Garmin Fenix 7 vs Apple Watch Ultra: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing the right smartwatch can feel like navigating a wilderness of features and specs. The market is saturated, but two titans consistently rise to the top: the rugged Garmin Fenix 7 and the feature-packed Apple Watch Ultra. Both promise top-tier performance, but they cater to different needs and lifestyles.
This in-depth comparison dives into the heart of the matter, pitting the Garmin Fenix 7 against the Apple Watch Ultra in a head-to-head battle. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, from battery life and activity tracking to display quality and smart features. Get ready to discover which smartwatch reigns supreme for you.
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor adventurer or a tech-savvy urbanite, this guide will help you make an informed decision. We’ll break down the key differences, helping you understand which device best aligns with your priorities and budget. Let’s see how the Garmin Fenix 7 stacks up against the Apple Watch Ultra!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Fenix 7 | Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Transflective MIP | Retina OLED |
| Display Size | 1.2 – 1.4 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Multi-GNSS | Dual-frequency GPS |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 | Optical Heart Sensor |
| Water Resistance | 10 ATM | 100m |
| Offline Music Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Smartwatch Features | Notifications, Connect IQ | Notifications, App Store |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 18 days | Up to 36 hours |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | Up to 57 hours | Up to 60 hours |
| Body Material | Stainless steel/Titanium | Titanium |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular (optional) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
- Garmin Fenix 7: Features a rugged, durable design with a titanium bezel and fiber-reinforced polymer case. Pros include exceptional durability and a comfortable fit for outdoor activities. Cons can include a bulkier feel compared to smartwatches.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Boasts a premium design with a titanium case, sapphire crystal display, and a more streamlined aesthetic. Pros include a sleek look and high-end materials. Cons can be that it may be prone to scratches.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Garmin Fenix 7: Offers outstanding battery life, lasting up to several weeks in smartwatch mode and days with GPS enabled. Pros include long-lasting performance for extended adventures. Cons can include a less vibrant display compared to some competitors.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Provides significantly improved battery life compared to other Apple Watches, but still falls short of the Fenix 7. Offers around 36 hours of normal use, extendable to 60 hours with low power mode. Pros include extended use compared to other Apple Watches. Cons include shorter battery life than the Fenix 7.
- Winner: garmin fenix 7
GPS Accuracy
- Garmin Fenix 7: Utilizes multi-band GPS for highly accurate location tracking, even in challenging environments. Pros include reliable tracking data for outdoor activities. Cons can include slightly longer initial GPS lock times in some cases.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Offers dual-frequency GPS for precise location tracking. Pros include accurate GPS data for workouts. Cons can be that it may be susceptible to occasional dropouts compared to the Fenix 7 in certain areas.
- Winner: garmin fenix 7
Health & Fitness Tracking
- Garmin Fenix 7: Provides a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features, including advanced metrics like VO2 max, training load, and recovery time. Pros include extensive data and insights for serious athletes. Cons can be that the abundance of metrics may be overwhelming for casual users.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Tracks a wide range of fitness activities and health metrics, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and ECG. Pros include user-friendly interface and integration with the Apple ecosystem. Cons can be the advanced training metrics are not as extensive as the Fenix 7.
- Winner: garmin fenix 7
Display
- Garmin Fenix 7: Features a transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, which is easy to read in direct sunlight. Pros include excellent visibility in outdoor conditions. Cons can include a less vibrant appearance indoors compared to OLED displays.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Boasts a bright and vibrant OLED display with excellent clarity. Pros include a visually appealing display with rich colors. Cons can be that it may be less visible in direct sunlight compared to the Fenix 7.
- Winner: apple watch ultra
Smartwatch Features
- Garmin Fenix 7: Offers basic smartwatch features, including notifications, music storage, and Garmin Pay. Pros include a focus on fitness with essential smartwatch functionality. Cons can be a limited app selection compared to Apple Watch.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Provides a full suite of smartwatch features, including app support, cellular connectivity, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Pros include a wide range of apps and a user-friendly experience. Cons can be that the focus is less on extreme outdoor activities.
