Youve decided to go for a new smartwatch, and the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix 2. Both are fantastic watches, with excellent screens and the ability to track all of your workouts, but which one is worth investing in? Below we discuss the two sports watches you should consult with.
Before we get started, it''s worthwhile to note that if youre an Android user, the choice might be far simpler than you predicted. As with all Apple Watches, the Apple Watch Ultra is only compatible with iOS devices. The Garmin Epix 2 is also compatible with both iOS and Android via the Garmin Connect app.
Before purchasing a watch, you may look at our Apple Watch Ultra review and our Garmin Epix 2 review. Now let''s look at which one of the best works for you.
Price and availability of Apple Watch Ultra vs. Garmin Epix 2
The Apple Watch Ultra, which is priced $799 per 849/AU$1,299, is a singular model, which is built with cellular support. In other words, cellular connectivity isn''t optional for the Apple Watch 8. The Apple Watch Ultra was first released on September 23, so you''ll probably have a chance to get it on discount yet. It''s also a bit tricky to get hold of now, so you''ll be surprised if you get them.
The Garmin Epix 2 is available in two versions, the least expensive Garmin Epix, which is $899/749. A model with a sapphire crystal lens, a titanium case, and 32GB of storage (available in white or black) will set you back $999/899. It may be cheaper, but it is more expensive than the Apple Watch Ultra, particularly in the United States.
Winner: If you are on budget, the Apple Watch Ultra is the cheaper of the two watches. That said, the Garmin Fenix 7 range starts at $699/599 for the most basic version.
Design and display of Apple Watch Ultra vs. Garmin Epix 2
Both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix 2 are known for their bright, colorful displays, but let''s start by looking at the watches themselves. The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple''s first stab at an adventure watch, which has a 49mm bezel, which is noticeable on the wrist.
The bezel is made from titanium, with a lip around the screen to increase security. The digital crown is larger and has deeper groves, and combines with the side button in a protruding ledge on the right side of the device. This makes the buttons more comfortable while wearing gloves.
The Apple Watch Ultra''s left side has an added action button, which can be used as a quick launch for an assigned purpose. Here''s a look at how to use the Action Button on the iPhone Watch Ultra.
The Apple Watch Ultra has only one version, with the titanium bezel, although there are three different watch straps to choose from, which is why it appears to be three different watches on the Apple website. Here''s a list of features for the Apple Watch Ultra straps.
The Garmin Epix 2 has a more choice to choose from depending on whether you choose the sapphire or the non-sapphire model, but the bezel is black titanium, white titanium, and steel due to its wide face. However, the Epix Gen 2 is quite similar to the Apple Watch Ultra on the wrist.
Both watches have bright displays. The Apple Watch Ultra has a 1.92 inch screen, which is twice as bright as the screen on the Apple Watch Series 8. It looks amazing and is quick to read even in direct sunlight. Plus, the bigger screen allows for seven data fields rather than six.
The Garmin Epix 2 is a 1.3-inch AMOLED screen, which has 1,000 nits brightness. It''s also light and easy to read in direct sunlight, but the Apples screen is a little better.
The Ultra is quite similar to the rest of the other Apple Watches, with the digital crown and the side button on the left, and the Action Button on the left. Generally, you can utilise the touchscreen to navigate around the watch, which can be quite a bit tricky when your fingers are wet.
The Epix 2, on the other hand, is quite similar to the rest of the finest Garmin watches, with three buttons on the left, and two buttons on the right. While it has a touchscreen, Garmin automatically disables the touchscreen in many workout modes, and if you wish, you may delete the touchscreen entirely.
Winner: This is a touch to call as beauty is in the eye of the eye of the purchaser. The Apple Watch Ultra this might be because its new and eye-catching technology, but its screen is certainly the best of any smartwatch on the market.
Battery life for Apple Watch Ultra vs. Garmin Epix 2
If you''re planning a multi-day adventure, then you need a watch that will keep you up. The Ultra, like Apple''s new low-power mode, has a battery life of 12 hours, including a 15/16 hour period. This will be extended to 60 hours in a new update, as the setting will have the option to reduce the frequency of GPS and heart rate readings.
