5 Reasons the Apple Watch Ultra Isn't a Great Choice for

Most People
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September 12, 2022

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By
Abhijith N Arjunan
Published 2 hours ago
Apple's highest-end smartwatch isn't worth the "ultra" price tag for these reasons.

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 Image Credit: Apple

The Apple Watch Ultra is the latest addition to the iPhone maker's coveted smartwatch
lineup. It packs many elements people have always wanted from an Apple Watch, like a
rugged body and increased battery life.

However, we should not forget that Apple has designed the product for athletes, explorers,
and adventurists. So, it also means that not everyone needs an Apple Watch Ultra.

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So, here are five reasons the Apple Watch Ultra is NOT a great choice for most people!

1. Ultra Expensive

Apple Watch Ultra is one of the most expensive Apple Watch models ever. Apple charges its
customers $799 for the GPS + Cellular model, and unlike the Series 8 or SE models, you
can't get a GPS-only Apple Watch Ultra.

For reference, the Apple Watch Series 8 is available for $399. So, on a typical day, you can
buy two Apple Watch Series 8's for the price you would have to pay for the Apple Watch
Ultra.

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The Apple Watch Ultra's pricing would have been justifiable if it offered advanced features for
the mainstream user. At the time, however, most of the new features of the Apple Watch
Ultra are dedicated to extreme sports.

Therefore, unless you have some extra cash lying around, the expensive price tag is a good
reason not to buy Apple Watch Ultra.

2. Bigger Isn't Always Better

Image Credit: Apple

You may have noticed that Apple Watch Ultra is also one of the biggest devices in the Apple
Watch lineup. Unlike the Series 8 and SE, the Ultra model is available with only a 49mm
case size.

While a bigger display is always nice to have when it comes to smartphones, we cannot say
the same about smartwatches. Most people do not want a distracting, large display on their
wrists.

In addition, despite the 49mm case size, the Apple Watch Ultra offers only a bit more display
area than the Series 8 model. So, if you need a compact smartwatch that is not as distracting
as your smartphone, it's better to stay away from the Apple Watch Ultra.

3. Comes in a Single Finish

For reasons we don't know, the Apple Watch Ultra comes only in a single finish. Unlike
2021's Apple Watch Series 7, which was available in a Space Black Titanium finish, you can
only get the Apple Watch Ultra in Titanium Natural.

However, you can get the Series 8 and Apple Watch SE in different finishes, such as
Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Product (RED.) Furthermore, with Series 8, you can choose
between aluminum and stainless steel.

So, you get limited options to customize how your Apple Watch Ultra looks. The only option
for customizing the device is the variety of bands from Apple and third parties.

Therefore, it may be a good idea to avoid the Apple Watch Ultra if you need an Apple Watch
that can sync with your style.

4. Bulkier Than the Series 8

Image Credit: Apple

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Compared to Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra is bulkier. Apple has made this decision so that it
can pack a bigger battery and additional buttons in the Apple Watch Ultra.

For comparison, the total weight of the Apple Watch Ultra is 61.3 grams, whereas the 45mm
model of the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 8 weighs 51.5 grams. This is surprising
because titanium is 45 percent lighter than stainless steel.

So, if you, like most people, want a compact smartwatch that you can wear effortlessly, the
Apple Watch Ultra is not a great choice.

5. Most People Don't Need the Additional Sensors

Image Credit: Apple

As we mentioned, most new features of the Apple Watch Ultra targets athletes, adventurers,
and explorers. Therefore, most people do not need the additional motion and depth sensors
in the Apple Watch Ultra.

For instance, the Apple Watch Ultra has a Retina display with a maximum brightness of
2,000 nits. But 1,000 nits of brightness is more than enough for most people. Likewise, most
people may not need the 86 dB Siren to attract attention. You can still prepare your Apple
Watch for emergencies without these "ultra" features.

We can't say whether additional features like a depth gauge, water temperature sensor, and
the Oceanic+ app appeal to regular users, but they will probably not.

At the same time, more useful features like Crash Detection, ECG app, and cycle tracking
are also available on the Series 8.

To Buy or Not to Buy the Apple Watch Ultra?

In the end, it kind of boils down to one question: Knowing that you probably won't use the
additional features and sensors, would you buy an expensive and bulky smartwatch for the
extra battery alone?

If you don't have a strong yes to this question, the Apple Watch Ultra isn't ideal for your use
case, and you will be better off with the Apple Watch Series 8.

However, if you spend most of your time exploring and adventuring, you may have more
reasons to get the Apple Watch Ultra.

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