Don’t make THIS mistake! Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra 1

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Are you going to buy an Apple Watch Ultra 2? If so, why?

[@janeS9773]

Yes I did, and because of the screen brightness. My first ultra didn't seem bright enough. And side by side comparison in the bright sun there was no comparison. So I went with the new one. Great video.

[@michaelboys2602]

I will be. I currently own a series 7 and love it. However, as a visually impaired person, that bigger screen and that super brightness will make a huge difference to me.

[@jacksonj3082]

Have upgraded from AW7 to AWU2 - $155 trade in and 3% cash back, new chip and 64 GB storage were keys for me, I use AWU2 in gym and am glad to load all my music and podcasts without carrying my iPhone in the gym

[@armen7932]

Yes because I don’t have the original and I’m coming from the 7. Love it so far.

[@raymondpritchard]

Bought a new AWU1 with £200 discount. Coming from an AW4 so a big upgrade for me

[@NateLugo]

I’ve never looked at my Ultra and thought ,”I wish it was brighter.”

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Me neither!

[@gravitymediapro]

I’ve never looked at mine and thought, “I just wish it had 60% more transistors!”

[@charlesjung5348]

It’s useful when using the flashlight feature

[@silvergryffin751]

Flashlight for land of the midnight sun when dark and brighter screen when daylight is strong

[@EmanuelFuchs]

I always do

[@stantopp5874]

I am still absolutely loving the ultra 1. I wish it got about 20% more battery life but it’s awesome.

[@AllAboutNat]

I'm going to get the 2, but that's because Ive never had any apple watch and I want to use OS maps for hiking.

[@michaelboys2602]

Mark, your videos just get better and better. Well done, sir. Bravo!!! 👏👏👏

[@MarkEllisReviews]

This means a lot - thank you.

[@siobhanmelliere3382]

My husband and I have AWU1s and love them. The battery life is insane and the quick charge is super speedy, as expected. We pass down “last year’s models” to our kids and they pass them down to their younger siblings. We end up getting a crappy trade in from the youngest kid’s but everyone has a decent watch. Not sure that the AWU2 is enough for me to do the trade down thing though.

[@chrisstone801]

Not bothered in upgrading my Ultra 1 to the Ultra 2, but I must say the production value of this video was outstanding! Great stuff mate.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you!

[@Halo9K]

I got $411 from Apple for my U1. Enjoying the U2.

[@Dagamerjay916]

I’m sorry I’m not buying the awu 2. My awu1 works just fine. And the finger tap feature works on my awu 1. Idk what Apple was thinking🤔. I’m not looking at my Awu 1 like” I wish my screen was brighter “! 😂. My awu 1 is a beast. Honestly, I think Apple wasted money with the awu 2. They would have just focused on more bands. Great review! You stopped my buying the awu 2. Much love bruv!

[@matt2.052]

You were lying to finger tap features is exclusive to the ultra two they even said that the ultra choose the only one that can do it because of the S9 chip

[@tessarcher4118]

Hi Mark. Thanks for this review. The ‘new’ AWU2 boasts a S10 chip to the currently available AWU2 S9 chip. I have a AW6 with that weak battery life. Thoughts on upgrading to the AWU2 S9 or S10 version? Thanks!

[@mohitraja9210]

What an awesome presentation. Thanks for the info. Getting Ultra 1

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it!

[@j0404t]

My only hesitation with the titanium/metal bands like the one you shared is snagging hair on the wrist and it hurts. Any hair pulling with these?

[@braer240]

I am getting minimum of 48 hours right now with the middle brightness setting on the ultra 2. And a KZbinr did a test of all watches and even when the brightness is all the way up on all watches the ultra 2 got 7 hours more battery than the ultra 1. It would make no sense to have a new SIP and not get better battery life.

[@ghostidian]

Between the cinematography, background audio and adventure style you made this video, felt like a Top Gear episode for an Apple Watch. Awesome video mate!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Wow - high praise indeed. This means an awful lot - thank you!

[@ghostidian]

Looking forward to more videos. Got yourself a sub!

[@thndercat1]

Which app are you using

[@nimishacyriac864]

Which one is best ultra 1 or ultra 2

[@ssingh0209]

Curious would love to know your thoughts. Would you get a Awu 1 for 440 or AWU2 for 599 both open box? Or wait on the impending new watch launch.

[@richreid45]

what did you end up doing?

