If I was looking forward to something this year, it was the creation of a review Apple Watch Ultra. Smartwatch from AppI have loved lu for many years and when it began many months before the September Keynote confirming that we will see the unveiling of a brand new series, I immediately arranged a test session with the editorial staff. And since the last two weeks have been Apple Watch Ultra company, it's high time I told you more about them. But before you start reading the following lines, I must warn you that my review Apple Watch Ultra will be written from the perspective of an ordinary user, who is not exactly their target group. However, in the coming weeks we are preparing a review for you from the perspective of a Garmin watch user and, of course, from the perspective of a user who is the target group for the watch. So we are talking specifically about extreme sports enthusiasts.
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You (don't) have to get used to it
Reviews Apple Watch Ultra I can't even begin without looking at their design. I admit that when I first saw them on promotional materials Applu, I wasn't completely "overwhelmed" by them. The side "hump" hiding the digital crown and the classic side button quite significantly disrupted the overall symmetry of their body, which is not to everyone's taste, just like the orange color on the second side button or the digital crown. In general, I would say that the promotional materials have an Apple Watch ultra somehow excessively square, massive and simply rough. However, when they arrived more than two weeks ago, I was very pleasantly surprised by their design. As I already wrote in my first impressions of them, these watches look much more elegant and sleek in person than they do in the product images, which is at least in my opinion a very good thing. Thanks to this, the model has its origins in classic Watches Ultra he definitely won't deny it.
Although the body of the watch is considerably larger, having grown from maximal 45mm up to 49mm, are Ultra still a dimensionally pleasing device that miniIt doesn't stand out too much on a classic male wrist. Of course, compared to the classic Series or SE, they are Ultra higher, but it is a relatively negligible difference. However, what pleased me even more is their weight. Although I would not say that they are Apple Watch Ultra downright featherweight, their weight of 61,3 grams is, in my opinion, very acceptable for the type of watch it is, which is also evidenced by the fact that you literally stop noticing this weight after a few hours of wearing it, just as you don't notice the weight of classic watches. Apple WatchJust for fun, the aluminum version weighs 39 grams, while the steel version weighs 51,5 grams. MiniThere is at least one difference between the steel version and the model Ultra negligible.
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The body of the watch is made of titanium in – according to the words Applu – natural shade so that no scratches are visible on itance. I have reservations about the shade as such, as I am a fan of dark smartwatches where the body and display blend nicely, but I fully understand and respect the decision. Appregarding the shade and its suitability for the target audience of the device. However, I secretly hope that in the next generation of this watch Apple in terms of colors, it takes away much more and presents them precisely in the dark. After all, not every owner Apple Watch Ultra will come from their target group and it is therefore a shame that these people also "pay extra" for the effort maxto improve the endurance of the pleasant, scratchancand immaculate design.
From the classics Apple Watch se Model Ultra It differs not only in its dimensions or side “hump”, but also in its flat display, which is framed by a raised titanium frame. Although this significantly increases the durability of the display maxIt is ideal because thanks to this solution there is no risk of damaging its edge, as is the case with classic Apple Watch, but honestly I have to say that the durability is paid for by a certain discomfort during control. So that you understand me correctly - it certainly cannot be said that it would Apple Watch Ultra operated poorly, but the edges of the titanium rim that surrounds the flat display are so sharp that they cut into your fingers quite a bit, and if you are used to operating a touchscreen by simply “swiping” from the edge, then know that you are in for a relatively unpleasant learning curve. It is not only the edges around the display that are sharp, but also the edges of the side “hump”, which you need to get used to when operating the digital crown or pressing the side button under the crown. Fortunately, the second side button is problem-free in this regard, as it is on the side that is nicely rounded. Honestly, I am quite sorry about this detail. Slightly rounding the sharp edges would be Apple it certainly wasn't problematic, and one would suddenly have a slightly better impression of the watch - all the more so when it is clear that these sharp edges quickly "smash" during more extreme use and therefore partially tear off. So you won't be able to maintain a perfect design anyway.
