Many Android users have expressed their dislike for the “squircle” design in comparison to the classic rounded smartwatches. It’s understandable that they have this opinion, as most Apple Watch imitations tend to give the impression of cheap quality.
On a personal note, I find the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to be a refreshing change. The display is able to showcase more information in a visually pleasing way. Compared to the Wear OS, the Ultra 2’s menus have more rows and columns of buttons, or simply larger buttons, making everything on the screen fully visible, even at the top or bottom edges.
One of the standout features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is its 1.9-inch diagonal screen. The default Modular Ultra watch face allows for numerous complications to be displayed, providing a wealth of information without needing to interact with the device. On the other hand, when a round watch exceeds 1.6 inches in diameter or larger, it can become excessively large and lose its “stylish” form.
It seems unlikely that any Android watch will be able to match the aesthetics of Apple watches in the near future. This presents a challenge for those who may want to switch back to a smaller screen with devices like the Pixel Watch 3 or Galaxy Watch 7.
As an athlete, what is the appeal of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for me?
While I won’t delve into all the advantages of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in detail here, I can confidently say that I trust its accuracy in delivering results, which is not always the case with other brands, such as Samsung.
The heart rate monitoring on the Ultra 2 is comparable to that of my COROS heart rate monitor, and the altitude accuracy rivals that of the Garmin Forerunner 965. The combination of dual-frequency GPS and the Apple Maps algorithm provides excellent GPS data, although it may be slightly more prone to random deviations than Garmin.
Speaking about health results, the Apple Trail Loop nylon strap fits naturally and comfortably on the wrist, yielding the best results. With a silicone strap, finding the right hole for the buckle can be a bit of a hassle, and there’s always a risk of wearing it too tightly or loosely, potentially affecting your data.
Surprisingly, the estimated 12-hour battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 holds up well in terms of accuracy. While smartwatches like the COROS PACE 3 or Garmin Forerunner 265 can last for several weeks on a single charge, they only offer 14-15 hours with dual GPS. If you charge your Ultra 2 before a race or a full-day outing, you’ll get close to what a dedicated running watch can provide.
When it comes to movement reminders, it’s a bit of a mixed experience. The concept of “closing rings” on the Apple Watch has become iconic for good reason, and I appreciate the reminders to stand up during the day, even if they can be a bit annoying. However, I have noticed that the Ultra 2 sometimes registers my restless leg syndrome as standing or walking, and Fitbit notifications tend to be more accurate in this regard.
While hiking, you won’t find as many advanced mapping tools on the Ultra 2 compared to devices like the Garmin Forerunner 965 or GPSMAP 67i. For fans of offline GPX maps, third-party apps will be necessary. Alternatively, you can use Maps for topographic data, which looks fantastic on the Ultra 2’s bright 3000-nit display. Another option is to make use of offline Siri mode to mark waypoints and then utilize trackback to create an arrow…
Frequently Asked Questions about the Apple Watch Ultra 2:
The source of the article is from the blog japan-pc.jp