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the future

macrumors 68040
Jul 17, 2002
3,637
5,927
The screen size is actually smaller than the S7.

It absolutely isn‘t. The Ultra screen is bigger both in number of pixels as well as surface area in square inches/mm.

I compared identical watch faces at the apple store and the ultra face is VERY slightly smaller when comparing font size, circular Watch face size.

The only way this observation makes any sense is when some of the Watch faces are not optimized for the Ultra screen. Which is certainly possible.

The bezel on the ultra is kind of off-putting as well.

The visible bezel of the Ultra is a little bigger than that of the S7/8 but smaller than that of S4-6 (let alone S0-3). My guess would be that the actual bezel is actually not bigger at all but on the Ultra there is no way to hide part of it underneath the rounded metal enclosure the way S7/8 can. OTOH, perceptually you always lose some part of the S7/8 screen to glare, exactly because of the roundedness. After seeing both screens side by side, I vastly prefer the flat Ultra screen, even with the (slightly) bigger bezels.

Also the screen looks like it’s not as laminated to the glass or something. Like there’s a gap between the glass and the screen.

Here is where I start to question your observations because to my eyes it is exactly the other way around. Also, this is precisely how the S7 was advertised: as having a thicker front crystal (and thus being more shatter proof). Thicker crystal = display farther away from the surface.
 

Spike77777

macrumors regular
Mar 8, 2019
125
84
Utah
Just seen this on a reddit post, you can save a bunch of $$
f7af2xihrcu91.jpg
 

Jkeith85

macrumors regular
Dec 16, 2015
194
151
I have had mine since Wednesday and so far loving. No return expected.
My 2 biggest nits, not enough 'Ultra' enhanced apps and I really expected a speed bump/new chip.
Some apps are just as slow as they were on my series 5 which is very disappointing.
Meh what could you really play or do that stresses the watch
 
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Mezoxin

macrumors member
Sep 16, 2022
98
157
I really loved the form and style of the ultra , i just wished it was in a silver stainless steel polished enclosure, that chamfered titanium finish isn’t going to look pretty (atleast imo) after extended use , but the raw SS u always have the option to buff/polish the enclosure to make it almost brand new again
 
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IT Provisor

macrumors regular
Sep 23, 2022
103
128
California, USA
One the banquet in the video mentioned his business’s name, I instantly recognize who he was and can tell you that, dealing with him in the past, he’s NOT professional, being VERY emotional about issues with the finish, returns/exchanges, etc. Also, when you call him, he doesn’t say his business name it anything! It’s more like “Hello?”. His later work looks nice, but don’t be fooled: looks are better than his customer service and ways of doing business!
 
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Dealmans

Suspended
Mar 12, 2022
1,405
1,213
Considering the Ultra’s design and intended audience
I wanted a Apple Watch that doesn't look like a toy lol
Every apple product has features that some don't use, I have never used a pencil on my iPad pro's for 1
I do surf in my ultra but could use any waterproof watch for that.
 
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foulox

macrumors newbie
May 25, 2018
4
13
You all make good points. I just read so many places call it the garmin killer and it is so not.

I run hard, and I don’t have the coordination to roll a scroller or press two buttons at the same time when I am running hard.

Can any of you sleep with the watch on? I can sleep with my 8 without a problem.

Watch, this watch won’t sink garmin like the iPhone sank the palm pilot.

And as a total Apple fanboy and a serious runner I am shocked that a watch that seemed to be advertised by Apple to me didn’t come close to hitting the mark. I just expect more from them. To me this is far worse than when you couldn’t copy and paste on an iPhone.
 
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wilberforce

macrumors 68030
Aug 15, 2020
2,923
3,199
SF Bay Area
You all make good points. I just read so many places call it the garmin killer and it is so not.

I run hard, and I don’t have the coordination to roll a scroller or press two buttons at the same time when I am running hard.

Can any of you sleep with the watch on? I can sleep with my 8 without a problem.

Watch, this watch won’t sink garmin like the iPhone sank the palm pilot.

And as a total Apple fanboy and a serious runner I am shocked that a watch that seemed to be advertised by Apple to me didn’t come close to hitting the mark. I just expect more from them. To me this is far worse than when you couldn’t copy and paste on an iPhone.
IMO the Ultra is a regular Apple smartwatch tilted only slightly more towards outdoor activities, and slightly longer battery life. Nevertheless it can be very compelling for those who want this combination. The ability to be an Apple smartwatch first and foremost, with its integration in the Apple ecosystem, is a huge advantage other devices do not have.
 
