Apple Watch Ultra vs 2: Which One is the Best?

Apple Watch Ultra's rugged design and impressive feature set have made waves in the smartwatch world. But if you’re wondering whether to stick with the tried-and-true Apple Watch Ultra 1 or jump to the newly released Apple Watch Ultra 2, you’re in the right place. 

We're diving deep to figure out which one comes out on top and why.

Let's get started!

Apple Watch Ultra vs 2: The Verdict

When it comes to deciding between the Apple Watch Ultra 1 and its younger sibling, the Ultra 2, it's all about purpose. Let's break it down.

Best by Price:

With the launch of the Ultra 2, the original Apple Watch Ultra has seen a slight dip in price. If you’re budget-conscious, the Ultra 1 is the more affordable option.

Best for Overall Features:

The Ultra 2 takes the crown here. With improvements in performance, a brighter display, and upgraded health tracking, it’s hard to deny the advancements in this latest model. If you want the cutting-edge, the Ultra 2 is your go-to.

Best for Health Monitoring:

Both models excel in this category, but the Ultra 2 edges out slightly with improved sensors and faster processing, which means more accurate data in real-time. Still, the Ultra 1 holds its own with all the core health-tracking features Apple is known for.

That being said, if neither of these watches hits the sweet spot for you, stick around—there’s a section on alternative smartwatches that might be more up your alley!

Apple Watch Ultra vs 2: Detailed Comparison

While at first glance, the Apple Watch Ultra 1 and Ultra 2 may seem like twins separated at launch, the reality is in the details. If you look closer, differences in design, performance, health tracking, and pricing start to surface. Let’s dig deeper into what sets these two apart.

Design and Display

Apple Watch Ultra 1:

The Apple Watch Ultra 1 made a bold statement when it first launched. Its 49mm titanium case wasn’t just about being bigger—it was about being stronger. Apple marketed this as a true adventure smartwatch, durable enough for diving, hiking, and harsh conditions while still being light on the wrist. 

The aerospace-grade titanium finish gave it a premium look, but its practicality in rugged environments couldn’t be ignored. The display, a key feature of any smartwatch, was impressively bright at 2,000 nits, which was a significant upgrade compared to its predecessors. Whether you were out in the blazing sun or deep in shadowy trails, the Ultra 1 made sure visibility wasn’t a problem. The sapphire crystal over the screen made it scratch-resistant too, a necessary touch for those prone to the odd scrape or knock.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

Now, the Ultra 2 takes that design philosophy and refines it. While it sticks with the same 49mm titanium casing and sapphire crystal, Apple made subtle tweaks to improve the overall experience. The buttons and the Digital Crown are slightly more tactile and responsive, offering a smoother interaction when navigating menus or activating features in tough conditions. But the real star is the display. 

At 3,000 nits, it’s not just an upgrade, it’s a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re someone who hikes under direct sunlight or frequently finds yourself on sun-soaked excursions, you’ll notice the difference. It's like looking at a mini flashlight on your wrist. Whether you're reading off navigation directions or checking your health stats mid-run, the Ultra 2 ensures you won’t be squinting to see what’s going on.

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2

Though both models boast rugged durability and bright screens, the Ultra 2's display with its record-breaking brightness and smoother physical interaction makes it the winner. These may sound like minor upgrades, but when you're deep into a wilderness trek or on a scuba diving expedition, they can make a world of difference.

Performance and Battery Life

Apple Watch Ultra 1:

When the Ultra 1 hit the market, it packed Apple’s S8 chip. It was fast, responsive, and handled all of Apple’s extensive apps and health tracking features effortlessly. Whether you were making calls, sending messages, tracking a workout, or monitoring your heart rate, the Ultra 1 rarely stumbled. With a battery life rated for 36 hours under normal usage, it’s a watch built to last. And for those who push their watches to the limits, the low-power mode could stretch that battery life even further—perfect for those long weekends without a charger nearby.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

With the Ultra 2, Apple brought in the S9 chip, a powerhouse that doesn’t just handle tasks faster but also more efficiently. It’s hard to see these changes at first unless you really push your smartwatch to the limit, but the S9’s ability to process data quicker means more accurate readings—particularly when it comes to health and fitness. The chip also enables smoother transitions between apps and faster responses, giving the Ultra 2 a noticeable performance edge. 

