AW Series 10 vs Ultra 2 (Upgrading from Series 7)

[tombstone1881]

I currently have a AW Series 7 that I was planning on updating this refresh cycle. I had initially planned on looking strongly at a refreshed Ultra, but since that didn't happened I'm debating between going with the new Series 10 or the now year-old Ultra 2. I do plan on getting the cellular version if I went with the Series 10 and most likely just the base aluminum case. I see Amazon is currently selling the natural titanium Ultra 2 for $689 so that brings the difference down to $160 vs the normal $270.

Main considerations for going with the Ultra 2 are the much better battery life and the better GPS. I think the idea of the flat screen might be good as well. My concern with the Ultra 2 is mainly the size, especially the thickness being about 3.5 mm more than my current Series 7 and also quite a bit heavier. With the longer battery life and the introduction of the sleep apnea function, I would be much more interested in doing sleep tracking if I went with the Ultra 2 and I'm wondering if its size would be an issue.

The considerations with going with the Series 10 are the fact that it is still quite a bit cheaper than going with it being much thinner and lighter. I wonder if the wide angle viewing will be be much a difference, especially if the Ultra 2 is 1000 nits brighter. I also wonder if there will be a noticeable difference between the S9 and S10 chips.

I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts, but for those people who own the Ultra 2, is the bigger size a quick adjustment? Are there any other benefits of the Ultra 2 over the "regular" series you've discovered since owning the Ultra 2? I normally wouldn't upgrade a watch so quickly, but I may want to to take into consideration whether the Series 10 or Ultra 2 would be better trade in value if the Ultra 3 is a worthy upgrade.

Edit: I should add that the sapphire crystal glass on the Ultra 2 could be a big benefit vs the Ion X of the Series 10. Hopefully it will scratch less. Can anyone confirm this in real life practice?

 

[QCassidy352]

Are you dead set on upgrading? I also have a S7 and was planning to upgrade. Ultra is too big to be comfortable for me, so if I were to upgrade, it would be an easy choice to get the 10. But honestly, the trade in value of the 7 is $100 now, and the differences, even after 3 generations, are soooo minimal. So I’m gonna keep my mint condition black titanium S7 and replace the battery when it falls below 80% (84% now).

If you do upgrade… the ultra is a LOT bulkier and heavier than the 10. Deal breaker, IMO, as someone used to the 41mm size. They didn’t talk about chip performance, so I assume the S10 chip is a repackaged S9, same as the S7 and S8 had the same performance as the S6.

 

[tombstone1881]

Are you dead set on upgrading? I also have a S7 and was planning to upgrade. Ultra is too big to be comfortable for me, so if I were to upgrade, it would be an easy choice to get the 10. But honestly, the trade in value of the 7 is $100 now, and the differences, even after 3 generations, are soooo minimal. So I’m gonna keep my mint condition black titanium S7 and replace the battery when it falls below 80% (84% now).

If you do upgrade… the ultra is a LOT bulkier and heavier than the 10. Deal breaker, IMO, as someone used to the 41mm size. They didn’t talk about chip performance, so I assume the S10 chip is a repackaged S9, same as the S7 and S8 had the same performance as the S6.

Thank you for your response and insight. Unfortunately my Series 7 screen has gotten beat up over the years and the screen has various scratches, etc and it's become one of those things that has really started to bother me. This is also why the sapphire on the Ultra 2 is appealing. I've also started to have days lately where I've needed to place my watch on the charger for a quick boost to make it through the day. So while upgrading certainly isn't a necessity, it's been something I've been anticipating doing for some time now. I have bigger wrists and I've tried on the Ultra 2 before, but I think the best thing to do is head over to the Apple Store to give it another go in regard to size.

 

[mtbdudex]

fwiw I've had a AWU2 since Dec-2023, I'm a mtb biker and ride 3-4 times a week.
Prior I had the S9, which worked "fine", however ...

I do love my U2, it's less bulky than say Garmin or other athlete watches, sure it's a little thicker than my S9.
I gifted the S9 to my son, who was on a S6 that was kinda beat up.

U2 pros:
I can use it easily for 2 whole days, I do wear it every night for sleep tracking, it quick charges in 30 minutes

 

[tombstone1881]

fwiw I've had a AWU2 since Dec-2023, I'm a mtb biker and ride 3-4 times a week.
Prior I had the S9, which worked "fine", however ...

I do love my U2, it's less bulky than say Garmin or other athlete watches, sure it's a little thicker than my S9.
I gifted the S9 to my son, who was on a S6 that was kinda beat up.

U2 pros:
I can use it easily for 2 whole days, I do wear it every night for sleep tracking, it quick charges in 30 minutes

Thank you so much for your reply. That is good information, especially from someone who has experienced the size difference between the two series.