The display plays a leading role
Now that we've touched on the display, it would be a shame not to pay attention to it further - especially since it's really worth it. Again, it's "just" the LTPO OLED that's been used for years. Retina panel, but compared to previous generations it has incredible max2000 nits maximum brightness, which is double that of standard Apple Watch Series. And you will really feel this double. The brightness that the display is capable of producing is truly brutal and thanks to it you can be completely sure that the readability of the display in the sun, but also anywhere else in a bright place, will be, in a word, perfect. MiniSo I almost didn't during the testing period nestI would have no problem with the readability of the display, and honestly, not even the slightest. The readability of the display does not change at all depending on the environment, which in my opinion is a real bonus. The times when you had to turn your wrist or your whole body in an attempt to improve the viewing angle of the display are gone forever thanks to such luxurious brightness.
Although the display area is on paper only 21mm² larger than the 45mm Apple Watch Series 8, I must say that this difference is much greater in terms of feel. Apparently, thanks to the zero curvature, the display feels like a truly gigantic display area on your wrist, which significantly increases the overall clarity of the operating system watchOS, and therefore the applications running on it. It is a shame that the frames around the display Apple Watch Ultra they are relatively wide (I estimate somewhere between the Series 8 and SE bezels), but this thing is a bit too big for you to handle.ancand notice it only when the panel displays a color other than black, which in watchOS and applications as such prevail. So to some extent, this is a detail that you will start to tolerate without major reservations after some time.
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However, it would be foolish to talk about the size of the display only in superlatives. The truth is that with him Apple within watchOS, but especially developers are not yet able to work too much on their applications, in other words, to use it to its fullest, and the vast majority of applications and functions therefore look like Apple Watch Ultra just like on the Series or SE, only in a larger version. On the one hand it's a shame, but on the other hand it's a classic "app"hunting" tax for his secrecy, which we now pay, for example, for hiding Dynamic Island14 iPhones Pro, which is currently unusable, or we paid for it in the past for a cutout in the display. In short, it will take some time for developers to come up with the best possible ways to use the extra space. But once they do, it is absolutely clear to me that the complexity of using Apple Watch Ultra shoots upwards.
A sensor classic that doesn't offend, but doesn't inspire either
Although they are new Apple Watch Ultra perceived by many users as direct competition to Garmin or other smartwatch manufacturers for extreme athletes and adventurers, the truth is a little different. With the competition Apple Watch Ultra they only agree on very few aspects, which is a big shame in my opinion. For example, monitoring health functions or sports activities is Ultra almost the same as the Series 8 model. What does this mean for you? Positives and negatives. The positive is undoubtedly the fact that measuring heart rate, ECG or oxygen saturation is extremely fast, if I compare it to, for example, the Series 6 or 7. On the other hand, it would be a mistake to think that the sensors will simply offer you something more, something that you are not used to from classic Apple WatchWhether we're talking about health functions or measurements during sports activities (at least the typical ones, not things like diving), you only squeeze out of the watch what you're able to get thanks to watchOS 9 and Series 8 and sometimes even older models. So forget about gadgets like stress measurement, physical "battery" or similar conveniences, which are in a way complementary, but can still please because they are simply something extra.
I would very much like to write that at least the GPS is better than the Series 1, which uses only L5, thanks to the fact that it is a new dual-frequency version using the L8 and L1 bands. However, the truth is that in terms of speed, GPS is practically no different, and in terms of the accuracy of targeting your position, I found that it is not either. Sure, the combination of two frequencies is useful primarily in specific places where the L1 frequency is not able to cope well, for example due to dense buildings and the like, but I would expect that if already with Apple Watch Ultra For example, I go to the forest to pick mushrooms, thanks to the more advanced GPS I can see on the map more quickly where I am exactly, which is not happening. However, the question arises here as to how much this is influenced by the GPS itself and to what extent by the chipset that powers the watch. It is the same as in the Series 8, which would not be so bad, if it were not the same chipset that powers the Series 7 and Series 6. And to be honest, that seems a bit over the top for a watch with a price tag of 25 crowns. Apple but he decided anyway and we have no choice but to tolerate this decision.
