Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review: A Game-Changer for Tech-Savvy Lifestyles
As a long-time Apple Watch enthusiast, trading in my Series 8 for the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 at the Apple Store was a no-brainer. The allure of instant credit, combined with the Ultra 2’s enhanced features, made this upgrade an exciting leap forward. Here’s my detailed review after some thorough ha
As a long-time Apple Watch enthusiast, trading in my Series 8 for the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 at the Apple Store was a no-brainer. The allure of instant credit, combined with the Ultra 2’s enhanced features, made this upgrade an exciting leap forward. Here’s my detailed review after some thorough hands-on experience.
Trade-in and Purchase Experience
I seized the opportunity for an instant trade-in credit at the Apple Store, opting for the Ultra 2 priced at $799. The immediate credit facility was a major factor in my decision, outshining other offers.
Design and Aesthetics
Moving from the regular Apple Watch to the Ultra series, the first thing that strikes you is the design. The watch face is not only more appealing but also brighter and cleaner. I chose the white ocean band, finding it the most versatile for both everyday wear and physical activities, despite not being a fan of the default band options.
Key Features
- Cellular Capability: The cellular feature is a standout, allowing me to run phone-free.
- Battery Life: The battery life is exceptional. With WatchOS 10, I’m getting nearly two days of battery life, even with heavy usage including cellular, streaming music, workouts, texting, and sleep tracking.
- Action Button: A surprisingly favorite feature is the action button. I’ve set it to launch the workout app directly, which has been incredibly convenient.
Performance
WatchOS 10 runs exceptionally well on the Ultra 2, with recent updates further enhancing the battery life. The overall performance is seamless and efficient.
New Features – Hit and Miss
- Hand Gestures: One of the selling points, the hand gesture feature, hasn’t been particularly useful in my experience, often not working as expected.
- AppleCare: Surprisingly, even the Apple representative suggested that AppleCare wasn’t necessary for this robust product.
Practicality and Usability
- Size Considerations: The overall size is something to get used to, especially for someone with smaller wrists like me.
- Music Streaming: The ability to stream Apple Music directly to my AirPods Pro 2 has revolutionized my running sessions.
- Watch Face: The Modular Ultra watch face is my daily choice, offering an additional level of complications compared to other Apple Watches.
Accessories
- Watch Bands: I highly recommend exploring additional watch bands. The ocean band’s movable clip, which allows adjustment for excess band, is a neat feature.
- Future Hopes: I’m looking forward to Apple releasing more colors, finishes, and sizes in the future.
Value for Money
Despite the steep price, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 feels worth it. The enhanced screen size and battery life not only increase its utility throughout the day but also elevate its aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is more than just an upgrade; it’s a statement in wearable technology. While it takes some adjustment, its benefits like the extended battery life, cellular capability, and the action button make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their tech-savvy lifestyle.