Can you share your experience with the GPS between your Series 9 and the Ultra 2? Obviously, one of the advertised benefits of the Ultra is the dual frequency GPS, which I would presume would make it much more accurate. Have you found this to be true in real life during your bike rides? I'm not the type of person where accuracy is critical like someone who is doing serious training, but I have found a consistent discrepancy between what my iPhone says versus what my watch says for distance during workouts (mostly walking and running). My watch GPS has consistently shown less distance compared to my iPhone. This has made me feel I need to carry my phone if I want the more accurate tracking.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply and providing your insight.

 

[mtbdudex]

Thank you so much for your reply. That is good information, especially from someone who has experienced the size difference between the two series.

Can you share your experience with the GPS between your Series 9 and the Ultra 2? Obviously, one of the advertised benefits of the Ultra is the dual frequency GPS, which I would presume would make it much more accurate. Have you found this to be true in real life during your bike rides? I'm not the type of person where accuracy is critical like someone who is doing serious training, but I have found a consistent discrepancy between what my iPhone says versus what my watch says for distance during workouts (mostly walking and running). My watch GPS has consistently shown less distance compared to my iPhone. This has made me feel I need to carry my phone if I want the more accurate tracking.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply and providing your insight.

I actually have a thread here that I tried to get others to chime in on.
read thru it, the U2 does seem more accurate than my S9, but my iPhone 14 Pro, when using trailforks which has a very good sampling rate, is best.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gps-accuracy-apple-watch-ultra-2.2430754/

Now I also have used the iphone Wahoo app with it's BT wheel speed sensors (calibrated to wheel size) + gps for most dead spot on trail in woods mileage. Like it matched the mile markers at different trails constantly .
But, then I lose the Heart rate and powermeter data (I have a bike crank power meter) the U2 (and S9) can take.

So, I use the U2 watch and also iphone trailforks for every MTB ride.
I used Wahoo 2020 thru Dec-2023, when I got my U2 watch.

The U2 watch syncs to my paid Strava account, the iPhone Trailforks data is my trail data source since 2019 and I keep it also
Below is Trailforks data .. I ride 3-4 times a week, except injuries (March - June 2021 left shoulder surgery) or vaactions

Are you a bike rider, or trail runner / hiker?

 

[Saturn007]

My watch GPS has consistently shown less distance compared to my iPhone. This has made me feel I need to carry my phone if I want the more accurate tracking.

I had the same experience but concluded that the Watch 7 is the accurate one! The iPhone varied erratically for the same distance whereas the Watch is always spot on!

I have the 7 as you do and, while I had given some passing thought to getting the 10 when it came out, the lack of a functioning oxygen sensor (for those in the U.S.) makes the 7 far more attractive. Given the resurgence of COVID, and wanting future alerts relative to lung or heart functioning, knowing oxygen levels is important.

Accurate sleep apnea detection also benefits greatly from blood oxygen measurements, so if I decide I need that, I'd get a 3rd party sleep app for the 7.

While the Ultra's battery life is appealing, it does appear bulky and large — and it's easy to fast charge the 7 as needed, or simply stop wearing it once you've closed your rings. You can easily get 3-4 days out of a single charge.

 

[mtbdudex]

I had the same experience but concluded that the Watch 7 is the accurate one! The iPhone varied erratically for the same distance whereas the Watch is always spot on!

I have the 7 as you do and, while I had given some passing thought to getting the 10 when it came out, the lack of a functioning oxygen sensor (for those in the U.S.) makes the 7 far more attractive. Given the resurgence of COVID, and wanting future alerts relative to lung or heart functioning, knowing oxygen levels is important.

Accurate sleep apnea detection also benefits greatly from blood oxygen measurements, so if I decide I need that, I'd get a 3rd party sleep app for the 7.

While the Ultra's battery life is appealing, it does appear bulky and large — and it's easy to fast charge the 7 as needed, or simply stop wearing it once you've closed your rings. You can easily get 3-4 days out of a single charge.

What iPhone app are you using?
Look at Trailforks and its gps settings, is yours as granular?

 

[Agile55]

AW7 owner since launch + a U1 @ launch but not upgrading either given modest/if any spec bumps.

AW7 now worn only for sleep, previously swimming & some cycling but the U1 swims 2-3 days a week, same frequency on my Trek roadie but not racing or training any more.

 

[PatrickNSF]

AW S7 Graphite owner adding a S10 Titanium this cycle. Will likely hang onto my S7 as a backup.

I had the AWU 2 for 8 months before selling it, and an AWU for a brief time before that. As much as I initially liked them I always found myself gravitating back to the thinner and sleeker S7. I didn’t really take to any of the AWU bands, and the watch itself seemed slightly unbalanced with my leather link bands. I’ve tried a few times to use the AWU for marathon training, but I always end up back with my Garmin, as I find it much better for me for running workouts and races.