[@ssingh0209]

@@richreid45 I ended up getting an open box deal at Bestbuy for 440 for a awu 2( w/ heart rate the reason it was cheap as it’s discontinued). TBH there is nothing notable other then proximity find my (requires iPhone 15 and above). If you can find a good deal on the first gen I would swing for that. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@carlos6176]

I have the ultra 1 since day one and very happy with it. No need for the U2

[@planinshek]

I upgraded from Series 4 to the AWU2. Did I really need the AWU2 vs. the 1...probably not. However, I figured the couple hundred dollars spent on the 2 buys me a couple more years of updates. I kept my last watch for 5 years so assuming I get that same lifespan on this one (or more) I'll be happy with that.

[@Texasdude987]

I’m upgrading my Apple series 4 to to the ultra 2 to

[@gordon4761]

Mark. I watch all of your videos but have never commented. Your content is always great however this video is the best I have ever watched on youtube. brilliant. thanks

[@MarkEllisReviews]

This means so much - thank you. And thank you for being a long term viewer!

[@thxdts]

Awesome drone footage! What camera did you use for filming yourself? I just bought the Ultra 2!

[@spadesAspade4]

Ive come from andriod to apple and brought my first apple watch ultra 2. The screen and reading estate is fantastic but the watch at night is unreadable in dim mode! I had to turn off the auto feature, ive read this is a big problem at the moment which no on seems to be mentioning on main stream media hopefully Apple fixes this.

[@staxx7753]

Have they fixed the tattoo gps failure . If you have wrists tattoo the watch will pause at random when started .

[@dannycheah9677]

omg I came in for the watch review and end up appreciating the other contents like the scenaries and aerial views,good job

[@MrMichaelpaul45]

I got my Apple Watch Ultra 1 on the 12 Feb 2024 on Amazon,cost was £578.10,very happy with it,& all is working well & good, oh nice review 🙂👍.

[@jblarivaux]

Such a cinematic experience! Loved it!

[@SeanTube2099]

I’m confused. I’ve had the original Ultra since it came out and the battery is outstanding. Better than any Apple Watch I’ve previously had. And I can fast charge very quickly. I don’t understand how there’s an issue about it.

[@माधवीरामदीन]

Cause they unfairly compare it to Garmin probably.

[@Halo9K]

I agree with you. I no longer worry about battery life.

[@RS-py6vm]

Which sports band do you recommend for a runner/sports enthusiast?

[@Omy.24]

I love your hiking views and u1-2 reviews 😂 new subscriber here, great video thank you

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Welcome aboard!

[@TheGeekGauntletPodcast]

I never had the Ultra 1. So I got the Ultra 2 and I am loving it. I am rough on watches and the durability is amazing. And the battery life is just sick.

[@eriktred]

as an ultrarunner who wears two watches, upgrading to AWU2 would only be worth it if there was longer battery life. It still can't compete with coros or garmin (enduro or epix pro for example). At this point it remains a device i wear for running to communicate with my family. Thank you for your balanced reviews.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you for the lovely comment!

[@eriktred]

​@MarkEllisReviews I should also note: You are one of the only reviewers I've seen who took the AWU on a real outdoor hike 😀.

[@stephanieroberts4164]

I completely agree. For any distance over 26.2, I’m going to go with my COROS. But I love my AWU 1 for my training runs and being able to communicate with family if/when the need arises. I’ve had my AWU 1 for about 5 months now and I don’t have a single complaint about it.

[@scottboettcher1344]

I have no interest in an Apple Watch, but I want to return to England and do some hiking. Beautiful!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Please do!

[@lesgregory4469]

I came from a series 6 and was fortunate on seeing the Ultra 1 for $175.00 off. I went that way as I never seen anything in the Ultra 2 that justified the extra money.

[@leagabler8503]

Only some years More Updates... the Chip in Ultra 1 is from 2020

[@lesgregory4469]

Agree but side by side comparison reveals little to none in performance. Actually the original owned some apps faster that the second version.

[@leagabler8503]

@@lesgregory4469 Thats True but we all know Apple. For Apple its a 3 year old CPU (the Same as Series 6).

[@BrandonCabjuan]

Hey man, 9 months in do you still have the Ultra 1? Best buy has some geek squad certified ones for 499 and I'm thinking about jumping on it

[@LASoundCrafter]

All the new Apple Watches now have 64gb of memory up from 32gb. I held off buying the ultra l but put in an order for ll. Podcasts, audible books, and more.

[@demarcusds95]

This is good. Less screen time for for sure

[@minoX6]

Thanks for the info. Amazing video mate

[@simonbasham3915]

Best Apple Watch ultra video I’ve watched so far - I’m trying to decide between 1 & 2 so this was excellent thank you

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Means a lot - thanks!

