Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 & Garmin fēnix 7 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Ultra 2 rather than the Garmin fēnix 7.

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Ultra 2?

  • The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has optional LTE cellular connectivity for making calls, sending messages, and accessing data without a phone nearby, while the Garmin fēnix 7 has no cellular connectivity.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes a built-in speaker and microphone to enable direct phone calls, voice dictation, and Siri interactions from the wrist, whereas the Garmin fēnix 7 has no speaker or microphone.
  • It features a 1.92-inch LTPO OLED display for significantly higher contrast, richer colors, and better text clarity, while the Garmin fēnix 7 using a lower-resolution transflective MIP display.
  • The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has up to 3000 nits peak brightness for superior visibility in direct sunlight and harsh outdoor conditions, while the Garmin fēnix 7 relies on passive sunlight reflectivity instead of high brightness output.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports ECG functionality for on-demand heart rhythm checks and atrial fibrillation detection, whereas the Garmin fēnix 7 does not include ECG capability.
  • It comes with skin temperature sensing to provide overnight body temperature variation insights for wellness and cycle tracking, while the Garmin fēnix 7 does not include a skin temperature sensor.
  • The Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes an Ultra Wideband chip for precise iPhone location finding and enhanced spatial interactions, whereas the Garmin fēnix 7 does not support Ultra Wideband technology.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a dedicated depth gauge and water temperature sensor for recreational diving and advanced water activity tracking, while the Garmin fēnix 7 lacks depth and water temperature sensing hardware.

Maybe the Garmin fēnix 7 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureApple Watch Ultra 2Garmin fēnix 7
Display resolution410 × 502260 × 260
Peak brightness3000 nitsNot specified
Input controlsTouch + Digital Crown + side button + Action buttonTouch + 5 buttons
Storage64 GB16 GB/ 32 GB
Speaker / microphoneYes / YesNo / No
CellularOptional LTENo
Operating systemwatchOSGarmin OS
Case size49 mm47 mm
Case dimensions49 × 44 × 14.4 mm47 × 47 × 14.5 mm
Case materialTitaniumFiber-reinforced polymer + metal bezel
Front glassSapphire crystalGorilla Glass DX/ Sapphire
Display typeLTPO OLEDTransflective MIP
Display size1.92 in1.3 in
Ultra WidebandYesNo
GNSS bandsDual-frequencySingle-band/ Dual-frequency
Water rating100 m10 ATM
Depth sensorYesNo
Water temperature sensorYesNo
ECGYesNo
Skin temperature sensorYesNo
FlashlightScreen-basedNo
ChargingMagnetic chargerGarmin proprietary cable
PriceCheck Apple Ultra 2 PriceCheck Garmin fēnix 7 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • GPS: Both watches include built-in GPS, allowing activities such as running, cycling, and hiking to be tracked accurately without needing a phone. This ensures reliable distance, pace, and route data during outdoor workouts.
  • Multi-GNSS support: Each model can connect to multiple satellite systems, improving location accuracy in challenging environments like cities, forests, or mountains. This matters for consistent tracking during demanding outdoor activities.
  • Heart rate monitoring: Both devices use optical heart rate sensors to track heart rate continuously. This supports fitness tracking, workout intensity analysis, and overall health monitoring.
  • Blood oxygen tracking: Each watch supports blood oxygen measurements, providing insight into oxygen saturation levels. This can be useful for altitude awareness, sleep tracking, and general wellness trends.
  • Accelerometer: Both watches include an accelerometer to detect movement and intensity. This sensor is essential for step counting, activity recognition, and calorie estimation.
  • Gyroscope: The gyroscope in both models helps detect orientation and motion changes. This improves activity tracking accuracy and supports navigation and fitness metrics.
  • Barometric altimeter: Each watch has a barometric altimeter for elevation tracking. This is important for hiking, climbing, and accurately measuring ascent and descent.
  • Compass: Both watches feature an electronic compass. This aids navigation and orientation when following routes or exploring unfamiliar terrain.
  • Outdoor activity tracking: Each device supports a wide range of outdoor sports and activities. This allows users to track performance across multiple disciplines using a single watch.
  • Swimming support: Both watches are designed for swimming workouts. They can track swim sessions, strokes, and duration reliably in the water.
  • Open-water swim tracking: Each model supports open-water swim tracking using GPS. This is important for triathletes and outdoor swimmers who train in lakes or oceans.
  • Route navigation: Both watches allow users to follow routes directly on the watch. This helps athletes and hikers stay on course without needing a phone in hand.
  • On-device maps: Each watch includes map support on the device itself. This enables navigation and location awareness even when offline.
  • Music storage/playback: Both models allow music to be stored and played directly from the watch. This lets users train without carrying a phone while still listening to audio.
  • Smartphone notifications: Each watch mirrors notifications from a connected smartphone. This keeps users informed of calls, messages, and alerts during workouts or daily use.
  • Contactless payments: Both watches support tap-to-pay functionality. This allows quick and convenient payments without carrying a wallet or phone.
  • Sapphire crystal option: Both watches use sapphire crystal for enhanced scratch resistance. This improves durability for outdoor and rugged use.
  • Water resistance (10 ATM class): Each watch is rated for high water resistance suitable for swimming and water sports. This ensures durability in wet and challenging conditions.
  • Customizable watch faces: Both devices support customizable watch faces. This allows users to tailor the display to show preferred data and style.
  • Workout history sync: Each watch syncs workout history to its companion app. This enables long-term performance tracking, analysis, and progress review over time.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch Ultra 2Garmin fēnix 7
GPSYesYes
Multi-GNSS supportYesYes
Heart rate monitoringYesYes
Blood oxygen trackingYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
Barometric altimeterYesYes
CompassYesYes
Outdoor activity trackingYesYes
Swimming supportYesYes
Open-water swim trackingYesYes
Route navigationYesYes
On-device mapsYesYes
Music storage/playbackYesYes
Smartphone notificationsYesYes
Contactless paymentsYesYes
Sapphire crystal optionYesYes
Water resistance (10 ATM class)YesYes
Customizable watch facesYesYes
Workout history syncYesYes
Price Check Apple Ultra 2 Price
Check Garmin fēnix 7 Price

