Review  Smartwatch  October 28, 2023  Reading time: 3 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

With the Watch Ultra 2, Apple seems to have realized that it is not easy to improve on a product that is already good and does not have a lot of pain points.

I have been using the Apple Watch Ultra 2 over the past couple of weeks. The Watch Ultra 2 is powered by the new S9 processor, like the Series 9, which means there is much more power inside than before. And there are some new features like the double tap gesture, which will add a new level of functionality to the watch.

The design itself is the same as its predecessor, with the rugged titanium chassis and the screaming orange action button. Interestingly, both features have made it to the new iPhone 15 Pro series, indicating their success in the first Watch Ultra. The watch maintains the same ruggedness as the earlier model, working up to depths of 100m and in extreme cold conditions. Wearing the new Watch Ultra 2, the experience is not different at all from last year's model. However, the new trail loop that came in the box felt much more comfortable for use over long hours. The bright orange loop that was standard issue last year was great for rugged use cases but not for regular office wear.

At 3,000 nits, this smartwatch boasts one of the brightest displays in any gadget now. The S9 chip intelligently adjusts the display brightness according to the ambient lighting conditions. As an early riser, I noticed that the display doesn't go too bright in the dawn, as it knows it just needs to be soft. In outdoor situations it brightens up so well that you can even read emails on the large screen.

What impressed me most was the new modular ultra watch face. It provides access to over nine data points in one glance, all fully configurable. I have everything from AQI to weather and a Go Gentler progress bar on my watch face. 

The S9 chip introduces a significant new feature in the form of on-device Siri, which works seamlessly even without internet access. This feature can be incredibly useful in various situations.

The Watch Ultra 2 can also pinpoint the location of your phone, working without access to the web. It shows you the direction of the phone and your exact distance from it. The GPS functionality on the Watch 2 has become more precise compared with the previous model,  accurately tracking even small diversions during outdoor activities.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great upgrade for Apple Watch users who are looking to get more active and outdoorsy. However, for those who made the switch to the first Ultra last year, the Ultra 2 might not be worth the upgrade, as there aren't many major additions. So, if you're already using the first Ultra, it might be a good idea to wait for another year.

The Apple Watch Ultra has been the best smartwatch around since its launch last year, and the Ultra 2 has made it even smarter and more comfortable. 

(Images by Apple)

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