Zapping Uptime A week in a BMW CE 04
After the Apple Watch Series 8, the turn of the Ultra. As a reminder, this is the most exciting novelty unveiled by Apple this year, alongside the iPhone 14 among others. The reason is simple: it marks a real break. Whether in terms of design or ambitions, the Apple Watch Ultra creates surprise and has even been able to prove effective on a daily basis, beyond its advantages for outdoor conditions. So what is it worth in everyday life?
Apple Watch Ultra: more muscular than ever
Apple Watch Ultra review | Our photos of the outdoor watch by Apple+24
A more imposing and muscular Apple Watch UltraCredit Photo – Nass M. pour Men’s UP
It’s been a long time since we had the feeling of novelty when unboxing an Apple product. After all, the packaging is tested, refined, and could not be more effective. There, the Apple Watch Ultra is entitled to a grained cardboard box, in a more “paved” than elongated format. Once “deployed”, the box puts us in the mood with a theme matching the technical bracelet it contains. Our Alpine Orange Buckle strap therefore plays the card of snow-capped mountains. Attractive. The small starter guide is also innovative in its presentation and its illustrations, which is difficult to do more effectively in terms of getting started. The charger of the Watch Ultra opts for braided and robust rope, in keeping with the “outdoor” personality of the watch. Let’s get to the point: the Watch itself. If it takes up the general look of apple watches, it adds muscle. The imposing 49 mm titanium case houses a protrusion on the right edge, integrating the Digital Crown and the side button. There is also a depth gauge (depth and water temperature in real time up to 40 meters) and a microphone. On the left, the famous orange Action button appears, accompanied by the second speaker and the siren. Thicker (1.44 cm) and heavier (61.3 g) than the Apple Watch Series 8 (1.07 cm and 51.5 g), the Apple Watch Ultra remains less imposing than it looks. air once on the wrist. And this despite its 100% flat screen, unlike the curved panels of standard models. The watch is robust, but also perfectly designed with impeccable finishes, faithful to Apple.
Comfort and ergonomics: pleasant versatility
Apple Watch Ultra review | Our photos of the outdoor watch by Apple+24
An Action button to use moreCredit Photo – Nass M. pour Men’s UP
Our orange Alpine Buckle strap is in place, and requires a little getting used to in order to become familiar with its tightening system and G-hook. If the fit is impeccable, we inevitably have a few frights when the buckle gently taps on the case of our Apple Watch Ultra when it is loosened to remove it. After this detail, the bracelet is comfortable for prolonged wear, nothing to say on that side. For the sake of discretion for everyday wear, the green and white bracelets (stellar light) remain more versatile. The physical controls of the watch are perfectly accessible and responsive, and the outgrowth of the case provides a feeling of confidence and additional security: there is less fear of damaging it against a wall or a table in a moment of inattention. For its part, the Action button brings a more than appreciable touch of versatility, thanks to direct access according to the chosen function (launch an activity, add a point of interest, return to the starting point, launch a dive, launch a shortcut, light the torch, start the stopwatch). We opted for the activity, to switch to “Exercise” mode quickly. Note, however, that these functions remain limited, and that the Action button would benefit from diversifying. A double press or a long press could, for example, make even better use of the button, which remains limited for the moment. Nothing a little software update can’t fix. Finally, let’s not forget the beautiful 1.92-inch LTPO OLED screen, which is very bright in all circumstances. Fluid and pleasant to use, the latter represents in our opinion the advantage of the watch in everyday life… rather than in outdoor conditions. Because yes, all-touch operation is quickly jeopardized by the rain or by wearing large gloves in extreme activity! This is one of the limits of the Ultra if it were necessary to embark on mountaineering for example.
Performance and autonomy: the advantage of endurance
Apple Watch Ultra review | Our photos of the outdoor watch by Apple+24
Surprising endurance for the UltraCredit Photo – Nass M. pour Men’s UP
The Apple Watch Ultra is therefore perfectly suited to everyday use, robustness and Action Button in addition. Under the hood, the Apple S8 chip (the same as the Watch Series 8 and Watch SE 2022) allows the watch to do everything we are used to doing with it. Following a GPS navigation, answering messages and calls (our contacts on the wrist confirm the superior quality of our voice), taking out our tickets and cards from Wallet… Nothing to report. Velocity and fluidity are there, enhanced by the more generous screen surface. An undeniable advantage in the face of direct competition, not always so “smooth” when navigating the interface. Accustomed to the Apple Watch, its performance does not surprise us. Its autonomy, on the other hand, is a whole different story. The Apple Watch Ultra pleasantly surprised us. Because it must be admitted, the previous models, if they are enough for a big day, did not look much further despite an improvement from generation to generation. There, the Ultra model lasts no less than 3 days in daily use, with GPS and calls, without the always-on display and with energy saving activated. An autonomy that can go even further by saving more. With the always-on screen, without energy saving, and a lot of GPS, the Apple Watch Ultra lasts 1 day and a half without flinching. Remember, however, that the direct competitors in this segment at Garmin are able to last two weeks. The Apple Watch Ultra is therefore the most enduring of the daily sports-oriented smartwatches, but not yet ready to rub shoulders with the “real” adventurers in the segment. Here, it’s its daily efficiency, its speed, and its endurance in a new style that we like. Personally, I was not more interested than that in the Ultra to replace my Series 7 (which I now find too small, too simple even e, 45 mm). But after spending some time with it for this test, I have to admit it: I need an Apple Watch Ultra.
to summarize
Discover the Apple Watch Ultra, with our complete test and in pictures of the new high-end connected watch for outdoor conditions by Apple. A robust and refreshing watch, which remains capable of accompanying us in everyday life. Price: 999€
