Is Apple Watch Ultra 1 Worth Buying in 2025

 

Introduction

The Apple Watch Ultra 1, launched in 2022, was Apple’s first-ever rugged smartwatch designed for extreme sports, diving, and endurance activities. With a durable titanium build, dual-frequency GPS, and long battery life, it quickly became the go-to Apple Watch for adventurers and athletes.

As of 2025, the big question is: Is the Apple Watch Ultra 1 still worth buying?

According to our UpTrade Price Tracker, a Certified Refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 1 starts at $500+, a significant drop from its original $799 price. However, there’s one thing to consider—the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is now available for a similar price.

So, should you buy the Ultra 1, or is it better to get the Ultra 2? Let’s break it down.

 

About Apple Watch Ultra 1

The Apple Watch Ultra 1 was a game-changer when it debuted, introducing several firsts in Apple’s smartwatch lineup. Unlike standard Apple Watches, which prioritize general fitness and smart features, the Ultra series was built for extreme environments and professional athletes.

 

Key Features of Apple Watch Ultra 1:

• 49mm Titanium Case: The largest and most durable Apple Watch, built for extreme conditions.
• Action Button: A dedicated customizable button for workouts, dive tracking, and shortcuts.
• Dual-Frequency GPS: Superior location tracking, making it the best Apple Watch for hiking and running.
• 36-hour Battery Life: The longest battery life of any Apple Watch (60 hours in Low Power Mode).
• Exclusive Watch Faces: The Wayfinder face with a built-in compass and Night Mode for enhanced readability in the dark.
• WR100 Water Resistance & EN13319 Certified: Designed for recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters.
• L1+L5 GPS Support: More precise tracking for adventurers and long-distance athletes.
• Advanced Health Tracking: ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate Monitoring, and temperature tracking.

Despite being a rugged smartwatch, the Ultra 1 also offers Apple’s signature smartwatch features like cellular connectivity, Siri integration, and Apple Pay. It remains a powerful smartwatch in 2025, but how does it compare to the Ultra 2?

 

Why Apple Watch Ultra 1 Is Still Worth Buying in 2025

The Apple Watch Ultra 1 remains an excellent choice in 2025 for several reasons:

 

1. Premium Design and Durability

The Titanium build makes it one of the most durable smartwatches available. Unlike the standard aluminum Apple Watches, the Ultra 1 is designed to withstand extreme conditions while remaining lightweight.

 

2. Best-in-Class Battery Life

With 36 hours of battery life (or 60 hours in Low Power Mode), the Ultra 1 lasts nearly twice as long as a standard Apple Watch. This makes it an excellent option for hikers, long-distance runners, and travelers who need a watch that won’t die mid-adventure.

 

3. Dual-Frequency GPS for Precision Tracking

The L1+L5 dual-frequency GPS ensures ultra-precise location tracking, making the Ultra 1 ideal for outdoor sports, adventure racing, and long-distance travel.

 

4. Comprehensive Fitness and Health Features

• ECG & Blood Oxygen Monitoring for in-depth health tracking.
• Temperature Sensor for advanced sleep tracking and cycle monitoring.
• WR100 Water Resistance for swimming and diving.

While the Ultra 1 lacks the latest processor of the Ultra 2, it still performs exceptionally well for fitness, health tracking, and extreme sports.

 

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra 1 – Which Should You Buy?

When deciding between the Apple Watch Ultra 1 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in 2025, the key factor is pricing. Both models are widely available in the refurbished market for $500+, making it essential to determine whether the Ultra 2’s small upgrades justify choosing it over the Ultra 1.

 

Key Upgrades in Ultra 2 Over Ultra 1:

• ✅ Brighter Display – Ultra 2 has 3,000 nits brightness (vs. 2,000 nits on Ultra 1), making it easier to see in direct sunlight.
• ✅ Faster S9 Chip – Delivers 30% better GPU performance, resulting in smoother animations and improved efficiency.
• ✅ Double Tap Gesture – Introduced with Ultra 2, allowing you to control actions with a simple finger tap for hands-free convenience.
• ✅ Improved Siri Functionality – Siri now processes on-device commands, meaning faster responses even without an internet connection.