[@hopefultraveller1]

Thanks Mark - I like your style! Good video - on the informative strength of which, I've just picked-up an Apple Watch Ultra 1, and you also helped me decide on which Mac Studio to get. Keep the info coming, please!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Awesome, thank you!

[@GanjaNomad]

Where I’m at in Canada the Ultra 2 is $1243 after tax…I had it for a few days and returned it. Way too expensive for what it is…I’ll stick with my Ultra 1st Gen this go around

[@PointWithin]

I just happily bought a gen 1 Ultra in mint condition for $600 and love it. Oh yes, and stunning video as well! Absolutely beautiful

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you. And enjoy your new watch!

[@sly2792004]

In U.S. they selling ultra 1 for same price as ultra 2, so I don’t think anyone should get ultra 1 unless you ok buying used and find it cheap used

[@kaynwells6936]

I’m so glad I got the awu2 instead of the original.

[@pavan20100611]

That intro was ace. Loved the video and do not miss UK weather. Keep them coming mate. Cheerio.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Haha - thanks! And yes, two very different days, weather-wise!

[@moncho33]

I upgraded from a series 6 to the Ultra 2. The series 6 crown stopped working so I was in the market for a new Watch. I traded in an older iPhone and got $200 off the price. Also a 3% cash back using the Apple card. But if I had seen an Apple refurbished Ultra 1 at the moment, I would gotten that one.

[@lukinius45]

Bro wtf is going on with the crowns… its dead for me as well like im not even sure i damaged it in anyway….

[@brandonrossi1261]

I’ve had my Apple Watch Ultra 1 since the week they came out and it still has 100% battery health ❤

[@udojahn7091]

Bought the Ultra 2. Loving it. I think always the real question is do you buy the first version or the refined second version. I bought the SS 8. I loved it but the Ultra 2 has brought me to a new level. Dictation is remarkable. SS8 was not that good. I am using watch for more iMessages than before. The next is the two finger gesture. I have been waiting to get rid of a trigger for selfies forever. How many times I have forgotten my trigger. In regards to different titanium colours. Seeing so many upset people with 15 pros complain of brutal scratches. Apple can only lay down a coating. Coating on SS is better. Coatings will scratch. Unfortunately titanium will look worse than SS when scratched because it seems to be softer. Keep with your ULTRA 1. It is a good watch but Ultra 2 is refined. I like refined!

[@Halo9K]

Me too! I don’t type on messages, dictation is so good. I traded my U1 for the U2, got $411 for the U1! That took the sting out of upgrading. I don’t know about you but I plan on the U2 to be my long term watch. Just a suggestion but a clear PC bumper case and screen protector will keep your U2 looking new. Both are inexpensive and worth doing.

[@Smegma_pirate]

Two great comments from an apple marketing bot.. lol

[@djaxon12]

Those aerial shots though! Pure cinema! 😘

[@MarkEllisReviews]

😎

[@Professionalmoochers]

I clicked this video to see the watch review and now all I'm interested in is your OG M2 haha! I have the same in black 🙂

[@MarkEllisReviews]

👊

[@cknorthpole]

What a Lovely hike!

[@Halo9K]

Mark, as always I enjoy your reviews and you are spot on concerning the U2. Nonetheless, I upgraded my U1 to the U2 for the following reasons. The main reason I decided to upgrade is in fact the SiP9. While I agree it’s not 'faster' by a lot, there are something’s it is but not THAT much faster. However, the SiP9 has 64 GB of storage vice 32GB on the SiP6/7/8! That gives plenty of space for as much music as I want with room for other things. When I bought the U1 it was intended to be the Watch I keep. The improved SiP and improved display on the U2, in my mind, was worth the upgrade as I look to keeping the U2 for the long haul. Down the road, the U1/2 make upgrading the battery easier than the regular AWs. Since Apple doesn’t upgrade the SiP in meaningful ways very often ( about 3 years it seems) then the U2 should be the keeper I was looking for. The durability of the Ultra series makes that really possible. I would also add that a clear PC bumper is a way to protect the Ultra without adding bulk. At $9, it’s also a cheap investment. Using it on my U1 allowed me to get $411 trade in from Apple when I was quoted $380!! That lowered my out of pocket expense to $435 for the upgrade. Not to mention I'm still receiving the $200 rebate on my U1! So, I agree, the U2 is an incremental upgrade but still, it’s an upgrade for those who want the best for the long haul. I will not be upgrading from here on out. The X is going to change how watch bands connect to the AW. I like my current watch bands. I’m done. Apple can move on without me.