Battery life isn’t an issue as I don’t generally sleep with the AW, but the downsides to the S10 vs the AWU 2 for me are the lack of an Action Button, Precision Start and not having the Modular Ultra watch face. If I was relying exclusively on an AW for training I’d likely try to make the AWU 2 work purely for the Action Button and Precision Start.

Good luck.

 

[adam1080]

I have experience with both but in reverse.

I replaced my S4 and got the AW Ultra 2 on launch day along with nattyTi 15 PM.

I got obsessed with matching titanium and got an eBay AW S7 Titanium Edition that has AC+ though 2025(I already replaced it for a perfectly new S7, no scuffs, 100% battery, etc)

I love both but wear the Ultra 2 80% of the time day-to-day. It rarely needs charging, comfortable enough, better GPS and brightness and the action button for the flashlight at night.

Every time I find myself wearing the S7 at night, I find myself looking to turn on the flashlight quickly like the U2 and can’t.

I can afford to get the S10 titanium but with the massive bezels compared to S7/8/9 and fewer functions/battery life than the U2, it feels like a step back from both…

 

[Roadster Lewis]

I'm also upgrading from my series 7, I did consider the Ultra, but I feel it is too big for day to day. I also ride MTB multiple times a week, but usually do logging on the Strava app on my Watch. I always seem to log further distances than my riding buddies, when we do the same loop though.

 

[hifimacianer]

I have a Series 7 Aluminum and just bought the Ultra 2 black instead of the AW10.

First of all, the Battery health of my AW7 is at 80%, so it barely lasts a full day, even without any workouts.
The Display also has some scratches, especially at the edges, where the display is curved.
I had the same issue, even with a tiny crack, with my previous Series 3.

And these are also the main reasons why I'll go for the Ultra 2 instead of the 10.
The Ultra has double the runtime, so I will use it more for workouts, sleep tracking etc. without to worry about the battery.
Even in 3 years the battery life will be enough to last a full day even with workouts etc.

The Display is flat, and is secured by the titanium frame around it. So the scratches and cracks I had with my previous AW won't happen. So it will probably look as new even in 3 years. So with a battery replacement in 3-4 years I'll have a Apple Watch that still looks and behaves like a new one.

Oh and last but not least: speed was no issue for me with the 7. It's still performing good.
So I think the Ultra 2 will also be good in this regard in the future.

I also considered the AW10 in Titanium. But despite the price difference is not that big to the Ultra 2, it still has the curved display that is probably more prone to scratches and cracks, even if its saphire glass.

 

[butterwm]

I had the same experience but concluded that the Watch 7 is the accurate one! The iPhone varied erratically for the same distance whereas the Watch is always spot on!

I have the 7 as you do and, while I had given some passing thought to getting the 10 when it came out, the lack of a functioning oxygen sensor (for those in the U.S.) makes the 7 far more attractive. Given the resurgence of COVID, and wanting future alerts relative to lung or heart functioning, knowing oxygen levels is important.

Accurate sleep apnea detection also benefits greatly from blood oxygen measurements, so if I decide I need that, I'd get a 3rd party sleep app for the 7.

While the Ultra's battery life is appealing, it does appear bulky and large — and it's easy to fast charge the 7 as needed, or simply stop wearing it once you've closed your rings. You can easily get 3-4 days out of a single charge.

I am amazed Apple still hasn’t resolved the oxygen sensor legal issue. Do you know if the AW10 has the sensor built in and it’s just disabled with software or are they not even including the sensor? I’m just trying to figure out down the line once this is resolved.

 

[davidbf1]

On the fence until I see both in an Apple store here in the UK.
I’m coming from an AW3, so either will be a massive leap-forward for me. I actually went for about a year, 18months not using my watch at all - time duties taken-care of with looking at phone screen, and “dress” watch duties for a night out, my Brietling Navtimer.

Been using the AW3 again for last 12 months but battery-life doesn’t quite make it through a full day, even without tracking any activities. So, decided to wait until this event and see what was announced/updated. Liking the AWU2 for battery life, and until S10 announced, larger screen for my 57y.o eyes, modular face options. My Breitling means I probably won’t baulk too much at the size/thickness of the AWU despite having fairly small wrists.

I’m actually thinking of getting a S10 aluminium for now, and potentially next year pick up an AWU3 which expect will be the spec-bump that didn’t happen this time round. I’ll then have 2 AW’s - will likely wear the AWU 70%, S10 for evenings out/sleep tracking.

thoughts?

 

[hifimacianer]

I am amazed Apple still hasn’t resolved the oxygen sensor legal issue. Do you know if the AW10 has the sensor built in and it’s just disabled with software or are they not even including the sensor? I’m just trying to figure out down the line once this is resolved.