- Winner: apple watch ultra
Mapping & Navigation
- Garmin Fenix 7: Offers preloaded maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and trackback routing for outdoor adventures. Pros include comprehensive navigation features for hiking, running, and other activities. Cons can be that the map detail may vary depending on the region.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Provides basic mapping and navigation features, primarily through Apple Maps. Pros include ease of use and integration with iPhone. Cons can be that the navigation capabilities are less extensive compared to the Fenix 7.
- Winner: garmin fenix 7
Price
- Garmin Fenix 7: Generally more affordable depending on the specific model. Pros include better value for the features provided. Cons can be that the higher-end models can still be costly.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Comes with a premium price tag. Pros include a high-end product. Cons can be that it’s costly.
- Winner: garmin fenix 7
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Garmin Fenix 7 |
| Smartwatch Features | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Ecosystem | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Durability | Garmin Fenix 7 |
| Fitness Tracking Depth | Garmin Fenix 7 |
| Display | Apple Watch Ultra |
What They Have in Common
- Gps Tracking: Both watches offer advanced GPS capabilities to accurately track your outdoor activities, including running, hiking, and cycling.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both devices continuously monitor your heart rate, providing valuable insights into your workout intensity and overall health.
- Smartphone Notifications: Both the Fenix 7 and Apple Watch Ultra can receive and display notifications from your smartphone, keeping you connected on the go.
- Music Playback: Both smartwatches allow you to store and play music offline, perfect for workouts without your phone.
- Activity Tracking: Both track a variety of activities, including steps, sleep, and workouts, providing a comprehensive view of your daily activity.
- Water Resistance: Both watches are water-resistant, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Garmin Fenix 7 Vs Apple Watch Ultra Buying Guide
Battery Life & Charging
The Garmin Fenix 7 excels in battery life, lasting for weeks in smartwatch mode and even longer in battery saver mode. This is a significant advantage for multi-day adventures where access to a charger is limited. The Apple Watch Ultra, while improved over previous Apple Watches, offers a battery life measured in days, requiring more frequent charging. Consider your usage patterns and the importance of extended battery life when choosing between these two devices. The Fenix 7’s solar charging options further extend its battery life.
The Fenix 7’s solar charging is a game-changer, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. The Ultra, however, charges much faster, which is useful when you have the opportunity.
Durability & Design
Both watches are built for rugged environments, but they approach durability differently. The Fenix 7 boasts a traditional watch design with a focus on rugged materials, including a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal lens on higher-end models. This makes it incredibly resistant to scratches and impacts. The Apple Watch Ultra, while also durable with its titanium case and flat sapphire crystal, has a more modern, rectangular design. The Ultra is designed to be more resistant to elements, but is less resistant to direct impacts.
The Fenix 7 is often preferred for its classic look and the Ultra for its modern aesthetic.
Sports & Fitness Tracking
Both watches offer comprehensive sports and fitness tracking capabilities. The Fenix 7 caters to a wider range of activities with detailed metrics and advanced training features, including preloaded activity profiles and real-time stamina tracking. The Apple Watch Ultra is an excellent choice for general fitness tracking and offers good integration with Apple’s ecosystem, including fitness+, with a focus on ease of use. The Ultra does have some specialized features for diving and water sports.
The Fenix 7 excels in data-driven insights, while the Ultra prioritizes user-friendliness.
Smartwatch Features & Ecosystem
The Apple Watch Ultra shines in smartwatch features, offering seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, including notifications, calls, and app support. It has a user-friendly interface and access to a vast app store. The Garmin Fenix 7 offers smartwatch features, but it’s more focused on fitness and outdoor tracking. Its smart features are less polished and less integrated than the Apple Watch. This is where Apple’s ecosystem integration truly shines.
Consider your reliance on smartphone features when making a decision.
