Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Forerunner 265 – Which Should You Buy?
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Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Forerunner 265 are two top smartwatches for outdoor adventurers, advanced tracking, rugged durability, and long-lasting performance in extreme environments. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is newer and more advanced, featuring a rugged titanium build, precision dual-frequency GPS, and longer battery life. On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 265 focuses on runners with detailed training insights and a lightweight design. 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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Action Button:
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Higher Resolution:
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Garmin Forerunner 265 |
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| Display Type | Always-on Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Display Size | 1.92 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Display Resolution | 502 x 410 pixels | 416 x 416 pixels |
| Max Brightness | 3000 nits | 1000 nits |
| Material | Titanium case | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Band | Ocean Band (fluoroelastomer) | Silicone |
| Water Resistance | WR100 + EN13319 (diving up to 40m) | 5 ATM (up to 50 meters) |
| Durability Standard | MIL-STD-810H, IP6X dust resistance | Not MIL-SPEC certified |
| GPS | Dual-frequency (L1 + L5) | Multi-band GPS |
| Action Button | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours (72 hours in Low Power) | Up to 13 days (20 hours GPS mode) |
| LTE Connectivity | Yes (GPS + Cellular) | No (Bluetooth only) |
| Storage | 64GB | NA (activity-only storage) |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | No assistant |
| Speaker & Mic | Dual speakers and three-mic array | No speaker or mic |
| Emergency Siren | Yes (86dB) | No |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if you:
Check Apple Watch Ultra 2 Best Price Buy the Garmin Forerunner 265 if you:
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Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
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| Processor | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Dual Frequency GPS | Tie |
| 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 |
| Battery Life | Garmin Forerunner 265 |
| Action Button | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Microphone | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Water Resistance | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Emergency Siren | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| LTE Connectivity | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Rugged Titanium Case | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Voice Assistant | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Music & Apps | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 support cellular connectivity without an iPhone nearby?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports GPS + Cellular, allowing you to make calls, send messages, stream music, and access Siri without having your iPhone nearby, as long as it’s connected to a supported carrier plan.
Can the Garmin Forerunner 265 be used for swimming or showering?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 265 has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, which means it is safe for swimming and showering, but it is not suitable for diving or high-pressure water activities.
How long does the battery last on the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 delivers up to 36 hours of battery life in normal usage and can extend up to 72 hours using Low Power Mode, which is ideal for multi-day outdoor activities.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 265 have dual-frequency GPS for better accuracy?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 265 includes multi-band GPS technology, which improves location accuracy in challenging environments like urban areas and wooded trails.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 suitable for scuba diving or deep-sea activities?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is dive-rated to 40 meters and certified to EN13319 standards, making it suitable for recreational scuba diving with compatible apps.
Can I store and play music directly from the Garmin Forerunner 265?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 265 allows you to download and play music directly from the watch when connected to services like Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music, although general storage is limited compared to Apple.
Does the Apple Watch Ultra 2 work with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is only compatible with iPhones and requires iOS for initial setup and full functionality, including syncing and app support.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 265 support third-party apps?
The Garmin Forerunner 265 supports a limited selection of third-party apps available through Garmin Connect IQ, but it does not support an app ecosystem as extensive as Apple’s App Store.
Can I make phone calls using the Garmin Forerunner 265?
No, the Garmin Forerunner 265 does not support cellular connectivity or have a built-in microphone or speaker, so it cannot make or receive phone calls.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 too large or heavy for small wrists?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is larger and heavier than typical Apple Watch models due to its rugged titanium case and larger battery, which may feel bulky on smaller wrists. However, its ergonomic design helps distribute the weight evenly for comfort during wear.