💡 Are these upgrades essential?
The Ultra 2 is a refined version of the Ultra 1 rather than a major redesign.
If both models are available at the same price, go for Ultra 2 because of its extra features and faster processor.

 

When to Choose Ultra 1 Over Ultra 2?

• 💰 If Ultra 1 is priced significantly lower than Ultra 2 in the refurbished market.
• ⏳ If you don’t need the S9 chip, Double Tap, or brighter display and prefer to save money.
• 🔋 If you prioritize battery life and durability but don’t care about minor performance boosts.

 

When to Choose Ultra 2?

• 💡 If Ultra 1 and Ultra 2 are the same price – Ultra 2 is always the better choice because of its newer processor, brighter screen, and future-proofing.
• 🚀 If you want the fastest chip for smoother navigation and extended longevity.
• 🔆 If outdoor visibility matters – Ultra 2’s brighter 3,000-nit display makes it much easier to read under sunlight.

 

Specs Comparison: Apple Watch Ultra 1 vs. Ultra 2

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the Ultra 1 and Ultra 2 to help you decide which is the better buy:

Feature	Apple Watch Ultra 1	Apple Watch Ultra 2
Release Year	2022	2023
Software Support Until	2029+	2030+
Processor	S8 Chip	S9 Chip (30% Faster)
Display Brightness	2,000 nits	3,000 nits (50% brighter)
Double Tap Gesture	❌ No	✅ Yes
Siri Processing	Requires internet	On-device Siri (Faster)
Ultra-Wideband Chip	U1	U2 (Improved GPS & Find My)
Battery Life	Up to 36 hours	Up to 36 hours
Certified Refurbished Price (2025)	$500+	$500+

💡 Verdict: If Ultra 1 is cheaper, it's a great deal. But if Ultra 1 and Ultra 2 are the same price, go for Ultra 2 because of its faster chip, brighter screen, and better future-proofing.

 

Price and Availability in 2025

Both Ultra 1 and Ultra 2 are widely available in the Certified Refurbished market, with prices starting at $500+.

 

Certified Refurbished Price Comparison (2025):

Model	Certified Refurbished Starting Price (2025)
Apple Watch Ultra 1	$500+
Apple Watch Ultra 2	$500+

 

💡 Key Buying Insights:

• Prices Fluctuate – Depending on stock availability and demand, prices may vary. Check UpTrade for real-time pricing updates.
• Stock Is Limited – Since Ultra models are in high demand, refurbished units sell out quickly. If you find a good deal, buy it before prices increase.

 

Where to Buy a Certified Refurbished Apple Watch Ultra

If you're looking for a Certified Refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 1 or Ultra 2, buying from a trusted source ensures quality, warranty, and long-term reliability.

 

Best Refurbished Marketplaces:

• ✅ UpTrade – Market-low prices from Certified Professional Resellers with full condition transparency.
• ✅ Apple Certified Refurbished – Higher price, but comes with Apple’s official warranty and genuine parts.
• ✅ Amazon Renewed & Best Buy – Trusted platforms, though availability may be limited. And you can’t compare the products side by side across websites.

 

💡 Why Choose Certified Refurbished?

• ✔ Fully tested & inspected – No risk of defective or damaged devices.
• ✔ Battery health verified – Ensures optimal performance & longevity.
• ✔ Warranty-backed purchases – Unlike buying from secondary marketplaces.

 

Avoid Used Marketplaces (High Risk! 🚨)

• ❌ eBay / Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace – No guarantee on battery health, water resistance, or software support.
• ❌ Unauthorized third-party sellers – Higher risk of fake listings, missing accessories, or malfunctioning devices.

💡 Best Tip: For the lowest Certified Refurbished pricing, check UpTrade, where you can compare Apple Watch Ultra 1 and Ultra 2 deals from trusted sellers.

 

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Apple Watch Ultra 1 in 2025?

The Apple Watch Ultra 1 is still a top-tier smartwatch in 2025, but whether it's worth buying depends on pricing.

• ✔ YES – If you find a Certified Refurbished Ultra 1 for significantly less than Ultra 2.
• ❌ NO – If Ultra 2 is available at a similar price, since it offers better performance, a brighter display, and longer software support.

💡 Best Advice: Check UpTrade for the lowest Certified Refurbished pricing on both Ultra 1 and Ultra 2, ensuring you get the best deal available. 🚀