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The staying power is, in a word, unreal ... by the standards Apple Watch
In technical specifications Apple Watch Ultra you will read that they can last up to 36 hours, which is twice as long as classic ones Apple Watch Series or SE. It probably won't surprise you that I was most interested in the battery life, as this has long been the biggest pain point of this product. For me, one day of battery life is enough because I'm used to putting my watch on the charger every evening, but an extra hour is always nice. And I have to say that the pleasure came in such a short time. excelWhile with the Series 8 I ended my normal day revolving around receiving notifications, recording about two hours of exercise, controlling my smart home, taking calls, or streaming music at about 20%, in the case of Apple Watch Ultra I ended the day with about 70% battery, and thanks to that, the watch was able to last me a good three days of “my” use. However, I would like to emphasize the phrase “my” use once again, because a huge number of factors and settings play an extreme role in the endurance. So for some of you, it may only last one day, but with full LTE calls, active GPS without a nearby phone, and so on. On the other hand, for others, the watch may last even longer, I even read on Twitter about endurance exceeding 50 hours just when receiving notifications and so on. About endurance Apple Watch Ultra so it is possible to speak in superlatives, but only in connection with standard Apple Watch, which really put a dent in your pocket. However, competing Garmin, Polar or other models can compete with the model's durability Ultra continue to mock, as his hours for their weeks really nestWhether this is a problem or not is up to each user to decide for themselves. However, for me it is definitely not a problem.
Louder than you'd expect
When Apple na Keynote new Apple Watch Ultra presented to the world, he did not forget to mention the 86-decibel siren for calling for help. Fortunately, I don't really need to call for help in everyday life, but such a loud speaker was already a big promise on paper that the volume would be improved even for ordinary activities such as making phone calls and the like. And you can do it through Apple Watch I quite like to deal with it, because I find it great to quickly dial someone from the wrist, deal with everything that needs to be done with them in a few seconds, and then put my hand down again, as if nothing had happened. And for that very reason I was very pleased with the speaker upgrade, as it is truly substantial. In general, I would say sound Apple Watch Ultra is overall several levels higher quality than classic ones Apple Watch, thanks to which calls are handled better than ever before, but of course it is also louder, so it is not a problem to handle everything even on a busy street, if so nestWhat pleased me perhaps most is how you Apple dealt with sound distortion at higher volumes. With older model lines, I found that as soon as you turned up the volume maximalized, the sound started to sound strange overall, a bit tinny and hoarse. But that doesn't happen now, or at least not to the extent I felt before. So it's great to see that an upgrade primarily created for the siren can be used in a way other than the way it was intended. Apple originally intended. If you then ask what Applu managed to improve the sound quality, it is because instead of one speaker, as is the case with classic Apple Watch put on Apple two speakers at once, as is the case with iPhones. So it is logical that the sound component had to go up.
And not only that. Together with the sound Apple has also literally improved microphones, which are now able to capture voices much better. This is becauseoneHe didn't just throw away one microphone, but he put in three more capable of directional beamforming. What does that mean to you? Simply that you can be heard damn well. And when I say "damn well," I mean really great. When I called over a classic Apple Watch or maybe just send voice messages through them, dictate into them and so on, it often happened that I had to repeat the entire message several times because the other party or the watch heard me wrong. But now it isonec. According to my testing, the three microphones are more or less comparable to the microphone system in iPhones, so you don't have to worry that the other party won't hear you when calling from worse conditions - they will hear you without any problems practically always. What's also great is that the sensitivity of the microphones has increased significantly, at least according to my observations, so it's no longer a problem to call with a little exaggeration from your hand at your waist. The watch hears you in every situation, although of course there may be some slight noise from time to time. However, if you compare it to the older generation, like I did, you will notice a really extreme difference here, and that's a good thing. Because of this, the watch suddenly becomes a slightly more complex device, which in my opinion has the potential to replace at least some users in the future iPhoneThe differences between them and him are slowly but surely beginning to disappear.
The new side button as something you simply want everywhere
I'll admit that I'm not quite the type of person who needs a million software or hardware buttons for everything, which are supposed to simplify an already simple thing. On the other hand, I've told myself many times that I'm a little annoyed at how Apple it approaches the classic side button under the digital crown, i.e. it does not allow the user to customize it in any way, but constantly "stuffs" multitasking applications through it along with Apple Pay. And this thing thanks me for trying it out Apple Watch Ultra She started to get even more annoyed.
