It was Apple’s surprise at the end of 2022. The Apple Watch Ultra seems to be establishing itself, as its name suggests, as an ultimate version of the famous connected watch. Check out our review of the Apple Watch Ultra.
The announcement of theAppleWatch Ultra surprised many fans of the firm. Presented at the same time as the Series 8 and the SE 2, the Apple Watch Ultra seems to be thought of as a version that is only aimed at a very specific audience, both in terms of its features and its very high price. As imposing in its look as its battery, the Apple Watch Ultra should be aimed at a fairly limited audience, namely extreme athletes, but also ultra fans of the Apple brand.
With a starting price of €999 in Europe, the Apple Watch Ultra requires a certain budget. But is it really worth such a price? Discover all our impressions of the ultra high-end connected watch, the Apple Watch Ultra. Our test.
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A design that wants to be seen
The design of the Apple Watch Ultra contrasts with that of the firm’s recent connected watches. Everything seems to go with its name: bigger screen, thicker case, prominent buttons… The Apple Watch Ultra gets noticed, but at such a price, would you really want a discreet watch?
The Apple Watch Ultra is equipped with a titanium case that contrasts with that of the main range. Its sapphire screen is also more resistant to scratches so you don’t have to worry about damaging it in the event of a bad gesture. The “premium” aspect is felt on a daily basis, and should appeal to the biggest Apple fans who will be able to wear the “ultimate” of the brand’s connected watches on their wrist.
However, these changes are felt in the weight of the watch. The Apple Watch weighs heavily compared to the firm’s previous models. Its thicker format can also put off smaller wrists, since the Apple Watch Ultra is only offered in 49mm format.
The Apple Watch Ultra is equipped with three buttons for its different functions:
- The crown allows you to list your applications and navigate through the menus.
- The main button displays the last applications browsed, and provides access to the watch’s power settings.
- A new button called “Action”, customizable.
A new “Action” button as practical as it is frustrating
In addition to its “have you seen me” design, the Apple Watch Ultra has a brand new button called “Action”. Located on the left side of the case, its function is customizable according to your needs. You can thus quickly launch a race, a stopwatch, or a previously configured application with a shortcut.
Although very practical on a daily basis (especially for athletes), the “action” button unfortunately does not replace touch controls. It will therefore always be impossible for you to fully use the watch in certain situations (when you are wearing gloves, for example).
A wide range of applications and measurements
The applications available on the Apple Watch Ultra are mostly already available on older models, making it one of the best connected watches on the market. To this, it is possible to add exclusive applications to the Apple Watch Ultra such as Oceanic+ which turns your watch into a dive computer.
The biggest athletes will have to go through the installation of third-party applications to have certain missing features. Fortunately, the App Store should meet their expectations for many of them. We regret the absence of personalized programs to practice your sport according to your desires or availability.
The sensors of the Apple Watch Ultra have exactly the same specificities as those of the main range. The results obtained are therefore logically the same. You will be able to count on the various analyzes of your heart rate or blood test. The readings obtained with the Apple Watch Ultra are very accurate. Our GPS data compared with those obtained on various other connected watches was more often close to reality on the Apple Watch Ultra than on our other test copies.
The best battery life for an Apple Watch, but not for a sports watch
Let’s talk about the autonomy of the Apple Watch Ultra, since the latter is quite special. Let’s be clear: the Apple Watch Ultra has the best battery life ever seen on a connected watch from Apple. Able to last for three days without recharging, the Apple Watch Ultra’s battery is a breath of fresh air for those who can’t bear to charge their watch every day.
Unplugged around 8 a.m. on Monday morning, our copy of the Apple Watch Ultra lasted until Wednesday evening. Users in need of a charger can also count on the energy saving mode and push the already admirable autonomy of the Apple Watch Ultra a little further.
The energy saving mode of the Apple Watch Ultra, let’s talk about it! If the latter do their job well, allowing the connected watch to remain available for several additional hours, this mode also has an impact on the performance of the sensors. Our GPS readings with the energy saving mode activated were much less precise, thus distorting the data obtained compared to our usual reports.
If we praise the autonomy of the Apple Watch Ultra so far, it is because we only compare it to other watches in the range! Compared with other competing watches like the Garmin brand, the Apple Watch Ultra is below expectations. The Apple Watch Ultra thus has good autonomy as a connected watch, but suffers from the comparison when considered as a sports watch.
Fast and efficient charging
On his site, Apple promises that the Apple Watch Ultra can recharge 80% of its battery in a short hour. Data that we wanted to verify at Linternaute. Once placed on its charging base (included with the watch), the Apple Watch Ultra fully recharged after 1h11. Promise kept and very promising results. The premium Apple Watch battery charges fast, and you might even need a few top-ups now and then to get the most out of it. However, it will be necessary to keep a certain percentage of battery if you want to install updates on the Apple Watch Ultra.
Should you buy the Apple Watch Ultra? Our conclusion
Very strange object that this Apple Watch Ultra! Taken as a sports watch, it clearly suffers from shortcomings compared to its direct competitors, often capable of displaying such precise data, but having better autonomy. Several reference sports watches also have additional features such as training programs, without reaching the price of the Apple Watch Ultra.
The fact remains that, taken as a connected watch (with sports functions included), the Apple Watch Ultra is excellent. Designed as the very high-end version of the firm’s watches, the Apple Watch Ultra will appeal to the brand’s most loyal fans, but also those who want to equip themselves with a connected watch with a large rectangular screen and good battery life. .
Where to buy the Apple Watch Ultra at the best price?
The Apple Watch Ultra has been available since September 23, 2023 at many points of sale, as well as on the official Apple Store website. Apple’s top-of-the-line watch only has a single 49mm version with cellular data option. This allows you to have your watch without taking your iPhone with you.
Apple Watch Ultra may also be affected by promotional offers. Do not hesitate to consult its prices regularly to find it at its best available price according to current events.