The Watches still have the hardware inside, but it's disabled for US-users. European users still can use it as far as i know.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

The Ultra 2 is a bulky watch and stands off the wrist nearly 15mm which makes it a bit awkward with sleeves I would say. The thinner Series 10 is definitely a big more appealing and the sleeker design does mean it suits most outfits a bit better. If you are into sports primarily and diving, the Ultra is clearly a better option, but I'd bet like mechanical dive watches, the Ultra is a desk diver for most people.

 

[The Game 161]

I currently have a AW Series 7 that I was planning on updating this refresh cycle. I had initially planned on looking strongly at a refreshed Ultra, but since that didn't happened I'm debating between going with the new Series 10 or the now year-old Ultra 2. I do plan on getting the cellular version if I went with the Series 10 and most likely just the base aluminum case. I see Amazon is currently selling the natural titanium Ultra 2 for $689 so that brings the difference down to $160 vs the normal $270.

Main considerations for going with the Ultra 2 are the much better battery life and the better GPS. I think the idea of the flat screen might be good as well. My concern with the Ultra 2 is mainly the size, especially the thickness being about 3.5 mm more than my current Series 7 and also quite a bit heavier. With the longer battery life and the introduction of the sleep apnea function, I would be much more interested in doing sleep tracking if I went with the Ultra 2 and I'm wondering if its size would be an issue.

The considerations with going with the Series 10 are the fact that it is still quite a bit cheaper than going with it being much thinner and lighter. I wonder if the wide angle viewing will be be much a difference, especially if the Ultra 2 is 1000 nits brighter. I also wonder if there will be a noticeable difference between the S9 and S10 chips.

I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts, but for those people who own the Ultra 2, is the bigger size a quick adjustment? Are there any other benefits of the Ultra 2 over the "regular" series you've discovered since owning the Ultra 2? I normally wouldn't upgrade a watch so quickly, but I may want to to take into consideration whether the Series 10 or Ultra 2 would be better trade in value if the Ultra 3 is a worthy upgrade.

Edit: I should add that the sapphire crystal glass on the Ultra 2 could be a big benefit vs the Ion X of the Series 10. Hopefully it will scratch less. Can anyone confirm this in real life practice?

I had series 10 ordered and cancelled and decided to get black ultra 2 even though I love the look of series 10

reasons

brighter screen
red night mode
action button
better battery life
better watch faces

but I still want a series 10 lol but I can’t have 2 watches right? lol

 

[jz0309]

I had series 10 ordered and cancelled and decided to get black ultra 2 even though I love the look of series 10

reasons

brighter screen
red night mode
action button
better battery life
better watch faces

but I still want a series 10 lol but I can’t have 2 watches right? lol

you can pair up to 5 watches simultaneously, so go for it!

 

[mjschabow]

I had series 10 ordered and cancelled and decided to get black ultra 2 even though I love the look of series 10

reasons

brighter screen
red night mode
action button
better battery life
better watch faces

but I still want a series 10 lol but I can’t have 2 watches right? lol

You do bring up a good point. I really like the Watch Face from the Ultra. Along with better battery life, I think those might be the factors that ultimately win out.

 

[hifimacianer]

Liking the AWU2 for battery life, and until S10 announced, larger screen for my 57y.o eyes, modular face options. My Breitling means I probably won’t baulk too much at the size/thickness of the AWU despite having fairly small wrists.

I’m actually thinking of getting a S10 aluminium for now, and potentially next year pick up an AWU3 which expect will be the spec-bump that didn’t happen this time round. I’ll then have 2 AW’s - will likely wear the AWU 70%, S10 for evenings out/sleep tracking.

thoughts?

Regarding the screen size, I wouldn't give too much about Apples claims.
In the end the screens are basically the same size. The difference is negligible, you can't really see a difference.

And I think you are wrong regarding the modular watch face options.
As far as I know, the Ultra 2 has the more customizable options for watch faces.
It's called "modular watch face" and is not available at the standard Apple Watches.

 

[The Game 161]

You do bring up a good point. I really like the Watch Face from the Ultra. Along with better battery life, I think those might be the factors that ultimately win out.

Yeah double the battery life makes it tough and brighter screen as well..series 10 does look nice with the bigger display

 

[mjschabow]

What sucks is that really the only reason I want the Ultra 2 over the Series 10 is that I really like the Ultra Watch face and the extra battery. Otherwise Series 10 is fine for my needs. That's a tough $200 to swallow for those 2 things.

 

[The Game 161]

What sucks is that really the only reason I want the Ultra 2 over the Series 10 is that I really like the Ultra Watch face and the extra battery. Otherwise Series 10 is fine for my needs. That's a tough $200 to swallow for those 2 things.

Doesn't sound like watch faces will be there but given screen size it should

 

[mjschabow]

Doesn't sound like watch faces will be there but given screen size it should

It’s things like this that make me hate Apple sometimes lol.