If you compare the Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. the Ultra 1, it’s hard to determine if it’s worth upgrading. There are a few significant bumps to specs and new features to be excited about, but is it worth another $800 purchase? We’ll take a look at whether the Ultra 2 is a significant enough update to warrant upgrading from the Ultra 1.
Is it worth it to upgrade from the Apple Watch Ultra to Ultra 2?
A quick comparison between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra 1 reveals that the changes are not drastic, and an upgrade isn’t worth it for most people.
The most notable difference between the two is the internal processor, transitioning from Apple’s S8 in the Ultra to the S9 in the Ultra 2. However, the original Ultra with its S8 processor shows no signs of lag or performance issues, and for most people, the addition of on-device Siri and double-tap gesture support isn’t compelling enough to justify an upgrade.
Additionally, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 display now supports up to 3,000 nits compared to the Ultra 1’s 2,000 nits. However, there was never a pressing need for a brighter display, especially when the original Ultra’s screen is already impressive, even under direct sunlight.
With a tag of $799, just like its predecessor, one might argue selling your original Apple Watch Ultra could offset the cost of the Ultra 2. But the practical question arises – is it genuinely worth the hassle for a few minor upgrades? Unless you get a fantastic offer for your original Ultra, trading it in for the Ultra 2 isn’t likely to be worth it.
We recommend waiting for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to upgrade. There needs to be more here for Ultra owners to bother.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra 1 FAQ
A: The key differences include the internal processor, with the Ultra 2 featuring Apple’s S9 compared to the Ultra 1’s S8. Also, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a brighter display, supporting up to 3,000 nits, while the Ultra 1 supports up to 2,000 nits. However, most users didn’t find these upgrades compelling enough to justify a switch.
A: While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a newer S9 processor, the original Ultra with its S8 processor didn’t exhibit any lag or performance issues. Therefore, many users might not notice a significant difference in performance between the two models.
A: Both watches are priced at $799, so selling the Ultra 1 could help offset the cost of the Ultra 2. However, given the minor upgrades in the Ultra 2, it’s probably not worth the hassle of selling and purchasing anew unless you get an exceptionally good offer for your original Ultra. It might be better to wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for a more substantial upgrade.
