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Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin Fenix 8 are two top smartwatches for outdoor adventurers, advanced tracking, rugged durability, and long-lasting performance in extreme environments. Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s latest powerhouse, designed for advanced fitness tracking and connected experiences. The Garmin fēnix 8 builds on Garmin’s reputation for long battery life, advanced fitness tracking and built-in LED flashlight. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Apple Watch Ultra has the S8 Chip for faster performance and better battery efficiency, and responsive animations.
- Garmin fēnix 8 uses a proprietary low-power processor, which is optimized for battery life but not app speed.
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Dual Frequency GPS:- Apple Watch Ultra supports precision dual-frequency GPS (L1+ L5) with better location accuracy for mountain hikes and dense city streets.
- Garmin Fenix 8 includes multi-band GNSS with GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO for adaptive accuracy.
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Display Size:- Apple Watch Ultra features a larger 1.92-inch display with a flat edge design to provide more space for complications, text, and animations.
- Garmin Fenix 8 has smaller 1.4-inch AMOLED screen.
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Display Brightness:- Apple Watch Ultra 2 provides up to 3000 nits brightness to ensure better visibility in bright environments.
- Garmin Fenix 8 reaches only 1500 nits brightness.
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Dual Speaker System:- Apple Watch Ultra includes a dual speaker setup for louder, clearer audio sound output for improving call quality and Siri interactions or alerts.
- Garmin Fenix 8 has no dedicated speaker for calls.
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Battery Life:- Apple Watch Ultra delivers up to 36 hours of battery life and 60 hours in Low Power Mode for extended usage.
- Garmin Fenix 8 can run up to 32 days in smartwatch mode and 58 hours in GPS mode.
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Microphone:- Apple Watch Ultra has a dual-microphone array with wind noise reduction for clearer voice calls in outdoor environments.
- Garmin Fenix 8 has basic microphone setup.
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Emergency Siren:- Apple Watch Ultra has an 86dB emergency siren for alerting others in case of distress.
- Garmin Fenix 8 does not include an audible siren.
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LTE Connectivity:- Apple Watch Ultra supports GPS + Cellular by default for standalone use.
- Garmin Fenix 8 does not include LTE.
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Charging Speed:- Apple Watch Ultra features fast charging that powers the battery up to 80% in about 45 minutes for quick top-ups.
- Garmin fēnix 8 uses a proprietary charging cable and charges more slowly due to its larger battery.
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Operating System & App Support:- Apple Watch Ultra supports watchOS that allows access to a full app ecosystem and tight integration with iPhone features.
- Garmin fēnix 8 runs Garmin OS with more limited app availability through Connect IQ.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra | Garmin Fenix 8 |
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| Display | 1.92-inch Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | 1.4-inch AMOLED |
| Resolution | 410 x 502 pixels | 454 x 454 pixels |
| Display Brightness | Up to 3000 nits | Up to 1500 nits |
| Case Material | Titanium | Titanium with Sapphire Lens |
| Processor | Apple S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core | Garmin Custom Multi-Band GNSS Processor |
| RAM | 1GB | Not officially disclosed |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hrs (up to 60 hrs Low Power Mode) | Up to 31 days (11 days always-on, 58 hrs GPS) |
| Water Resistance | 100m, EN13319 dive-rated | 100m, Dive-rated |
| GPS | Dual-frequency (L1 + L5) | Dual-frequency (L1 + L5) + SatIQ |
| LTE Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Action Button | Yes | Yes (customizable hotkeys) |
| Emergency Siren | Yes (86dB siren) | No |
| Built-in Flashlight | No | Yes (multi-mode LED flashlight) |
| Operating System | watchOS | Garmin OS |
| App Ecosystem | Large via App Store | Limited to Garmin Connect IQ |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Ultra if you:- Want full LTE support for calls, texts, and streaming without your phone.
- Prefer a high-brightness OLED display with responsive touch navigation.
- Use iPhone and want deep integration with Siri, iMessage, and Apple Fitness+.
- Need smart safety features like a loud emergency siren and crash detection.
- Want a smartwatch that doubles as a communication and productivity device.
Check Apple Watch Ultra Best Price Buy the Garmin Fenix 8 if you:- Prioritize multi-week battery life and endurance-level GPS tracking.
- Need advanced sports modes, training metrics, and recovery analytics.
- Prefer a rugged, traditional round watch with a sapphire screen and LED flashlight.
- Spend extended time in remote areas where phone service is unavailable.
- Want superior outdoor mapping, altitude, barometric, and dive tracking features.
Check Garmin Fenix 8 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Display Size | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Display Brightness | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Dual Speaker System | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Battery Life | Garmin fēnix 8 |
| Microphone | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Emergency Siren | Apple Watch Ultra |
| LTE Connectivity | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Operating System & Apps | Apple Watch Ultra |
What They Have in Common
- Rugged Build Quality: Both watches feature durable, adventure-ready designs with premium materials like titanium and sapphire, making them ideal for extreme environments.
- Advanced GPS: Both models offer multi-band GPS for highly accurate location tracking, which is crucial for hikers, runners, and outdoor explorers.
- Comprehensive Health Tracking: Each watch supports heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and advanced fitness metrics to help users stay on top of their wellness goals.
- Water Resistance: Both devices are rated for deep water use (Apple Watch Ultra to 100m, Fenix 8 to 100m), ensuring they can handle swimming, diving, and rough conditions.
- Long Battery Life Modes: Each watch includes power management features or modes designed to extend battery life during multi-day adventures or ultra-endurance events.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is the Apple Watch Ultra compatible with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Ultra requires an iPhone for setup and daily use. It cannot be paired or fully used with Android devices.
Can the Garmin fēnix 8 make phone calls?
The Garmin fēnix 8 does not have built-in LTE or cellular connectivity, so it cannot make calls on its own. However, it can show call notifications when paired with a smartphone.
How accurate is the GPS on both watches?
Both the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin fēnix 8 support dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5), which improves location accuracy in challenging environments like cities or mountains. The Garmin model may edge ahead in GPS endurance and mapping tools, especially for trail use.
Can I use the Apple Watch Ultra for scuba diving?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra is EN13319 certified for diving and includes a Depth app, making it suitable for recreational dives up to 40 meters.
Does the Garmin fēnix 8 support downloadable maps and navigation?
Yes, the Garmin fēnix 8 supports offline topo maps, ski maps, and turn-by-turn navigation, which is ideal for outdoor adventures in remote locations.
Which smartwatch has better battery life?
The Garmin fēnix 8 significantly outperforms the Apple Watch Ultra in battery life, lasting up to 31 days in smartwatch mode compared to Apple’s 36 hours on a full charge.
Can you stream music directly from the Apple Watch Ultra?
Yes, with LTE enabled, you can stream Apple Music directly from the Apple Watch Ultra without needing your iPhone nearby.
Does the Garmin fēnix 8 support third-party apps?
The Garmin fēnix 8 supports apps through Garmin Connect IQ, but the selection is smaller and more fitness-focused compared to the Apple Watch’s App Store.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra suitable for rugged environments?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra has a durable titanium case, sapphire front crystal, and MIL-STD-810H certification, making it suitable for hiking, climbing, and extreme sports.
Does the Garmin fēnix 8 work with iPhones and Android phones?
Yes, the Garmin fēnix 8 is compatible with both iPhones and Android phones, giving it broader device support compared to the Apple Watch Ultra.