Did the same. Took out a Series 8 after my Series 5, returned the series 8. Didn't feel like an upgrade. Got the Ultra 1 2 months later, still use it. Great Watch!
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Returning the Ultra? [MERGED]
- Thread starter durangojim
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I've been using apple watches on and off for years. I recently got the AWU2, and also got the new Galaxy Watch Ultra. I never owned a galaxy watch before, but since i have both an iPhone and a galaxy phone, I figured I would compare the GWU to the AWU2.
I compared them for about a week, and decided to keep the GWA and return the AWU2.
AWU...
GWU...
I prefer android over iphone in general, and the GWU seems like a solid device. I also have a Garmin Instinct 2X, which is geared more toward fitness, but has way less smart watch features.
I think the AWU2 is a good device, but just falls short with the things I mentioned above, and other little quirks that I don't like. Like for example, when I log my medication as taken on the watch, it does not update, and I have to then update it on the phone too. And just little things like that, that have been going on for years, and still not working. Also, apple health is such a pain to navigate that you have to use a bunch of 3rd party apps just to summarize everything, and those apps all have their little quirks too.
I know there is new software releasing soon, so hopefully it will be better for some stuff.
I compared them for about a week, and decided to keep the GWA and return the AWU2.
AWU...
- Better battery life at first, but a little less after the GWA learned my patterns.
- Disabled the O2 sensor (seems like apple wants to make the customer suffer because of their greed, and dishonesty), and it could be years before they settle and reactivate it.
- The way the AW set HR zones is by using HRR instead of max HR, does not even give the option to set max HR, and the only other option is to just set the HR zones manually.
- VO2 max is way lower than my garmin and GWU are saying. Garmin says 30 (probably what it actually is), GWU says 36 (a little too high), and AWU2 said 27 initially, and now says 24 (too low).
- Sleep tracking only works if you set a schedule, or put it in sleep mode manually each night.
- HR and GPS are very accurate on AWU2.
GWU...
- Battery life seems to get better as it learns my patterns, and in line with the AWU. Also, can set certain settings to make it even better.
- O2 sensor works, and is fairly accurate.
- HR zones default to the standard 220 - age formula, and have options to set a max HR, and use the HRR method.
- VO2 max is high (36), but will probably adjust more to what I actually am over time.
- Sleep tracking works automatically (like it should). All I have to do is go to sleep.
- HR and GPS "may be" slightly less accurate, but certainly accurate enough, and pretty close to the AWU2.
I prefer android over iphone in general, and the GWU seems like a solid device. I also have a Garmin Instinct 2X, which is geared more toward fitness, but has way less smart watch features.
I think the AWU2 is a good device, but just falls short with the things I mentioned above, and other little quirks that I don't like. Like for example, when I log my medication as taken on the watch, it does not update, and I have to then update it on the phone too. And just little things like that, that have been going on for years, and still not working. Also, apple health is such a pain to navigate that you have to use a bunch of 3rd party apps just to summarize everything, and those apps all have their little quirks too.
I know there is new software releasing soon, so hopefully it will be better for some stuff.
So do you use the Garmin still also then?
Great post
(I'm a Garmin Instinct Crossover user and lover)
Great post
(I'm a Garmin Instinct Crossover user and lover)
Yeah, right now I have the GWU on one wrist and the Instinct 2X on the other wrist. lol
Maybe, but not sure yet.
I need more time with the GWU. If it continues to impress, then there is a chance I will return the instinct and keep the GWU, and if not, then visa versa.
Also a chance I may keep both. I have 30 days either way.
Not my experience.
Medication logging on the watch has always worked for me.
I've also never needed to use a third party app to summarize Apple Health data.
Thanks for sharing all the same though.
Glad yours is working for you.
One of the big things for me is the O2 sensor being disabled. I'm prone to blood clots in my lungs, and am on blood thinners. The last time I got symptoms and went to the ER, they sent me for a scan to verify, then they put an O2 reader on my finger and made me walk up and down the hallway to make sure my blood was getting enough O2, so the O2 sensor is pretty useful to me.
There fitness metrics also seems to be pretty lacking compared to others. But I think their next software release is supposed to improve some of the fitness stuff.
I'm not really up on the latest with the Blood O2 sensor news, i read it was banned in January, is it only for US users?
