Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Series 9 // Twice the Price = Twice the Features?

In-depth comparison between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9 covering the differences in hardware, battery life, as well as usability.
You can get the Series 9 here: geni.us/AppleWatchSeries9
You can get the Ultra 2 here: geni.us/AppleWatchUltra2
(Amazon affiliate link that helps support the channel - thanks!)
Thanks for watching!
0:00 Intro
1:57 What's the same?
2:51 Ultra 2 and Series 9 New Features
3:38 Size Options and Wearability
4:47 Titanium vs Aluminum Case
5:08 Lens Materials and Durability
5:56 Display Differences
7:29 Watch Faces
7:49 Action Button
9:30 Satellite Chipsets (GPS)
10:34 Heart Rate Accuracy
11:06 Battery Life
12:34 Which one is for you?
/// Gear I Use (Amazon links) ///
Wearable: geni.us/GarminEpixPro
Bike GPS: geni.us/Edge840
Chest Heart Rate Strap: geni.us/hrm-pro
Arm Heart Rate Strap: geni.us/ESAv
Headphones: geni.us/ShokzOpenFit
/// Connect & Updates ///
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Facebook: / getdesfit
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#apple #applewatchultra2 @applewatchseries9

[@daphneevans7507]

Thanks for the tips. Bought my first smartwatch and I chose the Series 9. I'm a senior and am impressed with all these watches can do. Learning everyday.😊

[@jeremye1448]

Good for you! Hope you live long and prosper 😊😊

[@ismethadzic]

My senior granpa wears a casio f91 lol. Wish you a healthy long life

[@M4NA5]

@@ismethadzic*wore

[@gibranquintero4441]

there is so many videos out there making pointless comparisons. Thank you for the short and very informative video on helping us make a decision, specially from the point of view of someone who ACTUALLY owns the watches and is using them for more than talking to siri.

[@ericbeyer3869]

On my old series 7, I would routinely kill the battery going out for a bike ride if I also had it playing music. It was often near dead after 2 hours with those demands. By any chance, do data exist for similar stress loads for the series 9 and/or ultra 2? Thanks again for your work.

[@anthonycraig274]

This is a great, probably the best review I’ve seen on the subject.

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@shanejohnson6018]

Thanks for the tips and comparison. Awesome info ! I do find the fact that the ultra 2 doesn’t do persistent body temp monitoring frustrating, (since it has two temp sensors) I am still trying to get the watch to do temp monitoring during sleep (I believe it’s supposed to after 5+ nights of sleep monitoring) but i am still not getting any data after a week of sleep monitoring. 😢 any advise on how to resolve this would be appreciated, thanks.

[@premjitc]

Thanks for the tips. I got my first Apple Watch ever and upgraded from my Garmin Fenix 5x. I see that now the Apple Watch pretty much does everything the garmin does and more. Only grouse is the longer endurance of the Garmin which is amazing. But I am really loving the series 9 now.

[@GOLFADDICT65]

Hi great review....what are your thoughts about the Garmin s70 watch as an all around day to day watch ? i am also a golfer so thats why i ask.....THX.....cheers from Canada

[@danielnation9123]

I really appreciate your professionalism and ability to break down a confusing subject..

[@DesFit]

Happy to help!

[@DanielDuhon]

What’s confusing about either watch?

[@shanemoodley7849]

Does the series 9 also get the red screen light ? Thank you for always giving the most informative comparatives 🙏 God bless

[@batuksri]

The flat screen of the Ultra cuts down on distracting reflections you see on the curved bezel edges of the 9.

[@steeverreno]

VERY GOOD ANALYSIS. ESPECIALLY LIKED THE PART ABOUT SLIDING AROUND ON THE WRIST. IN DEPTH.

[@DesFit]

Thanks so much!

[@H0FFER]

I really like the Ultra. I know the screen is much bigger, but ever bit helps. Also, the new Modular Ultra watch face is my new favorite. With the Ultra name, I assume that face isn't available on the non-Ultra watches??

[@Stoneybrownbear]

Great video. I’m upgrading from series 5 stainless steel to the ultra 2. Diesel the series 5 bands work with the ultra 2?

[@tokumeig654]

The weight of 45mm AWS9 is only 38.7g for GPS aluminium version, which is significantly lighter than Ultra 2.

[@iandami]

Is there a bug with the weather complications because on my Watch they also dont display the information.

