Apple Watch Ultra 1 Vs 2 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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Apple Watch Ultra 1 & 2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Ultra 2 rather than the Apple Watch Ultra.

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Ultra 2

  • The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an advanced S9 chip for faster performance, improved health monitoring, & smoother app navigation, compared to the S8 chip in the Apple Watch Ultra
  • The Ultra 2 has a maximum of 3,000 nits brightness to read in harsh sunlight & perfect for outdoors, while the Ultra has a maximum of 2,000 nits brightness.
  • It introduced the UWB 2 chip, which improves the accuracy of location-based services like Find My Device and supports precision finding to locate lost nearby devices, but the Apple Watch Ultra has no UWB chip.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a Double Tap gesture, which performs actions like answering calls, stopping alarms, or interacting with notifications without physically touching the screen, while the Apple Watch Ultra has basic swipe and press controls.
  • The Ultra 2 boasts up to 36 hours of battery life (72 hours on low-power mode), perfect for long trips without frequent charging, while the Ultra has no extended low-power mode.
  • In Ultra 2, Siri is processed on the device itself without connecting to the internet, offering faster command responses, & controlling smart home devices, while the Apple Ultra Watch is slow.
  • It has 64GB of storage for more space to store a lot of music, podcasts, apps, and fitness data offline, but the Ultra offers only 32GB storage.
  • The Ultra 2 supports a wider altitude range up to 9000 meters, making it more suitable for extreme outdoor activities compared to Ultra 1’s 6000 meters.

Maybe the Apple Watch Ultra price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureApple Watch Ultra 2Apple Watch Ultra
ChipsetS9 SiP S8 SiP 
Display BrightnessUp to 3000 nits Up to 2000 nits 
Double Tap GestureAvailable Not available
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ChipU2 UWBNo UWB chip
Battery Life72 hours on low-power modeno extended low-power mode
Siri CapabilitiesOn-device Siri Cloud-based Siri
Health Sensors and TrackingAdvanced health sensorsFewer metrics
Compass and GPS(L1 + L5) with improved accuracyDual-frequency (L1 + L5)
Night ModeEnhanced night mode Standard night mode
Environmental FeaturesCarbon-neutral option availableNo carbon-neutral 
Operating SystemwatchOS 10 with more exclusive features watchOS 10 with standard feature 
Storage64GB for apps, music, and other media32GB
Altimeter and Compass Features500m to 9000m500m to 6000m
Colors and FinishesTitanium with additional finishesTitanium only
Battery ChargingFaster chargingStandard charging 
PriceCheck Ultra 2 PriceCheck Ultra Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Design and Durability: Both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 are built for extreme durability, using aerospace-grade titanium and sapphire crystal. These materials ensure that both models can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making them suitable for activities like rock climbing, hiking, and diving. The 49mm case size is identical, providing a large display area for readability and ease of interaction during physical activities.
  • Display and Visual Quality: Both models feature the same 1.92-inch Retina LTPO OLED display, offering excellent visibility under various lighting conditions. The always-on display allows users to check time, notifications, or workout metrics without having to raise or tap the watch. This similarity ensures that both watches provide the same level of clarity and convenience for daily use and outdoor expeditions.
  • Water and Dive Capabilities: Both watches are water-resistant to 100 meters and are certified with EN13319 for diving, which means they are capable of serving as a dive computer for recreational diving activities. This makes both models ideal for users who enjoy water sports, scuba diving, or snorkeling, ensuring they can track depth and time spent underwater.
  • Advanced Health and Fitness Monitoring: Both Ultra models share comprehensive health and fitness features such as ECG monitoring, blood oxygen levels, and sleep tracking. These sensors and apps make them valuable tools for monitoring overall health, ensuring that both athletes and casual users alike can keep track of critical health metrics. Additionally, the watches’ fitness features, including running, cycling, and swimming tracking, ensure that users can access detailed metrics to improve performance in various activities.
  • Dual-Frequency GPS for Precision: The dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) in both models provides better location accuracy in environments where standard GPS signals may struggle, such as densely built-up urban areas or heavily wooded regions. This makes both watches highly reliable for hiking, running, and outdoor navigation, where precise GPS data is essential.
  • Military-Grade Durability: Both models are built to MIL-STD 810H standards, ensuring they are resistant to extreme temperatures, shock, and altitude. This military-grade certification is key for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who engage in activities under extreme environmental conditions. It reassures users that both watches can endure rugged conditions without failure.
  • Customizable Action Button: The Action Button is a unique feature on both models, allowing users to assign a specific function (e.g., start a workout, set a waypoint, or activate a flashlight) with a single press. This similarity ensures ease of use during activities where quick access to functions is crucial, such as during diving, hiking.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch Ultra 2Apple Watch Ultra
Design and BuildAerospace-grade titanium caseAerospace-grade titanium case
Display Size49mm case with 1.92-inch display49mm case with 1.92-inch display
Water ResistanceWR100 (100 meters), WR100 (100 meters)
Dual-Frequency GPSDual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5) Dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5)
MIL-STD 810H CertificationMeets military standards Meets military standards
Health MonitoringBlood oxygen sensor, ECG appBlood oxygen sensor, ECG app
Operating System (watchOS)Ships with watchOS 10Ships with watchOS 10
Battery LifeUp to 36 hoursUp to 36 hours 
Dive Computer FeaturesOceanic+ app supportOceanic+ app support
Compass and Waypoint FeaturesCompass app with backtrack Compass app with backtrack
Action ButtonCustomizable action button Customizable action button 
Sapphire Crystal DisplayScratch-resistantScratch-resistant
Temperature SensorsBuilt-in temperature sensors Built-in temperature sensors 
Fall DetectionAutomatic fall detection Automatic fall detection
Cellular ConnectivityGPS + Cellular modelsGPS + Cellular models
Fitness TrackingComprehensive fitness tracking Comprehensive fitness tracking
Sleep TrackingTracks sleep stagesTracks sleep stages
Taptic EngineHaptic feedbackHaptic feedback
PriceCheck Ultra 2 PriceCheck Ultra Price