Garmin claims that the Epix will last up to six days with the display always on; if you turn on GPS, it will last up to 30 hours, and youll receive nine hours out of the watch. While GPS is accurate, there are methods to prolong the endurance up to 14 days.
The Garmin Epix 2 is a stunning battery life. If you want to get your watch charged every 1-2 days, then go for the Garmin.
Workout and health tracking for Apple Watch Ultra vs. Garmin Epix 2.
Both watches have the ability to extract a lot of data, including your steps, calories, in-depth sleep analysis, VO2 max, heart rate, and body temperature. The main difference is what each watch does with these statistics.
Garmin has spent a lot of time developing self-defense software such as Body Battery and Recovery Time, which can help you improve your posture and productivity. The Apple Watch Ultra will record the lack of sleep, but does not give you any feedback. The Garmin Epix 2 will indicate more recovery time, or a depleted Body Battery, and a bad sleep score will depend on other metrics.
Both watches are capable of tracking a wide variety of workouts. The Apple Watch Ultra has most of the traditional workout modes covered (opens in a new tab), and its higher durability and water resistance of up to 100 meters mean you might use it for water skiing, wind surfing, and even fishing. Both have a multi-band GPS, which allows the watch to connect to more satellites for accurate GPS tracking.
Both are positioned as adventure watches the Apple Watch Ultra has a compass widget, the ability to drop a waypoint, and a backtrack feature, which helps you navigate back to a point, but its limited built-in maps. Maps are also available via a third-party app.
The Garmin Epix 2 has extensive mapping capabilities. You may use the map at any time to identify particular areas, find a path to a certain point, or even look at ski trails or golf courses. There''s no doubt about it, so you might prefer it with the Garmin Epix 2 on your wrist.
Both watches safety features include Garmins crash detection, live track system, and assistance alerts, which may be helpful to friends and family if youre in need of help. However, the Apple Watch Ultra does not have a built-in cellular, so it is important to look beyond your phone.
Winner: Garmin Epix 2 is back in place, but this is a difficult one to call. If you''re looking for a watch to track the odd run or ride, then the Apple Watch Ultra is right for you. However, if you''re going off the grid or doing some serious training, the Garmin Epix 2 is the better sports watch right now. This isnt to say that Apple will not add recovery data or mapping in a later update, but at the time of writing, Garmin is back.
Smartwatch capabilities on Apple Watch Ultra vs Garmin Epix 2
While you do sports, these days are where youd only wear a sports watch. Both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix 2 are designed to be worn 24/7 and feature smartwatch capabilities to make them handy devices to have on your wrist.
The Garmin Epix 2 is down as a smartwatch, thanks to Garmin Pay, the ability to see your phones notifications (you can only respond to text messages if the Epix is connected to an Android phone), the weather, and your calendar, but that''s all about it. Different watch faces, or different apps can be downloaded from the Garmin app store, but these are quite basic.
The Apple Watch Ultra, on the other hand, is similar to having an iPhone on your wrist. The list of applications is pretty broad, and with cellular support, you may also make and receive phone calls on your wrist (the built-in speaker and microphone are excellent).
When it comes to smartwatches, the Apple Watch Ultra is one of the best on the market, so if that''s what you need, this is the obvious choice.
Apple Watch Ultra vs Garmin Epix 2: Verdict
Which smartwatch should you buy? The answer is entirely dependent on what youre hoping to get from the watch. Right now the Garmin Epix 2 offers more activity profiles, better mapping, and more training tools and data feedback, all with a fantastic display. It has a considerably superior battery life to keep up with your training.
Regardless of whether you want a watch for a run or a ride, while calling your Mom, responding to an email, and checking your Whatsapp notifications, the Apple Watch Ultra is the only option. It''s a truly excellent smartwatch, and with a cellular connection, it''s like having an adventure version of your iPhone strapped to your wrist.
This really is a sports watch vs smartwatch debate. That being said, this is only the start for Apple when it comes to entering the sports watch space that Garmin has dominated for so long. All of the shortcomings can easily be tweaked, and who knows what future updates might bring.
Next: If you aren''t the adventure type, it might be worthwhile to save time and invest in the Apple Watch Series 8. Also look at our Apple Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Series 8.