[@jakearmstrong9692]

What about from a 7 to ultra 2

[@garin8726]

Good review, however, you missed a huge update to the two double the storage.

[@JB-loves-watches]

Amazingly filmed trip with a review 👌👌👌

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you!

[@heelbeavans01]

Just upgraded from the Series 6 to the watch ultra 2! What a upgrade 😮

[@ltmendoza5003]

I am liking this video and I like that there’s a store in between hikes to have some cake and coffee. You’re right, it’s the rule. 😂

[@noahc6246]

Great review I’m holding out

[@MW_1981]

I waited months in anticipation of the Black Ultra 2 which turned out to be a disappointing release. I decided to get the Ultra 1 instead for £659 as don't feel like any of the updates on the Ultra 2 are worth it. I also didn't like the new strap colours on the Ultra 2 so for me it was a no brainer!

[@g.g.2359]

The " morning" music and fog was out of this world good! Who else rewind to watch it twice ! ?

[@Sailing_JP]

I agree that Ultra 1 is almost the same as Ultra 2 and the differences are not significant for most of us. So I am in the market for an Ultra 1. Curiously, can’t find anyone for less than the USD $799 that the Ultra 2 cost. Curiously again, the Ultra 2 doesn’t have anywhere an “Ultra 2” label. Just said Apple Ultra at the back of the watch. No store is offering an Ultra 1 at a discount. I would said that the Ultra 1 is already a 9 chip inside and the couple of upgrades are software updates (brightness and double tap). Another brilliant Apple business move. What do you think Mark ? Great video BTW. JP

[@GameUpSquad]

I need someone to buy my ultra 1 for $750 so I can upgrade to the 2 without feeling like I wasted money 😂😂😂😂

[@Daniel-s9w4o]

I’ll buy it for $300

[@LinYulong]

bought it! and on-device siri is amazing -- by far the best siri experience I've had on any apple device :)

[@weekendwarrior8179]

I like the music, adventurous

[@tapiokuusisto4780]

Happy with Ultra 1. Great videography by the way. Seriously great.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks for the lovely words!

[@arielspalter7425]

You’re so lucky to be living in such a beautiful place. Great video!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

It is lovely... but I don't live there ;)

[@bowefamilyEV]

Thanks for the video it was a great help. I went with the cheaper Ultra one. Thanks for saving this American some $$ 😃

[@GregPreece]

Awesome thumbnail!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Cheers, mate!

[@thefrontbackside]

Thank you for the video. I have a question I hope you or someone can shed some light on. I have the Ultra watch and I often go out without my phone. When I am out and about the watch loses connection to cellular often (in areas with good cell connection) and I have to go into setting, mobile services to get it to re connect. When I have looked online I have found others that have reported this is issue. Has anyone else had this issue with the Ultra when using it as stand alone and does anyone know if the new Ultra has this issue or does it connect straight away out and about and keeps its cell connection? Any advice would be appreciated

[@shortsmania7104]

Can apple watch ultra 2 pair with iphone XR and can you tell your wrist size in cm??

[@filip4dk]

If your a man just buy it in medium/large then you’re safe

[@raymondii436]

I bought the Ultra 1.....reason = $400 CAD discount. From what I have seen, the differences in the U2 are barely perceptible despite what the paper spec improvements. I'll pocket the savings, use this for at 5 years, and look forward to the overhaul of the design (rumors are swirling around that the X model will be finally be a true design update).

[@AMBIKARANI]

Best review.

[@kejames26]

That intro was killer 🔥 love the creativity Mark!

[@samuellopes850]

Hi, great review. Great scenario. Thanks for it. Can you share the details of your backpac? :)

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you! Details are in the description 👍

[@gavinrivers926]

What is the name of the backpack from the intro?

[@Luis10509]

I love the trail. Can you share the location? Great video and very informative. 🎉

[@dailycontent7494]

It’s the Peak District in North Derbyshire, England. He said in the pricing “welcome to THORS CAVE”. Google “Thors cave Derbyshire”, you’ll see it

[@Pexman-hu7zw]

Well! Seems to me the Ultra 2 is less weight than1 😮😊im ok with mine . The ultra 2 is like less parts and the price is too much im happy with my ultra 😅😊

[@daloliveira5209]

I Bought a Ultra 1.... well saved some cash....I'm coming from a Watch 8 45mm.

[@louisefindlay23]

Lovely landscape shots. Still love my SE. The Ultra isn't to my taste and is too big for me.

[@hiroshi6421]

Hey Mark, one question (10:46), this time does the dark mode still only appear on the watch face itself but not everywhere else like in settings or app views or widgets? I tried it on Ultra 1 and apparently it only makes the watch face go red, and I was in a super dark room and when I opened the calendar app, it almost burned my retinas

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Yep, it's only the watch face that goes red.

