Apple Watch Ultra 2 Compare Garmin Fenix 8: The Battle of the Adventure Watches
Overview
When it comes to premium adventure smartwatches in 2025, two giants take the top spot: the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Garmin Fenix 8. Both smartwatches are made for extreme sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers who expect nothing but the best in durability, functionality, and performance. But which one should get your hard-earned cash? Let’s dig deep into this Apple Watch Ultra 2 compare Garmin Fenix 8 analysis to find out which device is the best.
Company Details & Release Information
| Model 1: Apple Watch Ultra | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Apple |
| Series | Watch Ultra |
| Year | 2023 |
| Available Models | Ultra 2 (49mm) |
| Model 2: Garmin Fenix | |
| Brand | Garmin |
| Series | Fenix |
| Year | 2024 |
| Available Models | Fenix 8 (43mm, 47mm, 51mm) |
Full Specifications Comparison
Note: Prices may change over time and can vary by country. Please check the official website or authorized retailer for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
| Specifications | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Garmin Fenix 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Build & Design 🏗️ | ||
| Case Material | Titanium (Natural or Black) | Stainless steel or Titanium with fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Case Size | 49mm (height) | 43mm, 47mm, or 51mm options |
| Weight | 61.4g (Natural), 61.8g (Black) | 73g (Titanium 47mm), 80g (Stainless Steel 47mm) |
| Water Resistance | 100m (EN13319 certified) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Durability Standards | MIL-STD 810H tested | MIL-STD tested for thermal, shock, and water resistance |
| Buttons | Digital Crown, Side button, Action button | Leakproof inductive buttons |
| Display & Visuals 📺 | ||
| Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO2 OLED | AMOLED |
| Screen Size | 410×502 pixels (1185 sq mm area) | 1.4″ (454×454 pixels) for 47mm model |
| Brightness | Up to 3000 nits | Not specified |
| Glass Protection | Flat sapphire crystal | Corning Gorilla Glass or sapphire crystal |
| Performance & Speed ⚡ | ||
| Processor | S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor | Not specified |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| GPS | L1+L5 Precision dual-frequency GPS | Multi-band GPS with SatIQ Technology |
| Battery & Power 🔋 | ||
| Battery Type | Rechargeable lithium-ion | Rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 36 hours | Up to 16 days (7 days always-on) |
| Battery Life (GPS) | Up to 12 hours | Up to 47 hours (GPS Only) |
| Power Saving Mode | Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode | Up to 81 hours in Max Battery GPS mode |
| Charging | Fast-charge capable (80% in about 1 hour) | Garmin proprietary plug charger |
| Software & Smart Features 🤖 | ||
| Operating System | watchOS 11 | Garmin OS |
| Voice Assistant | Siri with on-device processing | Voice command functionality |
| Phone Calls | Yes, with built-in cellular | Yes, when paired with smartphone |
| App Store | Apple App Store | Connect IQ Store |
| Contactless Payments | Apple Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Music Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Maps | Offline maps with custom route creation | TopoActive maps, outdoor maps+, NextFork navigation |
| Connectivity & Ports 🔌 | ||
| Cellular | Built-in LTE and UMTS | No built-in cellular |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) | Wi-Fi |
| NFC | Yes (for Apple Pay) | Yes (for Garmin Pay) |
| Other Connectivity | Ultra Wideband chip for Precision Finding | ANT+ |
| Price & Availability 💰 | ||
| Starting Price | $799 | $899 (varies by model and materials) |
| Availability | Widely available | Widely available |
Note: Prices may change over time and can vary by country. Please check the official website or authorized retailer for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Overall Rating
★★★★☆ Apple Watch Ultra 2: 4.5/5
★★★★★ Garmin Fenix 8: 4.8/5
Customer Feedback Reviews
| Device | Average Rating | Positive Comments | Negative Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | 4.5/5 | – Exceptional display brightness – Seamless integration with iPhone – Excellent dive functionality – Premium build quality – Fast charging capability |
– Limited battery life compared to Garmin – Higher price point – Limited compatibility with Android – Some users report glitchy GPS in dense forests |
| Garmin Fenix 8 | 4.7/5 | – Extraordinary battery life – Comprehensive fitness tracking metrics – Excellent mapping capabilities – Works with both iOS and Android – Robust outdoor features |
– Bulkier design – Steeper learning curve – Slightly less responsive touchscreen – More expensive than previous models |
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Pros
- Brightest smartwatch display on the market (3000 nits)
- Sleek titanium design with lower weight than Fenix 8
- Excellent app ecosystem and seamless iOS integration
- More intuitive user interface for beginners
- Built-in cellular connectivity without needing a phone
- Dual-frequency GPS for precise tracking
- Customizable Action button for quick workout access
- Sophisticated health monitoring features
Cons
- Battery life significantly shorter than Garmin
- Less robust training metrics for serious athletes
- Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices
- Higher price point for comparable features
- Fewer specialized outdoor features
Garmin Fenix 8
Pros
- Exceptional battery life (up to 16 days in smartwatch mode)
- Superior navigation with NextFork and Up Ahead features
- Available in multiple sizes (43mm, 47mm, 51mm)
- Advanced training metrics with Garmin Coach
- Comprehensive mapping capabilities with TopoActive maps
- Built-in LED flashlight for outdoor use
- Works with both iOS and Android devices
- More specialized outdoor sport profiles
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier design
- More complex interface with steeper learning curve
- No built-in cellular connectivity
- More expensive than Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Less refined app ecosystem
Deep-Dive Comparison: Apple Watch Ultra 2 versus Garmin Fenix 8
Design & Build Quality
In comparing the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to the Garmin Fenix 8, we can notice immediately clear design paradigms. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a clean contemporary look with a 49mm rectangular titanium case in natural or black colors. Its flat sapphire crystal screen is better shielded and clearer with an incredible 3000 nits of brightness—perfect for wearing outdoors in direct sunlight.
