. A brighter display could reduce its impact, with the S9 processor balancing it out.

3. Environmentally friendly

Apple Watch Ultra 2, like the original Watch Ultra, is also made of titanium. However, 95% is made from recycled titanium. When you purchase the Watch Ultra 2 with an Alpine Loop or Trail Loop band, you make a carbon-neutral purchase.

Store your Apple Watch Ultra if:

1. I don’t want to spend any more money

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also costs $799, so the new watch won’t cost more than last year’s Watch Ultra. Perhaps you could sell your Apple Watch Ultra for $500 (Swappa’s lowest price in good condition is $550) and end up only paying a net $300 for a new Watch Ultra 2. there is.

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I wrote about what I needed to see I was planning on upgrading to the new Watch Ultra 2, and after seeing the announcement it became clear that I wouldn’t be upgrading this year.

2. Your Watch Ultra has a personality

The day after my Apple Watch Ultra arrived, I went out and ran Tough Mudder. The display was in perfect condition after such torture, but there were some small scratches around the bezel. Over the past year, my Watch Ultra has acquired some scratches and wear that add to the watch’s very rugged feel.

If your Watch Ultra has battle scars, you might want to keep it around for storytelling and hold off on buying the latest model. The upgrades are small and allow you to look forward to what’s coming next.

Alternatives to consider

best alternative

samsung galaxy watch 5 pro

Samsung’s 2022 Watch 5 Pro remains in the lineup and is the best Galaxy Watch with a sapphire display and titanium body that’s ready for any adventure.

best alternative

garmin enduro 2

Even though it’s been a year since its release, Enduro 2 continues to deliver great performance with the longest battery life of any Garmin watch. While solar charging can help extend battery life, LED flashlights are an everyday tool.

best alternative

Top of Koros 2

Coros offers the most powerful watches that offer nearly the same features as Garmin while costing less than Garmin. Vertix 2 has amazing battery life, so get out and explore.