Everyone knows that if you want a great sports smartwatch then Garmin is the brand to turn to – well that was until Apple decided to launch the Apple Watch Ultra, a device that packs a lot of great features into your wrist and is designed to help you get the best results from all your activity. To work out whether this new Apple device really has what it takes, we compared it to the Garmin Epix and have shared our findings to help you make the right decision for your needs – take a look now!
Who Has the Best Design – Garmin Epix or Apple Watch Ultra?
The new Apple Watch Ultra is larger than we are used to but the design is as sleek and attractive as we would expect from an Apple device. It comes with a large screen and a side button on the left as well as a large control panel on the right.
The left button is is called the Action button and can be programmed to open any apps that you want with just one press. The right hand side is home to the crown and the power button, helping you to navigate your watch as you’d expect. The watch is 49mm with a 2inch screen and there are a wide range of straps to choose from.
The Garmin Epix is 47mm in size, has five navigational buttons and looks very similar to the Fenix 7 in terms of the overall design. The watch is rugged in appearance and is made from durable materials so that you can enjoy all your most loved activities without worrying about breaking or damaging it.
The Epix is just 76g, giving it a lightweight feel on the wrist and there are a number of wrist straps to choose from when you want to change your look. It’s also important to mention that the AMOLED display is clear and bright, making it easy to read and a joy to use.
Which Has the Best Features – Garmin or Apple Watch ?
Both the Garmin Epix and Apple Watch Ultra market themselves as being the best choice for fitness fans and both offer lots of great features to support their users. The Apple Watch Pro comes with automatic diving detection, Apple Fitness+, a wide range of sports to track, step counter and a number of different health trackers to help you get the best results from each workout.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to offer a robust running tracker, meaning that those who choose Garmin for its advanced running metrics are unlikely to swap to the new Apple device for the time being.
If you are considering the Garmin Epix then the fitness features will be the most important consideration! The good news is that it is packed with a massive range of activities that you can track as well as offering great health features to keep you in the best possible shape. The Garmin Epix excels in tracking for running, cycling and swimming as well as offering robust coverage for triathlon too. As a running watch specialist, you can look forward to a number of metrics and features that will help you get the best from every outing, keeping you on your toes at all times.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Garmin Epix also offers a recovery feature that will help you to understand your ‘body battery’ when planning your next fitness session.
Which of the two’s Battery Lasts Longer?
Apple fans have been lobbying the tech giant for years in a bid to get the Apple Watch battery improved and it seems they have finally listened. The Apple Watch Ultra has double the battery life we are used to, from 18 hours to 36. This is great when you want to use the watch to track sleep as well as activity but still disappointing if you were hoping for a longer battery life to get you through the week.
Garmin always work hard to offer the best battery life on all of their devices and this is true for the Epix too. A full charge will last just over two weeks in smartwatch mode, just under a week in always on mode and just over 40 hours in GPS mode, making it a great choice when you don’t want to have to worry about plugging in every day.
Which is Priced Best – Garmin Epix or Apple Watch Ultra?
Budget is often the deciding factor when you are struggling to pick between two different smartwatches! The new Apple Watch Ultra weighs in at a $799 starting price point which may seem affordable when you want to get the best option for your needs, especially when the Garmin Epix will set you back anywhere from $999 to $1200. However, if you want the best results from your fitness activity such as running, you may want to think about paying more and going for the Garmin over the Apple.
The Verdict – Garmin Epix or Apple Watch Ultra?
When it comes to choosing the best watch for your needs, both the Garmin Epix and Apple Watch Ultra have a lot to offer! The Garmin Epix is Garmin’s most advanced watches, offering exceptional sports tracking within a case that is rugged and appealing to any serious fitness fan. It’s great display, advanced fitness tracking and excellent GPS makes it a choice that won’t disappoint.
The Apple Watch Ultra is a game changer for many people as it offers a longer battery than other Apple models, has a stunning display and is an excellent diving partner. However, if you are looking for a device that can replace your Garmin sports support then this may not be the right choice. There’s no denying the great features, but the price and weight may be deal breakers when you need something that is solely for fitness use.
Last Updated on October 15, 2022
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