Autel’s MaxiSys Ultra has been a favorite among professional technicians for years — and for good reason. It’s arguably the most powerful, capable, and reliable aftermarket scan tool. But now there’s a new player: the Ultra S2, Autel’s latest flagship diagnostic tablet. So what’s new (preview: AI features), and is it worth the upgrade?
Let’s break down the key hardware improvements, smart new features, and why they make a real difference in your day-to-day work.
Hardware Upgrades: What’s New Under the Hood and Powering These New Features?
The Ultra S2 brings meaningful performance boosts over the original Ultra without getting overly complicated:
- Faster Performance: A newer, more powerful processor and upgraded memory (12 GB RAM vs. 8 GB) make the S2 snappier when scanning, loading data, or multitasking across apps.
- More Storage: 512 GB of space means plenty of room for vehicle reports, diagnostic logs, and software updates — double what the original Ultra offered.
- Bigger, Clearer Screen: A 13.7-inch anti-glare display gives you more workspace and better visibility in bright environments.
- Modern Android OS: The Ultra S2 runs Android 13 (vs. Android 7 on the Ultra), giving you a smoother experience and better compatibility with current and future apps.
- Fast Charging: Both tablets have the same long-lasting battery, but the S2’s new charging dock gets you topped up faster.
- Faster Wi-Fi: With Wi-Fi 6 onboard, downloads and cloud updates are quicker and more stable — ideal for busy shops.
- Upgraded VCI Module: The new VCMI 2 is smaller, lighter, and supports new functions like Remote Expert, making it even more versatile.
New Features: Smarter, Sharper, and More Helpful With AI
The Ultra S2 isn’t just faster — it’s smarter too. Here’s what’s new and why it matters:
Live Vehicle Network Mapping: The Ultra S2 shows you real-time diagrams of a car’s electronic control modules. You can now “ping” each module to check for communication issues — a huge time-saver when dealing with electrical faults.
Voice AI Assistant (“Hey Max”): Talk to your scanner like you would to a smart speaker. Say things like “Hey Max, run a system scan” — no need to keep wiping your hands to tap the screen.
AI-Powered Inspections: Use the tablet’s camera to scan a vehicle, and the S2’s AI can spot scratches, dents, or worn tires. This makes it easy to document issues and build customer trust with visual inspection reports.
Smarter Data Views: View multiple live data streams or graphs side by side — like engine speed and fuel trim — for better insight into how systems are working together.
Integrated Repair Info: Get 1 year of built-in access to OEM procedures and diagrams through Autel’s partnership with MOTOR — all accessible right on the tablet.
EV-Ready Tools: The S2 includes built-in tests for electric and hybrid vehicles, so you’re ready for the growing shift to EVs.
Real Benefits in the Shop
When you're on the shop floor, every second counts. With faster scans, quicker updates, and smoother overall performance, technicians can diagnose more vehicles in less time, streamlining workflows and increasing daily throughput. The larger, clearer screen and enhanced data visualization features don’t just look good — they reduce errors and make it easier to interpret complex diagnostics, so you're not second-guessing results.
Hands-free efficiency takes things further. With voice command functionality, you can interact with the tool while keeping your hands and focus where they belong: on the vehicle. This saves time and reduces interruptions during inspections and repairs. For those tough cases, the advanced network diagnostics eliminate the trial-and-error guesswork, helping you zero in on electrical and communication issues faster and with greater accuracy.
Final Take: Should You Upgrade?
If you already own the original Ultra and it’s working well for your needs, there’s no pressure to upgrade immediately — it’s still a powerful tool. But if you want a faster, more modern, and more capable scanner that can handle the latest vehicles and features, the Ultra S2 is a solid step up.
For new buyers, the choice is even clearer: go with the S2. You’ll get the best of Autel’s technology now, and be well-prepared for the vehicles of tomorrow.
