Wondering which health and fitness wearable is better for you? In this Apple Watch SE 2 vs. Ultrahuman Ring Air review, we shed light on the differences between the two on the health and fitness front.
Several brands of smartwatches are on the market, but perhaps one of the most popular would be Apple’s. Their midrange smartwatch lineup—the Apple Watch SE—is an impressive device with all the basic health-tracking functionalities you need.
On the other hand, the Ultrahuman Ring Air is one of the leading health smart rings available. In general, it does the same things as the Apple Watch SE 2 in terms of its health-related features, except it is a ring. It comes from Ultrahuman, a health-tech company headquartered in India.
In this review, let’s take a closer look at the Apple Watch SE 2 and place it side by side with the Ultrahuman Ring Air. We’re comparing these two smart devices mainly in terms of sleep tracking, fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and blood oxygen monitoring, as well as regarding their design, battery life, water protection, and prices. Let’s get to it.
Apple Watch SE 2 vs. Ultrahuman Ring Air Quick Comparison
Before exploring the features and functionalities of the smart rings further, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the Apple Watch Series 2 and Ultrahuman Ring Air:
| APPLE WATCH SE 2 | ULTRAHUMAN RING AIR | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Heart rate monitoring | ✅ | ✅ |
| Activity tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recovery monitoring | ❌ | ✅ |
| Stress management | ✅ | ✅ |
| Blood oxygen monitoring | ✅ | ✅ |
| Period prediction | ✅ | ❌ |
| Blood sugar monitoring | ❌ | ✅ |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours with regular use | Up to 6 days |
| Water protection | Water-resistant up to 50 meters | IPX8 (Water-resistant up to 100 meters) |
| Monthly membership | n/a | $5.99/month |
| Price | $249 | $299 |
| GET IT HERE | GET IT HERE |
Apple Watch SE 2 vs. Ultrahuman: Features and Functionalities
Sleep Tracking
On the sleep tracking front, the Apple Watch SE 2 and Ultrahuman Ring Air are neck and neck.
Apple’s smartwatch offers advanced sleep tracking, allowing you to view the sleep data it has collected through your iPhone’s Health app. These sleep data include your total sleep time, awake time, and how long you have spent in the different stages of your sleep. It also tracks your breathing rate while you’re asleep, and allows you to set your sleep goals.
How about the Ultrahuman Ring Air? Well, Ultrahuman brands its device as “the world’s lightest sleep tracking wearable.” One of its highly lauded features is its sleep tracking. It tracks the sleep stages—awake, REM, light, and deep—and presents your data including other important sleep metrics such as heart rate variability (HRV) and skin temperature.
Although skin temperature does not always represent your body temperature, which is a really useful metric for telling the state of your body’s recovery and stress, it is close to a medical-grade body temperature sensor.
In addition, Ultrahuman Ring Air makes recommendations based on your circadian rhythm or your 24-hour internal clock and the time of day. For instance, it advises you whether you should get more sunlight in the morning, stop drinking coffee beyond a certain time, and more. This is something that the Apple Watch SE 2 may not provide.
ALSO READ: GARMIN VIVOACTIVE 5 VS. OURA: WHICH IS THE BEST HEALTH TRACKING WEARABLE?
Fitness Tracking
One of the functionalities that Apple’s smartwatches have nailed right on the head is in the fitness tracking department. Using the Workout app, you can toggle on with this smartwatch highlights the workouts you do often. The watch also shows you your heart rate, active calorie burn, and time elapsed. If you need music for your workout, it’s just a swipe away. Also, GPS connects in the background without having you wait, all for a seamless walk, run, or cycle.
Meanwhile, the Ultrahuman Ring Air also allows you to log your workout. But this smart ring goes above and beyond by doing things that are not present with the smartwatch.
For instance, it presents your Recovery Score to help you plan your next physical activity. A lower score means you must take it easier with your workouts, and a higher score means you can freely try for your personal best, such as whether you’re at the gym or running outdoors.