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2

With a faster chip and improved energy efficiency, the Ultra 2 takes the edge in performance. The S9 chip doesn’t just make the watch faster—it makes it more reliable, especially under demanding conditions. If you’re someone who relies on real-time health data or GPS tracking during long runs or hikes, this efficiency matters.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Apple Watch Ultra 1:
One of the Ultra 1’s biggest draws was its fitness and health-tracking capabilities. From measuring your heart rate to monitoring your blood oxygen levels, the Ultra 1 could do it all. It even included an ECG (electrocardiogram) feature, which is still somewhat rare in the smartwatch world. The watch could also monitor sleep, track daily activity, and even detect if you took a hard fall. 

Athletes love the fact that the Ultra 1 came preloaded with advanced tracking modes for everything from running to swimming, including GPS for precise route mapping. It even supported deep-water diving, with a special mode for scuba divers that tracked depth, temperature, and time underwater.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:
The Ultra 2 takes all of this and makes it better. The new sensors are more accurate and can read your data faster. This may not seem like a huge deal until you consider that many serious athletes rely on this data to optimize their training. With quicker processing, the Ultra 2 can detect minute changes in your health, like small fluctuations in heart rate, and react instantly. Sleep tracking has also seen improvements, making it more comprehensive. The addition of VO2 max estimations gives even more precise feedback for athletes looking to track their oxygen consumption, a vital stat for high-performance endurance training. It’s also worth mentioning the new "double-tap" feature—a neat gesture control that allows you to control certain functions without physically touching the screen. This could be a lifesaver in the middle of a workout.

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2
While the Ultra 1 does an outstanding job of fitness and health tracking, the Ultra 2 takes it a step further with improved sensors and faster data processing. If you’re an athlete or someone who needs real-time data during intense workouts, the Ultra 2 is your best bet.

Price

Apple Watch Ultra 1:
Now that the Ultra 2 is out, the Ultra 1 is seeing some price drops. This makes it an attractive option if you’re looking for a premium smartwatch without splurging on the latest and greatest. While it’s not cheap, it’s certainly more affordable than the Ultra 2.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:
As the newest model, the Ultra 2 comes with a premium price tag, especially for those who want to stay on the cutting edge. You’re paying for those extra features like a brighter display, faster chip, and improved health tracking. But if you’re not married to having the latest model, the Ultra 1 could save you a fair bit of cash.

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 1
If budget is a key factor for you, the Ultra 1 is a fantastic deal. It still offers top-tier performance and features at a reduced price, making it a great option for anyone looking for value.

3 Alternatives to Apple Watch Ultra 1 and 2 That Might Fit Better to Your Needs

If neither the Apple Watch Ultra 1 nor the Ultra 2 is quite right for you, don’t worry! There are plenty of other smartwatches out there that might check all the boxes.

Aether X: Powered by TikTik

Better battery life than both the Apple Watch Ultra 1 and 2.

The Aether X is a solid option if you need a smartwatch that lasts for days without needing a charge. Its battery life dwarfs both Ultra models, and it’s designed with a focus on outdoor adventure. With fitness tracking, health monitoring, and the ability to take on rugged environments, the Aether X offers a lot of the same benefits as the Ultra lineup but at a lower price point.

Garmin Fenix 7: Best for Extreme Sports

Better fitness features for hardcore athletes.

If you’re more of a hardcore fitness enthusiast, the Garmin Fenix 7 might be your new best friend. With advanced fitness tracking features like VO2 max estimation, a host of outdoor sports modes, and GPS functionality that beats out the Apple Watch, this one’s for serious athletes who need more than just the basics.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Best for Android Users

A more affordable, Android-friendly alternative.

If you're not in the Apple ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is an excellent alternative. It offers a wide range of fitness and health-tracking features, along with a sleek design. The battery life is comparable to the Ultra, and it’s fully compatible with Android devices, making it a great choice if you’re not already tied into Apple’s world.

Conclusion

In the end, the choice between the Apple Watch Ultra 1 and Ultra 2 boils down to what matters most to you. If you’re looking for the latest tech, better performance, and a more vibrant display, the Ultra 2 is the way to go. But if you’re on a budget and still want a top-tier smartwatch, the Ultra 1 is a fantastic deal.

And don’t forget—there are plenty of other great options out there, like the Aether X or Garmin Fenix 7, depending on your specific needs. The key is to find the smartwatch that fits your lifestyle best!

So, which one will you choose?