Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 1 – What differences have we found?

The launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 marks a new advancement in the Apple Watch Ultra line, launched by the brand last year. That is why we would like to compare it with that first version and see if it is worth opting for the new model.

The majority of differences we have found between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Ultra 1 have been in the screen and performance. Now, they may not be substantial in most cases and opting for the older version will save you on price.

If you want to know more… Don’t miss this comparison!

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs 1 – Comparison Table

We start with a table where you can see all the differences between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Ultra 1.

Are there any changes to the design?

Both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 feature a sporty and rugged design with a 49-millimeter case and sapphire crystal. Additionally, its lightweight and compact structure offers some comfort during daily use. These Apple Watches are virtually identical in terms of physical appearance, with minimal variations in weight.

As with all Apple products, attention to detail in the finish and durability of the material ensure a premium user experience.

Therefore, there are no changes in terms of design.

Screen and image quality improvements

The screen is a central element in the user experience, and this is where the Apple Watch Ultra 2 surpasses its predecessor. Both devices feature a stunning 1.99-inch LTPO OLED Retina display, but the Ultra 2 takes visual quality even further. With a maximum brightness of 3000 nits, the Ultra 2 outperforms the Ultra 1 (2000 nits) in bright light conditions, ensuring exceptional visibility even in direct sunlight. Additionally, the Ultra 2’s display can be dimmed to as low as 1 nit, which is perfect for low-light environments. These improvements not only make images and text sharper and brighter, but also improve readability in various situations.

Which one offers better battery?

In terms of battery life, they offer up to 36 hours of battery life and 18 hours with LTE. However,  the Ultra 2 offers a notable improvement, with a battery life of up to 72 hours under normal use and low power settings. In comparison, the Ultra 1 has a battery life of up to 60 hours in similar situations.

New Chip and better performance

Performance is the heart of any smart device and, in this aspect, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 demonstrates its superiority. Powered by the Apple S9 SiP chip with a quad-core Neural Engine and a PowerVR GPU. This processing power not only ensures smooth execution of apps and functions, but also allows the Ultra 2 to run Siri directly on the device, streamlining user interactions. Additionally, the Ultra 2’s ability to perform a new double-tap gesture within apps demonstrates its agility, providing a more intuitive and faster user experience. Additionally, the Ultra 2’s second-generation ultra-wideband chip improves accuracy in locating tracked devices, ensuring optimal performance in all situations.

For its part, the Apple Watch Ultra 1 includes the previous Apple S8 SiP chip and the PowerVR GPU.

What sensors do they include?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 are equipped with a full range of sensors that enable comprehensive health monitoring. These include SpO2 sensors to measure blood oxygen saturation, heart rate and ECG to assess heart health, accelerometer and gyroscope for motion tracking, and altimeter to measure altitude changes. The addition of dual GPS, compass and ambient light sensor provides accurate data for outdoor activities.

Both models also feature temperature and VO2max sensors, expanding this detailed view of health. Additionally, these technologies enable high and low heart rate notifications, as well as alerts about irregular heart rhythms. This combination of advanced sensors not only improves the accuracy of health tracking, but also enables proactive response to warning signals, providing greater peace of mind regarding well-being.

Any new functionality?

Both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 1 offer a number of health-related features. As we have anticipated, both models feature heart rate notifications and irregular heart rhythm detection, guaranteeing real-time monitoring of cardiac health. In addition, detailed monitoring of sleep phases provides valuable insights to improve rest.

The Ultra 2 introduces additional features such as international emergency calling and improved accident detection, providing additional safety to users in critical situations.

Is it worth opting for the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

Although both models retain the same design and screen at a glance, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 screen stands out thanks to its brightness that reaches 3000 nits and the ability to dim up to 1 nit. This enhancement transforms the viewing experience, delivering sharper, more readable images and text in various lighting conditions.

Additionally, power has increased considerably in the new Apple Watch Ultra 2, as it incorporates the new Apple S9 SiP chip with a quad-core Neural Engine and a PowerVR GPU. This processing power allows applications to run more smoothly and quickly, as well as facilitating intuitive interactions with gestures such as double-tapping in applications. In terms of autonomy, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 also redefines expectations, offering up to 72 hours of battery life in low power mode, surpassing the 60 hours of the Apple Watch Ultra 1.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has also introduced additional safety features and functionality, such as international emergency calling and improved accident detection. These elements are combined with advanced sensors, including SpO2, heart rate and ECG, to provide complete and accurate health monitoring.

In short, if you have not yet purchased either of them, the improvements in screen and performance seem like enough reason to opt for the new model. However, if you already have the Apple Watch Ultra 1, we do not recommend updating at the moment, since these are not such substantial differences either.