Garmin Fenix 8 goes for the more classic design with its round face, which comes in three sizes (43mm, 47mm, and 51mm) to fit varying wrist sizes. Its metal rear cover and optional titanium bezel fiber-reinforced polymer case weigh and harden against one another, but it is still heavier than Ultra 2. Both watches are constructed with premium-quality materials to hold up against rough environments, 100m water resistance, and military-grade ruggedness testing.
Battery Life & Power Management
Here is where the Garmin Fenix 8 really takes charge. While Apple Watch Ultra 2 provides a solid 36 hours in everyday use (72 hours with Low Power Mode), the Fenix 8 offers an incredible 16 days in smartwatch mode (7 days with always-on display). Even with GPS on, the Garmin boasts a maximum of 47 hours of continuous tracking compared to Apple’s 12 hours. For ultra-endurance athletes and multi-day roamers, Fenix 8’s battery life is just unbeatable.
The Apple Watch does, however, incorporate fast charging, where it charges to 80% in around an hour, which somewhat compensates for its limited battery life. Both watches have power-saving modes that extend battery life by restricting certain functions, but Garmin’s power management is more advanced with user-adjustable settings based on activity.
Health & Fitness Monitoring
Both watches excel at monitoring overall health and fitness but approach it differently. Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a more integrated, clean experience with ECG, blood oxygen level tracking, sleep tracking, and temperature tracking. Its Fitness app offers clear-to-read, easy-to-understand metrics and seamless sharing to iOS Health.
Garmin Fenix 8 provides deeper, more comprehensive metrics for serious competitors. Its recovery time, performance condition, and endurance score, along with training load, are extremely detailed for someone training for specific events. Garmin’s Morning Report and Training Readiness metrics give actionable information to optimize training. It also includes Garmin’s ECG app and specialist metrics for trail running, climbing, skiing, and golfing.
GPS & Navigation
Both watches support dual-frequency GPS for precise location monitoring, but Garmin’s navigation is more detailed. The Fenix 8’s NextFork navigation, TopoActive maps, and Up Ahead features give better outdoor orientation. It comes with preloaded golf courses and ski resort maps worldwide.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has good navigation capabilities such as waypoint marking, back tracking, and customized routes, but lacks many of Garmin’s advanced mapping features. Both have offline maps, but Garmin’s system is more suited for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Apple Watch Ultra 2 shines with its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. It features native cellular connectivity, allowing users to receive calls, send messages, and stream music without a phone. The watchOS platform is more mature than Garmin’s Connect IQ, offering more third-party app options.
Garmin Fenix 8 offers connectivity via microphone and speaker for call and voice assistance, but needs to be paired with a smartphone for cellular features. Both support contactless payments, music storage, and notifications, but the Apple Watch provides a more polished smart experience, especially for iPhone users.
Specialized Features
Every watch has features tailored to specific needs. Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes an Action button for quick exercise access, an accurate depth gauge for diving, and safety features like emergency SOS and crash detection.
Garmin Fenix 8 responds with an integrated LED flashlight, tough outdoor navigation features, and specialized functions for skiing, climbing, and golf. Its emphasis on Training Load, Hill Score, and ClimbPro offers detailed insights for athletes aiming to optimize performance.
Final Verdict: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 8 Which is Best
Having compared the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Fenix 8, both are great in their own way. Your choice depends on your needs, ecosystem preference, and primary use.
Select the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if:
- You’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem
- You value smart features and app access
- You need cellular connectivity integrated into the watch
- You prefer a user-friendly interface
- You want the best display for street visibility
- You like a lighter, thinner design
Select the Garmin Fenix 8 if:
- Battery life is most important for extended trips
- You require detailed training data and coaching features
- You need advanced outdoor navigation capabilities
- You prefer a more classic watch look
- You want cross-platform compatibility (iOS and Android)
- You participate in specialized sports like skiing, climbing, or golf
In our comparison, the Garmin Fenix 8 is the better sports and adventure watch because of its battery life, training metrics, and outdoor features. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a more polished smart experience and ecosystem integration, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts who prioritize smart features.
