Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 8 – Which Should You Buy?
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Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Fenix 8 are two top smartwatches for outdoor adventurers, advanced tracking, rugged durability, and long-lasting performance in extreme environments. The Ultra 2 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
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Processor:
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Dual Frequency GPS:
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Display Size:
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Display Brightness:
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Dual Speaker System:
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Internal Storage:
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Battery Life:
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Microphone:
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Water Resistance:
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Emergency Siren:
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LTE Connectivity:
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Fitness Features:
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Higher Resolution:
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Garmin Fenix 8 |
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| Display | 1.92″ Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | 1.4″ AMOLED Always-On |
| Display Resolution | 502 x 410 | 454 x 454 |
| Display Brightness | Up to 3000 nits | Up to 1500 nits |
| Case Material | Aerospace-grade titanium | Titanium with sapphire lens |
| Band | Black Ocean Band | Spark Orange/Graphite silicone |
| GPS | Dual-frequency (L1 + L5) precision GPS | Dual-band GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, multi-band |
| Water Resistance | WR100 + EN13319 certified (Dive-rated) | 10 ATM + Dive-rated (EN13319) |
| Microphone + Speaker | Dual speaker and 3-mic array | Microphone only |
| Action Button | Yes, customizable | Yes |
| Flashlight | No | Built-in LED flashlight |
| LTE | Yes, via eSIM | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hrs (normal), 72 hrs (low power mode) | Up to 32 days (smartwatch mode), 58 hrs (GPS) |
| Operating System | watchOS 10 | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Internal Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Health Sensors | ECG, SpO2, Temp, HRV, skin temp | SpO2, HRV, Body Battery, skin temp estimate |
| Dive Features | Depth app, Oceanic+ app support | Dive logs, depth gauge, multiple dive modes |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if you:
Check Apple Watch Ultra 2 Best Price Buy the Garmin Fenix 8 if you:
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Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Display Size | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Higher Resolution | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Display Brightness | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Dual Speaker System | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Internal Storage | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Microphone | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Emergency Siren | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| LTE Connectivity | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Health Sensors | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 compatible with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is only compatible with iPhones. It requires an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 17 or newer to set up and use all features, including LTE and health tracking.
Does the Garmin fēnix 8 support LTE or cellular connectivity?
No, the Garmin fēnix 8 does not support LTE or any form of cellular connectivity. It relies on a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone for smart notifications, syncing, and app updates.
Which watch has better battery life for outdoor adventures?
The Garmin fēnix 8 has significantly better battery life, lasting up to 32 days in smartwatch mode and up to 58 hours in GPS tracking. In comparison, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 lasts up to 36 hours under normal use and 72 hours in low-power settings.
Can both watches be used for scuba or free diving?
Yes, both watches are dive-rated and suitable for recreational underwater use. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is EN13319 certified and supports the Oceanic+ app for diving. The Garmin fēnix 8 also meets dive standards and includes built-in dive logging features.
Which watch is better for tracking health metrics like ECG and body temperature?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is better for advanced health tracking. It includes ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, temperature sensing, and HRV tracking. The Garmin fēnix 8 tracks SpO2, HRV, and stress but does not include ECG or dedicated skin temperature sensors.
Does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 have a built-in flashlight?
No, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not have a physical flashlight. It simulates one using the screen’s full brightness, which is useful in a pinch but not as powerful or focused as the built-in LED flashlight on the Garmin fēnix 8.
Can you make calls and send messages directly from both watches?
Only the Apple Watch Ultra 2 allows you to make calls and send messages directly when connected to LTE or Wi-Fi. The Garmin fēnix 8 can display notifications from a paired phone but does not support calling or texting on its own.
Are both watches suitable for extreme outdoor environments?
Yes, both are built with rugged materials and are highly durable. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 uses aerospace-grade titanium and sapphire glass, while the Garmin fēnix 8 has a titanium bezel and a sapphire lens. Both are suited for hiking, climbing, diving, and more.
Which device is better for map navigation and offline use?
The Garmin fēnix 8 is better for offline navigation thanks to its built-in topographic maps, multi-band GPS, and support for route planning without a phone. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports maps but relies more heavily on connectivity.
How much storage does each watch have, and what can you store?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has 64GB of storage for apps, maps, music, and podcasts. The Garmin fēnix 8 includes 32GB for storing maps, activity data, and music files. Both provide enough space for most users, but Apple gives more room for multimedia.