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davedvdy

macrumors 6502a
Oct 25, 2011
803
589
You all make good points. I just read so many places call it the garmin killer and it is so not.

I run hard, and I don’t have the coordination to roll a scroller or press two buttons at the same time when I am running hard.

Can any of you sleep with the watch on? I can sleep with my 8 without a problem.

Watch, this watch won’t sink garmin like the iPhone sank the palm pilot.

And as a total Apple fanboy and a serious runner I am shocked that a watch that seemed to be advertised by Apple to me didn’t come close to hitting the mark. I just expect more from them. To me this is far worse than when you couldn’t copy and paste on an iPhone.

The Ultra doesn't need to sink Garmin. The Garmin isn't in the Apple ecosystem. The Garmin is in a totally different league of it's own tbh due to it's much more extended battery life and mapping but it still isn't any type of Apple Watch. Totally different animals only similar based upon trying to reach similar demographics. The best Customer for an Ultra is someone who wants an Apple Watch that can do more --- (need to use it longer without a charge, dual band gps, better speakers, flat display for easier visuals/screen brightness, materials, extreme temps it could be subject to, deep diving, etc).


Not sure I understand the sleep comment, as a bulky "utility" military grade tested watch for extreme temperatures isn't going to be the best fit for sleep. I think the standard Series 8 would make sense to be better suited for sleep, and more comfortable for more people with everyday use overall due to it's lack of bulk/much thinner design. I think it's physically impossible for the Ultra to be what you want it to be at least sleep wise.
 

xDKP

macrumors 68020
Feb 27, 2011
2,480
2,626
Denmark
You all make good points. I just read so many places call it the garmin killer and it is so not.

I run hard, and I don’t have the coordination to roll a scroller or press two buttons at the same time when I am running hard.

Can any of you sleep with the watch on? I can sleep with my 8 without a problem.

Watch, this watch won’t sink garmin like the iPhone sank the palm pilot.

And as a total Apple fanboy and a serious runner I am shocked that a watch that seemed to be advertised by Apple to me didn’t come close to hitting the mark. I just expect more from them. To me this is far worse than when you couldn’t copy and paste on an iPhone.
Might not kill them with version 1 - The same didn't happen with the first iPhone, but the thing about Apple, is they keep improving their concepts and keep improving in the right areas untill it doesn't really make any sense to buy a Garmin.
 

matrix07

macrumors G3
Jun 24, 2010
8,226
4,894
I am shocked that a watch that seemed to be advertised by Apple to me didn’t come close to hitting the mark. I just expect more from them.
That's a good point. I hope Apple continue to improve it but I don't think the Ultra at this current version is for 'extreme' runners, which I don't think is a big enough market for Apple.
 

newellj

macrumors G3
Oct 15, 2014
8,154
3,047
East of Eden
Purchased one the day it was released.
Decided I wasn't in love with it and went back to a SS S7.
Missed the Ultra and wound up regretting returning it.
Purchased it again (though with the Trail Loop rather than the Alpine Loop).

It's not perfect, but it does a lot of things very well, and some much better than the Series watches (battery life being probably the biggest difference).
 

JSENNY25

macrumors regular
Sep 12, 2008
191
55
Ohio
Purchased one the day it was released.
Decided I wasn't in love with it and went back to a SS S7.
Missed the Ultra and wound up regretting returning it.
Purchased it again (though with the Trail Loop rather than the Alpine Loop).

It's not perfect, but it does a lot of things very well, and some much better than the Series watches (battery life being probably the biggest difference).
Interesting series of events... I have a Ti Edition Series 7. I like it...I have also been with either a SS (1-4) or Ti Edition (6-7) and part of me is looking for a 'change' in the same old, same old. Wondering if the Ultra is going to scratch that itch or if the newness will wear off quickly.

Did you feel like in the end, the new form factor and battery were enough?

thanks!
 

PatrickNSF

macrumors 6502a
Jan 24, 2011
765
448
It's not perfect, but it does a lot of things very well, and some much better than the Series watches (battery life being probably the biggest difference).
I’m still on the fence, but the battery is a bit of a disappointment for me TBH. I seem to be getting closer to the 36hrs advertised than the two or three days others are reporting, though that‘s with 90min of exercise a day (about 60min of which uses GPS) and sleep tracking.

The running and recovery metrics pale compared to my Garmin, but I appreciate the simplicity of just using one watch rather than switching back and forth between the AW and Garmin. If I dial back my training (like I promise myself I will every time I get an injury) I could see sticking with the Ultra.
 
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