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I know I’ve seen a few pics. Definitely will be able to notice the difference but it’s not crazy different. If anything, people will probably complain about thickness more.

From what reporters told at the hands on area, the Ultra looks a lot thicker on photos than it is.
 
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It's the best Apple Watch. Think of it like this, you can buy the S8 with 18 hours of battery and a smaller, dimmer display and a SS case for $750. Or you can buy the Ultra, with an extra button (Useful for everyone), 2x brightness, 2x battery, titanium, bigger display for...$50 more.

I solved the mystery, the Ultra is for people that like the Apple Watch and want the best version.
Heh this is basically my view too. In another thread someone semi-jokingly suggested it be called Watch Senior Citizen or similar, which I find also good points, as it’s the best watch for those with vision issues, possible more health monitoring needed and emergency-care needs, etc.
 
Everyone wants to compare this to Garmin like that is the benchmark. 99% of the folks here who use Garmin only use it for running. The only value Garmin offers is a longer battery. Their software and ios integration isn't great. Step tracking is awful on all of their devices. If you want a hiking/ rugged watch your only option is a casio wannabe, heavy AF fugly model. Suunto has the style but lacks everything else. And like ANT matters these days (all modern machines support ANT) and most are now bluetooth too.

If you truly do partake in extreme backcountry trips you are not relying on a watch. If you are, don't call me when you get lost in the Cascades.
good take. Some of the people talking about Garmin think its the bees knees. I wasn't aware about its issues outside tracking long runs.


Battery life will not be an issue with the ultra for me. I imagine with the ultra, I'll charge it every morning when I'm making coffee and taking a shower which I do those two things 99% of the time unless I'm super sick ha! I do this same routine with the series 5 and I've never run out of battery. I plan to use the ultra as my solo comm device more often than not. So let's see.
 
Funny you think that. For me the new rugged styling is just what I want in a watch. I do a lot of physical work while wearing my watch and always have been afraid my Apple Watches might get damaged (still wear them though). Now that worry will be less!!
Rugged is a fashion statement too. We are not all hipsters and/or suit wearing office cattle!
My titanium had no damage what so ever doing a bug backyard and front yard rebuild that took months. Funny enough I got damage a year later and I have no idea and I did not do anything in the house.
 
At $799, with the largest screen size, titanium, 2000 nits, better battery....honestly, I'm going to buy it and I'm a fat ass. It's a good value. I just need to see if it will look decent with any metal bands.
that's what Im curious about is how it looks with other bands. How about black leather bands.
 
I'm getting it because it has a large orange button. I'm going to walk my fat ass around my house and use the alarm that the large orange button controls to scare family members and pets. I'll then go back to the couch. :rolleyes:

I also hike and camp frequently and occasionally dive. I'm historically very hard on watches. This watch is for me. Amateur, fat ass, non-athlete, wannabe.

Questions answered for the OP. I think we can all get on with our business now.
 
I ordered the Ultra to help with a couple of pain points:
1) when skiing, I need to put my series 6 in Water Mode to keep it from accidentally reacting to “fantom touches”. The action button will allow me to start and stop skiing workouts without taking off my gloves or unlocking the watch.
2) 100km bike rides using workout and maps running on LTE (without iPhone) deplete the SS6 battery drastically. The Ultra will alleviate battery anxiety.
3) I’m planning a scuba diving trip next summer and would need to service my old diving computer. I’ll use the AW Ultra instead and save the costs. (only need to pay one month subscription for Oceanic+)
4) Screen brightness on the SS6 is an issue in direct sunlight. The Ultra will stay readable.
5) Accuracy of location and walking directions in urban settings should be improved with the additional GPS band.
6) any water sport will benefit from the physical action button and crown. Touch on a wet screen is unresponsive.
7) I’ve water-skied with the SS6, but the Ultra is made for this type of sport.
8) I’m planning a multi-day safari trip. Good to know I won’t need to charge the Ultra every day, even though I’ll have a battery pack with me.

Keeping the Series 6 for work and evening wear.
 
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Haven’t had a chance to read this whole thread yet, but just the title alone annoys me. It comes off as some fitness bro gatekeeping and telling everyone else what they can or can’t wear on their wrist. Why don’t you go back to grunting and slamming your weights down in the gym and let everyone decide on their own what does or does not work for them?
 