[@MrWesQ]

I had the original SE and I wanted a new Apple Watch with faster processor and Sapphire glass screen. I was looking at the Sapphire Series 9 that only comes in stainless but the price difference between that and the Ultra 2 was only $50, so it was a no brainer to go for the Ultra 2.

[@malagonpainter]

I like the way you explained your videos , great job.

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Interesting, informative and well presented. Thanks

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome and thanks!

[@djomedia]

Great video, very informative, exactly what I was looking for.

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@Frederik-xk8og]

Is it possible to hide that glyph icon when double tapping?

[@TheMirrorVision]

Great video! It would be nice to creatively display any dimensions on-screen when you are listing and comparing them for any future videos. I upgraded from a Series 4 to the Ultra 2 and it's been a dramatic improvement across the board, and re-ignited my love for the Apple Watch in general. Also the Ultra 2 definitely feels more premium and handsome than the standard design.

[@testslowmotion9329]

Now you can flex on all those android peasants…

[@samzh0u]

Great review, loved the considerations about weight and sleep, and ultimately my deciding factor.

[@DesFit]

Happy to help and thanks!

[@user-ye9zy9xr2x]

Biggest thing for me upgrading over the 4 was the storage space love that the series 9 can now actually hold all of my 2000 songs and not just 800 or so

[@jdmrider]

I noticed you had a garmin watch. I daily wear my suunto, would you say the ultra 2 is a good replacement as a gps sport watch?

[@Questionablexfun]

Battery life really is the thing they need to work on with all these watches. I sprung for one for my now teen (they were about 11 when I got one for them to walk the 3 blocks to school up the road allowing me having peace of mind in case they ever had an emergency while also giving them independence). The battery would die way before the day was over every time - and this was with my kid hardly using it for more than looking at the time 😢..

[@ogiwanshinobi380]

Thanks dude! Just what i need! Great review!

[@DesFit]

Happy to help. Thanks!

[@XdB1Gz7StR4C7]

You were clear and understandable as always. Your videos are very helpful Des. Well done. I personally like the AWU2.

[@DesFit]

Happy to help. Thanks!

[@robertl8565]

Excellent review. I have the Apple Watch 5 and thought I needed the Ultra.because of durability and features. Your comparison correcty points out that they are 95% the same. I don't need extra batterylife and I have never scratched my Apple Watch 5. I will upgrade to the 9. Thank You

[@pulkitsrivastava5890]

Can we connect the air pod with a series nine cellular version @DesFit?

[@roger7918]

Outstanding video. Just became interested in the Apple watch during the last week, and this has been the most informative video I've viewed. I had been trying to determine which of these to go for, and thanks to you, my choice has been made. Thanks!

[@DesFit]

Happy to help. Thanks and enjoy your new watch!

[@MartonMerritt]

Great review, as always.

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@adinrich]

Great review

[@triman82]

Hi Des, with the new ultra 2 and new watch os, is there a way to measure rest time while doing intervals on the track with the Apple Watch ultra (using the action button)? I understand that I can set an interval workout with the workout app, but sometimes I just want to freestyle a workout. Right now when I press the lap button within the stopwatch app, it will only show me the total elapsed time. Is there a way to see how much time has passed since I pressed the lap button so I know when to start my next interval? PS. I do use the work outdoors app and I CANNOT use the action button to start a new lap which I thinks wastes the money that I spent to get that extra button ='(. This is why I specifically asked about the using the action button.

[@clisaa6974]

^would you buy a new iwatch in February or wait? I don’t know if a new one is rumored to come out

[@user-yd8hd7jf4t]

really useful video, thanks!

[@gahrrettmiddleton6450]

Excellent ❤

[@user-iz4tx5ln5j]

Best review I have seen. Got the ultra 1 and 9.....I'm a backup kinda guy. Love them both. Ultra 2 is not a big enough upgrade.

[@carloscastanheira4423]

1st time buying an apple watch, what u recomend?

[@WereAllThatBored]

Is the series 9 a velcro strap? Id prefer that over a pre set band

[@neaumusic]

I got the SE 40mm and I’m happy I did, its sooo light, still extremely performant compared to the apple watches I remember

[@BrandonD]

I be seen videos where one main difference is with the ultra 2 you can totally ditch your phone and leave it at home go to another state and completely take calls , texts do everything with the ultra 2z. As where the series 9 has a range…is this true?