For serious athletes, explorers, and outdoor adventurers, the Garmin Fenix 8 is the top choice. For iPhone users seeking a high-end smartwatch with fitness and occasional adventure features, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains a great option.
Ultimately, the decision boils down to this: Garmin for the serious athlete and explorer, Apple for the gadget-loving fitness enthusiast who values ecosystem and smart features.
Comparison FAQs – Garmin Fenix 8 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2
What is the longer battery life on, the Garmin Fenix 8 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
The Garmin Fenix 8 far surpasses the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in battery life. The Fenix 8 has a maximum of 16 days in smartwatch mode (7 days with always-on display), while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a maximum of 36 hours of regular use. In GPS activity, the Fenix 8 lasts up to 47 hours (37 hours always-on), whereas the Ultra 2 has approximately 17 hours in Low Power Mode. If battery life is your top priority, the Garmin Fenix 8 is the obvious choice.
Which watch has superior display quality?
Both watches have excellent AMOLED displays, but they differ. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a super-bright display with up to 3000 nits maximum brightness, making it highly readable in direct sunlight. The Garmin Fenix 8 has a 1.4″ (35.56mm) diameter screen with a 454 x 454 pixel resolution that is bright and sharp. Both screens are great, but the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is marginally better in peak brightness for intense outdoor use.
Which watch is superior for diving and water sports?
Both watches excel for water sports, but with some variation. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is EN13319 certified for diving and can conduct recreational dives of up to 40 meters using its Oceanic+ app as a dive computer. The Garmin Fenix 8 has a rating of 10 ATM water resistance and supports diving up to 40 meters with specialized modes like single-gas scuba and apnea diving. The Fenix 8 supports advanced features such as PO2 monitoring and safety stop customization. For serious divers, both are adequate, but the Fenix 8 may have slightly more advanced diving features.
Which watch has better GPS accuracy?
Both watches feature multi-band GPS technology for accurate positioning. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 employs L1+L5 Precision dual-frequency GPS with support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou. The Garmin Fenix 8 offers multi-band GPS with SatIQ Technology, which automatically selects the optimal satellite system to conserve battery while maintaining accuracy. In real-world use, both provide great GPS tracking, though Garmin has a slight advantage in challenging conditions like dense woods or urban canyons due to more advanced algorithms.
Can I place and receive phone calls from both watches?
Yes, both support phone calls, but with differences. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has cellular functionality built-in, allowing you to make and receive calls independently even without your phone nearby. The Garmin Fenix 8 has a speaker and microphone and supports Bluetooth phone calls when paired with your smartphone. The main difference is that the Apple Watch can operate independently for calls via its cellular connection, while the Garmin relies on your phone’s Bluetooth connection.
Which watch’s health monitoring capabilities are superior?
Both offer robust health monitoring. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking with sleep stages, cycle tracking with temperature sensing, and sleep apnea alerts. The Garmin Fenix 8 provides ECG, Pulse Ox, in-depth sleep monitoring with training advice, HRV status, and Body Battery energy tracking. Garmin also adds features like training readiness scores and jet lag advisor. Overall, both are excellent, but Garmin offers more detailed recovery and training metrics tailored for hardcore athletes.
Which watch is built tougher for harsh environments?
Both are built for extreme conditions using different methods. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a titanium frame, sapphire crystal screen, and is tested to MIL-STD 810H standards. The Garmin Fenix 8 has Corning Gorilla Glass or sapphire crystal, stainless steel or titanium bezel options, and also meets military standards for heat, shock, and water resistance. It also includes a metal sensor guard cover for extra protection. Both are rugged, but Garmin’s design is traditionally more rugged and outdoor-oriented.
Which watch is more compatible with my smartphone?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 works seamlessly with iPhones (requires iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18+), but not compatible with Android devices. The Garmin Fenix 8 supports both iPhone and Android smartphones. If you’re an iPhone user, the Ultra 2 offers more integrated features like iMessage, FaceTime, and deeper iOS ecosystem integration. Android users will need to choose the Garmin.
Which watch has more sports and activity tracking modes?
The Garmin Fenix 8 has more than 30 pre-installed activity profiles with extensive customization options, covering activities from running, cycling, bouldering, paddleboarding, to backcountry skiing. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports popular activities like running, swimming, cycling, and hiking with advanced metrics, but generally offers fewer specialized sport profiles out of the box. For athletes in specific sports, Garmin typically provides more detailed, sport-specific data.
Which watch has superior navigation capabilities for trail runners and hikers?
The Garmin Fenix 8 leads with TopoActive maps preloaded (on Sapphire models), NextFork navigation, ClimbPro ascent planner, and the ability to add detailed topographic maps. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a solid compass, waypoint marking, backtrack mode, and offline map downloads, but Garmin’s mapping platform is more advanced and detailed, making it the better choice for serious outdoor navigation.
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