The Apple Watch has become a staple in the smartwatch market, offering a range of features and functionality that have made it one of the most popular wearable devices on the market. With the recent announcement of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, many are wondering how it compares to its predecessor, the Apple Watch Ultra. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the specs, price, and features of both watches to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display
When it comes to design, both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Ultra have a similar aesthetic. The Ultra 2 continues the rugged, outdoorsy appeal that Apple has been targeting, while the Ultra brought a suite of upgrades to the Apple Watch, including a larger screen, titanium frame, built-in siren, and longer battery life. The overall look of the Ultra 2 remains the same as last year’s version, but Apple has made a few design tweaks on the software side.
In terms of display, the Ultra 2 boasts a screen brightness of 3,000 nits, which is both 50% brighter than the first Apple Watch Ultra and apparently the brightest display Apple has ever made. The Ultra 2’s 49mm display goes up to 3,000 nits, making it even brighter to use out and about in direct sunlight. The Ultra, on the other hand, features a 49mm OLED display.
Specs and Performance
When it comes to specs and performance, the Ultra 2 offers some notable upgrades over the Ultra. The Ultra 2 packs a new S9 SiP (System in Package), an upgraded U2 ultrawide-band chip, and a brand new double tap gesture that allows you to control the function you are currently in. The Ultra 2 also features a new 4-core Neural Engine that can process machine learning tasks up to twice as fast as the original Ultra.
Both the Ultra 2 and the Ultra have a range of sensors, including SpO2, ECG, optical heart rate, ambient light, and water temperature. They also both have the same storage capacity of 32GB and offer up to 36 hours of battery life. However, the Ultra 2’s display architecture allows for a screen brightness of 3,000 nits, compared to the Ultra’s 2,000 nits.
Features and Functionality
In terms of features and functionality, both the Ultra 2 and the Ultra offer a range of health and fitness tracking capabilities. They both have a skin temperature reader, SpO2 reader, ECG sensor, and heart rate monitor. They also both feature L1/L5 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou connectivity.
One of the key new features of the Ultra 2 is the double tap gesture, which allows you to control various functions of the watch with a simple double tap of your thumb and index finger. This feature takes advantage of the new S9 chip inside the Ultra 2 and lets you interact with the watch when you have only one hand available. The double tap gesture will be available as a software update in October.
Price and Release Date
The price and release date of the Ultra 2 and the Ultra are important factors to consider when making your decision. The Ultra 2 has a price tag of $799/£849/AU$1,299 for the GPS + Cellular configuration with a 49mm case. The Ultra, on the other hand, is likely to be available at a discounted price as it is now a year old.
The Ultra 2 is set to be released on September 22, while the Ultra is already available for purchase. If you are looking for the latest and greatest features, the Ultra 2 is the way to go. However, if you can find the Ultra at a significantly lower price, it may be worth considering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Ultra offer a range of features and functionality that make them excellent smartwatches. The Ultra 2 brings some notable upgrades, including a brighter display, a new double tap gesture, and improved performance with the new S9 chip. However, if you can find the Ultra at a significantly lower price, it may still be a great option.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ultra 2 and the Ultra will depend on your budget and the specific features that are most important to you. Whichever watch you choose, you can be sure that you will be getting a high-quality smartwatch from Apple.
Additional Information
- The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra both have a similar design aesthetic, with the Ultra 2 retaining the rugged, outdoorsy appeal of its predecessor.
- The Ultra 2 features a 49mm display with a brightness of 3,000 nits, while the Ultra has a 49mm OLED display.
- Both watches offer a range of health and fitness tracking capabilities, including sensors for SpO2, ECG, optical heart rate, ambient light, and water temperature.
- The Ultra 2 introduces a new double tap gesture that allows you to control various functions of the watch with a simple double tap of your thumb and index finger.
- The Ultra 2 is priced at $799/£849/AU$1,299 for the GPS + Cellular configuration with a 49mm case, while the Ultra may be available at a discounted price as it is now a year old.
- The Ultra 2 is set to be released on September 22, while the Ultra is already available for purchase.
