Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 8 - which smartwatch should you buy?

Smartwatches have become indispensable gadgets for fitness enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and convenience hunters on their wrists. Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Fenix 8 are two of the best that have come into the fray, each with unique strengths. So whether you are an iOS enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer, selecting the right smartwatch is all that matters. This review will help you decide which of these advanced devices best suits your needs.

You can also check Apple Watch Ultra vs Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 9 vs Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 to know more information about Apple Watch products.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 8 - price and availability

The Apple Watch Ultra 2, launched in September 2023 alongside the Apple Watch Series 9, is priced at $799. Available in a single 49mm size, it features a titanium case, a sapphire crystal display, and comes in two colors: black or natural titanium. Designed exclusively for iOS users, it offers a simpler and more affordable option.

The Garmin Fenix 8, released in August 2024, is priced between $999 and $1,199. It offers three sizes (43mm, 47mm, 51mm) and two models: an AMOLED version (all sizes) and a solar-powered model (47mm, 51mm). A titanium bezel with a sapphire screen costs an extra $100. Its cross-platform compatibility and customization options make it ideal for Android users.

Comparison:

• Apple Watch Ultra 2: $799, one size, iOS only.
• Garmin Fenix 8: $999–$1,199, more sizes, cross-platform, solar option.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 8 - design and build

Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a rectangle with Apple's Retina OLED screen, bringing a vibrant display and intuitive menus. It has controls in the form of three buttons-one of which is a digital crown and another Action Button for more customization.

Garmin Fenix 8 takes on the classic round form to be more of a classic watch type of look. Equipped with the five-button format signature from Garmin, besides offering this easy navigation is touched-enabled also, it provides flash-light and four intensity bright- and a red-light version.

Both use very strong materials like titanium and sapphire crystal. Both watches are also perfectly fine for swimming and can handle up to 40 meters of water resistance. What the Fenix 8 does, though, is offer three size options. This makes it better for women or for anyone with smaller wrists.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 8 - display quality

The Retina OLED screen of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is brighter and more vivid, a joy to use daily. Apple's watch face designs and interface make the most of the display's capabilities.

The Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED screen is equally impressive, with enhanced color options and engaging widgets. While Apple holds a slight edge in brightness, Garmin’s efforts to improve user experience through a vibrant interface make the Fenix 8 an excellent alternative.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 8 - battery life

Battery life is a critical factor for smartwatch users, and this is where the Garmin Fenix 8 outshines the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Offers a reliable 36 hours in standard mode and up to 35 hours in low-power mode with GPS tracking enabled.

Garmin Fenix 8: It offers up to 13 days of regular use with the always-on display. The largest 51mm model provides up to 49 hours of GPS tracking in AutoSelect mode, while the smallest 43mm model offers 16 hours.

Extended journeys are also covered through an optional solar-charging model added in the Fenix 8 for even more convenience for travelers as they can now spend extended periods without being tied up by chargers.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 8 - sports

In sports tracking, both smartwatches score well but differ a bit by audience.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Best suited for runners and casual athletes, it supports structured workouts, multisport activities, and customizable data fields. The watchOS 11 update introduced a new training load feature that tracks workout intensity over 7- and 28-day periods. However, training analysis is more limited compared to Garmin.

Garmin Fenix 8: This is a serious athlete and adventurer watch that has advanced metrics such as aerobic vs anaerobic focus, recovery time, and VO2 max. Garmin's native training plans provide deeper insights into your fitness progress.

Both watches deliver accurate GPS tracking, but the flexibility of the Fenix 8 in terms of GPS modes allows users to balance accuracy and battery life. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS is reliable, as tested during marathon tests.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 8 - smart features

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is unmatched when it comes to smart features; it connects seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, which, as one might expect, makes for very easy access to applications, notifications, and calls.However, it does not work for Android users.

The Garmin Fenix 8 offers great smart features, such as receiving alerts, storing music, and using Garmin Pay, to prove that it is not at any disadvantage in this regard. Compatibility across Android and iOS makes it more flexible.

Navigation is one area where the two watches shine equally, with Garmin Fenix 8 offering an edge. It allows access to advanced features such as TOPO maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and even ski maps, very useful in exploring the outdoor world.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 has to make do with third-party applications for fine-tuned navigation, whereas this is available natively with Garmin's built-in applications.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 8 - health and fitness features

Health and wellness tracking features come as an essential part of the two watches.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Comes with ECG, skin temperature monitoring, heart rate variability, and overnight recovery.

Garmin Fenix 8: Matches the features above but adds blood oxygen saturation monitoring (only available in some parts of the U.S.).

Added insights on health metrics make Garmin a better choice for someone who wants to be comprehensive in tracking wellness.

Pros and Cons - Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 8

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Pros:

• Very sleek and modern design, Retina OLED display.
• Flawless integration into the Apple ecosystem.
• Accurate GPS tracking and customizable workout features.
• Awesome smart features including notifications, calls, and app integration.
• Rugged design in a titanium case with sapphire crystal.

Cons:

• Battery life is relatively short compared to the competition.
• Only compatible with iOS.
• It is rather pricey, with fewer size options than other brands.
• Less advanced training metrics for professional athletes.

Garmin Fenix 8

Pros:

• Highly advanced training and fitness metrics for serious athletes.
• Cross-platform compatibility with both iOS and Android.
• Built-in flashlight and rugged design for outdoor adventures.

Cons:

• Pricier, starting at $999.
• Less intuitive interface compared to the Apple Watch.
• The AMOLED model tends to burn the battery faster in always-on mode.

Conclusion - which should you buy?

The final decision lies in your hands, based on your priorities.

If you are an iOS user who values smooth integration, a vibrant display, and feature-packed smart capabilities, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the ideal choice. It’s perfect for runners and those who prefer a more user-friendly smartwatch experience. If you're looking for a more affordable model, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers great features at a lower price.

For outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, especially Android users, the Garmin Fenix 8 stands out with its superior battery life, advanced training analysis, and rugged features like a built-in flashlight. Alternatively, if budget is a concern, you can explore the Garmin Approach S60 or S62 for solid performance at a lower cost.

Both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Fenix 8 are excellent options—choose the smartwatch that best matches your needs.