Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Apple Watch Ultra Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£790Screen size:?Battery life:1.5 daysDisplay type:OLED

Apple Watch Ultra Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 22 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

8.3

Overall score

Score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.2

Technical score

30%

8.6

Review score ( 10 · 12)

Review score 30% · 8.6 · based on 22 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 21 more reviews are not scored yet.
★Better than 93% of smartwatches
8.2

Technical score

Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

24%

7.6

Health

21%

9.9

Fitness

16%

4.9

Battery

14%

10

Smart features

12%

9.0

Connectivity

9%

8.4

Display & Design

4%

7.5

Hardware

★Better than 91% of smartwatches
8.6

Review score

Review score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (22)
10 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 2
✓ explicit
2
Video reviews 3

3.1%

9.0

Eldar

3.1%

7.0

DesFit

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
★Better than 95% of smartwatches
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Apple Watch Ultra

Technical score
Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

24%

7.6

Health

21%

9.9

Fitness

16%

4.9

Battery

14%

10

Smart features

12%

9.0

Connectivity

9%

8.4

Display & Design

4%

7.5

Hardware

8.2
Review score
Review score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (22)
10 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 2
✓ explicit
2
Video reviews 3

3.1%

9.0

Eldar

3.1%

7.0

DesFit

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.6
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Apple Watch Ultra has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 70.7% of smartwatches.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

8.3

Overall score

40%

6.3

Price

7.7
Brand name
Apple
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
yes
ECG
yes
This smartwatch supports ECG. 83.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
1.5 days
Battery life
1.5 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 1.5 days which is shorter than that of 85.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.3% of smartwatches.
Converted from the reported 36-hour battery life.
Battery life in training mode
13 h
Battery life in training mode
13 h
This smartwatch lasts 13 h in training mode which is shorter than 60.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.7% of smartwatches.
Up to 35 hours in low power.
Battery life with GPS on
12 h
Battery life with GPS on
12 h
This smartwatch lasts 12 h with GPS on which is shorter than 68% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.8% of smartwatches.
Battery power
542 mAh
Battery power
542 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 542 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 96.9% of smartwatches.
Charge time
90 min
Charge time
90 min
This smartwatch charges in 90 min which is faster than 63.7% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 9.9% of smartwatches.
Approximate value from reported charging range: 90 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
watchOS
Operating system
watchOS
This smartwatch runs watchOS which is more advanced than the operating system in 95.7% of smartwatches and the same as that in 4.3% of smartwatches.
OS detail: watchOS (9).
Software update frequency
regular
Software update frequency
regular
This smartwatch has regular software update support which is more active than that of 94% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6% of smartwatches.
Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
SIM cards
1
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
eSIM
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
?
Display type
OLED
Display type
OLED
This smartwatch uses a OLED display type which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 9.6% of smartwatches.
LTPO panel wording.
Resolution
410x 502
Resolution
410x 502
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 410x502 which is higher than that of 73.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.2% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
326 ppi
Pixel density
326 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi which is higher than that of 46.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 8.1% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
2000 nits
Display brightness
2000 nits
This smartwatch reaches 2000 nits of display brightness, which is higher than that of 88.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 5.9% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
1 GHz
CPU speed
1 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1 GHz which is faster than that in 29.2% of smartwatches and equal to that in 31.2% of smartwatches.
Processor model
Apple S8
Processor model
Apple S8
This smartwatch uses the Apple S8 processor model.
RAM
1 GB
RAM
1 GB
This smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM which is larger than the RAM in 31.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 45.8% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
32 GB
Internal storage
32 GB
This smartwatch uses 32 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 84.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 13.4% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Apple Watch Ultra vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    regular
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (9).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync. Some models rely on third-party integrations.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
  • Route support
    Route support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
    Supports on-watch route guidance; deeper route import can depend on apps.
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • 30 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    90 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (90 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    Approximate value from reported charging range: 90 minutes.
    90 min vs 120 min
  • 242 mAh larger battery capacity
    Battery life
    542 mAh days
    This smartwatch has a larger battery capacity than the average smartwatch (542 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Converted from the reported 36-hour battery life.
    542 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    Maps support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.3
    This smartwatch supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (5.3 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    5.3 vs 5.0
  • UWB chip
    UWB chip
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a UWB chip, while the average smartwatch does not. 2.3% of smartwatches include UWB.
    U1 chip.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    sapphire
    This smartwatch uses sapphire display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    sapphire vs mineral glass
  • 1,400 nits higher display brightness
    Display brightness
    2000 nits
    This smartwatch has higher display brightness than the average smartwatch (2000 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    2,000 nits vs 600 nits
  • Rugged construction
    Rugged design
    yes
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • Better case material
    Case material
    titanium
    This smartwatch uses titanium for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    titanium vs polycarbonate
  • Better band material
    Band material
    silicone, nylon, titanium
    This smartwatch uses silicone, nylon, titanium for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, nylon, titanium vs silicone
  • Higher resolution
    Display type
    410 x 502
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 410x502, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    LTPO panel wording.
    410x502 vs 352x430
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    regular
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (9).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 28 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    32 GB
    This smartwatch offers more internal storage than the average smartwatch (32 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    32 GB vs 4 GB
  • 2 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    3
    This smartwatch has more microphones than the average smartwatch (3 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    3 vs 1
  • More advanced processor model
    Processor model
    Apple S8
    This smartwatch uses the Apple S8 processor model, while the average smartwatch uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko.
    Apple S8 vs Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 5.5 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    1.5 days
    This smartwatch offers 1.5 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from the reported 36-hour battery life.
    1.5 days vs 7 days
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IP6X
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP6X vs IP68).
    IP6X vs IP68
  • 8 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    12 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (12 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    12 h vs 20 h
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • 2.8 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    14.40 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (14.4 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    14.40 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 6.08x more expensive
    Apple Watch Ultra is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£790 vs £130).
    £790 vs £130
  • 6.12x less popular
    Apple Watch Ultra has a lower popularity than the average smartwatch (1 vs 6.1).
    1 vs 6.12
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 5.5 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    1.5 days
    This smartwatch offers 1.5 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from the reported 36-hour battery life.
    1.5 days vs 7 days
  • 8 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    12 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (12 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    12 h vs 20 h
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 6.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    13 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (13 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    Up to 35 hours in low power.
    13 h vs 19.25 h
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IP6X
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP6X vs IP68).
    IP6X vs IP68
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • 2.8 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    14.40 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (14.4 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    14.40 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 16.3 g heavier weight
    Weight
    61.3 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (61.3 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    61.3 g vs 45.0 g
  • Less practical form
    Form
    rectangular
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 4 mm taller watch height
    Height
    49.0 mm
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (49 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    49.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • 10 °C lower max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    35.0 °C
    This smartwatch handles a lower maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    35.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • 4 mm wider band
    Width of band
    26.0 mm
    This smartwatch has a wider band width than the average smartwatch (26 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    26.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Eldar
≈ estimated
17/09/2024
Long-term review · almost 2 years of daily use
Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra is worth buying for its bigger battery, durability and design, though it is large and costly.
8.0
Marques Brownlee
≈ estimated
21/09/2022
Hands-on review · multi-day battery and workout use
Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra is the best Apple Watch yet, but only worth it for people who need its endurance features.
7.0
DesFit
≈ estimated
21/09/2022
Hands-on sports review · running, cycling, GPS and battery tests
Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra is a good start for Apple users, but it does not yet beat Garmin's dedicated sports watches.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

