Apple Watch Ultra 2 launched in September. The next-generation smartwatch is powered by the new S9 SiP chip which is 20% faster than the S8 chip in the Apple Watch Series 8. As it is designed for extreme sports enthusiasts, Ultra 2 features a more durable design, the brightest display, longer battery life, advanced features for health and fitness tracking, recreational diving, and more.
However, Apple’s Ultra 2 is not the only premium smartwatch for extreme sports in the market, Garmin Epix Pro 2 is its competitor.
Released on May 31, 2023, Epix Pro Gen 2 is the latest high-end multisport smartwatch from Garmin. It also features a bright AMOLED display, a long battery life, and a wide range of advanced features for fitness tracking, navigation, and outdoor activities.
If are looking to buy a smartwatch suitable for outdoor activities, and want to which one to buy, here is a comprehensive comparison of both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Epix Pro 2 to see which one is worth it.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Garmin Epix Pro 2: Specs comparison
| Specs | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 |
| Processor | S9 SiP | MediaTek MT2101 |
| Finish | Titanium casing and three band options | Fiber-reinforced polymer case material with titanium bezel and rear cover |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Dimensions | 49 x 44 x 14.4mm | 51 x 51 x 15.0mm |
| Weight | 61.3 grams | 88 grams |
| Display | 1.92-inch AMOLED, 3000 nits brightness | 1.4-inch transflective MIP, 1000 nits brightness |
| Display resolution | 410 x 390 pixels | 300 x 300 pixels |
| Connectivity | LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+, multi-band and dual-frequency GNSS | WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+, multi-band and dual-frequency GNSS |
| Controls | Action Button Digital Crown Side button | Digital Crown Side button |
| Water resistance | 100 meters Swimproof Recreational dive up to 40m | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
| Features | Blood Oxygen app Temperature sensing Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates Sleep stages ECG app Fall Detection Crash Detection Noise monitoring Backtrack Compass with Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view | Heart rate monitoring Sleep tracking GPS tracking VO2 max tracking Training load analysis Recovery time estimation |
| Sensors | Optical HR, barometer, compass, altimeter, Pulse Ox, skin temperature, water temperature, depth gauge | Optical HR, barometer, compass, altimeter, Pulse Ox |
| Battery life | Up to 36 hours Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode | Up to 31 days as a smartwatch 82 hours with GPS tracking |
| Price | $799 | $899 |
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2: Which one to buy?
When deciding between Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Epix Pro 2, you must consider the following factors:
Display
- Peak brightness: Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a brighter and more colorful OLED display than the Garmin Epix Pro 2 which has a transflective MIP display.
- Screen size: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a larger screen (1.92 inches) than the Garmin Epix Pro 2 (1.4 inches). This means that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be easier to read and interact with, but it will also be larger and heavier on your wrist.
- Resolution: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a higher resolution (410 x 390 pixels) than the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 (300 x 300 pixels). This means that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will have sharper text and images on its display.
- Always-on display: Both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 have always-on display options. This means that you can see the time and other information on the watch face even when the watch is not in use.
Battery life
The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 has a much longer battery life than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It can last up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a battery life of up to 36 hours in smartwatch mode and up to 18 hours in GPS mode.
Fitness tracking
Both watches offer a wide range of fitness tracking features, but the Garmin Epix Pro 2 offers more advanced fitness metrics and training features, such as multi-band GPS and running power. However, Ultra 2 supports recreational diving up to 40 meters and other water sports.
Smartwatch features
Both watches offer a variety of smartwatch features, such as notifications, music playback, and contactless payments. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is better integrated with the iOS ecosystem and offers more third-party apps.
Price
The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 is more expensive than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 starts at $899, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 costs $799.
Buy an Apple Watch Ultra 2 if…
You should buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if:
- You want a smartwatch with a bright and colorful display
- You want a smartwatch with a wide range of smartwatch features, such as notifications, music playback, and contactless payments
- You want a smartwatch that is well-integrated with the iOS ecosystem
- You are willing to pay a premium for a high-end smartwatch
Buy the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 if…
You should buy the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 if:
- You want a smartwatch with a long battery life
- You want a smartwatch with advanced fitness tracking features, such as multi-band GPS and running power
- You want a smartwatch with a durable design
- You want a smartwatch with a wide range of features for outdoor activities
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