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MagyarApple Watch Ultra 2 review - A stunning display
Apple introduces the second generation of the Apple Watch Ultra. The Ultra is larger than the regular Apple Watch and is designed to withstand more. Apple offers it in only one size, 49 millimeters (1,93 in). The case is always made of titanium and the manufacturer offers a wide range of straps.
Compared to the first Ultra, the second generation has a brighter display and even better performance thanks to a new SiP chip. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an integrated LTE module.
Our review unit comes with the orange/beige Trail Loop band. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an MSRP of $799 / €899 and only works with an iPhone.
Case and features - Apple Watch Ultra 2 with titanium case
The case of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is made of titanium, which the manufacturer describes as "aerospace grade". The case has two buttons and a crown that can be rotated and pressed. We wear the smartwatch on our left hand, with the crown on the top right. Below it is a button - both elements are protected by a raised part.
This side also houses two microphones and a sensor that can measure depth and water temperature. On the opposite side is another button, the "customizable action button", another microphone, a speaker and the output of the built-in siren.
The display is covered by sapphire glass, and the case protrudes slightly over the display to protect it. The strap is made of nylon fabric and can be changed without tools. It is 25 millimeters wide, cannot be opened, but is elastic.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 weighs 70 grams (2.47 oz / 0.15 pounds) with the band. Without the band, it weighs 62 grams (2.91 oz / 0.14 pounds).
The watch is dust resistant to IPX6 and IEC 60529. It also meets the ISO 22810:2010 standard for water resistance to 100 meters and is certified for diving to 40 meters (131 feet) according to EN13319. The Watch Ultra 2 complies with MIL-STD 810H subsections for altitude, high temperature, low temperature, thermal shock, immersion, freeze and thaw, ice and freezing rain, shock and vibration.
Setup and operation - Apple Watch only compatible with iPhone
When Apple Watch Ultra 2 is turned on, a pop-up automatically appears on a nearby iPhone. To pair, the smartwatch's display is scanned with the iPhone's camera. You can then choose to load the smartwatch with data from previous models or set it up as a new watch. You can also set up the watch for family members.
The phone and watch will then exchange data, and the Watch Ultra 2 can take the Apple ID and other settings from the paired phone, if desired. The Watch app comes preinstalled on an iPhone. We used an iPhone 15 Plus.
Once the data has been successfully transferred, settings can be made. These include preferred wrist, font size, button assignment, and automatic noise or depth measurement. Once all the settings have been made, a tutorial on how to use the smartwatch starts.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is controlled by a 1.92-inch display, a rotating and pressure-sensitive crown, and two buttons. Pressing the crown opens the app menu from the watch face. From any menu, pressing the crown takes you back one step.
A double-tap on the crown brings up an overview of the most recently opened programs, a long press calls up the voice assistant Siri. Pressing the side button opens the quick menu with access to flashlight, battery, cellular, and Wi-Fi settings, such as different modes for theater, airplane, and bedtime.
A double-tap on the side button opens Apple Pay, while a long press brings up an emergency menu. Here you can access the siren, emergency pass, emergency call feature, and trackback compass. The action button on the opposite side can be customized. By default, it opens the training menu, but you can also select Stopwatch, Waypoint, Backtrack, Dive or Flashlight.
Swiping from top to bottom of the screen opens the Notifications menu. Messages are listed chronologically and sorted by application. Swiping from bottom to top brings up an overview of widgets, which Apple calls Smart Stacks. The selection of information is based on location, time, and activity. Typically, you see the date, time, weather, appointments, and activities. Unlike many other smartwatches, swiping sideways on the display does not trigger any function.
As with the Watch Series 9, Apple also relies on the double-tap gesture. The smartwatch recognizes a double tap of the thumb and index finger together as a gesture. This can be used, for example, to pause music or scroll through the widget collection. This worked reliably in our tests.
Calling and notifications - Good voice clarity with Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 2 features speakers and microphones, so you can make and receive phone calls. With an eSIM installed, you can make calls without a smartphone within Bluetooth range.
