The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the vivo Watch 2, known for its health tracking and battery life, and the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple's rugged and feature-packed flagship. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra dominates in performance and app ecosystem, offering a premium experience. However, the vivo Watch 2 shines with exceptional battery life and a more affordable price point. Choose the Ultra for seamless iOS integration and advanced features, or the vivo Watch 2 for longevity and value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 22 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 29 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, stainless steel frame 316L | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 46.4 x 46.4 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm (1.93 x 1.73 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 47 g (1.66 oz) | 61.3 g (2.15 oz) |
| | 5ATM water resistant
50m water resistant | IP6X certified
100m water resistant (WR100)
40m swimproof/diving (EN13319)
MIL-STD 810H certified
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 502 x 410 pixels (~338 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.92 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S8 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Proprietary OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 2GB | 32GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers (86-decibel) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, altimeter, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) |
| | - | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy)
Depth gauge (±1m accuracy)
Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 60 min |
| Type | - | Li-Ion 542 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Brown, Silver | Titanium |
| Models | WA2156A | A2684, A2622, A2859, watch6,18 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.60 W/kg (body) |
vivo Watch 2
- Exceptional battery life
- Comprehensive health tracking features
- More affordable price
- Stylish design
- Wireless charging
- Less powerful processor
- Limited app ecosystem
- Smaller display
- Less seamless iOS integration
Apple Watch Ultra
- Superior performance and responsiveness
- Vibrant and bright display
- Extensive app ecosystem
- Seamless iOS integration
- Rugged and durable design
- Advanced features (cellular, SOS)
- Shorter battery life
- Higher price
- Limited Android compatibility
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch Ultra boasts a larger, brighter, and more vibrant display with excellent outdoor visibility thanks to its flat sapphire crystal. The vivo Watch 2 has a smaller AMOLED display, which is still sharp and colorful, but doesn't match the Ultra's brightness or outdoor performance. The Ultra's always-on display is also a significant advantage.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, prioritizing battery life and design.
Performance
The Apple Watch Ultra, powered by the S8 chip and dual-core processor, delivers significantly faster performance and smoother navigation than the vivo Watch 2. App loading times are quicker, and the overall user experience feels more responsive. The vivo Watch 2's performance is adequate for its core functions, but it lags behind the Ultra.
Battery Life
This is where the vivo Watch 2 truly excels. It offers significantly longer battery life, often lasting a week or more on a single charge. The Apple Watch Ultra, while improved over previous models, typically lasts around 36 hours with moderate use, and less with always-on display and advanced features enabled. The 10W wireless charging on the vivo Watch 2 is convenient, while the Apple Watch Ultra's wireless charging is faster (0-80% in 60 minutes).
Buying Guide
The vivo Watch 2 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts prioritizing long battery life, comprehensive health tracking, and a budget-friendly option. The Apple Watch Ultra is perfect for those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, needing robust durability, advanced features like cellular connectivity, and a premium smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both offer robust fitness tracking, but the vivo Watch 2 excels in battery life during extended workouts. The Apple Watch Ultra provides more advanced metrics and integration with Apple Fitness+.
❓ Can the vivo Watch 2 be used with an iPhone?
Yes, the vivo Watch 2 can be paired with an iPhone, but functionality is limited compared to using an Apple Watch with an iPhone. iOS integration is not as seamless.