FAQ

Are Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin fēnix 7 compatible with the same smartphones?
Apple Watch Ultra 2 works exclusively with iPhones, requiring the Apple ecosystem for setup and daily use. Garmin fēnix 7 is compatible with both iPhone and Android phones, offering broader cross-platform support.

Do both watches have built-in GPS for outdoor activities?
Yes, both Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin fēnix 7 include built-in GPS, allowing users to track distance, pace, and routes without carrying a phone during outdoor activities.

Can both watches be used for swimming and water sports?
Both models are designed for swimming and water-based activities with strong water resistance ratings. They support pool swimming and open-water swim tracking.

Do Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin fēnix 7 support heart rate monitoring?
Yes, both watches feature optical heart rate sensors that continuously track heart rate during workouts and throughout the day.

Is blood oxygen tracking available on both devices?
Yes, both watches can measure blood oxygen levels, providing additional insight into wellness, sleep, and altitude-related changes.

Do both watches offer on-device maps and navigation?
Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin fēnix 7 both support on-device maps and route navigation, allowing users to follow courses directly from the watch display.

Are these watches suitable for hiking and outdoor navigation?
Yes, both watches are well-suited for hiking, featuring GPS, compass, barometric altimeter, and route navigation tools that support outdoor exploration.

Can music be stored and played directly from both watches?
Both models allow music storage and playback directly from the watch, enabling phone-free workouts when paired with Bluetooth headphones.

Do both watches support contactless payments?
Yes, Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports Apple Pay and Garmin fēnix 7 supports Garmin Pay, allowing users to make contactless payments from their wrist.

Are smartwatch notifications supported on both devices?
Both watches mirror notifications from a connected smartphone, including calls, messages, and app alerts, keeping users informed on the go.

Do Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin fēnix 7 track sleep?
Yes, both devices include sleep tracking features that monitor sleep duration and patterns to help users understand their recovery and rest quality.

Are these watches built with durable materials for rugged use?
Both watches are designed for durability, using rugged cases and scratch-resistant glass suitable for outdoor and active lifestyles.

Do both watches support multiple satellite systems for GPS accuracy?
Yes, each watch supports multi-GNSS systems, improving positioning accuracy in challenging environments such as forests or urban areas.

Can workouts and activity history be synced to companion apps?
Both watches sync workout data and activity history to their respective mobile apps, enabling long-term tracking, analysis, and progress review.

Are Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin fēnix 7 suitable for everyday wear as well as sports?
Yes, both watches are designed to be worn daily while also supporting a wide range of fitness and outdoor activities, combining everyday smartwatch use with advanced fitness tracking.