[@hiroshi6421]

@@MarkEllisReviews that's so stupid Apple what you doing 😂🤣

[@philbo1]

I had the Apple Watch series 6 so went for the Ultra 2 (just to get the newest version with the better chip and brighter screen). Like you I would have loved if they did a dark titanium finish so it looked different. I don't have anything to compare it to but I have seen on some other reviews dong exhaustive testing of battery life that the Ultra 2 is a little bit better than the 1. Clearly not enough though for Apple to advertise it. Only just got it and haven't tested it with more tasks (gym etc) but I am getting way past 2 days (close to 3 days) using during the day at work and doing sleep tracking at night. Interested to see how it holds up when monitoring exercise and playing music at the same time as well. Keep up the videos always love them - from a Brit (living in Australia for the last 15 years).

[@joeyjoey7972]

the reason they stuck with natural titanium as anything else would scrath easily, as it is a rugged watch...

[@peakproofuk]

Great video. Lucky to get an inversion. I fell run in the Peak, we seem to get more than our share of inversions - always beautiful and so interesting to feel the temperature warm up as you climb over it

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you! And that morning was indeed very lucky!

[@peakproofuk]

@@MarkEllisReviews lovely filming too. Made me forget about watches and think about why we have watches.

[@Whatmobiledeal]

Anyone else experiencing MASSIVE battery drain on their Watch Ultra gen 1 since os10? Used to get 3.5 days off use between charges and now struggling to even get 2 days now. So disappointing.

[@Oponu-Ayirada]

I’ll go for the AW2 cox of 64GB as I won’t be paying Vodafone extra £5 for one number package

[@alvilda09]

Ty Mark for you thoughts and video, will buy a second hand watch ultra 1

[@Fonzie2612]

forget about the apple watch ultra 1 or 2. What an awesome hike and cool video bro!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you!

[@hiidenlaulaja]

Visually beautiful review.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you 🙏

[@anthonycraig274]

I purchased a ultra 2 for £749 from amazon yesterday. OK, it had a navy blue ocean band buy hey. I think buying the ultra 2 for personal use will have a much longer life than ultra’s 4 year old chip

[@BrickEffect]

I mean taking in consideration that there are people still using their series 3s i don’t think life span is in the question in regards to the 2 latest watches they’ve dropped, congrats btw

[@bridgetterogers2377]

I love my Apple watch Ultra 1

[@ryanconklin1440]

The yellow ocean is so bright. Do you like it?

[@MarkEllisReviews]

In certain scenarios, yes. It's a bit much for others, though.

[@cvconde]

The 72 hours in low power mode is misleading. Apple changed the testing parameters for the AWU 2. The AWU 1 and 2 have the exact same battery life.

[@LePubPattaya]

My Ultra has a yellow strap as well!!

[@LoverOfTech]

Love the Thumbnail mate and equally solid video!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Ah - thank you, mate! Means a lot.

[@mouhamadoullo5826]

Apple Watch ultra 2 is for customer who are in old version of Apple Watch, certainly not for those who have already give 1000$ to Apple for their ultra 1

[@AllAboutNat]

or like me who has never owned an apple watch and wants to put OS maps on the watch for hiking.

[@Timmysvegankitchen]

here the fist apple watch ultra was $1000 aud second is simliar price to iphone 15 $1500 aud in australia

[@jebaker2]

I would have upgraded just for the black watch had Apple made it. Maybe next year!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Fingers crossed!

[@LCSavuca]

I would buy the w2 for the future not for the present 🌈 Think outside of the box a little

[@TheVickieyshady]

I have both 😂just to be on top of the game one is for work and one is for party time 😂

[@rogelionunez47]

Fire video!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks 🔥

[@VishnuPadmanabhan]

Absolutely love the intro!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Awesome!

[@jedlomax100]

No. I find it telling they discontinued the first one after a year! Even with a lifespan of say...5 it's a vast sum to spend on a watch that won't be useable by then. Get a cheap fitness tracker and spend the rest on a real watch that will last a lot longer. And also look so much better.

[@joenissan]

It also went from 32g of storage to 64. If that’s important to you.

[@GDM1787]

I’ve compared my AWU1 to the AWU2 in store. The poster of this video is incorrect. There is a massive speed boost between watches. It’s very noticeable. Not enough to get me to spend my money, but enough to get excited for next year.

[@TacticalYourDad]

The ultra 1 is also around £650 from Costco. Great video as always.