Started off with a Fenix 7x. Got tired of MIP display so I Bought an Epix. Got froggy and bought an AWU because I missed having a true smart watch. I then realized I couldn’t stand having an AW so I switched back to Garmin after having no cell service to track my hike and navigation back to my car. Unrelated, I sold the Epix and bought the tactix amoled. moral of the story, Think I’m sticking to Garmin lol.

I never had a watch for the first 10 years that the Apple Watch existed because I had my iPhone for steps and long bike rides. I got an Apple Watch when I started running, but found the battery life to be fairly limiting when doing a couple of hours of running in the morning and 4 to 6 hours of cycling in the evening. Six months into having my first Apple Watch, Apple announced the ultra and I was like this is obviously what I need - an Apple Watch that can keep up with activities that go on all day long. I do everything with my smart watch. I hope Apple builds more stuff in so no subscription is necessary but I love working out and I love technology so I could not imagine switching to a watch that was less smart like a Garmin. I appreciate that it can be a great tool for a lot of people. I just love that I can leave the house without my phone and stay connected if I need to entirely aside from working out also. When I go on a run, I can leave the house without my keys, wallet, and phone because my ultra is everything. Apple really needs to get the Battery Life better though because now I find it to be just adequate.

The constant charging of the Apple Watch is a no go. And the health tracking on the fenix is surprisingly good, made even better the fact that you can wear it at night instead of charging. It even predicts when I am getting sick - knew immediately that I had COVID etc.

I agree. Gave up on the Apple Watch years ago because it was too dainty and I was afraid of breaking it at work. Went to the Garmin 6X Sapphire and couldn’t be happier. Tracking while hiking and running is intuitive and very quick to setup. When the Ultra 2 came out I picked one up. Finally a beefy Watch I’m not afraid of breaking. The main purpose of getting the Ultra 2 was so that I can still track easy, quick runs and I don’t have to carry my phone. As far as charging, I also charge my Ultra every day whether it needs to be charged or not. Just muscle memory from when I had my series 5. But I am so comfortable and confident in the life of my Garmin Fenix that I often forget to charge it before it dies. I just don’t worry about my Fenix dying.

Fenix and Beats Pro work perfectly together

Thank you very much! It was very helpful and I particulary decided to go with the Garmin.

Good review . I wear my automatic diver on my left wrist and garmin epix 2 on my right.

Super helpful and unbiased thoughts

I think if all you are really interested in for your smart watch is the sports / exercise features, it absolutely makes sense to get the Garmin. The Ultra is still very much an Apple Watch, albeit one that is a little for capable for fitness / adventure activities, and that means its really shines if you’re wanting something more versatile - effectively a mini iPhone. I do agree that most people who buy the Ultra should probably be buying the Stainless Steel instead though. Unless you are seriously going to be burning through the battery regularly, it is the better, more flexible option.

What steps count on Apple Watch? You need an app/complication for seeing your stepscount on watch home screen.

Nice review! I’ve been interested in the difference between the two for a while. As a person who doesn’t particularly take sport very seriously, and to have the same functionality at a reduced price, I’m definitely going to go with an AppleWatch 9 (probably the aluminium version). I tend to just charge my series 5 just before bed, to get me through the night, and after my workout in the morning to 100%. Battery life improvement is always something I wish for.

Nice work. Post more content! 👍🏾

Yes airpods do not have a stable connection to the watch. Jabra or Beats, on the other hand, work fine for me

Well said, atheletes the 7 is the way to go.With apple you need to charge every night and will not be favorable for a weekend hike.

I've never had any connection issues with my Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones and my Garmin (Fenix 6 Pro). Only issue I have with music is when I forget to "update downloads" from Spotify.

Nice review, very good comparison of specific features.

Im a android guy who loves the apple ultra i have the garmin and it lacks only thing it has on apple is battery life the screen is not as good if it was amoled and new os it be top dogg😮

Great video! Does the Epix Pro 51mm meet these two in the middle?

Got a Garmin epix 2 and sent it back then picked up the ultra 2 and couldn’t be happier. I’ve got a cellular plan to which is great if I’m on a run and can leave my phone at home … I do have cellular turned off while I run but if I need it I have it

After an intense year of engaging in endurance sports, my Apple Watch Ultra manifested a fault in its heart rate sensor, effectively rendering the device inoperative. It overheats, and the battery depletes rapidly. I brought it to an Apple authorized service center, where the issue was identified during the diagnostic process. I transitioned from a Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar, with which I was quite satisfied, to this toy-like watch. I am profoundly regretful of making such a decision.

Clearly you appreciate Apple, but you definitely have a greater desire for a functional fitness watch. Thank you for the time and effort 🙏🏾

If you’re a serious runner you have to get Garmin

The sky's red from here. You'll probably still see it after work

I understand its limitations, but I love the freedom to leave the phone behind that the Apple Watch ultra gives me and I don’t think the battery life of another Apple Watch would suffice.

0:48 where is that place ?

The Fenix 7 is a sportswatch. The Ultra 2 is a smartwatch with some fitness trackers. Apples and pears!

Is the screen resolution very bad compared to epix pro ?

AW2 looks great, but awful to use in reality. Feels like its working against you. Much prefer my Samsung watch 6, i even bought an iPhone to go with my AWU2 i really wanted to keep it but they got it sooo wrong. Dark timeout screen, small text hard to read, i loved the night mode and gps accuracy but so dam fiddly and double tap doesnt do much

When ur running or hiking can the Watch show map navigation?!

09:11 Nice attitude.

👍🏼

Very biased against Apple.