Also, it presents a Movement Index that tracks how sedentary your lifestyle is. Low scores mean your life is sedentary—like sitting by your desk all day—and high scores mean you’re doing good.
ALSO READ: AMAZFIT GTS 4 VS. OURA: WHICH IS THE BEST SLEEP TRACKER?
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Apple Watch’s SE 2’s heart rate sensor, unfortunately, does not have an electrocardiogram feature. But don’t fret because this smartwatch still provides notifications for abnormally high or low heart rates, and its data is very accurate.
On the other hand, the Ultrahuman Ring Air has been impressing its users as it is equipped with a PPG sensor. This empowers you to stay ahead of your body’s vitals, specifically your heart rate and heart rate variability. PPG, or photoplethysmography, is a simple optical technique that detects volumetric changes in the person’s blood in the peripheral circulation. It is a non-invasive method that does measurements at your skin’s surface.
ALSO READ: OURA RING VS. APPLE WATCH SE 2: WHICH IS THE BEST SLEEP TRACKER?
Blood Oxygen Monitoring
Sadly, the Apple Watch SE 2 does not feature blood oxygen monitoring. How about the Ultrahuman Ring Air? Yes, it does. It utilizes the same PPG sensor for heart rate monitoring to provide the wearer information about their blood oxygen saturation.
ALSO READ: OURA RING VS. FITBIT VERSA 4: WHICH IS THE BEST HEALTH WEARABLE DEVICE?
Apple Watch SE 2 vs. Ultrahuman: Specs and Design
Design
When it comes to design, choosing between the Apple Watch SE 2 and Ultrahuman Ring Air boils down to preference. If you want a dedicated health-tracking companion, the smart ring could be the perfect choice here as it’s more comfortable to wear, especially at night during sleep. However, if you value a more versatile wearable, the Apple Watch SE 2 is clearly the winner in this category.
The Apple Watch SE 2 is made from aluminum and follows the shapes and sizes of other smartwatches by Apple, such as the first-generation Watch SE, Series 4, Series 5, and Series 6.
On the other hand, the Ultrahuman Ring Air is simplistic. As a smart ring, it is 11 times lighter than the smartwatch. So, if you don’t mind ditching the display screen, choose a smart ring.
Battery Life
Apple Watch SE 2’s battery life is up to 18 hours after a single full charge, while the Ultrahuman Ring AIR’s battery life is up to a whopping six days.
Water Protection
The Apple Watch SE 2 is water-resistant at up to 50 meters of depth. It is safe to shower or swim with, provided that the water is not exceptionally hot or mixed with strong detergents.
Meanwhile, the Ultrahuman Ring Air has a water resistance of up to 100 meters. You can wear it during activities like showering, swimming, scuba diving, and more.
ALSO READ: RINGCONN VS. APPLE WATCH SERIES 9: WHICH IS THE BEST HEALTH MONITORING WEARABLE?
Apple Watch SE 2 vs. Ultrahuman: Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch SE 2 starts at around $287 up to around $815. Several color options to choose from: Midnight, Starlight, or Silver.
The Ultrahuman Ring Air currently sells at $349. Choose from the following colors: Aster Black, Matte Grey, Bionic Gold, and Space Silver.
The Verdict: Which Is the Best Device for Health and Fitness Tracking?
Choosing between the Apple Watch SE 2 and Ultrahuman Ring Air should be largely based on what you need.
Do you need a dedicated sleep tracker that has other basic health and fitness functionalities? Do you need blood sugar monitoring capabilities? The Ultrahuman Ring Air could be the right choice for you.
Do you want a robust fitness tracking device that can also be sleep tracking and everyday use? The Apple Watch SE 2 could be what you’re looking for.
Ultimately, put your needs first before anything else. Nevertheless, either way, you have an impressive health companion.
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