I think it should be called “contractor’s edition”. They are the ones who need a rugged device with information on their wrist so they don’t have to stop what they’re doing for unnecessary calls/texts but are able to take important calls right away, do calculations on their wrist, look at plans etc., all while not dropping it.

This is no different than the fact that Jeep stays in business by all the wannabe off-roaders. 😆
 
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Haven’t had a chance to read this whole thread yet, but just the title alone annoys me. It comes off as some fitness bro gatekeeping and telling everyone else what they can or can’t wear on their wrist. Why don’t you go back to grunting and slamming your weights down in the gym and let everyone decide on their own what does or does not work for them?
I’m pretty sure which is more annoying between people who write posts about what they don’t like about something vs people who chime in without having even read the post. Do you form your opinions based on headlines and never read the body of a news article? Kind of a problem with the world today.
 
I’m pretty sure which is more annoying between people who write posts about what they don’t like about something vs people who chime in without having even read the post. Do you form your opinions based on headlines and never read the body of a news article? Kind of a problem with the world today.
I said I hadn’t read the entire thread, not that I hadn’t read the first post. That first post, and several subsequent posts by the OP, give off the exact same vibe I was describing. Pretty sure you just did the exact same thing you were complaining about, only reading the first sentence of my post and not paying any attention to what I actually said. Problem with the world today indeed.
 
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I said I hadn’t read the entire thread, not that I hadn’t read the first post. That first post, and several subsequent posts by the OP, give off the exact same vibe I was describing. Pretty sure you just did the exact same thing you were complaining about, only reading the first sentence of my post and not paying any attention to what I actually said. Problem with the world today indeed.
My apologies even though I did read your entire post. Just different conclusions from the same data.
 
Bottom line - the Ultra is for whoever likes it (for whatever reason) and can afford it - that's justification enough. Who cares what somebody else chooses to buy or wear on their wrist?
Exactly! Now let’s make that a sticky for every product forum here! 🙂
 
I'm upgrading from the S7 to the Ultra. There's has been much talk comparing to Garmin devices. I've had many, and currently use and really like the Garmin Epix Gen 2, Titanium/Sapphire.

Each has its strengths, and I intend to use and enjoy both. From the specs, I'd say both have comparable excellent displays, and both have multi-band GPS.

Major points for my use:

Ultra has phone connectivity, while the Epix does not.

Ultra is part of the Apple ecosystem, important to me having iPhones and Macs.

Epix has much better battery life.

Epix will connect to many accessories e.g. chest HR strap (sometimes more accurate), various cycling accessories, etc.

Epix multiple buttons more convenient than fewer multi-function buttons or crown, especially during intense exercises.
 
I'm upgrading from the S7 to the Ultra. There's has been much talk comparing to Garmin devices. I've had many, and currently use and really like the Garmin Epix Gen 2, Titanium/Sapphire.

Each has its strengths, and I intend to use and enjoy both. From the specs, I'd say both have comparable excellent displays, and both have multi-band GPS.

Major points for my use:

Ultra has phone connectivity, while the Epix does not.

Ultra is part of the Apple ecosystem, important to me having iPhones and Macs.

Epix has much better battery life.

Epix will connect to many accessories e.g. chest HR strap (sometimes more accurate), various cycling accessories, etc.

Epix multiple buttons more convenient than fewer multi-function buttons or crown, especially during intense exercises.
You make good/accurate points for both. The Ultra will connect to a HR strap also, though - it just has to be Bluetooth, not ANT+. I believe I recall reading that it will use power meters with third-party apps, although they also have to be Bluetooth. It definitely won't do stuff like the Garmin Varia bike radar and some other accessories, advantage goes to Garmin there.
 
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The 2 things I’m wondering about is how comfortable the exclusive bands will be compared to the regular bands. 2nd, will the 45 mm bands fit the exact same on this watch vs series 8.
 
I don’t care about all the athletic features associated with it. I want it because it’s incredible looking. It has that industrial and almost retro futuristic design that looks surprisingly modern. It’s completely my style. I will proudly admit that I’m an Apple Watch as accessory kind of guy. I don’t necessarily need it, but I feel naked without it. I use it at the gym, but I’m not obsessive about it. With that being said, there is nothing wrong for wanting it solely because of the design.
 
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I think the AW Ultra should be marketed clearly as the Outdoors solution for adventurous people.
It simply lacks in depth matrics for serious sporters that lean on performance data that are more in depth.

Fact is lots of people will buy the AW Ultra, its a nice manly watch. I can appriciate that.
 
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