The Garmin Fenix 8 and Apple Watch Ultra are both premium smartwatches designed for different types of users. Here's a comparison of their key features and performance:
Display
- Fenix 8 offers larger size options (43mm, 47mm, 51mm) with a vibrant AMOLED display[1]- Watch Ultra has a 49mm case size with a high-resolution always-on LTPO OLED display[2]
Battery Life
- Fenix 8 provides up to 29 days in smartwatch mode (48 days for solar models), far exceeding the Watch Ultra's 36 hours[1][2]- The Fenix 8's extended battery life and solar charging give it an advantage for outdoor use[2]
Design and Durability
- Fenix 8 has a rugged design tested to military standards, ideal for extreme sports[1][2]- Watch Ultra combines durability with a sleek titanium case, suitable for everyday wear and adventures[2]
Fitness and Navigation
- Fenix 8 offers advanced training metrics, topographical maps, and seamless integration with cycling products[4]- Watch Ultra relies more on third-party apps for similar functionalities[4]
- Fenix 8 has a built-in LED flashlight and supports offline maps, while the Watch Ultra requires a cellular connection for navigation[3]
Smartwatch Features
- Watch Ultra excels in everyday use with its seamless iPhone integration, extensive app ecosystem, and user-friendly interface[4]- Fenix 8 provides a range of fitness and wellness features out of the box[4]
Diving Features
- Watch Ultra is designed for recreational diving with its dive computer functionality[4]- Fenix 8 lacks specific dive watch capabilities[4]
In summary, the Garmin Fenix 8 is a specialized outdoor watch with unparalleled battery life, rugged design, and advanced fitness and navigation features. The Apple Watch Ultra offers a more refined smartwatch experience with seamless iPhone integration and an extensive app ecosystem. The choice depends on whether you prioritize outdoor performance or everyday convenience.
Citations:[1] https://the5krunner.com/2024/08/27/garmin-fenix-8-first-thoughts-a-price-grab/
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYU6TTRNFk0
[3] https://www.zdnet.com/article/this-garmin-does-things-the-apple-watch-ultra-cant/
[4] https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/electronics/apple-watch-ultra-vs-garmin-epix-2
[5] https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/garmin-fenix-8-revealed-alongside-the-garmin-enduro-3
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/comments/1f4yzdf/bye_bye_apple_watch_ultra/
[7] https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/tech/a46645527/apple-watch-vs-garmin/
[8] https://www.garmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/outdoor/garmin-adds-amoled-displays-to-fenix-8-series-its-most-capable-lineup-of-premium-multisport-gps-smartwatches-with-something-for-everyone/