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Apr 12, 2001
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Apple's bigger, more expensive Apple Watch Ultra has been out for nearly a year now, and with a second-generation version on the horizon, MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera decided to do a long term review and take a look back at what it's been like using the current model since last September.


Measuring in at 49mm, the Apple Watch Ultra is the largest Apple Watch that's come out to date. Apple marketed it toward people who need something that can handle more extreme activities than the standard Apple Watch, and it has better durability and features for more specialized endeavors like diving and hiking.

The titanium material has held up well, though there are some small scratches and scuffs. The screen has remained scratch free, and in Dan's case, it was able to resist scratching better than the standard Apple Watch models.

Battery life is one of the major selling points of the Apple Watch Ultra, and it is easily able to last for two to three days. On an average day, Dan hits about 70 or 80 percent battery at the end of the day. The long battery life is worth the extra weight and bulk of the Ultra for those who prioritize battery.

The Action Button is another Apple Watch Ultra exclusive feature, but it has limited functionality on the Apple Watch. It can start a dive, a workout, or execute compass functions like setting a way point, but there aren't a lot of options beyond that for those who don't use the Apple Watch Ultra for those activities. It can, however, activate any Shortcut, which is the most useful way to get more out of it.

If you're thinking about buying an Apple Watch Ultra with the upgrade this year, it's worth it for the larger display and the battery life, so long as you don't mind the size and bulk of the larger casing.

Make sure to watch Dan's full video to get his complete overview, and let us know how the Apple Watch Ultra has worked out for you if you already have one.

Article Link: Video Review: Apple Watch Ultra After a Year
 
I love the AWU for the battery life and action button. For me, both have seriously changed what I can do with it well. I use it to listen to podcasts when running and the action button is a must-have for many athletic situations. I don’t think you can easily mark track segments when you’re running hard on the athletic track without the action button. Touchscreen is not reliable when you’re jiggling around as you run.
 
I bought one and used it for a couple of weeks before selling it. I found it to be too big and clunky. I kept bumping it into things and the weight was really noticeable. The battery life was amazing though and it did make me realize I liked the aluminum bare metal look so I got series 7 in aluminum...now I'm all set. Once they get the battery life of the Ultra into the smaller form factor I'll bite but until then I think I'll just live with the shorter battery life.
 
The actual display is barely (~3%) bigger than that of the 45mm Watch. It's the bezels that are massively bigger.
Addendum
The display specifications are difficult to find on Apple's website, but quoting from the wikipedia page for the Apple Watch:

45mm: 396x484 pixels, 1.901 inch diagonal measure
Ultra: 410x502 pixels, 1.919 inch diagonal measure

The number of pixels is 7.3% more on the Ultra; the horizontal and vertical measure of pixels is ~3.5% more; and the diagonal size is 0.94% bigger. 1.0094 squared = 1.019. With less than 2% larger area, the Ultra shouldn't be appreciably easier to type on.

Apple Watch
 
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Buy a Rolex and keep it for a lifetime.
Buy an Apple Watch and another a few years later and another and another and another.
It’s the  way.
Can't remember when last I wore my Hulk since I got the AW. As much as I love it, it just feels pointless after getting used to all the data from the AW.

Would it help you to think of AWU as a Panerai of smartwatches? :D
 
It's a shame you have to pay such a premium price for things (sapphire, 2000 nits) that the Galaxy Watch 6 offers at a much lower price.

Having said that, I love my AWU (I do wish it was lighter though).
 
I mean, I know it is geared towards the outdoor/rugged lifestyle but man that matte finish is a deal breaker since I've started wearing a SS model AW. Sure, I can get over the Chonky Pups design, but give me some bling at least.

To each their own, I agree, and no shade to anyone enamored with the AW Ultra. I'm just not sold... yet!
 
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