The special side button on the left side of the watch, colored orange, is, in a word, perfect. It is to some extent stupidity, which is not revolutionary, but how much it can make it easier for you to control the watch is almost unbelievable. Currently, there are only a few options for what it can be used for, but even that is enough to make a person understand how much he misses this element or maybe just the ability to program certain functions to the quick launch button. Probecause like it or not, turning on a flashlight with a single press of a button is really extremely addictive and although, as I say, it is a bit of a gimmick to some extent, it is exactly the gimmick that can make using the product overall much more enjoyable and that will make it shine in your eyes. I sincerely hope that Applu succeeds side button u Apple Watch Ultra in terms of usability in the future to expand it as much as possible and in the fact that we will see something like this sooner or later even in classic Apple Watch. Indeed, it is an element at the level of MagSafe in iPhones - that is, to a certain extent, a shock that everyone will fall in love with.
Options watchOS fun and boring
Although Apple presented new Ultra like watches for extreme conditions, they are still good old Apple Watch, That is miniI have to say quite frankly that I don't know if this is the right path or not. When I look at how the software in Garmin and other rugged smartwatches is handled, it seems like it's not going to work. Apple fight, it seems to me that there is actually not much to compare here, since their software and software are Applu incomparable. To understand me correctly – I don’t mean to say that one is bad and the other is good, but rather that each society approaches it in its own way, which seems right to it. And I’m not entirely sure whether that way is Applu is the right one. I kind of expected that since you've already put all that effort into creating a durable body, a loud speaker, better GPS support, extended battery life, and things suitable for extreme athletes and adventurers, the operating system would be somehow different - specifically maxideally suited to all of this. However, when you Apple Watch Ultra Once you play for a while, you'll quickly realize that these are actually "just" good old games. Apple Watch with a slightly (much) different coat, with which, on the one hand, it's great that you know them like your shoes, but on the other hand, it's a shame that the "extra" that they Apple dal, you won't really appreciate the software at all. Sure, we've got the diving app, we've got the siren, some exclusive watch faces, a nice compass, or maybe the ability to switch your watch face to red, which is extremely readable at night, but seriously, isn't that a bit much?
That's a question that everyone has to answer for themselves based on how they use the watch. I would personally say that it is not, because it is nice that you have what you normally use in a durable body. However, as I have already mentioned several times above, I am absolutely not the target group of these watches and therefore my view is quite distorted, when in the end the functionality of classic watches is more than enough for me. Apple Watch. However, I have also heard the opinions of those for whom watches are primarily intended, and too much joy from watchOS they didn't have it for exactly the reason I praise - that is, what they nestachiolo in classic Apple Watch, they will now also have na Apple Watch Ultra, albeit in a larger size.
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I think it's the screen size that Applu kind of messed things up because it suddenly added a lot of space for all sorts of uses. The catch is that if you don't know how to use it, you're screwed - and that's kind of what happened here. Thanks to the larger display, it's logical watchOS on a watch, larger and of course enriched with an extra element here and there, but to be honest, I would feel like I have 21 mm² more functions available, since they have that much surface area Apple Watch Ultra extra display compared to 45mm Apple Watch 8, that is definitely not the case. However, I emphasize again that it is extremely important how the watchOS you look at it personally and therefore whether you love it because it suits you in every way and is simply better for you than the competition's solution, or on the contrary, you are missing something. In the second case, you will be disappointed because you get surprisingly little extra.
Summary
How then Apple Watch Ultra In conclusion, what should I evaluate? This is a question that is generally very difficult to answer, since everyone has slightly different preferences. But if I had to speak for myself, I would really only need a different color to be happy. varianta, because I see sense in almost everything else and what's more, I can appreciate most of the new features and improvements even as a current user of regular Apple WatchI am by no means the target audience for this watch and honestly, I don't think I ever will be, because diving to 40 meters doesn't really fill me up, just as I don't really enjoy running. ultramarathons or rock climbing. I am even more pleased that Apple managed even at first glance with a narrowly profiled product to score even with such an ordinary user as me. And when they proved me Apple Watch Ultra gain with their functions that are not aimed at me, I believe that for more demanding users or perhaps the target group they can be a blessing to some extent. Yes, they probably won't bring everything they need (although we will try to answer this in future reviews), but honestly, would anyone really expect any greater complexity considering the price of this model? After all Apple Watch Ultra costs the same as the steel Series 8, which are technologically much more boring. And just like the Series 8 on steroids at a still affordable price, in my opinion it needs to be Apple Watch Ultra take. So I am really satisfied with them.
