Imagine buying a smartwatch only to find it doesn't have all of the features you need. Before you do that, you should look into the advantages of the Apple Watch Ultra.

This model is near the top of the line of Apple Watches, and many of its specs are unique. But are those features worth the high cost?

1. Only GPS + Cellular

Most Apple Watches give you the option to buy a GPS or GPS + Cellular model. However, the Apple Watch Ultra only comes with the cellular version.

While that may seem like a drawback, it means you don't have to decide which version is best for you. Instead, you can purchase the watch and set it up to use whenever and wherever you go.

The GPS-only watches can limit your ability to contact others in an emergency. If you find you can't always have your phone on you, you'll probably enjoy the Ultra.

2. Like a Phone

Because the Ultra has a cell connection by default, you can use it like you'd use a smartphone. It lets you make calls and send and receive text messages from your wrist.

You can also access the Apple Watch App Store to download apps to help you make better use of the device. Plus, you get to stream music, use Siri, and even access map directions.

If you're out shopping, you can use the watch to connect to Apple Pay so that you can leave your wallet in your pocket. The watch has a ton of power, so it's a great alternative to a smartphone.

Of course, you should still have an iPhone to connect to the watch. However, you can easily leave your phone on its charger or at home but still have a connection.

3. Big and Bright Display

Early types of watches from Apple came in 38 or 42-millimeter (mm) cases. More recent iterations have case sizes between 40 and 45 mm, but the Apple Watch Ultra is even larger.

It has a massive case of 49 mm, which can make the watch easier to use. You'll enjoy a screen size with an extra 27% of room compared to the Apple Watch SE, for example.

Not only that, but this model gets up to 2000 nits of brightness. Most other Apple Watch options only go up to 1000 nits of brightness.

If you want to use your watch at night or in other dark environments, you may want this model. That way, you won't have to struggle to see what's on your screen due to size or brightness.

4. More Water-Resistant

Image credit: Gadgetswright 

Most Apple Watches are partially water-resistant, which is amazing. The Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 8 are water-resistant up to 50 meters, so they're suitable for light swimming.

However, the Ultra is water-resistant up to 100 meters. That means it's suitable for other water sports, such as waterskiing and scuba diving.

Now, Apple recommends you don't take this watch farther than 40 meters deep. It can also lose some of its water resistance over time, but that may not be a problem if you hardly use this feature.

When you do take the watch underwater, you can use it as a dive computer with the Oceanic+ app. The device can also tell you your depth and the temperature of the water.

5. Health Monitors Features

The new watch also comes with multiple features that help you monitor your health. For example, you can use it to monitor your blood oxygen levels.

It can also send you cardio fitness notifications to alert you of your progress. Other health features allow you to perform a basic electrocardiogram (ECG) from the app on your watch.

You can even set up notifications of irregular heart rhythms with high and low heart rates, so you can make sure your heart is beating as it should.

While none of these features are unique to the Apple Watch Ultra, they're still worth mentioning. If you're comparing it to older models, the Ultra might be worth the splurge.

6. Safety Features

If you're looking at the Apple Watch Ultra, you may be someone who likes going on adventures. Doing so can be exciting, but it can also be dangerous.

Fortunately, this Apple Watch comes with fall detection and crash detection. The cellular connection allows you to use Emergency SOS to call for help if you get lost or hurt.

When you're traveling internationally, you can also call for help with emergency calling. Like many other watches, this one has a Compass Backtrack feature to help you get out of the woods.

One unique feature that other Apple Watches don't have is an 86-decibel siren. People up to 600 feet away can hear you, so you may get help faster than only calling 911.

7. Operating Temperatures

Image credit: MacRumors

Another essential feature of an Apple Watch for adventurous people is the operating temperature range. This watch can continue to work at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, or -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the other end of the spectrum, the watch can operate at 55 degrees Celsius. In Fahrenheit, that comes out to 131 degrees, so you should be able to use your Apple Watch almost anywhere.

Of course, many people may never reach those extreme temperatures. But whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, or other outdoor activities, it helps to have that range so that you don't have to risk losing a connection.

8. Long Battery Life

Image credit: Chasing the Summit via Youtube

As you compare the different watch options, you should look at the battery life. The Apple Watch Ultra can last up to 36 hours on a single charge with normal use.

If you enable low power mode, you can extend that battery life to 60 hours per charge. That standard battery life is twice as long as other Apple Watches, which only get up to about 18 hours on a charge.

The long battery life makes this watch perfect for daily use because you can even sleep with it on. However, it's also suitable for things like camping trips where you may not have a place to charge your watch.

What's more, this model has fast charging. You can use the magnetic fast charging cable so that you don't have to go without your watch for very long.

9. Titanium Case

Another new feature that's unique to the Apple Watch Ultra is the case material. Other watches use aluminum or stainless steel, both of which are durable.

However, this model uses an aerospace-grade titanium case. The design is also slightly different so that the front has raised edges to protect the screen of your watch.

That allows you to put your watch through more use without as much of a risk of needing expensive repairs. Whether you go hiking, diving, or simply use your watch daily, you can do so.

For even more protection, you can invest in a watch case so that you can take your watch on even more outings. The watch is already expensive, so you may as well spend a bit more to cushion it.

10. Customizable Action Button

Image credits: PC Mag Australia

Another excellent benefit of the Apple Watch Ultra is the Action button, which you can set up to meet your needs. The button is on the side, so it's easy to press compared to using the touchscreen.

It's particularly useful for underwater where tapping on the screen is impractical. For example, you can set up the Action button to create a compass heading if you use Oceanic+.

Another option is to program the button to launch the Depth app when you're diving.

If you aren't a huge fan of the water, you can also program the button to control a workout. Either way, it's an excellent feature that you won't find on other Apple Watches.

11. Different Watch Bands

You can pair your Apple Watch Ultra with one of a few different bands. Each band is suitable for a different type of activity, so you can keep your watch secure on your wrist.

First, there's the Trail Loop, which is thin and lightweight, and it has a loop closure that's easy to use. This band is perfect for hiking or similar activities.

The Ocean Band uses a type of rubber with a titanium buckle. You can secure the buckle through one of the loops on the band to keep it in place when you're swimming or diving.

Finally, we have the Alpine Loop, which is a textile band that's thin and comfortable. You can choose from different colors, so this is a nice choice for daily wear.

Protect Your Apple Watch Ultra

The Apple Watch Ultra is one of the newest and most expensive watch models. However, the cost can be well worth it for all of the features you get, from safety to health monitoring.

Some of the best features aren't unique to this model, but others are. Be sure to consider the benefits of this smartwatch to determine if it's the ideal choice for you.

If you already have an Apple Watch Ultra, don't forget to protect it as much as possible. Shop our selection of cases today.