Mapping & Navigation
The Garmin Fenix 7 excels in mapping and navigation, offering detailed topographic maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and breadcrumb trails. This is crucial for outdoor adventures. The Apple Watch Ultra provides navigation capabilities, but its mapping features are less comprehensive than the Fenix 7. The Ultra relies on its integration with iPhone for mapping and navigation. The Fenix 7’s offline maps are another advantage.
If you’re an avid explorer, the Fenix 7’s navigation is a significant advantage.
Price & Value
The Garmin Fenix 7 and Apple Watch Ultra are premium smartwatches, and their prices reflect their advanced features. The Fenix 7’s price varies depending on the model and features, but it often represents a good value for its rugged build, battery life, and comprehensive fitness tracking. The Apple Watch Ultra is a premium device, and its price includes the Apple ecosystem integration and advanced features. Consider your budget and desired features when evaluating value.
Both watches offer significant value in their respective categories.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy garmin fenix 7 If…
- You prioritize exceptionally long battery life for extended outdoor adventures.
- You prefer a rugged, durable design built for challenging environments.
- You’re deeply invested in Garmin’s ecosystem and its extensive sports tracking features.
- You want a watch that prioritizes fitness tracking metrics and data.
Buy apple watch ultra If…
- You want the most advanced smartwatch features and app ecosystem.
- You prefer a brighter, more vibrant display and a more intuitive user interface.
- You value seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- You want cellular connectivity for calls and data without your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the battery life difference?
The Garmin Fenix 7 boasts significantly longer battery life, lasting for weeks in smartwatch mode and even longer in battery saver mode. The Apple Watch Ultra offers a battery life measured in days, typically requiring charging every 1-2 days depending on usage. If you need a device that goes the distance, the Fenix 7 is the better choice. The Fenix 7 also has solar charging to extend life.
Which watch is more durable?
Both watches are designed for durability, but the Fenix 7 often is considered more robust due to its traditional watch design and rugged materials, like a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal lens. The Apple Watch Ultra uses a titanium case and sapphire crystal, but it has a less impact-resistant design. The Ultra is more resistant to the elements.
Which watch has better sports tracking?
The Garmin Fenix 7 offers a wider range of sports tracking capabilities, with detailed metrics and advanced training features, including preloaded activity profiles, real-time stamina tracking, and more. The Apple Watch Ultra is excellent for general fitness tracking and provides good data, but it is less focused on advanced analytics and specialized activities. It’s best if you want basic data.
How do the smart features compare?
The Apple Watch Ultra offers a more seamless smartwatch experience with excellent integration with the Apple ecosystem, including notifications, calls, and app support. The Garmin Fenix 7 offers smart features, but it is less polished and less integrated than the Apple Watch. Consider your reliance on smartphone features.
Which watch has better mapping and navigation?
The Garmin Fenix 7 excels in mapping and navigation, with detailed topographic maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and breadcrumb trails, providing offline mapping. The Apple Watch Ultra provides navigation capabilities, but its mapping features are less comprehensive. The Ultra relies on its integration with iPhone for mapping and navigation.
What are the key differences in design?
The Garmin Fenix 7 has a classic watch design with a focus on rugged materials. The Apple Watch Ultra has a modern, rectangular design with a focus on a more streamlined aesthetic. The Ultra is designed to be more resistant to the elements. The Fenix 7 is often preferred for its classic look and the Ultra for its modern aesthetic.
Which watch is better for everyday use?
The Apple Watch Ultra is generally better for everyday use due to its superior smartwatch features, seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, and user-friendly interface. The Garmin Fenix 7 is excellent for fitness tracking and outdoor activities, but its smart features are less polished. Consider your daily needs and how you use your phone.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Garmin Fenix 7 and the Apple Watch Ultra depends on individual needs. The Fenix 7 excels in battery life, ruggedness, and advanced fitness tracking, particularly for outdoor adventurers. The Apple Watch Ultra is superior for its smartwatch features and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. Both are excellent choices, but for different purposes.
Winner: Garmin Fenix 7