Apple Watch Ultra

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nomiss7

181 posts

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#309183 26-Sep-2023 19:39

Just curious, for those that have upgraded from an Apple Watch Series 6/7/8 etc to the Ultra/2.

How did you find the size difference? is it bulky to use as a daily watch? Like under a shirt or jacket etc?

What is the battery life like with general day to day use with a daily workout?

MattEast

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#3134334 26-Sep-2023 20:48

I’ve been using an Ultra since last December, upgraded from a 44mm Series 6. It is a bit bigger, but not uncomfortably so…I sleep with it on without any issues. In summer I use the Apple Ocean band as it handles sweat and getting wet the best (plus I dive), that band makes it feel a bit bulkier, the rest of the time I use the Trail loop which is the best everyday band if you can choose only one. I throw it on the charger when I have a shower in the morning, and put it on to charge every other night before I go to bed, it never gets below 50% (and that includes an hours walk using AirPods streaming Apple Music off the Watch). Night and day when compared to the Series 6 battery life.

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michaelmurfy

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#3135341 26-Sep-2023 23:08

I’m only a few days in to Ultra 2 ownership but shifted from the Series 8 46mm only because I loved the look and wanted extra battery life. Using the Trail Loop band and honestly don’t notice the watch on. Been using it for sleep tracking and honestly after a few days of ownership and getting the hang of it being a little more bulky I love it.

At first I was honestly thinking “what have I done” as it is a little more bulky but now I don’t notice that and won’t go back. I also still love how it looks.

Battery life is the impressive part. I’m 2 days in with sleep tracking and the watch is on 41%. I will get into the habit of charging when I have a shower going forward to keep it topped up. Sure, it isn’t as impressive for battery as the Garmins for example but the featureset of the Apple Watch is the reason why.

Lastly. Most will agree but the Apple Watch has kept me on an iPhone. If it were not for the watch I think I may be back on Android (or had tried it multiple times). That’s the sticky factor for me and why I’ve invested more into the Apple ecosystem to the point friends call me a fanboy.

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alasta

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#3135365 27-Sep-2023 08:44

What is your wrist circumference? I am 160mm and my 44mm series 6 is about as big as I could go. At some point I will upgrade to a 45mm series 9, but the 47mm Garmin Fenix that I had previously was really a bit too big so I wouldn't consider the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra. You might want to take a look at this article which has photos of the Ultra on 140mm and 170mm wrists.

It would be really good if Apple could offer something in between the series 9 and the Ultra as I'd like dual band GPS and precision start in a smaller package. I do open water swimming but not diving so the water rating on the series 9 is fine for me, and I would accept that a smaller version of the Ultra would involve some compromise in battery life.

Handsomedan

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#3135369 27-Sep-2023 08:57

I've had an Ultra since launch last year.
Went through a few smart watches in the past, but have been an Apple Watch guy for a few years now. I left my S6 44mm behind to go Ultra and have never regretted it for a second.

Between the battery life and the action button and the looks, I am well-sold. I mountain bike, work in an office, take the dog for walks, do gardening (incl mowing the lawns) and sleep all without removing it.

I probably charge it every third day, but generally when I get a warning that it's at or below 10% charge.

I have a 160(ish) mm wrist circumference and it's a good fit (for me). I personally don't think it looks too big.

I am a watch band junkie - I have a couple of Alpine loops, which are my main go-to, plus an Ocean Band and of course various bands from previous Apple Watches too, like the one I am currently wearing, the SS Link Band.
The Alpine Loops I find to be the most comfortable for me, plus they're the most versatile.

I wear my watch with casual wear, suits and shirts, and everything in between. I am very happy with it and don't find its bulk a detriment in any way.

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guyl

120 posts

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#3135415 27-Sep-2023 10:56

I have had Apple Watches since series 1. Just last week I upgraded to the Series 1 Ultra, and I love it. I find the bulk doesn't bother me at all. And I LOVE the extra screen size (the main reason for getting one).

nomiss7

181 posts

Master Geek

#3135944 28-Sep-2023 14:10

Awesome thanks team, sounds just like the justification I needed to upgrade my Series 6 🤣

Any experiences with the trail loop band and sweat from a workout or other activity etc?

Best way to keep those material bands clean? or do you think it'd be worth getting on Ocean band or similar for the excessively sweaty exercise?

alasta

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#3135948 28-Sep-2023 14:24

As a runner and swimmer I find that any sweat absorbed into a nylon band gets flushed out when I swim. If you only run then just soak the band in water once or twice a month.

I always rinse my watch and band in fresh water after exposing them to sweat, chlorine or salt water. This probably helps.

The article that I linked to above is a good assessment of the bands specific to the Ultra.

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tripp

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#3136321 29-Sep-2023 09:42

So had the ultra from march (selling on geek zone if interested) and just went to the ultra 2. I get around 2 full days on battery including wearing it to bed (could push it more but I tend to charge when it gets between 40 and 50% so there could be a 3rd day in that amount). This includes all notifications, always on display on, 1 - 2 hour work outs each day, bluetooth to phone and wifi on.

Weight and size I never had an issue with, if you are going from no watch to having it then you might need to get use to it for sleep tracking.

Overall it's a good watch I am just really wanting 2d to do esims for them. I don't know the battery impact once it gets mobile data however :(