[@caoimhinog]

Thanks so much for the comparison. I settled on the Ultra 2.

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome. Enjoy your new watch!

[@kynadivine9304]

Me too

[@guybusby5583]

I got the ultra2 love it

[@mustafahasan1830]

Do you think iphone 14 pro max can get find my iPhone option in an update later as apple watch series 9 won’t find the precious location for Iphone models other than 15.

[@ArgentoRAWRz]

Thanks for this, I never had an apple watch only a Huawei that never connects properly, I think I'll go for the series 9 or older cause the ultra is gonna get in the way at my life if u know what I mean

[@BionicOutdoorsMan]

Amazing Video Man Love it

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@JasonLawrenceNoel]

I loved my ultra but all in all the small 41mm series 9 seems to do better with all the chunky mountain biking I do.. as far as accuracy and comfort are concerned. Great review as always!!

[@louayuaeIT]

The best I think about the comparison and very subjective indeed, great job thanks

[@DesFit]

Happy to help. Thanks!

[@byrnedes]

I’m retired & was about to change my S6 for a S9, but have had serious screen issues with S6 screen damage as I’m clumsy and damage it in everyday use. I’m not into diving or outdoor sports, but durability says I should probably go for the Ultra 2 or maybe a s/h Ultra 1 might make a lot of sense.

[@philipf.jacobus2332]

Thanks this helped me

[@DesFit]

Very happy to help!

[@tonycowgill4303]

Great video, thank you!

[@DesFit]

Very welcome!

[@libertyordeath7779]

I got the Ultra and I love it. Its my first smartwatch.

[@KevinTspirit]

Very late to your good comparison video. I finally upgraded from my trusted Series 5 to Series 9. This was definitely a good upgrade. Screen size and brightness alone are worth it, but on device Siri and new tap gestures are excellent. I thought the tapping gesture was gimmicky until I actually had to use it. I use a mobility cane everyday, and often have something in my watch hand too. Being able to answer a call, close an app, etc..is very useful. Great video

[@johnt6022]

i realy enjoyed watching this video. It was extremely balanced and nice to follow..

[@DesFit]

Thank you!

[@KalvinPatel]

Is 41mm best for small wrists ?

[@sacitizen1089]

Should you buy the ultra if it’s on sale or buy the ultra 2 . In my country the ultra 2 is $1100.

[@andyowen7133]

I think you should highlight more that if you get the stainless version you’re looking at the same price but you get 3 colours to choose from but slightly less durability and the same battery etc. I have the SE v1 and it’s looking pretty battered so I would either get another SE for fraction of the price or go all the way and get the ultra

[@brucelin5842]

Comparing this to venu 3 which one is better ?

[@steviegreenfield353]

Excellent video....thanks!

[@DesFit]

👍

[@Alex-cp8du]

I've been rocking a series3 for years.. Considering this is an everyday wearable, i sprung for the Ultra 2. I like the aesthetic. I also preordered the 15 pro max since ive been using an 11 pro for a while now. EDIT: Couple weeks in to using the Ultra 2 and the 15 pro max. I love both of them. The Ultra 2 is surprisingly light on the wrist and the charge lasts for days. it is awesome. EDIT 2: Couple months into it. Love everything about the watch. I don't think I could ever go back to something else. This thing is always on my wrist and I've gotten a bunch of compliments for it.

[@user-cq9jg7pg4p]

I have just upgraded from my series 3 to the ultra 2 and what an amazing decision i have made

[@Bren-tech]

@@user-cq9jg7pg4pI had a 3 got the 8 huge upgrade

[@humandarion]

the most reasonable comment on the internet.

[@peterjackson1383]

@@user-cq9jg7pg4pwhat’s great about it ? I’m using the 3 and I’m not sure what I’m missing

[@live4yourself_]

Did the same with my series 5. Keeping my 13 pro max though

[@asd7959]

whatsa the red face you are using and you showed during night time?

[@steveworrell5377]

Outstanding review! Very informative and excellent, high quality presentation. Well done!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@EpicCookieGamer]

Great video. I went ahead and got an Ultra 2 today. I am a large guy 6’7 and very active outdoors. I needed something that would not break when chopping wood, carpentry work or noodling for catfish. I stopped with the smart watches all together and was using a Citizen eco titanium which works very well. My wife wanted something with gps for me to wear when I’m in the wilderness so I don’t get lost so here we are. I have almost a 10” wrist and it’s easier to just upgrade a traditional watch band. I saw this and figured I’d try it on at the store. It fit, albeit on the last little notch so I got it. Plus the battery is kinda nice to have. We will see if it survives the week.