I think the author is confusing microphones and speakers.
"it is that instead of one speaker, as is the case with classics Apple Watch put on Apple two microphones at once"
It is a transcription, I think it is quite clear from the previous passages. Anyway thanks, I'll fix it.
That makes sense.
Thank you for the good and objective review, I have an AWatch 5 and I would like to exchange them due to battery wear and various surface damages. And precisely because I use the watch for sports (running, fitness) and at work I also work manually as a maintenance technician (tyre production), so I would really like a more durable watch. I haven't had them on hand yet and I'll go look for them somewhere. Basically, the ones I have suit me, so in terms of functioning, I don't need anything more. Yes, there is still a price, but I don't change things every year, so I hope it will be a good investment.
Well, for a thousand, I'd rather have a garmin
It's about preferences. I had a garmin for a while and was happy. But I tried AW and I won't go back to garmin. Because I'm not a professional, I do sports because I enjoy it. And on a busy working day with an iPhone, I want nothing but AW. The only thing that bothers me about the regular ones is their (un)durability. I know there are different ways to protect them, but that's not what I have on hand. But the price is worth it, there is no debate if they cost 700 ok, but...
How dare I - is it possible to call and text on Garmin? Does it have full navi? Can I use it for writing? Find and unlock your Audi? How many applications can I upload to it?
Yes, it has all maps, including tourist and golf, skiing, cycling, etc. directly in memory. Fasting in writing? Of course, unlock the car? Sure :) you are comparing incomparably
Bread Zavřele, how can you open a car with a Garmin sports tester? Instructions please. How can you make calls without a mobile phone in range? Etc. etc.
Mr. Radek, please, where did we specifically state that you can call with them? Where it is? Thanks a lot. Car? For example – https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/f5f8b74f-f04a-4ad9-9575-231a33640475
I have had the AWU since the first day of official sales and I am very satisfied in all respects. The LTE option is great.oneactivities.
Can you elaborate a little on what you are specifically satisfied with and what AWU features do you use the most? Like LTE tooneThe activity doesn't really seem like something that needs to be highlighted in APW... at least you can see in the comments where the real target is :D
No me aw ultra stopped without insulting the outdated hw from aw6. At least they could have gotten a new hw. That's my opinion. Someone says high price? Well, honestly, when I remember how much the stainless steel aw2 and the milanese move cost. So the price is somehow ok for me. But I'm disappointed with hw. After all, aw6 is a few years old. And I don't know if it's worth it for the top model.
Pro I'm sorry for the old man. ProI'm still waiting for the second version. When I imagine that there are the same intestines...
Great review! Thanks and I will buy ultra misto 8
Well, I don't know... I bought AW for my wife, red, nice... she wears them sometimes and my hands look elegant...
Pro I find these U;ra large watches to be a bit small, light... (the amazing 21mm surface is basically 1cmx2mm surface for your imagination...)... I have a problem with light watches, I'm used to having watches that are bigger and harder to feel on my hand, 24 hours a day on my hand...
I have a phone for calling, dictating, writing...
What a shame, even if we are Apple I have almost everything other than Apple, this miracle of iodine will pass me by again... and if someone is smart, some fancy Garmins will probably win again... we have quite a few to choose from...
AW ultra I bought it and I am satisfied, I welcomed the durability compared to the standard model, everything else is satisfactory.
If anyone is interested, ultra I bought them for fun so I could laugh about it at home and just have them, but I can't even get my hands on my old chrome AW7s anymore...they're completely ridiculous next to the Ultas ones. And I dare say that if they were 5-10 thousand more expensive, they would sell just as well, I think they're almost unnecessarily cheap, which takes away from their social prestige
social prestige?? you are good do watches decide social prestige? I see a really empty person.