The sound during calls is pleasantly clear for both parties. The watch's speaker is loud enough. There are short interruptions when the watch is running, but otherwise the Watch Ultra 2 is suitable for longer calls.
The phone application offers access to call lists, all contacts of the paired smartphone and the mailbox. There is also a numeric keypad for manual entries. The Walkie-Talkie app lets you make calls directly from Apple Watch to Apple Watch.
Notifications are reliably displayed on the Watch Ultra 2. The smartwatch can also display emoticons and images, although the images may be blurry depending on the app. Replies can be made with pre-written short answers, emoticons, voice input, or the full QWERTY keyboard. Typing on the screen is usually successful without typos.
Voice assistant - Watch Ultra 2 relies on Siri
Apple relies exclusively on its own voice assistant, Siri, on Watch Ultra 2. The assistant can be accessed on demand or by pressing a button. Answers are delivered both on the display and through the speaker. The voice output can be set to silent mode.
With the new processor, voice commands should be processed directly on the device and therefore even faster. We could not find any advantage over other top smartwatches in the test.
Health and fitness - Watch Ultra 2 with gait analysis
Apple Watch's health data is collected by the Apple Health app. In addition to the usual data such as heart rate, Apple Watch Ultra 2 can also measure ECG and skin temperature. The watch also measures ambient noise. If the environment is too loud, the watch warns of possible hearing damage.
Other unusual data includes time in daylight, asymmetrical gait measurement, walking stability, and stair-climbing speed. The mindfulness app can also be used to log moods and reflect on thoughts. Breathing exercises are also available through the app.
In dangerous situations, the Apple Watch Ultra 2's siren can be activated. It reaches a volume of 84 decibels and can be heard up to 180 meters (590 feet) away. The alarm sounds at different frequencies and varies the sequence of tones. The siren is part of the emergency menu. A long press on the Action button takes you there.
Apple Watch's health features also include fall and accident detection. If a fall is detected and the wearer does not move for a certain amount of time, the watch prompts the wearer to respond. If there is no response, emergency services are notified and the watch provides its location. Accident Detection works in a similar way and is designed to detect serious car accidents.
Thanks to the internal eSIM, the Watch Ultra 2 can make an emergency call on its own. When cellular coverage is unavailable, the watch can make an emergency call via satellite when a paired iPhone 14 or later is nearby.
Activity goals - Apple relies on health and fitness app
Activity is displayed in the familiar rings on the Apple Watch Ultra. You can view them on the watch itself or in the Apple Health app and the Apple Fitness app. The three rings represent calories burned, minutes worked out, and time spent standing. The software also displays the number of steps taken and the distance covered.
The data can also be displayed on a timeline for the day. It is also possible to compare the days of a week. The fitness software can display long-term trends, but this requires at least 180 days of activity data to be collected.
Trends can be viewed in the Health app after a short time. The software calculates an average of the training minutes for a week, or compares the daily values to the average for that time of day.
Activity goals can be personalized. It is also possible to share health and fitness data with other users.
Heart rate, heart rhythm and blood oxygen saturation
Apple Watch Ultra 2 can collect a variety of measurements. To better evaluate the heart rate and blood oxygen saturation measurements, we compare them to reference devices.
To measure heart rate, we take the Apple Watch Ultra 2 out for a bike ride with a Polar H10 heart rate monitor. Both devices provide an identical resting heart rate. We took the power pulse at three different times. The average deviation of the readings is 0.67 percent. The smartwatch gave a higher value in two out of three measurements.
A Braun Pulse Oximeter 1 serves as a reference device for measuring blood oxygen saturation. The average deviation of three measurements is 0.34 percent. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not measure blood pressure.
Overall, the Apple smartwatch impresses with its extremely accurate measurement of health values. This makes it suitable for athletes and for monitoring bodily functions.
Sleep tracking - set sleep goals with the Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 2 features sleep tracking out of the box. The data is displayed in the Apple Health app. The watch displays total sleep time and breaks it down into deep sleep, light sleep, and REM sleep. For each stage, the time and percentage of total sleep is displayed. There is also a graphical display based on a timeline.