[@Selene_M3]

Still rocking a 3 and though it still works well I am super jealous of the faces with so many more complications and I’m sure the speed would be a big leap. Also can’t get new OS

[@912.capalot4]

Upgrading from SE 1st gen. So excited to get the ultra 2 tommorow especially because I technically got it for free using Amex points. Great content as always

[@DesFit]

Thanks and enjoy the upgrade!

[@ericxueAAA]

Same here, from gen 1 SE to Ultra 2.

[@mopm5188]

@@ericxueAAAthis is major upgrade especially the battery life

[@Tdk588]

ditto. its worth the upgrade

[@ashtonayala1]

how is it? i still have the SE 1 and want the ultra 2. is it worth it?

[@twilly1127]

I have the series 6 now. Was going to upgrade to the series 9 but considering the ultra 2 and haven’t been able to decide since the key note. I don’t dive much but am certified, I surf fish and swim in salt water , boat a lot. Work in IT , and a lot of projects around house I think for durability purposes I may go for the U2

[@jfcoespinozar]

Very useful video. Still have not decided which one to choose but this video will help a lot. I like the size and battery life of the Ultra 2 but it seems that Series 9 is much more comfortable to wear and looks great too! Tough decision!.

[@devALLjapan]

I have the series 7, and have a friend interested in buying it if I were to. Upgrade. So the temptation is very strong. The series 9 isn’t different enough to justify it. I love the idea of the ultra, mostly for the battery life and because it sounds so interesting as a watch.

[@louiswilliams4657]

The U2 has a dive feature! That’s why I am getting one ! Yea !

[@dr.chungusphd108]

I’ve been trying to decide which to buy next month, this video convinced me to go with the ultra 2, thanks.

[@DesFit]

Enjoy!

[@Diamondranchfarmstead]

I wish you had way more subscribers! Your videos are so helpful!

[@DesFit]

Happy to help and thanks!

[@xxdropdeadxx6679]

Just ordered the series 9 stainless steel had the ultra 2 but eh the 45 mm a better fit specially for daily use n yes ik got sapphire version but got it for $593 i would gotten regular one but it scratches way too easily n i use it at work.. i work at a golf course as maintenance so for a regular screen would get bit up instantly n the battery thing eh idk i used the battery up fast on ultra 2 n would still charge it up once it got low

[@uneek5336]

Hi can the watch measure blood glucose?

[@tdadp]

It was a great upgrade from the series 4 for me.

[@Goblue734]

I went with the ultra 2 and bought a titanium band looks classy.

[@markpowers9256]

I wanted to like my Ultra 2 but after 4 months wearability became an issue. The watch jiggled around and the crown dug into my wrist on MTB rides - ouch. Plus it didn’t fit well under a long sleeve shirt that had cuffs. Lastly, the pinch feature never performed as advertised. I enjoyed the action button, but I’ll really miss the battery life…

[@IamZeus1100]

Awesome video and tips ! I’ve never owned a smart watch and decided I want one so I don’t have to bring me phone with me everywhere I go like to the store , workouts, runs , hikes , swims and so on . I’m a taller/muscular guy with big forearms and hands so I was leaning towards the ultra2 since it’s the biggest size available, but I wasn’t sure how to feel about it costing 2x the price of a series 9. Though after this video I definitely feel better about the ultra2 and I’m gonna grab one this week ! I know the durability and battery life won’t be wasted since Im very active and outdoorsy . Also the ultra2 will match my iphone15 pro max since I got the natural titanium one so that’s nice . Though the ultra2 will take some getting used to for wearing since im used to wearing mechanical watches and the ultra2 is actually like half the weight of most my watches Im used to and smaller .Thank you for the comprehensive video sir !

[@jwilfordharris]

Good work dude

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@arlenesg5180]

You crushed this review 👊

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@user-hy4rq4jl1w]

purchased the Series 6 stainless steel version about 3 years ago. Unfortunately, after just a year and a half, it fell off the charger and hit the floor. The watch broke and hasn't turned on since. I honestly can't recommend these watches based on my experience.

[@bienio11]

It’s worth getting AWU2 if I got SE2 series??

