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Apple Watch 8 vs Ultra

I am a long-time Apple Watch user and currently have the 7 series... But I am interested in both the 8 series and the Ultra. I have looked a both and seen the tech specs, but I'm looking for another person's perspective. I am leaning towards the Ultra, merely for the coolness factor, but the price difference between the 8 and ultra has me just enquiring.


Sorry for the vague ask, but any opinion or perspective is welcomed.


Thanks

Mike

Posted on Feb 9, 2023 2:51 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 9, 2023 4:17 PM

I've owned a number of Apple Watches over the years, all Stainless Steel as having a Sapphire screen and more durable case really matters to me. I bought the Ultra this year when it was released. I'm not going to climb any mountain. I won't dive the depths of any ocean. I'm not a hiker, a rock climber or really anything which the Ultra is touted to better do. And yet, you couldn't pry my Ultra Watch off my cold dead wrist. '


  • Yes, it's way cooler though
  • The battery, which is rated at 36 hours as opposed to 18 on the regular watches is amazing
  • The screen is bigger and much easier to read and as mentioned, Sapphire glass, so almost impossible to scratch
  • The screen is significantly brighter in sunlight
  • It comes with Cellular standard and dual GPS, if you will be out and about in remote locations


If you can afford the Ultra and it will fit your wrist, I highly recommend it, regardless of whether you're the adventurer it may be designed for.


I tell people I bought Apple Watch Ultra Lazy Person's Edition. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!


Ps; I've had a blast buying new bands for my Ultra and have amassed quite a few thus far. I've bought the Nomad Pure T2 Titanium Band, a couple Titanium bands from LDFAS and Robust (the Robust is on its way to me), plus a couple new bands from Apple and some purpose made for the Ultra from Amazon and Nomad too.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 9, 2023 4:17 PM in response to mdemde

I've owned a number of Apple Watches over the years, all Stainless Steel as having a Sapphire screen and more durable case really matters to me. I bought the Ultra this year when it was released. I'm not going to climb any mountain. I won't dive the depths of any ocean. I'm not a hiker, a rock climber or really anything which the Ultra is touted to better do. And yet, you couldn't pry my Ultra Watch off my cold dead wrist. '


  • Yes, it's way cooler though
  • The battery, which is rated at 36 hours as opposed to 18 on the regular watches is amazing
  • The screen is bigger and much easier to read and as mentioned, Sapphire glass, so almost impossible to scratch
  • The screen is significantly brighter in sunlight
  • It comes with Cellular standard and dual GPS, if you will be out and about in remote locations


If you can afford the Ultra and it will fit your wrist, I highly recommend it, regardless of whether you're the adventurer it may be designed for.


I tell people I bought Apple Watch Ultra Lazy Person's Edition. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!


Ps; I've had a blast buying new bands for my Ultra and have amassed quite a few thus far. I've bought the Nomad Pure T2 Titanium Band, a couple Titanium bands from LDFAS and Robust (the Robust is on its way to me), plus a couple new bands from Apple and some purpose made for the Ultra from Amazon and Nomad too.

Feb 9, 2023 5:07 PM in response to mdemde

I hope it goes well for you. In terms of bands which you can get with the Ultra from Apple, you have three choices:


Ocean Band

Alpine Look

Trail Loop


Here are my thoughts as I own all three.


Alpine look is comfortable, but it's a nylon cloth and the Titanium buck at the end of the band if pulled far enough back can come in contact with the watch and possibly scratch it. If you do things which could get your band dirty, it may not be the best option.


Trail loop is a fancier version of the standard loop Apple sells for the other watches. It's a stretchy nylon and is admittedly sublimely comfortable, but again is't nylon and if you do things which could get messy or dirty, it may be hard to keep clean.


Ocean Band. To me, by far the neatest option. It's made of a high quality FKM Fluorolastimer, is super durable, won't stain, is comfy (though the other loop bands may be a bit more comfortable) and will last the longest of the three options you can choose.

Apple Watch 8 vs Ultra

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