The smartwatch also distinguishes between "time in bed" and "sleep phase", allowing it to recognize wake-up times or the time it took to fall asleep. The Watch Ultra 2 also measures heart rate, respiration rate and wrist temperature during sleep.
Sleep can be output not only for one day, but also for weeks and months. The wearer can also set a sleep goal. The sleep target is derived from a sleep schedule. The watch then automatically switches to sleep mode 30 minutes before bedtime and deactivates the always-on display, for example, and stops displaying messages.
If the watch is worn for a longer period of time, the app will show developments. The smartwatch does not come with a smart alarm clock that takes sleep phases into account.
Record a workout - Watch Ultra automatically recognizes workout formats
Apple Watch Ultra 2 can track a variety of workouts. The level of detail varies depending on the type of sport you choose. Running, for example, provides intense tracking. You can set goals for calories burned or distance traveled. The software can also activate a pacer with a specific time or pace.
Individual workouts can also be created in the form of intervals. However, Apple has paid special attention to automatic training recognition. For example, the watch recognizes when you are running on a track and adjusts the recording accordingly.
The watch also recognizes when you shift between different sports - such as triathlon - and adjusts the display and tracking accordingly. This recognition is also visible when the Watch Ultra 2 is submerged underwater. The depth function, which can be used for diving, then starts automatically.
The watch displays the current depth, maximum depth and water temperature. Algorithms are designed to help you surface to avoid health problems. To actually use the Apple Watch Ultra 2 as a dive computer, an additional app must be installed. Apple is promoting Scuba Oceanic+. The app is free, but a paid subscription is required to access the full range of features.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 automatically records your route during outdoor workouts. This is displayed as a map in the Apple applications. It is not possible to export individual workouts as GPX files, but the data for all workouts can be exported, and individual workouts can then be searched by date. It is not possible to import routes without third-party applications.
GPS and navigation - precise positioning with the Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports all popular dual-band satellite systems. To test its accuracy, we took the Apple Watch out for a bike ride with a Garmin Venu 2. The Ultra 2's recording is impressive: the route corresponds to the route guidance, and radii are also reliably detected.
The Watch Ultra 2 can also be used for navigation. Apple Maps are installed by default. Navigation can be started directly from the smartwatch. Thanks to the eSIM and the integrated satellite connection, navigation is also possible without a paired smartphone nearby.
The route can be displayed with arrows or on a map. The Watch Ultra 2 can also use the satellite connection for the compass backtrack function. This allows you to track your movements and display a compass. This is intended to protect against getting lost when moving in unfamiliar terrain.
Display - Watch Ultra 2 cracks 2000 nits
The display of the Watch Ultra 2 is a stunner. It is beautifully readable even in full sunlight. Apple advertises a peak brightness of up to 3000 cd/m². We actually achieved this in our measurements, reaching 2947 nits with the brightness sensor activated. This makes the Apple smartwatch the current leader in our database and knocks the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 off the brightness throne.
The Ultra 2 also beats the current Watch Series 9 by a wide margin. However, we also measure screen flicker at a frequency of 60 Hz, where the Series 9 performs better at 310 Hz. Without the brightness sensor, the Ultra 2 still achieves 1023 cd/m². With a measured minimum brightness of 2.52 nits, the smartwatch is also readable in the dark without glare.
Apple's Watch Ultra 2 uses a 1.92-inch LTPO AMOLED panel. Not only is the screen bright, but viewing angles are perfect and content is displayed clearly.
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch6 44mm | Apple Watch Series 9 45mm | Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE | Huawei Watch 4 Pro Space Edition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Times | |||||
| PWM Frequency | 60 | 60 0% | 310 417% | 120 100% | 60 0% |
| Screen | -36% | -45% | -69% | -78% | |
| Brightness middle | 2947 | 1897 -36% | 1619 -45% | 907 -69% | 663 -78% |
| Black Level * | |||||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -18% /
-18% | 186% /
186% | 16% /
16% | -39% /
-39% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 60 Hz Amplitude: 41.98 % |  | |
The display backlight flickers at 60 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) . The frequency of 60 Hz is very low, so the flickering may cause eyestrain and headaches after extended use. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 17348 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured. | |||
Performance and battery life - Apple Watch in a class of its own
Apple uses the same SiP in the Watch Ultra 2 as in the Watch Series 9, the Apple S9. As a result, the smartwatch performs very well. Applications load quickly, transitions between menus and scrolling are smooth. The operating speed is very high for a smartwatch. We did not experience any stuttering or crashes during the test.