[@fearElohim34]

8:50 How about starting a workout when you're actually ready to start working out? That's what I do on my Series 8 and preceding series watches. There's no need to "start" a workout until you're ready to *start* the movement, but I see the usefulness of the U2 feature. I guess it's a "glass half full" kind of thing. /shrug

[@jkaranicu7304]

what band size are you using sir?

[@TM-uy4jg]

great information

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@jcol1867]

Thank you, good stuff

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@grahamyoungleson6790]

What’s the underwater differences?

[@stevek4449]

So, off grid, no cell signal, can I see my position on an off line map I downloaded before going on a hike?

[@williemclean3224]

Question already asked. What watch do you use?

[@jlopesdacruz]

Like the viddy ! Quick question, how did you get the faceplate modulair ultra on the serie 9 on 7:20 ? Somehow that one doesn’t show up for me. I’m on version was 10.0.2 thanks in advance !

[@ronakgupta7315]

I have the exact same question!!

[@HTSBarren]

I've never owned any of the Apple watches, i think either of them would be ok but I'm leaning towards the Ultra 2

[@girtzjeffrey]

Went from the Watch 6 to the Ultra 2. I’m in love with it. It feels so rugged to me coming from the rather gentle Watch 6. The standard aluminum watches to me feel really felt to brittle. I don’t have an issue with that, but going to a more bigger and tougher watch feels awesome. It also fits really well into my lifestyle as I happen to hike and swim a lot. I’d usually just take off my watch, but now with the Ultra, I wear it literally all the time except when sleeping. 10/10 device.

[@youcantseeme63]

Great video, do you prefer the sport loop or band?

[@gates1980]

Loop looks sick

[@keiko44]

I have SE. I wanna see when they gonna upgrade the treadmill workout. It shows me 1.5km difference from the treadmill 🙄 also step counting finally would be great that i dont need to open an app to be updated. These tiny things are just annoying. Also battery life they could work on….

[@danielclv97]

bought the ultra 2 simply because it is mind blowing for me to have a smartwatch, from apple, that I can use, for scuba diving, at 40m deep in sea water. And yes, I started diving last year, so I don't have any diving computer bought, hope it doesn't have bugs with the Ocean+ app tho. It's not even expensive if you're going to use it as a diving computer, a good diving computer with Bluetooth connectivity costs almost as much as this watch.

[@KaayKlassik-or8mq]

Thanks...

[@DesFit]

👍

[@mopm5188]

Great video as always!! My ultra one was replaced in Apple Store and it is only 3 months old and the battery life is almost 2 days with 1 hours gps only in the first day great watch and the new watch os was very useful especially the when you scroll up you immediately get all your information it’s the best feature they can add I think they need to focus on software development instead of hardware unless they will manage to put up glucose monitor that will be more useful then improving the battery life ❤from 🇮🇱

[@Mhosborn]

I've still got the Ultra 2 on my wish list. For me, the biggest advantage is the superior battery life. I like to play golf and use an app that gives me distances. Using my Series 5, I'd have to recharge my watch immediately after a round, as the use of GPS drains the battery pretty quickly, so the Ultra 2 would address that shortcoming.

[@bigjimstream]

If you use the GPS features a lot then I can see where the Ultra would be nice.

[@carlosamaro3897]

I currently have a series 6 and been having it for a while, but been wanting the ultra 2 but it’s too expensive.till my co worker got his through Apple with no interest lol so I gave it a shot and got qualified for 3k, tomorrow I’m picking it up. 73$ for 12 months

[@commonsenseoverall7627]

@@carlosamaro3897if you have to finance a watch you are buying way above your pay grade 🤦‍♂️

[@seswan9254]

@@carlosamaro3897if you can’t afford to buy it you can’t afford to finance it

[@dsr0116]

If you've had your Series 5 for awhile, it could also be that your battery capacity has decreased. There are services for getting your battery replaced...but then you don't get all the nice upgrades of getting a new watch. I've had a black Series 5 (44mm) for 4 years. I enjoy it, but just pulled the trigger on a Ultra 2 (included some birthday money). I'm thinking I'll keep the Series 5 powered off unless I want it for certain dress occasions compared to a larger titanium watch (also getting a 3rd party metal link band).

[@dunkindan4629]

Coming from a series 5 this will be a good upgrade

[@Kamerakind23]

Cool and helpful video

[@DesFit]

Happy to help

[@Philipkug]

Great video!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!