FAQ

Q1: Are the design and build quality of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 the same?
A1: Yes, both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 feature the same rugged design made from aerospace-grade titanium and flat sapphire crystal. This ensures that both models are highly durable and resistant to scratches, making them ideal for outdoor activities and extreme conditions.

Q2: Do both Apple Watch Ultra models have the same display size and technology?
A2: Yes, both watches come with a 49mm case and a 1.92-inch Retina LTPO OLED display. They also support always-on display functionality, ensuring that users can easily see the time, notifications, or fitness data without raising or tapping the watch.

Q3: Are the water resistance and dive capabilities the same for both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1?
A3: Yes, both models are water-resistant up to 100 meters and are EN13319 certified, which means they are capable of serving as dive computers for recreational diving. This makes both watches suitable for activities such as swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

Q4: Do both watches provide the same GPS accuracy?
A4: Yes, both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 feature dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5), which improves location accuracy, especially in challenging environments such as urban areas with tall buildings or dense forests. This makes both models excellent for outdoor activities like hiking and running.

Q5: Are the health monitoring features the same in both Apple Watch Ultra models?
A5: Yes, both models provide advanced health monitoring features, including blood oxygen tracking, ECG capability, and heart rate monitoring. They also track sleep stages, offering insights into REM, core, and deep sleep patterns. These features are valuable for anyone looking to monitor their health and fitness levels.

Q6: Do the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 run the same operating system?
A6: Yes, both watches run watchOS 10, providing the same software experience, including access to Apple’s extensive ecosystem of apps. Users on both models benefit from the latest watchOS features, including improvements in fitness tracking, health monitoring, and navigation.

Q7: Is the battery life the same in both Apple Watch Ultra models?
A7: Yes, both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 offer up to 36 hours of battery life in standard mode, making them ideal for extended use during outdoor adventures. Both watches also feature a low-power mode that can extend the battery life even further.

Q8: Do both watches feature the same compass and navigation tools?
A8: Yes, both models include a compass with waypoint marking and a backtrack feature, which allows users to retrace their steps. This is useful for hiking, camping, or navigating unfamiliar environments.

Q9: Can I use both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 for fitness tracking?
A9: Yes, both watches offer comprehensive fitness tracking, including metrics for running, cycling, swimming, and more. They also provide detailed workout data, such as pace, heart rate zones, and distance, making them ideal for fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike.

Q10: Are the cellular and connectivity options the same for both models?
A10: Yes, both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 come in GPS-only and GPS + Cellular versions. The cellular models allow users to make calls, send texts, and use data services without needing to carry an iPhone, making both models highly versatile for staying connected during outdoor activities.

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