There's no point in rolling up your sleeve in a pub, putting your mobile phone on a table and putting the knobs from an old BMW there
Just like some people did 20 years ago :-D
Well, someone doesn't have a new BMW, but wants something nice that will make them happy.
I was always fascinated by the words of several friends, when they were nonchalantly leaning on a sports car for 2 megabytes and saying. “You screwed up, a 150k bike”, I would never buy that”. And they were right, it was quite unnecessary for my driving, just like their 10 liter sports cars for driving around Prague.
I splashed my monitor. They say social prestige. Well, maybe at the Kočka carousel. You really are a disgrace to everyone Apple fans
All right then…
https://youtu.be/r4wQUHjNsH4
Wait, do you really consider a watch with a display to be prestigious? :)
Today, young people use words like "respect" or "prestige" freely without even having a hint of their true meaning.
Let them... have fun... it's quite funny to watch them take it seriously...
Exactly, although I also have AW, in my case 5, but as they say "for better" opportunities, I put it in the hands of the mechanics. And honestly, at a conference or in the theater, ladies in suits or dresses, gentlemen in suits and digital phones on their hands... No, it just doesn't work.
Thanks for the nice review, from everything I've been reading and watching I can't seem to find an answer, what about the magnetic straps and the compass dial. My Watch 7 has a magma belt compass and it doesn't work. Uktra are probably going to be similar, right?
I also bought a waterproof strap and it was OK, unfortunately the new Mag Safe cover disabled the compass on the iP14 Pro
Yes, a 2 year old processor for 25K, that's what you want :-D.
I've also had them since September 23.9rd and I have to say that they...oneespecially on men's AW hands, which don't look like a child's toy, but almost like an adult watch (I usually wear mechanical Tudor and Rolex watches).
I tried regular AWs several times, but after a few months I was always put off by the need to recharge the battery every day, it just felt like a Tamagotchi to me. The battery life here is completely different, 2x to 3x better than regular AWs. KoneIt also makes sense to use sleep monitoring features.
Thanks to the larger display, you can use some applications directly on the watch display (e.g. calculator) without any restrictions. So even though I personally don't use them for any extreme sports, I'm excited about them. The flat glass is great, I hit the glass from the side twice on the older ones (I hit these ones somewhere too and only a small smudge on the frame), tooneReally good water resistance of 100m is also useful. Great and I recommend it!!!
I use the old AW 2, 42 mm Ceramic Edition. Everything I need for normal life is enough with them. It's light, it's nice, it's not as visible on others thanks to the rarer ceramic, you won't scratch the sapphire, it jingles, it vibrates, it shows the time, the favorite movement wheel, it's also not missing.. Actually, what motivates me to buy it at Ultra model has a larger display size and new software. But thanks for the review, I was supplemented by the info video from Petr Mára on YT. 👍🏻
To make a watch for extreme athletes without a bezel and without control buttons is a bit of a flight. That is, if you don't consider running along a tree to be an extreme sport :)
I don't understand what athlete would prefer this to the Garmin enduro 2. I think that with the sports and activities they do, the glass would be scratched already in the first week.
I have them too and I'm thrilled with them! Pro For a regular user, I would really like the durability, the beautiful bright display, the side button for the flashlight, for example, and the waterproofness (no adjectives)! I understand that not everyone dives, but such a jump into the water can also be a risk. I damaged my previous Series 6 watch precisely due to the pressure in the water. Water did not get into it, but the glass apparently bent and the touch layer did not respond. So as not to cause panic... :-) They recovered in about 5 hours and for the sake of completeness, I will add that I somewhat forgot that I had them and sank to a depth of about 15 m on a breath, which I guess not many people do. :-)
They'll give you a two-day battery life, so you have to be an AW maniac to do that. Pro Garmin is a joke :)
Move your Garmin elsewhere. Thanks
I am quite satisfied with the dreams, rather just little things. It bothers me that I can't set the ringtone to my liking, so I mean different ringtones and then the alarm clock functionality is bad for me
I switched to them from Garmin and I admit that I still can't come to terms with them internally. I find they are not as outdoorsy as they are Apple it advertises and doesn't offer as many niceties as Garmin. I'm at a point where I wonder if it was a good choice in my case. Maybe I'll get used to it. It is true that it is about preferences. I don't know, I don't know.