The screen, rugged build and GPS impress, battery life mostly pleases, but nearly everyone finds it big and heavy.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
13/07/2023
Full review · Endurance and GPS
Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple's toughest, longest-lasting watch with precise GPS, but it trails endurance rivals, so ultra runners may look elsewhere.
8.0
stuff.tv
✓ explicit
04/02/2025
Outdoor test · Battery and durability
Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple's toughest outdoor watch, with a bright screen and durable case, but its battery trails dedicated sports watches.
9.3
runnea.com
✓ explicit
30/09/2025
Runner's review · Durability and usability
Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra is tough and easy to use in Apple's ecosystem, but its battery is the weak point and touch controls struggle with gloves.
8.6
hablandodemanzanas.com
✓ explicit
01/08/2023
10-month test · Design and battery
Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra is the best sports-and-smart watch for iPhone users, but the SE or Series 8 do almost the same for most people.
tweakers.net
16/11/2022
Not graded yet
9.0
iphoned.nl
✓ explicit
13/07/2023
Long-term review · Battery and build
Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple's best watch, with two days of battery life and scratch resistance, but it is big and best for dedicated athletes.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Apple Watch Ultra

  • Significantly longer battery life than standard Apple Watch models, often lasting 2–3 days.
  • Highly durable titanium build and flat sapphire crystal screen that resists scratches and impacts.
  • Large, exceptionally bright Retina display (up to 3,000 nits) that is easy to read in direct sunlight.
  • Customisable Action button that allows for quick, tactile access to specific functions like workouts or the flashlight.
  • Advanced water resistance and specialized features for diving and high-speed water sports.
  • Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5) providing more accurate tracking in urban or dense environments.

What we don't like about Apple Watch Ultra

  • Large and bulky 49mm case that can feel heavy or uncomfortable, especially on smaller wrists or during sleep.
  • High price point compared to other smartwatches and the standard Apple Watch Series.
  • Battery life still lags behind dedicated fitness/adventure competitors like Garmin or Polar, which can last weeks.
  • Limited aesthetic options, as it is only available in one size and specific titanium finishes.
  • Digital Crown guard can sometimes irritate the skin or be harder to access with gloves for some users.
  • Heart rate monitoring can occasionally be 'patchy' or provide unusually high readings compared to chest straps.

Verdict

The Apple Watch Ultra is a rugged, adventure-focused smartwatch featuring a 49mm aerospace-grade titanium case and a flat sapphire crystal display that reaches up to 2,000 nits of brightness. It is powered by the S8 SiP chip and includes specialized hardware such as a customizable orange Action button, dual speakers with an 86-decibel emergency siren, and a three-microphone array for improved call clarity in windy conditions. Built for extreme environments, it offers dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5), a WR100 water-resistance rating suitable for high-speed water sports, and a depth gauge for recreational diving up to 40 metres. Key pros include its significantly improved battery life—rated for 36 hours of normal use or up to 60 hours in Low Power Mode—standard cellular connectivity, and advanced health sensors for ECG and blood oxygen monitoring. However, notable cons include its bulky, high-profile design that may feel oversized on smaller wrists, its premium price point compared to standard Apple Watch models, and a Digital Crown that some users find can irritate the skin during active movement.

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