The Watch Ultra 2 also performed well in benchmarks. As expected, it delivers results on par with the Watch Series 9. The competition with WearOS and Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 and Exynos W930 performs significantly weaker in all benchmarks.
| Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
| Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE (Samsung Brwoser 3.0) | |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
| OnePlus Watch 2 (samsung browser 3.0) | |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | |
| Average Apple S9 SiP (902 - 908, n=2) | |
| Apple Watch Series 9 45mm | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
| Apple Watch Series 9 45mm | |
| Average Apple S9 SiP (46038 - 46353, n=2) | |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
| OnePlus Watch 2 (samsung browser 3.0) | |
| Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
| Speedometer 2.0 - Result | |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | |
| Average Apple S9 SiP (38.9 - 39.4, n=2) | |
| Apple Watch Series 9 45mm | |
| Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
| OnePlus Watch 2 (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
* ... smaller is better
Battery life - The largest battery in an Apple Watch.
One advantage of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 over the Watch Series 9 is its larger battery. At 564 mAh, it is the largest battery in an Apple smartwatch to date. We enabled all measurements for the test, as well as automatic workout detection, and we use an eSIM. With the always-on display enabled, we got about 2.5 days of battery life, even with several hours of training. The smartwatch is usually within Bluetooth range of the paired smartphone.
When the always-on display is deactivated, the battery life is extended by about one day with otherwise identical usage. This means that 3.5 days of intensive use are possible on one battery charge. However, this time can easily be shortened with long training sessions and intensive use of the eSIM. According to Apple, the Ultra 2 achieves ten hours of GPS tracking on a single battery charge.
However, charging the Watch Ultra 2 takes time. The smartwatch only charges from 0 to 6 percent in 10 minutes. The smartwatch then picks up a bit of speed. It takes about a minute to charge one percent. After 90 minutes, the Ultra 2 is 95 percent charged.
Since the Ultra 2 can be charged wirelessly, but does not support the Qi standard, an Apple charger is essential.
Pros
Cons
Verdict - Apple Watch Ultra 2 is nearly flawless
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 really only has two weaknesses. It is not for small wrists and it comes at a price. With a case size of 49 millimeters, the smartwatch is definitely worth trying before you buy. But the format also has its advantages.
It has the capacity for a 1.92 inch display. This is a very bright display in the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and ensures excellent readability. In our measurements, we almost reached the advertised 3000 cd/m². With 2974 nits, the Watch Ultra 2 secures the brightness crown.
The voluminous titanium case also has room for a large battery. Even with intensive use, the Watch Ultra 2 lasts between 2.5 and 3.5 days. This is despite the smartwatch being packed full of features. These range from automatic diving, noise detection and ECG measurement to navigation and siren alarms.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is high quality, bright, durable, and packed with features. Unfortunately, it is bulky and expensive.
Apple is better than the competition at combining smartphone and smartwatch features. A very straightforward example is the alarm clock synchronization. However, the app structure of other manufacturers seems clearer. Depending on the function of the watch, different software is required, which is spread over three apps.
Apple is sticking to its strategy of only pairing its smartwatches with iPhones. Android users will have to look for alternatives. The Huawei Watch 4 Pro Space Edition, compatible with Android and iOS, is similarly elegant with its titanium case. It is similarly accurate in its measurements and also lasts several days. However, the display is much darker.
In terms of display brightness, only the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 can come close. It is much cheaper, but the materials are not on the same level.
Price and availability
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an MSRP of $799 / €899. It is available at many major retailers, and Apple also sells the Watch Ultra 2 through its own online store.
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Transparency
The present review sample was made available to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or a shop for the purposes of review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.
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