I got my AWU 2 in Feb and mine does as it should, UK based so obvs all good if it is a US thing only.
I think they hired employees from a company that developed O2 sensors and infringed on the patents or something. The company filed against them, and the courts caused them to ban the sale of AW (I think only in the US). Apple then disabled the sensor, rather than removing it all together.
The thing is... if they would have just did things honestly and legally in the first place... I would have had an O2 sensor on my AWU2.
Is even getting an AWU2 from another country by online ordering banned?
Need someone going overseas to do a bit of shopping for you
The O2 sensor is not the only reason I returned the AWU2.Is even getting an AWU2 from another country by online ordering banned?
Need someone going overseas to do a bit of shopping for you
To track my sleep I have to set a sleep mode with a schedule, and it will only track sleep during the set schedule. Or... I could put it in sleep mode manually every night when I go to bed, and take it out of sleep mode every morning when I wake up. With the GWU, I just need to go to sleep and wake up, and it tracks my sleep automatically.
The HR zones on the AWU2 force me to use "what they think" is my MHR, and set the zones based on HRR. The only other option is to just set custom ranges for each zone. The GWU gives me the option to use the standard 220 - age formula, or set a custom MHR, gives me a choice to base the zones on MHR or HRR, so no need to set a bunch of custom zones (the way it should be).
The AWU2 gives me a VO2 max in the low 20's, and I know mine is in the low 30's (based on Garmin devices that I have used for years). The GWU gives me 36 (which is probably a little higher than mine actually is), but over time it will probably get more accurate.
When I log my medications on the AWU2, they don't update in apple health, and I then have to update it there too. logging my medications from the GWU works the way it should.
There are other things too, but these are the main things for me. The only things IMO that the AWU2 has the advantage over the GWU is that the HR and GPS on the AWU2 seems to be (arguably) very slightly more accurate.
Other people may not find these things important, but I do, so for my use case, the GWU is the better choice for me.
See i don't see that as a big problem for me hitting the sleep button every night, been doing it for years, routine now.
HR zones i've not got too involved with. VO2 max too, i'm interested in it but not too much. The Athlytic app gives me a better reading (47.5) then what apple tells me (37) as it takes into account the cycling i do, i ride to London for work and back 2/3 times a week (14 miles there 14 miles back), used to be everyday but i'm getting older and feeling it more now.
Medications always worked for me, used to be a daily taker now only weekly but higher doseage.
I charged my GWA 34 hours ago and still have 31% battery, and that is with 2 GPS activities yesterdays, and messing with it pretty heavily. It says it's still learning my patterns, so it will probably get even better once it learns my patterns.
I have had my Ultra 1 for about a year and a half, I do like it a lot, but don’t wear it every day as I rotate it with y Series 9 SS.
My favorite band is the Ocean, very comfortable and a nice range of colors, IMO looks great with The new Nike sport, loops and the leather loops. Should the ultra 3 have major improvements, I would consider upgrading.
My favorite band is the Ocean, very comfortable and a nice range of colors, IMO looks great with The new Nike sport, loops and the leather loops. Should the ultra 3 have major improvements, I would consider upgrading.
I thought I’d give the AWU2 a try. Got it today but I’m returning it tomorrow and going back to my Fenix 7 Pro. It just better suits my use case.
Rolex Submariner 124060 on my left wrist, Apple Watch Ultra 2 on the right 🤟🏻
I have a S10 Ti on the way and will be here on Saturday. If I like it I will be returning my black U2 with the Milanese band.
Similar here. I’ve had the AW OG, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and just recently bought the Ultra 2. Love it. The AW basic design, although tweaked over the years was getting stale. Love the Ultra 2 and will be sticking with it until we see a major overhaul of the base AW design.
I traded in my Ultra today for an aluminum 42mm Series 10. It weighs half as much as my old Ultra.
I used the Ultra for exactly two years. I think it’s an awesome watch. But I got really tired of the size and weight. I barely feel the Series 10 on my wrist. And I much prefer that.
Edit: Switched to the aluminum 46mm S10.
I used the Ultra for exactly two years. I think it’s an awesome watch. But I got really tired of the size and weight. I barely feel the Series 10 on my wrist. And I much prefer that.
Edit: Switched to the aluminum 46mm S10.
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I looked at the black version when I was at the Apple Store the other day. I think the original looks better.
